Practitioner record · Checked 8 Nov 2026
Denise Marie has been in practice 25 years and is licensed in Virginia. Denise lists stress, Anxiety, addictions and self esteem among 45 subjects on the BetterHelp roster.
Everything below is either quoted from Denise's own BetterHelp listing, taken from public licensing records, or written by Maker Therapy and labelled as such. Nothing here is an availability promise, a review, or a rating.
01 · Who Denise works with
Denise lists 20 specialisms and 25 further focus areas. Specialisms are the subjects Denise chose to list first, which is the closest a listing gets to “this is my actual practice”.
02 · In Denise's own words
Reproduced in full and unedited - not summarised, not tightened, not rewritten in a house voice.
Hello and welcome!
I’m a licensed therapist in both Illinois and Virginia, with over 20 years of experience in counseling, art therapy, substance abuse treatment, health and wellness coaching, and clinical supervision. Throughout my career, I’ve had the honor of supporting a diverse range of clients-teens and adults alike-navigating challenges such as mood disorders, addiction, anger management, life transitions, relationship dynamics, communication struggles, and motivation. I also specialize in helping individuals heal from trauma, abuse, grief, and loss.
My therapeutic approach is integrative and personalized to meet each client’s unique needs. I draw from client-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, insight-oriented practices, solution-focused strategies, strengths-based methods, and Motivational Interviewing. At the heart of my work is a belief in the healing power of authentic, respectful relationships and being fully present with my clients.
I’m here to provide a safe, supportive space where you can explore your experiences, build resilience, and reconnect with your inner strengths. Whether you're facing a current challenge or seeking personal growth, I’m committed to walking alongside you with patience, empathy, and understanding.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing and growth, I’d be honored to work with you.
Denise Marie, on the BetterHelp listing · read 8 Nov 2026
03 · How Denise works
These are the clinical methods Denise lists. The descriptions are Maker Therapy's, not Denise's - a general explanation of what each method is, so the list means something before you have spoken to anybody. They are not a claim about how Denise runs a session.
04 · What happens next
Denise practises through BetterHelp, so the route in is BetterHelp's. This is that sequence, written by Maker Therapy from the platform's published process - not a description of Denise's own practice, and not a promise about how quickly anything happens.
BetterHelp opens with a set of questions about what you are dealing with, what you want from therapy, and any preferences on the therapist. You are not booking Denise at this point.
BetterHelp matches algorithmically by default, so asking for Denise is a step you have to take. There is a field for requesting a specific therapist during sign-up, and you can switch afterwards from your account. Starting from a link on this page does not by itself assign you to Denise.
You will be offered somebody else rather than put on a waitlist. Worth knowing, because it is easy to assume a match is the person you asked for.
A first session is typically history and orientation: what brought you, what has been tried, what you want to be different. It is also where the questions in the next section belong.
Changing therapist on BetterHelp does not need a reason. A first session that does not click is common and is not a verdict on therapy. That option existing is the main practical difference between a platform and a private practice.
05 · Before you commit
Built from what Denise actually lists, so they are answerable and specific rather than generic. Maker Therapy's, not Denise's - Denise has not seen them and is under no obligation to answer any of them.
“You list both Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Client-Centred Therapy. Which do you lean on with someone like me?”
Those two point in different directions - one structured and led by the therapist, the other led by you. The answer tells you what the sessions will actually feel like.
“How do you decide when someone is ready to work on a traumatic memory itself?”
Pacing is the biggest safety question in trauma work. A clear, unhurried answer here matters more than any credential.
“With 25 years in, what has changed most in how you work?”
Long experience is only an advantage if it has been examined. This tends to surface whether it has.
“How do you handle the gap between sessions if something comes up?”
On BetterHelp this varies a great deal by therapist. Better to know the rhythm now than to discover it on a bad week.
06 · Practical details
07 · Provenance
Denise's name, credential, state, subjects, approaches and biography are read from BetterHelp's therapist roster, which Maker Therapy re-reads once a day; this page reflects the reading taken on 8 Nov 2026. The licence number and NPI are cross-checked against public registers.
The plain-English method descriptions, the first-session walkthrough and the questions are written by Maker Therapy and labelled as such wherever they appear.
Maker Therapy is not BetterHelp, does not take bookings, and has not met Denise. There are no reviews or ratings on this page because we have no way to verify one. If you start therapy through a link here, we may be paid a commission - it does not change your price and it does not affect who appears here or in what order.
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