Dominique Decoster , LICSW

Dominique Decoster is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who brings a history of clinical training and public service to her practice. She earned her Master of Social Work from Springfield College in 2005, completing internships in a correctional facility and at a cancer center that helped shape her understanding of trauma, medical stress, and systems-level support.

Following her internships, she worked for three years as a therapist in a clinical setting, providing direct therapeutic care to clients across a range of concerns. For the past 15 years she has served as a social worker within the public defender's office, delivering social services to indigent individuals facing criminal charges and navigating the legal system.

Her combined experience in clinical and forensic environments informs a pragmatic, person-focused approach to care. As an LICSW - Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker - she integrates evidence-based strategies with attention to individual circumstances, aiming to help people manage stress, anxiety, trauma, addiction, mood concerns, grief, and relational challenges. Dominique communicates in English, Spanish, and French, and draws on a background of work with diverse and underserved populations to support clients with compassion and professional expertise.

Therapeutic Approaches and Remote Care with Dominique Decoster

Dominique Decoster draws on Client-Centered Therapy to create a supportive environment where the client's goals and experiences guide each session. This approach emphasizes empathy and collaboration and is well suited for people working through grief, self-esteem issues, and relational concerns.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT is practical and structured, and it is often effective for anxiety, depression, and patterns related to addiction or sleep difficulties.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is another tool in her practice, offering skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improved interpersonal effectiveness. DBT can be particularly helpful for managing intense emotions, anger, and patterns of self-destructive behavior.

Choosing the right approach is part of the collaborative process. Dominique works with clients to assess their needs, goals, and preferences, adapting techniques and pacing to find the best fit for each person.

Online therapy with Dominique is available by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for scheduling and access from different locations. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care around work, family, or other commitments while working toward meaningful change with a licensed professional.