Ethel Dickerson , LCSW

Ethel Dickerson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Connecticut with 22 years of professional experience supporting people through trauma, anxiety, parenting challenges, ADHD, autism, racism-related stress, varying levels of depression, grief and loss, and the emotional impacts of the pandemic. She has worked across settings that include outpatient clinics, services for people experiencing homelessness, programs serving school-aged children, coordination of a trauma first responders team, and interventions with adults and family systems facing grief and loss.

Her therapeutic approach blends a friendly, professional manner with direct honesty and focused attention during sessions. Ethel prioritizes respect and nonjudgmental care, and she aims to respond to those seeking help with compassion and professional guidance. She is transparent about offering candid feedback when it serves the work, recognizing that clients will sometimes hear what they need rather than what they expect.

Drawing on professional training and life experience, Ethel targets unhelpful thinking patterns and supports gradual restructuring toward healthier thought routines. She believes change can occur step by step and invites clients to take pride in reaching out for support. Prospective clients are encouraged to begin the conversation and explore practical strategies together to move toward clearer thinking and improved daily functioning.

Approach-Focused Online Care with Practical Flexibility

Ethel combines several established approaches to tailor online therapy to each person’s needs. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a supportive, empathetic relationship that allows clients to explore goals and values at their own pace - it is useful for building self-esteem, navigating life changes, and strengthening interpersonal connections. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and reshaping unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; it is commonly applied for anxiety, depression, stress, and patterns that interfere with daily functioning. Trauma-Focused Therapy provides targeted strategies to process and reduce the ongoing impact of traumatic events and related symptoms, drawing on clinical techniques suited to grief, abuse, and first responder experiences.

Finding the best therapeutic approach is part of the collaborative process. Ethel works with clients to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and then adjusts methods so the work fits the person rather than forcing a single model. The choice of approach evolves as progress is made.

Online therapy with Ethel offers practical flexibility - sessions can occur by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different schedules, comfort levels, and time zones. This range of options helps make consistent care more accessible while allowing clients and licensed professionals to focus on meaningful progress.