Dionne Fontenelle

Hi, I'm Dionne, I was born and raised in Guyana, South America, and my personal and professional journey has shaped the compassionate, culturally aware approach I bring to therapy today. I work with adolescents and adults, with a special focus on women's health, navigating anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, autism, late or recently diagnosed neurodivergence, burnout, substance use disorders, LGBTQ+ concerns, and women's wellness issues.

My background combines over 17 years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist with specialized clinical work in mental health and substance use treatment. This unique combination allows me to approach care holistically, recognizing the deep connection between emotional health, relationships, communication, and overall functioning.

My style is warm, gentle, straightforward, and direct. I believe in meeting people in an approachable way, creating a space where you feel comfortable being yourself from the very first session. What drives me most is witnessing the resilience of the people I work with, especially women navigating complex life transitions, and helping them reconnect with their strengths, purpose, and capacity for healing.

I work collaboratively with clients to create a therapeutic environment that is supportive, honest, and goal-oriented. My approach is both compassionate and straightforward, helping clients feel safe enough to explore difficult experiences while also encouraging accountability and meaningful change.

I utilize evidence-based approaches tailored to each client's needs, drawing from trauma-informed care, CBT-based interventions, solution-focused techniques, and EMDR-informed practices. My approach is strengths-based, compassionate, and affirming. I focus on recognizing and building upon each individual's unique abilities and resilience rather than viewing neurodivergence as something to be "fixed."

You can expect the first session to be welcoming, supportive, and focused on getting to know you as a whole person. I take time to understand what brings you to therapy, your current challenges, personal history, strengths, and goals for treatment. My approach is conversational and collaborative, allowing clients to share at a pace that feels comfortable while also helping guide the discussion in a meaningful and productive way.

During the first session, I gather information about emotional, behavioral, relationship, or substance use concerns and begin identifying patterns that may be impacting overall well-being. You can also expect honest feedback, thoughtful questions, and a space where you feel heard without judgment. I meet people in an approachable way, so you can feel at ease being yourself. Together, we will begin discussing goals and developing a plan tailored to your specific needs. My goal is for clients to leave the session feeling supported, understood, and hopeful about the therapeutic process.