Dr. Vaughn DeCoster , LCSW

Dr. Vaughn DeCoster is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 31 years of clinical experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma, and intimacy-related concerns. He approaches therapy as a collaborative process, recognizing that each person brings unique strengths and life circumstances, and he works together with clients to find practical strategies that fit their goals and daily lives.

Over decades of practice and teaching at the university level, Dr. DeCoster has developed a flexible, engaged style that draws on evidence-based methods to address feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. He describes therapy as an experimental, creative endeavor - trying different tools and tailoring interventions until the right combination emerges. He brings special attention to issues such as compassion fatigue, grief, self-esteem, career challenges, ADHD, and concerns common to LGBT clients, caregivers, first responders, and those coping with major life transitions.

Clients may encounter approaches that emphasize relationships, present-moment awareness, and practical cognitive work, and Dr. DeCoster sometimes incorporates expressive methods such as photography into the therapeutic process. He prioritizes thoughtful, compassionate support aimed at fostering healing, strengthening resilience, and helping clients make meaningful changes within the time they have available.

Prospective clients can expect an adaptive and respectful partnership focused on building insight, coping skills, and a clearer sense of purpose.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early and current relationship patterns influence emotional responses and closeness. It helps clients explore trust, abandonment concerns, and intimacy issues to build more secure and satisfying connections.

Client-Centered Therapy centers the client's perspective and emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and collaboration. It supports self-esteem, personal growth, and decision-making by creating a respectful space for clients to find their own solutions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, teaching practical skills to manage anxiety, depression, stress, and related symptoms. It is goal-oriented and often includes exercises to practice between sessions.

Finding the right approach is an intentional part of therapy, and Dr. DeCoster works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they assess progress and adjust strategies as needed to find the best fit.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage with licensed professionals - from video calls and phone sessions to live chat and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule care around work, caregiving duties, or mobility limitations, while maintaining continuity of support when in-person appointments are difficult to arrange.