Doreen Patenall, PACFA

Supporting change with compassion and clarity

Stress and anxiety
Trauma recovery
Grief and loss

About Doreen Patenall

Doreen Patenall is an Australian-credentialed therapist with 25 years of professional experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, and the challenges of grief and loss. She creates an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be explored and where practical steps toward change are developed collaboratively with each client. Doreen works with a broad range of concerns including panic attacks, post-traumatic stress, body image struggles, social anxiety, communication problems, and issues that arise during divorce or end-of-life transitions. She draws on multiple therapeutic approaches to tailor support to each person’s needs, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She holds PACFA credentials - membership in an Australian psychotherapy and counselling federation - which reflects her professional standing in the country. Recognizing that taking the first step toward a more fulfilling life takes courage, Doreen aims to offer steady guidance, practical coping strategies, and empathic support to help clients build resilience and greater self-understanding.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse GriefCoaching

Additional Focus Areas

Body imageCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessLife purposePanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobia

Therapeutic Approach

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Existential Therapy Jungian Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Systemic Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Doreen Patenall have?

Doreen Patenall has 25 years of professional experience.

Is Doreen Patenall a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds PACFA credentials, indicating membership in an Australian psychotherapy and counselling federation. No additional license details were provided.

In which languages does Doreen Patenall provide therapy?

Doreen provides therapy in English.

Where is Doreen Patenall located?

Doreen is located in Australia.

How can I work with Doreen Patenall as my therapist?

You can work with Doreen through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Doreen Patenall work with international clients?

Doreen Patenall does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Doreen Patenall cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Doreen brings several well-established approaches to online work that can be matched to a client’s concerns and goals. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that reflect their values - it is often helpful for anxiety, stress, and difficulties with avoidance. Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relational patterns influence current relationships and emotional responses - it can support those struggling with relationship conflict, trust, or the long-term effects of trauma. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns through practical exercises and skills training - it is commonly used for anxiety, panic, and mood concerns.

Doreen approaches the choice of therapy collaboratively. She works with clients to identify which methods best fit their needs, goals, and personal preferences and adapts the approach as progress unfolds. This collaborative process helps ensure care feels relevant and workable for each person.

Online therapy with Doreen is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access regular support from licensed professionals without needing to travel, and they allow therapy to fit into varied lifestyles while maintaining a consistent course of care.

Ready to start therapy with Doreen Patenall?

Take the first step toward a better you.

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