Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT-S

214-529-3698

Dr. Charette Dersch is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Board Approved Supervisor specializing in individual, couples, and family psychotherapy. With over 25 years experience as a clinician, she is currently serving as a private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients.

Dr. Dersch has an optimistic attitude which allows her to see the best in people. She truly believes that all people are born with goodness in their hearts and that through compassion, communication, and understanding, she can help her clients resolve their problems. She doesn't see the world from a black and white perspective, and empathizes with people to appreciate their differences. She tends to notice the symbolic meanings hidden in everyday issues, and can help you find the light out of the darkness.

Dr. Dersch provides a safe and caring environment for individuals, couples and families to address a variety of personal and relationship issues. She has great respect for the inner resources of her clients and works in a collaborative way to assist them in the process of discovering solutions. Her treatment approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients resolve current problems and long-standing patterns.

    Professional Activities

    Dr. Dersch served as an adjunct faculty member in the Master of Counseling Program at SMU for seven years. She also served on the editorial board of The Annals of American Psychotherapy. She has presented workshops to general audiences on topics including:

    • A "Love & Logic" Approach to Guidance and Discipline
    • Children at Risk: A Primer for Professionals
    • Dealing with Separation Anxiety
    • Effective Communication
    • Empowerment & Motivation
    • Habits of Healthy Relationships
    • Keeping Kids Safe on the Internet
    • Life 101 Series: Parenting Strategies, Stress Management, and Relationship Enhancement
    • Stress Management: Techniques You Can Live With
    • Teaching Children Healthy Boundaries
    • Teaching Kids Respect
    • The Fine Art of Negotiation: Bridging Gaps Instead of Butting Heads
    Dr. Dersch has written several book chapters and has several publications in peer-reviewed scholarly journals including:
    • Journal of Marital and Family Therapy
    • American Journal of Family Therapy
    • The Family Journal
    • Contemporary Family Therapy
    • Journal of Child Sexual Abuse
    Additionally, she has presented numerous papers at professional conferences such as:
    • American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
    • National Council on Family Relations (NCFR)
    • Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (TAMFT)
    • San Diego Conference on responding to Child Maltreatment

    Memberships

    • AAMFT (Clinical Member)
    • TAMFT
    • American Psychological Association (APA)
    • American Psychotherapy Association (Diplomate & Board Certified Counselor)
    • Relational Therapists of Dallas

    Awards

    • Who's Who in America
    • Winner: 2000 Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Award for Student Achievement, Doctoral Level
    • Winner: 1999 American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Student Research Award
    • One of 10 national doctoral students invited to American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Summer Research Conference 1999 and 2002