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I have always seemed to be in a helping position. Before graduating high school I started work at a large veterinarian hospital/boarding kennel in Blue Bell, PA as an animal health technician and then the hospital administrator, where I stayed for over 15 years.
I decided to return to school to pursue a degree in psychology and have been in the mental health field since 1998, working for such organizations as Special Equestrians as a side aid volunteer assisting people with physical and/or mental health disabilities and Lenape Valley Foundation as both a house advisor and a Partial Hospital Program group therapist for people with severe and persistent mental illness. I also worked for Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia for their Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Program where I was a counselor for people addicted to heroin. I recently worked for Catholic Charities in NJ in the roles of therapist for the Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program working with kids diagnosed with substance abuse or dependence, as well as a clinical supervisor for the Comprehensive Family Treatment of Addictions Program (CFTA). This led to the position of Program Director for CFTA, the Therapeutic After-School Program (a therapeutic group for kids ages 8-12) and an In-home therapy/case management program, while also carrying a small direct-service caseload at my private practice. Finally, after taking the position of Service Area Director, with responsibility for 13 substance abuse, mental health and social service programs, I realized that I was moving further and further away from my original ambition of providing one to one service to clients. This realization led to my decision to get back into direct service.
The ability to provide a safe environment for people to share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences is essential to effective counseling. Studies have shown no one therapeutic modality utilized by therapists is superior to another; rather, clinicians themselves ultimately determine whether treatment will prove effective. It’s not about the model being used; it’s the relationship between the counselor and client. This principle guides my work, in that I strive to provide a client-centered, strength-based counseling setting to individuals, couples and adolescents for issues related to addiction, anxiety, career or relationships.
I look to my clients to be the experts of themselves, which encourages them to guide the therapy where it needs to go. What I offer is a space to gain insight in order for that insight to become the catalyst for change. I believe that once a person sees their truth, they have no choice but to accept that truth…though we often do our best not to. Each of us develops psychological schemas that teach us how to interact with people and the world. When we grow accustomed to a certain pattern of behavior, however, we look to repeat it, even after it’s outlived its usefulness. Addiction, for instance, is a maladaptive coping skill that worked at one time but does no longer.
With a background in English literature, I bring a decidedly post-modern perspective to my therapeutic approach. One of the concepts I utilize is Narrative Therapy, which encourages and compassionately challenges clients to be mindful of the story they’re telling to better utilize their strengths. This theory acknowledges the power of language, in that not only does the language we use reflect how we feel, it also affects how we feel. Therefore, the words we choose to use can help to manifest the changes we hope to bring about. The idea is to encourage the use of more positive words as opposed to negative words while telling our life story. I have found this approach to be remarkably effective in helping clients confront the challenges of their lives in order to bring about lasting and meaningful change. Other approaches and techniques I draw from include Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (with a strong working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing), Trauma Informed Therapy, and Systems Theory.
I find it satisfying to be part of helping people discover who they can be and realize that perhaps they’re more than who they thought they were. Ultimately, if each of us can achieve balance and make our own little corner of the world a little bit more satisfying and a little safer, we help to create a better reality for all of us.
Degrees and Credentials
Bachelors Degree in Psychology/English Literature from Arcadia University in Glenside PA
Masters Degree in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from La Salle University in Philadelphia PA
PA Board Licensed Professional Counselor
PA Board Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor
PA Board Certified Clinical Supervisor
PA Board Certificate of Competency in Problem Gambling
NJ Board Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor
NJ Board Licensed Professional Counselor
NJ Board Certified Clinical Supervisor
Member of the Psi Chi, Phi Theta Kappa, and Sigma Tau Delta National Honor Societies.
Modalities and techniques I draw from include Humanistic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Enhancement Therapy (with a strong working knowledge of Motivational Interviewing), Trauma Informed Therapy, Mindfulness, and Systems Theory.
I have experience in dealing with:
Relationship issues
Anxiety/stress
Chemical addiction
Gambling addiction
Compulsive behaviors (such as sexual “addiction”)
Anger Management
Codependency
Self Esteem
PTSD
Additional areas of focus:Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Depression, Codependency, Communication problems, Drug and alcohol addiction, Fatherhood issues, Forgiveness, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for William Dougherty. 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.
William has helped me reduce my anxiety and stress through adjusting my perspectives and expectations. Improving myself has helped me refocus and diffuse outside stress and set new goals. I feel like he is connected to me and his guidance is every day practical. I am lucky to have such great support and I am grateful for finding his expert help when I needed it most!
Written on Jan 08, 2022 after therapy with William for 1 year and 8 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and parenting issues
I've been working with Bill for a few years now and he has helped me in so many different areas of my life. He is always holding space for me to dig deeper, discover new things about myself, and ultimately be who I want to be. He's taught me important life lessons while giving me the ability to discover myself in the process and connect the dots in ways that resonate with me. I truly appreciate all of his help and feel he is the perfect therapist for me.
Written on Nov 28, 2021 after therapy with William for 3 years and 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and career difficulties
William has been a constant for me during an uncertain time. He challenges me to think differently and brings a unique perspective to our conversations.
Written on Jun 27, 2021 after therapy with William for 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, coping with life changes, and adhd
Very helpful counselor. I get some useful takeaway from nearly every encounter. I would recommend him.
Written on Feb 06, 2021 after therapy with William for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
William truly listened to me and helped guide me by asking thought-provoking questions. I never felt judged when interacting with him and I recommend him if you need a person who would listen to you and steer you toward positive thinking.
Written on Jan 24, 2021 after therapy with William for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, self esteem, and career difficulties
Very knowledgeable and professional
Written on Dec 08, 2020 after therapy with William for 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Great advice and knowledge in his subject area. Ability to allow me to think differently about my issues --- and provides a safe environment to express my thoughts and feelings
Written on Nov 04, 2020 after therapy with William for 6 months on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
He has been the biggest help of anyone I’ve ever talked to about this stuff, I’d trust him with my life, and recommend him to my closest of family and friends
Written on Sep 05, 2020 after therapy with William for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and parenting issues
I’m watching the close of the summer of 2020. Looking back on the pandemic, which, I am convinced, has not quit...as well as my personal time spent in the hospital and the absolute worst election of modern times...Mr Dougherty has been my only bright spot. And I’m counting on him to get me through what’s shaping up to be an
abysmal fall and a worse winter. Thank you, Will. Thank you.
Written on Aug 23, 2020 after therapy with William for 2 years and 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and self esteem
I appreciate Bill as he is always trying to help me, even though I seem to reach out only when I struggle. He’s a good doctor and I am thankful for him. I would absolutely recommend him.
Written on Aug 15, 2020 after therapy with William for 5 months on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety
William is fantastic in his role. He almost always knows what to say and how to console me during the rough times. He has a great sense of humor which also enables sessions to be more comfortable and not feel so textbook in the sense of not feeling human. When something bad or good happens in my life, he’s proven to be the most reliable source to offer coping strategies or even just listening to me effectively and acknowledging what I’m going through.
Written on Aug 06, 2020 after therapy with William for 10 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I started video appointments with Bill in April and it has changed my life in so many ways. At first, I felt like I was just taking baby steps at trying to resolve some personal issues and trauma, but in hindsight only 4 months later, I realize I have actually made giant steps and progress toward living the life I want to live both mentally and physically. Even when I just want to reflect and discuss the good things going on, therapy is helping me to navigate and understand my emotions in healthier ways.
Written on Jul 26, 2020 after therapy with William for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, and adhd
Working with William has truly been a blessing. It has been difficult to find a therapist who is open and respecting to my lifestyle and who constantly allows me a safe space to question my reality. Since working with William I have been able to see the changes in which I view my world and this empowerment has enabled to to find different ways of dealing with old issues. William is a wonderful counselor and I would strongly suggest working with him for those who want to expand their views on reality.
Written on Jul 12, 2020 after therapy with William for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
Hey,
I have been having sessions with Dr william for over a year. I’m so happy that I have found him after trying with 3 different consulars! He helped me a lot and together we worked in so many areas of my life. Helped me to understand and address some of my traumas... however, I could over a day talking good about him. I just have to be thankful, grateful for his amazing job! I wish God gives him a lot of health for him to remain doing his awesome job! Thank you Dr Willian.
Written on Jun 27, 2020 after therapy with William for 1 year on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and career difficulties
Great advice and gives worksheets that are immediately applicable.
Written on Jun 22, 2020 after therapy with William for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
I can’t say enough good things about this person. In a week I've learned more about myself, and ways to help me through difficult moments then I ever thought possible. He has help guide me to look at myself and the world around me in a new light! Even when I feel like I am rambling he can make sense of it and help me break things down so I can try to make sense of it. This has been a wonderful experience so far and I am excited to continue and see where this journey takes me.
Written on Jun 05, 2020 after therapy with William for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem
Dr Dougherty has been helpful to me in better understanding mental health and addiction, especially the generational aspect of addiction. I have appreciated his knowledge and his courtesy.
Written on May 25, 2020 after therapy with William for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and coping with life changes
William listens attentively and has helped me put my thoughts together during a confusing time.
Written on Apr 30, 2020 after therapy with William for 3 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
William is a good listener, gathers the facts and my feelings, then creates a thoughtful concise message and response. Talks from experience as well. He has been very helpful during this difficult time
Written on Mar 25, 2020 after therapy with William for 6 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and family conflicts
In the past my therapist would be interested in what was best for them. William is interested in what is best for me. Asking me to confront what in the past I avoided it has only been a short while and I have seen the best results of my life.
Written on Jan 12, 2020 after therapy with William for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, and coaching
In a couple of sessions Bill has assisted in improving my emotional IQ.
Written on Dec 07, 2019 after therapy with William for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
William is great. He listens to me, validates my experiences, but also challenges my thinking. William has helped me to grow because he lets me voice my feelings and thoughts but also helps me to identify the ways in which my thinking may be getting in my own way. William helps me to see the good in myself and encourages me to purse that version of myself.
Written on Nov 10, 2019 after therapy with William for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
William has been a great support for me during a difficult time in my life. He is a great listener and genuinely cares about your issues and challenges you with insights. I am excited to continue working with him!
Written on Oct 08, 2019 after therapy with William for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues
Bill is not only empathetic, but also wise. He guides me toward better decisions without telling me what to do. His counsel has been extremely helpful as I navigate complicated issues, and I always gain clarity from our sessions.
Written on Oct 01, 2019 after therapy with William for 2 years on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, and self esteem
I've been working with Bill for over two years. He came into a life at a point where I was very conflicted/confused emotionally and was going through some painful experiences with my family and my wife. Though his guidance, I was able to address my emotions with the situation , gain acceptance in the relationships I have in life, and achieve a form of inner peace that I had not previously thought possible. He continues to help me today navigate through the emotional challenges I experience in day-to-day life, both short-term and long-term problems, and I have the utmost confidence in his coaching that I am becoming a better person. I highly recommend his services.
Written on Sep 28, 2019 after therapy with William for 1 year and 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and self esteem
Bill is a very knowledgeable and helpful counselor and I would recommend him to anyone looking for help!
Written on Aug 13, 2019 after therapy with William for 2 years on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, and career difficulties
This is my first experience with counselling, and Bill has been an excellent guide to the world of counselling; and an excellent counselor.
It was important to me to have a male counselor around my own age, and I consider myself very lucky to have been able to hook up with Bill.
We message weekly and video chat weekly or every other week depending on my schedule. He's a good listener and he offers good, judgement free advice.
I feel very fortunate that I have Bill as a resource.
Written on May 10, 2019 after therapy with William for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, self esteem, and anger management
Bill is a terrific Counselor, great listener and very practical! He has helped m out tremendously and I would recommend him to anybody who felt they need help!
Written on Jan 20, 2019 after therapy with William for 1 year on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, and anger management
I have been texting and talking to William for a year maybe, and the therapy changed my life.
I went from being destructive to very calm. I also gave up on a lot of bad habits.
Written on Dec 14, 2018 after therapy with William for 10 months on issues concerning relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, and anger management
I had been seeing a therapist for many years and he just knows how to help me. Explain things, support me and make me feel better about moving forward. Thank you !
Written on Dec 13, 2018 after therapy with William for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and anger management
William has been my first experience talking to someone and I am very grateful he was so capable and friendly. With his help I feel like I’m finally able to start working on my personal issues that I’ve avoided for a long time.
Written on Oct 27, 2018 after therapy with William for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and career difficulties
William has been very helpful during my time couseling with him. He's attentive and patient. I really appreciate his insight. It brought clarity to questions I am struggling with.
Written on Oct 16, 2018 after therapy with William for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem
I have recommended this app to 5 ppl because of Will. I think that speaks volumes
Written on Oct 15, 2018 after therapy with William for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
I'm honestly blown away by how helpful this process has been. I went in with pretty low expectations, but figured it was worth trying. Bill is insightful, supportive and so knowledgeable. He doesn't just say things, he backs up his statements with facts and resources. I really can't say enough good things. I'm just so grateful to have been paired with him.
Written on Sep 09, 2018 after therapy with William for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship, family, self esteem, and career
William was very effective in assisting me in identifying my desired future and possible pathways to obtain it. He was quick in responding to my thoughts and posed questions to probe my thinking. He provided additional materials to read and ponder. I would recommend him fully.
Written on Jul 23, 2018 after therapy with William for 4 months on issues concerning relationship
He’s thorough and gives very helpful feedback to my concerns. I trust his expertise 100%
Written on Jul 22, 2018 after therapy with William for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship, and self esteem
Will has been fantastic. He is very clear about how he likes to work, and that makes it much easier to share my own feelings. Doesn't play games (still a fun guy though!), and offers sound advice rooted in many different schools of thought (unlike some of the other counselors I was matched with). He worked with me on grief from my past, as well as coping with the fear of the future. Would highly recommend.
Written on Jul 16, 2018 after therapy with William for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship, trauma and abuse, grief, and intimacy-related
Great counselor who provides timely responses, is empathetic and understanding, and is a true professional.
Written on May 23, 2018 after therapy with William for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and career
Great guy. This is my first time in therapy and I have gotten such great feedback and advice. I feel like I have a handle in my life. Bill has great insight and a great sense of humor.
Written on Apr 15, 2018 after therapy with William for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship, family, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related, eating, self esteem, and career
William was very helpful. He sent me a lot of useful info and explained how to deal with my problem step by step. He understood what my problem was and how to solve it.
Written on Mar 23, 2018 after therapy with William for 2 weeks on issues concerning addictions, relationship, family, and grief
Mr. Dougherty is a thoughtful listener, sums up what you’re saying, provides action items, and shares related knowledge. I look forward to getting deeper into my issues with him and growing in rapport and trust over the coming months.
Written on Feb 28, 2018 after therapy with William for 3 months on issues concerning intimacy-related
Dr. Dougherty is a pleasure to talk to and a great therapist. I particularly like his approach of assessing the types of words you use to describe a situation. He's a great listener and provides tons of insightful questions that make me go 'Ah Ha!'
Written on Dec 24, 2017 after therapy with William for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and career
William is extremely knowledgable, supportive and great to talk to. His background is extensive and he was the perfect fit for me to understand a current issue I was dealing with. I highly recommend him to those of us that tend to be more cerebral and want to seek deeper understanding of ourselves or certain situations. Every conversation I had with William was valuable and helpful.
Written on Dec 12, 2017 after therapy with William for 1 month on issues concerning relationship, grief, intimacy-related, and self esteem
Dr William is great, reasonable and very good at listening.
Written on Dec 05, 2017 after therapy with William for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
William and I have been working with each other for a little over two weeks together now and he has been nothing less than a helpful and reliable person to talk about my issues. We communicate on a regular basis and once every two weeks we chose to have phone conversations to better discuss any issues I may be having that week. I have a busy schedule and usually don’t have the time to sit in a doctor’s office to seek help from a psychiatrist so being able to have the freedom to online access to speak with my counselor has been phenomenal.
Written on Nov 24, 2017 after therapy with William for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship, family, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related, and self esteem
William is very professional and very good to talk to. He is patient, not judgemental and listens and understands your concerns. He then asks pertinent questions and gives advice and his thoughts on how to best tackle a challenge. William is also very nice to talk to and makes you feel comfortable. I was apprehensive at first but felt at ease immediately once I talked to him. He is also very supportive.
Written on Nov 11, 2017 after therapy with William for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship, grief, intimacy-related, and self esteem
William is a wonderful counselor who is insightful and makes you feel immediately better. I learned a lot from his expertise and would recommend him to anyone I know! I've seen a number of counselors and William has been by far the best!
Written on Oct 19, 2017 after therapy with William for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship, family, intimacy-related, parenting, self esteem, anger, and career
William is an extremely intelligent and talented man that understands the needs of his patients. He knows to ask the right questions in order to assess the situation and provide an unbiased opinion. He's helped me tremulously during a messy breakup and I really don't know what I would have done without him.
Written on Sep 06, 2017 after therapy with William for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship, family, intimacy-related, and anger
William gets at the heart of the issue and also asks questions that give you the opportunity to look at a situation from a different perspective. He is supportive, kind and professional. I don't feel judged and feel that I am a safe space to be as honest as possible. I needed someone that I could talk to about things that I've been struggling to even think and I'm simply grateful.
Written on Aug 26, 2017 after therapy with William for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship, family, grief, and intimacy-related
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