- Stress and anxiety
- Life purpose questions
- Trauma and grief
About Darlene
Darlene Dezso is an Alabama licensed independent clinical social worker, LICSW, with 35 years of professional experience. She works with adults on stress, anxiety, trauma and past abuse, grief, depression, self-esteem, relationship concerns, compassion fatigue, and questions about life purpose. She also focuses on issues such as codependency, communication problems, first responder and veteran concerns, and end-of-life counseling.
Darlene uses straightforward conversation and active listening to help people sort what matters most. Sessions tend to focus on concrete skills and clearer thinking when anxiety or depression make decisions hard. She also addresses relational patterns like jealousy, infidelity, or family of origin problems by looking at how people connect and communicate.
Her approach draws from client-centered ideas that prioritize the person’s perspective, from cognitive behavioral work to identify unhelpful thoughts, and from dialectical behavior techniques for managing intense emotions. Emotionally-focused and existential perspectives are also part of how she frames questions about meaning and life purpose. She blends these methods to fit a person’s situation rather than following a single technique.
People can expect practical steps between sessions, such as behavioral experiments or communication exercises. Darlene often helps with coping strategies for acute stress and with longer-term work about values and direction. She aims for clear, direct talk about next steps rather than vague assurances.
To begin, a short matching process is used to schedule an initial visit where goals and practical plans are discussed.
How her approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy centers the person’s experience. It means the therapist listens closely and bases the work on what matters to the client, which can help when life changes leave someone unsure of next steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and offers practical exercises to test new ways of thinking and behaving; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and decision-making blocks.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, try different methods, and adjust techniques based on the client’s needs, preferences, and what actually helps in day-to-day life. The process is collaborative rather than fixed.
The therapist's biography does not specify which session formats are offered, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when schedules require it. They can also support continuity of care after life transitions or during recovery from trauma, while the therapist and client choose the pace and tools that suit the person best.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
35+ years
Listed in
Alabama
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she work with?
She helps adults with stress, anxiety, trauma and past abuse, depression, grief, self-esteem, relationship issues, compassion fatigue, and life purpose questions.
How would she approach feeling stuck or directionless?
She uses straightforward conversation and active listening, then combines client-centered, cognitive behavioral, and dialectical tools to clarify choices and build practical next steps.
How much experience does she bring?
She has 35 years of professional experience, largely in private practice work in clinical settings.
What credential and location should I know about?
She is an Alabama LICSW and practices in Alabama.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats does she use?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions billed and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to begin working together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.