Denise Stinson, LMSW

Denise Stinson is a trained and certified geriatric therapist with more than 10 years of clinical experience supporting people through depression, anxiety, caregiving challenges, and major life transitions. She has assisted many clients in processing emotions related to chronic illness, persistent pain, and end-of-life concerns, meeting each person where they are and helping them move forward. Denise practices with an empathic, non-judgmental style that centers the client - she draws on each person’s strengths and the supports they do or do not have to pursue meaningful change.

Her skill set combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused methods to create practical, goal-oriented work tailored to individual needs. As an LMSW, a Licensed Master Social Worker, she brings both clinical training and familiarity with community resources to help clients locate additional supports when needed. Denise enjoys partnering with people who are ready to do the work and values a collaborative process that focuses on clear, achievable outcomes.

Working with Denise often involves exploring concrete strategies for coping, building resilience, and improving relationships while honoring the unique context of aging, caregiving, or chronic health concerns. She encourages clients to take steady steps toward a stronger and more fulfilling version of themselves.

Therapeutic Approaches and Effective Online Support

Denise Stinson integrates approaches that emphasize collaboration, practical skills, and personal meaning. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on the client's own goals and pace - the therapist offers empathy and support while the client leads the direction of change, which is helpful for issues like life transitions and self-esteem. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify unhelpful thoughts and patterns and teaches specific tools to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and to manage stress in daily life. Motivational Interviewing is a conversational method that strengthens a person’s own motivation to change, making it useful for people facing ambivalence about caregiving roles, health behaviors, or adapting to loss.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Denise works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting strategies over time to reflect progress and changing priorities.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility - sessions can be scheduled as video calls or phone sessions, and additional support can come via live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to attend appointments from home, balance therapy with caregiving or medical appointments, and maintain continuity of care during life transitions while working with a licensed professional.