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John ODonoghue, LMFT

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

John is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

5.0 stars
Clients are very satisfied with John. View 50 reviews
Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in North Carolina, California, and 1 more

Recent reviews

John was helpful initially but eventually seemed to care more about his work outside of counseling more, including lengthy talks about his research and the book he was writing. I could often see that he was distracted during our video sessions and repeatedly heard alerts/notifications going off on his computer during our sessions. He didn't remember that my parents were divorced, that I had brothers and that I was married even after 5 sessions. He offered to switch to zoom after a few sessions which felt odd to me. He asked for my cell phone and email. we stopped our sessions several months ago. I felt the need to write this review now as it took me a while to process this experience.

Reviewed January 2023

Amazing person and specialist who helped me to overcome some of the hardest moments in my life. Witty, kind and kicks your butt. Also, very philosophical but at the same time, very nurturing and caring and great listener. Exactly what you want in the therapist! I have recommended him to couple of my friends already. Highly recommended!

Reviewed June 2022

More about John

  • 27 years' experience
  • Male
  • LMFT, LCMHC

For 25 years I have had the privilege to help people navigate difficult passages in their lives, in a variety of settings. Give yourself credit for reaching out, because a good therapist during these times can make a huge positive difference. In retrospect you may see that ill fortune, suffering and emotional pain helped you grow, and that without these challenges you may not have learned what you needed to progress. As Eckhart Tolle has said, suffering can be your greatest teacher. I did not become a therapist until midlife, and have had my own share of major life changes, transformations, suffering, and loss. These experiences have deepened my empathy and compassion, which I hope to bring to you.

I have learned that creating trust in the therapeutic relationship is a vital part of the process, and like all therapists I am sworn to hold you with unconditional, non-judgmental positive regard. I have earned two Masters Degrees (in Psychology and Counseling Psychology), and hold two licenses – Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Whether you are seeking longer term therapy to illuminate hidden patterns, or solution focused brief therapy for a specific problem, we will tailor our work accordingly to your goals and wishes. I am committed to helping you discover your ability to heal and grow, to listen to your inner wisdom, and find peace, self-acceptance, and self-confidence instead of fear.

I have expertise with relationship struggles of all kinds, including dating, and alternate lifestyles. Addiction is a special interest, having developed a comprehensive alternative addiction treatment program in India suitable for any addiction – alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, sex, polysubstance cocktails, internet addictions, and others. I am open minded and abide by the principles of Harm Reduction. As an EAP counselor, I enjoy helping people with workplace and career issues. Other areas of expertise include grief and loss, blended family issues, stress, coping with the narcissists in your life, mild depression, anxiety, social anxiety, procrastination, guilt, anger, self blame, PTSD, family conflict, highly sensitive people, spirituality (mindfulness) and existential issues.

I wish you all the best in your journey, and should you choose me, I look forward to working with you.

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Relationship issues Grief Self esteem Addictions Family conflicts Trauma and abuse Intimacy-related issues Anger management Career difficulties Depression Infidelity Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships

Treatment Approaches

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Attachment-Based Therapy
  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Existential Therapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Imago Relationship Therapy
  • Jungian Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Psychodynamic Therapy

Licenses

John ODonoghue's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1629099189.

  • LMFT · North Carolina · 1114 · Expires July 2025
  • LMFT · California · 40935 · Expires October 2025
  • LCMHC · North Carolina · 8857 · Expires June 2025

About online counseling

Affordable.
Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.
Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.
There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.

Reviews for John ODonoghue

All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.

Overall rating:

5.0

50 reviews

5
4
3
2
1

Clients mention: Great Helped Helpful Recommend Understanding Listens Understands Wonderful The best Amazing

John was helpful initially but eventually seemed to care more about his work outside of counseling more, including lengthy talks about his research and the book he was writing. I could often see that he was distracted during our video sessions and repeatedly heard alerts/notifications going off on his computer during our sessions. He didn't remember that my parents were divorced, that I had brothers and that I was married even after 5 sessions. He offered to switch to zoom after a few sessions which felt odd to me. He asked for my cell phone and email. we stopped our sessions several months ago. I felt the need to write this review now as it took me a while to process this experience.

Reviewed January 2023

Amazing person and specialist who helped me to overcome some of the hardest moments in my life. Witty, kind and kicks your butt. Also, very philosophical but at the same time, very nurturing and caring and great listener. Exactly what you want in the therapist! I have recommended him to couple of my friends already. Highly recommended!

Reviewed June 2022

Great

Reviewed June 2022

He is a competent therapist and truly understands and listens to you. He also creates a good trusting environment.

Reviewed June 2022

A true diplomat, professional listener and friend. Never leans towards what I want to hear. Leans towards growth and stability. And genuinely cares and remembers. I’ve had this therapist for the better part of 5 years and I’m inconsistent with meeting because I don’t need it all the time but when I do, he’s very present and kind. I feel very lucky to have found someone who knows how to communicate with me. I’ve gone through many therapists and he’s the best out there (for me). Honest, genuine, and spirited in all the ways I need. I want to say that I wouldn’t be the person I am without him, but he would tell me that I was always that person and just needed a little push. 1000/1000 a true, committed knight fighting for people relentlessly.

Reviewed May 2022

If you're lucky enough to get matched with John do not hesitate to book an appointment. Highly recommend

Reviewed January 2022

John helped me confront and successfully overcome one of the biggest obstacles of my life. I have the utmost confidence that he can do the same for others as well.

Reviewed January 2022

John is one of a kind, and a master of his craft. He’s considerate, understanding, and helpful in maneuvering life’s intricacies. I’m grateful that I found him on Betterhelp,

Reviewed November 2021

Thankful I found John. As a counselor myself it’s extra difficult to seek out counseling. I trust John, he is extremely sharp and gets me. I’m comfortable talking openly about my thoughts and life struggles.

Reviewed September 2021

John ODonoghue is easily the most skilled and understanding counselor I've ever worked with in my life. His depth of empathy is matched only by his incredible depth of skill at his trade, and I can't recommend him enough. With John on your side, you will solve all of your problems, and grow as a person.

Reviewed August 2021

I believe John enjoys sharing his experience. He listens and has expertise to offer. I have very much enjoyed communicating with John.

Reviewed July 2021

John has nailed me down in a few sessions and helped me through a very tough time (think bad relationship but 10x worse). Great sense of humor as well.

Reviewed June 2021

I think John is highly-qualified. He's a great listener. I feel that he truly has my best interests in mind througout our journey. He's also a very interesting interlocutor in all of the matters that come through our time together, and I am grateful for his presence in my life.

Reviewed June 2021

John is wonderful. An active listener and encourager. Helped me through my grief and pain. Helped me see a more helpful perspective on my past.

Reviewed April 2021

Gives practical advice and provides plenty of resources to help you heal. Always super friendly and helpful!

Reviewed April 2021

Can’t say enough about John. He’s been a huge help so far.

Reviewed April 2021

I had to switch a couple of counselors until I got matched with John. I look forward to our sessions everyweek and has taken the time to get to know me and my concerns.

Reviewed April 2021

John has brought more clarity and focus to my life than any single individual I have ever met. He is a tremendously caring person who truly desires me to mature, grow and heal. He backs up that desire with boundless wisdom and experience. I don't just *feel* better after talking with John, I *am* better.

Reviewed February 2021

Love this counselor! He made a huge difference!

Reviewed January 2021

John ODonoghue is a wonderful counselor. He listens well and gives great feedback

Reviewed November 2020

John is a wonderful therapist with excellent insight. He is very knowledgeable and knows when to let me vent away and when to ask more explorative questions that guide the session in the right direction!

Reviewed November 2020

I appreciate that John reaches out to check up on how I’m doing periodically. Very good listener.

Reviewed August 2020

The first two sessions with John O'Donoghue have been quite helpful. I was immediately at ease talking with him.

Reviewed July 2020

John is literally a godsend-- I worked with several counselors before, none of whom seemed to 'get me'. After two calls with John, it was clear that he was the right one to assist me. Punctual, goes above-and-beyond, ensures that you are in a 'good space' before the call ends. 10/10

Reviewed May 2020

I never leave reviews. But this has been life changing for me. I appreciate everything John has done for me.

Reviewed May 2020

I have been working with John for a few months now and I absolutely appreciate him and how much effort he puts into helping me. He’s the best counselor I have ever worked with.

Reviewed May 2020

I've been seeing John for a little over a couple months now. In just a short amount of time I have made incredibly impactful strides in my mental health. I have had realizations and epiphanies which have acted as a catalyst to addressing dormant issues. I have a long way to go but with his help I feel incredibly hopeful about my future. He is incredibly sensitive, thoughtful, genuine and he has really helped me to reframe the way I approach certain situations. I highly highly HIGHLY recommend him.

Reviewed April 2020

John Donoghue is fantastic! So glad he is my therapist!!! He makes me feel so much better. My anxiety level has come down to normal levels and now I can sleep! I am losing weight again instead of gaining weight like I did before. I think my body held on to my weight because I was stressed. I look better and feel better. Thank you!

Reviewed March 2020

John is a fantastic listener and offers very helpful insight and encouragement. I really appreciate his help and look forward to our sessions each week!

Reviewed March 2020

I've only had a few sessions with John but I can say that he has a gift of understanding the whole picture -- even when someone like me is flight headed and scatterbrained with details. He brings a strong sense of comfort knowing that someone is going to be reliable for giving honest and productive and extremely REALISTIC perspective to help.

Reviewed February 2020

I feel that he understands me.

Reviewed February 2020

I absolutely appreciate John. He really does try to understand where I’m coming from and it honestly feels like he understands me instantly. He makes me feel like I can really work through my troubles and like there’s even more hope than I ever thought.

Reviewed January 2020

I've only had a few sessions with John and I'm amazed at how much he has helped me, I just think he's wonderful at what he does.

Reviewed November 2019

John keeps my primary concerns at the forefront of communications.

Reviewed September 2019

I’ve had two sessions with John and I’m very happy with him as my counselor. He listens and respects me without any judgment. He is great!

Reviewed September 2019

John is competent, intuitive, perceptive, has just the right amount of humanity and professionalism.

Reviewed September 2019

John has helped me get through some tough situations by listening, helping with alternative methods of therapy and providing really sound advice to get over some difficult times especially with family. Extremely satisfied!!!

Reviewed June 2019

He is very helpful and very insightful. I feel like I’m not just talking to a counselor but a friend. He is very caring and he doesn’t judge me.

Reviewed May 2019

My counselor has a rare and unique understanding of how to encourage a healthy relationship to yourself and surroundings in life. His empathetic way of communicating builds a better understanding and relationship to yourself and your situation. His encouragement and open, non-judgmental way of asking questions, gives the best opportunity to work on yourself. He knows how to calm down, with a tranquil approach and acceptance of who you are, gives the best foundation to build strength. As a true professional, he is not building you up for you - but he just sees your strength before you do. I can only recommend John as a counselor.

Reviewed May 2019

John is a great active listener, highly skilled, and intuitive... and his advice is right on the money. I finally feel like I have the support I need to move forward in my career, and life. Highly recommend him to anyone seeking a grounded, intelligent, and funny(!) therapist.

Reviewed April 2019

John made me feel very comfortable and at ease right away. That helped me to open up and speak freely without any worry of being judged. He is a great listener as well as a contributor during our sessions and I highly recommend him.

Reviewed April 2019

John helped me in a way that was more effective than any past counseling I’ve had. He was very empathetic of my situation, and I feel confident I have someone safe to turn to that truly understands me. He is a great speaker and highly intelligent.

Reviewed April 2019

Have been talking to John about big life choices, and he has been very helpful! Lots of great insight on things I hadn't considered, and is very approachable and down-to-earth. Highly recommended!

Reviewed April 2019

John ODonoghue has been an amazing support for me! He gets back to me in a timely manner and is an incredible listener! He offers tremendous emotional support with practical strategies to achieve goals.

Reviewed April 2019

John is very responsive to my communications and I have strong trust in his methods. I have enjoyed working with him and would not hesitate to recommend him to others.

Reviewed December 2018

I’ve only been working with John a short time but he is very easy to talk to and definitely helps.

Reviewed December 2018

John is an amazing listener and offers great advice. In just one counseling session I gained the insights I needed to improve my outlook and move forward after some really difficult times in my life. I would recommend John to anyone who is looking for a trusted confidant and guide.

Reviewed November 2018

He was honest and helped me face the reality of my situation. I appreciate that deeply.

Reviewed November 2018

John is an absolute pleasure to talk to. He helped me get to the bottom of a lot of my problems and I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. If you need someone to talk to, John will listen with no judgments. I’m glad BetterHelp made me one of his patients and I feel like I can talk to him about anything.

Reviewed November 2018

John has a very kind energy and holds open a lot of space for you to talk and be yourself. He has a lot of life experience that informs his compassion and helps him to understand you in an authentic way. He is intuitive and great to talk to about spirituality, existential thoughts, and life journeys. He has very little ego and I wish more counselors were like him!

Reviewed November 2018

How was your experience with John?

Frequently asked questions

Does John ODonoghue offer telehealth visits?

Yes. John ODonoghue works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does John ODonoghue speak?

John ODonoghue speaks English.

How many years of experience does John ODonoghue have?

John ODonoghue has 27 years of experience.

Where is John ODonoghue licensed to practice?

John ODonoghue is licensed to practice in North Carolina, California, and North Carolina.

Does John ODonoghue accept clients outside of the United States?

Yes, John ODonoghue accepts clients outside of the United States.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

What treatment approaches does John ODonoghue offer?

John ODonoghue offers clients Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Imago Relationship Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic Therapy.

How can I communicate with John ODonoghue?

John ODonoghue can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with John ODonoghue?

Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

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When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.