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DM Portrait of Dedra McIntosh

Dedra McIntosh

Practical therapy for stress and relationships

LCSW Florida

Experience
3 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse
Approaches
Gottman Method, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English
Continue with Dedra

About Dedra

Dedra McIntosh is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in Florida. She helps people manage anxiety, stress, depression, and the emotional fallout of trauma.

Background and approach

Her work also focuses on relationship struggles and building healthier self-esteem. She draws on methods like the Gottman Method, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and attachment-based work to guide sessions.

That means Dedra often helps people notice patterns in relationships, name painful emotions, and try new ways of responding. Sessions usually mix practical skill-building with time to process hard memories.

People bring many kinds of concerns to her, including feelings of abandonment, family of origin issues, caregiver stress, and challenges tied to adoption or foster care. She also supports those dealing with communication problems, commitment worries, or persistent shame and guilt.

Her approach is steady and focused on small changes that add up. Dedra aims to make therapy straightforward and useful.

She uses client-centered listening so each person shapes the pace and goals. Over time she helps clients practice tools that fit their daily life, not just in session.

Clients meet by video, phone, live chat, or text messaging. Her three years of clinical experience inform a practical style that balances empathy with clear next steps.

Many people come away feeling more capable of handling stress and stronger in their relationships.

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online

Dedra integrates Gottman-informed techniques to address relationship patterns and improve communication. That work focuses on recognizing recurring behaviors, practicing better listening, and building small habits that change how people connect. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps clients notice difficult thoughts and feelings while choosing actions that match their values. This approach is useful for anxiety, stress, and moving forward after trauma. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early bonds shape current relationships and emotional responses. It offers ways to understand triggers and try new ways of relating that feel safer and more predictable.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist partners with each client to identify goals, try methods, and adjust what is used over time. Sessions are collaborative and decision making is shared so treatment fits the person’s needs and preferences.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video allows face-to-face interaction for skill practice and emotional work. Phone sessions can be useful when video isn’t possible or bandwidth is limited. Live chat and messaging offer quick check-ins and ongoing support between sessions. These options make therapy more flexible and easier to fit into busy lives.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she typically help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and depression. Additional focuses include attachment issues, caregiver stress, family of origin problems, and related concerns.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style blends client-centered listening with practical skills training. She uses approaches like the Gottman Method and ACT to help people change patterns and manage emotions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has three years of clinical experience as a licensed clinician. That background guides a practical, steady approach to common emotional and relationship issues.
Where is she licensed and based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in Florida. Sessions are provided from that state.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How are costs and scheduling handled?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select Start Therapy, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDependent personalityDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesGuilt and shameInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSelf-harmSelf-loveWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy

Experience

3+ years

Licensed in

Florida

Languages

English