Therapist Phil D'Agostino Photo

Phil D'Agostino, LCMHC

Stress, Anxiety Relationships Self esteem, Motivation Depression
Video Phone Messaging

About me

I believe that when it comes to being depressed, anxious/fearful, or if you are having real problems in your relationship, you want relief and you want it as soon as you can get it. People don't seek a counselor to talk, they go to find a way to feel better, be better and never need you again as soon as possible. That's why I use the methods and principles normally associated with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), or Brief Therapy.

My training was first as a scientist and science educator. Dealing with people from all walks of life, I came to realize we are far more alike than we are different and that we are all susceptible to being depressed, anxious and having relationship difficulties. I trained in hypnosis to help with obsessive thinking and behavior change (like smoking, overeating, social and other anxieties, etc.), and to become a psychological counselor through the UNC-G graduate studies program.

In all that time (beginning to help others in 1989) I came to find that the fastest way to get your life back is to employ the principles and strategies studied and described as CBT. Whatever you call it (several names can be applies), taking a more practical, here-and-now approach with understanding what your problems are and creating a plan of action to make them better is the most direct and most successful way to make things better. It places the power of control and to heal right in the hand of the individual, not a therapist, not a drug...you.

We all know that it isn't always easy. And being realistic means we acknowledge that sometimes it can be mighty tough. The wonderful part of it is that with the right therapist, this approach is tested and proven, and gives you a real reason to hope and be encouraged that, while it might take some time, you can get better.

After years of practice, the passion to help others translated in my authorship of nearly two dozen training courses in subjects like gaining emotional control, resolving conflicts, dealing with people that are very hard to deal with, leadership, management, and others. I also authored Ready Access CBT for Working Professionals (Lorman Education) to share what I know with other therapists, and a book to bring these principles to the public titled, Naked Thinking.

I focus my help for those who are suffering with depression and anxiety problems (which can include transitional issues like loss of a job, a relationship, speaking up for yourself, speaking to groups or just your boss, etc.) and relationship problems (which can include marital and couples problems, family issues, work and co-worker issues, etc.)

Professional experience

29yrs in practice
Stress, Anxiety Relationships Self esteem, Motivation Depression

Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Communication problems, Life purpose, Mood disorders, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Workplace issues

Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy

Services offered

Video
Phone
Messaging

License information

NC LCMHC 3183

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Phil D'Agostino. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.

He’s still wonderful and I enjoy all our sessions!

Written on Oct 31, 2023 after therapy with Phil for 5 years and 9 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and self esteem

I’ve worked with Phil for about a year. At First I was so broken and lost and was giving up hope. Phil was the third therapist I met over the first month of seeking help. I liked his approach to my concerns and that he seemed genuinely thoughtful about my situation. He provided me with very valuable insight and techniques to help me on my journey to recovery.
I was always against the thought of therapy and I shouldn’t have waited till I was at my whits end. I can’t thank him enough for what he’s done for me.

Written on Feb 12, 2023 after therapy with Phil for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and adhd

Phil was well-matched with me in various respects, including having some experience of a medical problem I was struggling with. He is kind and empathetic. Also assisted me with some marital issues, and I think about his phrase "you have to figure out what the most important job is" often! If you've been in CBT before, you will recognize some of his techniques, but I found the refresher course helpful.

Written on Oct 28, 2022 after therapy with Phil for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and relationship issues

Phil has been counselling a long time and it shows in our sessions. He listens intently and gets right down to business providing insight and tools to help me with my personal situation. I'd highly recommend him.

Written on May 17, 2022 after therapy with Phil for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, and anger management

Phil took time to really listen, analyze, offer insight, and keep me focused. He is very kind, would help redirect my thinking, and suggests measurable goals for change. I would definitely recommend him with confidence.

Written on Apr 05, 2022 after therapy with Phil for 2 months

I experienced government funded therapy a few years ago and didn’t get anything from it. I feel Phil offered solutions instead of recommendations to go try other stuff which I received from previous therapy. I was definitely happy with his drectness.

Written on Jan 06, 2022 after therapy with Phil for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and sleeping disorders