Paul Dokey , LCSW

Paul Dokey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Missoula who brings more than 20 years of experience helping people navigate depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, ADHD, and relationship struggles. He creates a present-focused space where clients can voice thoughts and feelings without judgment, and he emphasizes practical steps for change that fit into everyday life.

Paul combines a cognitive behavioral approach with mindfulness-based practices to help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns, shift self-defeating beliefs, and build greater self-acceptance. He teaches skills that support clearer thinking and more satisfying relationships, helping clients move toward goals that matter to them. Paul holds a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology and uses that background to appreciate diverse perspectives and life stories.

Paul is trained as an LCSW - a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - which means he has specialized training and licensure in clinical social work. He focuses on psychotherapy with individuals and couples, tailoring interventions to each person’s needs while working collaboratively to foster growth and resilience.

Therapeutic Approaches That Work Well Online

Paul often draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients notice and change patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to stress, anxiety, or low mood. CBT focuses on practical strategies to reframe unhelpful thoughts and try new ways of coping, which can be practiced between sessions.

He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support people in clarifying personal values and developing mindful acceptance of difficult emotions. ACT helps clients build committed action toward meaningful goals while reducing struggle with painful thoughts.

Attachment-Based Therapy is another approach Paul employs to explore how early relationships shape current ways of relating. This work can help improve communication, trust, and intimacy in relationships by addressing underlying patterns formed in childhood.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Paul works collaboratively with each person to identify methods that fit their needs, goals, and preferences. He adapts techniques over time based on how a client responds.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life changes, and receive support from licensed professionals no matter where one is located.