Skip to main content
Headway
Headshot of Dennis Gowans, LICENSED_PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Dennis Gowans

Psychologist
46 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • ADD/ADHD, Stress management, Identity issues, PTSD, Chronic conditions
  • Individual therapy

Great to meet you!

With six decades of clinical experience, I bring a comprehensive and eclectic approach to therapy that honors both time-tested wisdom and contemporary innovation.

My journey in psychology has been rich and varied—from working directly with pioneers like Francine Shapiro (founder of EMDR) and Roger Callahan (creator of Thought Field Therapy), to serving as a sworn police psychologist for 45 years and supporting Vietnam veterans before PTSD was even recognized as a diagnosis.

I hold a PhD from Alliant University (formerly California School of Professional Psychology) and have worked with virtually every diagnostic category throughout my career.

My therapeutic style is solution-oriented, creative, and refreshingly direct. I believe in cutting through the noise to help you identify what truly matters, dismantle the defenses that no longer serve you, and create meaningful change in your life.

Ideal Clients: Adults, +18

Topics:Depression, anxiety, existential issues, career issues, relationship problems, and stress management.

My approach to therapy

I practice what I call "quantum psychology"—an integrative approach that draws from psychoanalytic depth work, EMDR, somatic therapy (inspired by Peter Levine), Jungian analysis, and my own Core Paradigm Program. This isn't about buzzwords or trends; it's about helping you identify your core issues, understand the patterns that keep you stuck, and individuate into your most authentic self.

Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, career transitions, existential questions, or stress management, I work collaboratively with you to find practical solutions.

I'm efficient, warm, and affirming—I value your time and want our work together to be as hassle-free and impactful as possible. My practice is telehealth-based, allowing us to connect from the comfort of your own space.

I believe in getting to the heart of what matters without unnecessary complexity. I'm warm and affirming, but I also value efficiency. Life is too short to waste time on things that don't serve you!

What you can expect from me

I'm here to do the real work with you, drawing on decades of experience while staying present to who you are today and where you want to go.

In our first session, I'll want to understand what brings you to therapy and what you're hoping to achieve. I'll ask about your history, your current challenges, and what you've tried before. But I'm also listening for the deeper patterns—the core issues that might be driving your struggles. I'm direct and solution-focused, so you can expect me to be honest with you about what I'm noticing and what I think might help. At the same time, I'm warm and affirming—this is a collaborative process, and I want you to feel comfortable being yourself. By the end of our first session, you'll have a sense of how I work and whether we're a good fit. My goal is always to make therapy as hassle-free and impactful as possible, so we can focus on what really matters: helping you live the life you want to live.

My breadth of experience is unusual. I've testified as an expert witness in high-profile cases, worked with diverse populations across the diagnostic spectrum, and continuously evolved my practice to incorporate the most effective therapeutic modalities. But what I'm most proud of is my ability to meet you where you are—whether you need deep archetypal work or straightforward problem-solving, I adapt to what serves you best.

About me

  • I identify as
    Caucasian, Man
  • My style is
    Direct, Solution Oriented, Creative

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    46 years of experience
  • Training
    PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) at California School of Professional Psychology
  • License type
    CP (Clinical Psychologist) (California)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    ADD/ADHD, Stress management, Identity issues, PTSD, Chronic conditions
  • More specialties
    Substance use / addiction, Anxiety, Anger management, Relationship issues
  • Therapy methods
    Transpersonal, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Somatic, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Psychodynamic, Behavioral, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Care types
    Individual therapy
  • Ages served
    Seniors, Adults
  • Languages
    English