Chantal Gagnon, Psychotherapist in Plantation, 33324

Dr. Chantal Marie Gagnon, Ph.D., LMHC, CAP, SAP

Profession(s):
Psychotherapy, Coaching, Counseling
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
LMHC - MH9510

My Approach to Helping

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile! I am a licensed psychotherapist and board certified in professional counseling. I have a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling, a Masters Degree in Child Development and a Doctorate in Social and Personality Psychology. I am also a Certified Addictions Professional (CAP) and a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). Before becoming a therapist, I was a business consultant and executive coach. Several years ago, I changed careers to combine my coaching skills with my passion for psychology. I have now worked in the field of mental health for over 15 years.

The breadth of my experience enables me to offer my clients and patients a very customized approach to their treatment. I believe that each individual deserves personalized service, quality care, and an opportunity to be truly heard by someone who will not judge them. That is my commitment to you.

My office is comfortable and conveniently located. I offer appointments both in the daytime and the evenings, and my answering service is available 24 hours a day to answer questions and schedule appointments. My office strives to provide a boutique atmosphere where you can feel relaxed and safe

More Info About My Practice

I accept most insurances, and I take all major credit cards. If I do not accept your insurance, my private rate is on a sliding scale based on income, ranging from $90 per session to $135 per session (However the initial evaluation session is always $135). Please call me for details.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

Dating and Relationships: After having dated unsuccessfully myself for many years, I embarked on a quest to find out what it was I didn't know about men, love and relationships. And to my great surprise, I discovered that there is indeed a formula! There is a formula for successful dating, for making sure the relationship progresses to marriage (if that is your relationship goal), and for building a wonderful, fulfilling marriage and life with your spouse. I am happy to report that the formula worked for me, and I am now happily married. While I have lots of experience helping my clients with a variety of issues in their lives (from depression and anxiety, to trauma, and parenting skills), my favorite thing to do is to help people attract and create the love relationship of their dreams!

My View on the Purpose of Psychotherapy

I watched a movie the other day about the mentoring relationship between Freud and Jung, and I was struck by a disagreement they had. Freud felt the main purpose of therapy was to help patients understand why they are the way they are. Jung on the other hand felt that while that is an important part of the work, our role as therapists goes beyond that. We must also help people develop a vision of who they can become. I agree with Jung (but I still like Freud - he had a lot of good ideas).

On the Fence About Going to Therapy?

My best advice is: come in for one session and then decide. It's like trying a new food. Sometimes it can be scary, and we think we won't like it, and we try it and are happily surprised. Either we like it a lot, or at least, it wasn't as bad as we anticipated. Since research shows that most people are helped by therapy, why not give it a shot!?

Importance of the Client-Therapist Alliance

Well, it's important because nobody likes to talk to a robot. Your therapist should be a real person, who treats you like a real person. If you feel that your therapist is genuine and trustworthy, you are much more likely to open yourself, stay in therapy, and actually get better.