About John
Dr. John DeGaglia offers straightforward, steady support for people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life shifts. He speaks plainly and keeps sessions focused on practical steps people can use day to day.
Dr. DeGaglia has worked for 25 years in behavioral health and brings a calm, experienced presence to conversations about change. He began his career after graduate school and licensure, spending many years working with incarcerated individuals and with a Native American community.
Background and approach
Those roles included using interpreters and serving people across ages and needs. Later he worked in substance abuse programs and served as a clinical director at several programs where daily recovery work was a central focus. As a former first responder, he spent over a decade addressing critical incident stress and contributed to research that led to his doctorate.
That background shaped his interest in first responder issues, veteran and armed forces concerns, and post-traumatic stress. He frames therapy as focused communication that can shift thinking and behavior over time. Sessions are oriented toward concrete change.
Conversations aim to reframe thoughts, develop new coping strategies, and build habits that last. He also emphasizes simple presence when that best meets a person's needs. Dr.
DeGaglia holds licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida and as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California. He offers sessions in English and provides care through several online formats.
Evidence-based approaches and online care
Dr. DeGaglia uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on changing thought patterns and daily behaviors. One common approach centers on cognitive reframing - identifying unhelpful thoughts and learning alternative ways of thinking to reduce anxiety and low mood. Another key component emphasizes skill-building for coping - practicing breathing, grounding, and pacing strategies that help during stressful or triggering moments. These methods are practical and aimed at reducing symptoms and improving daily functioning.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which techniques match their needs, goals, and preferences. Sessions start with clear goals and are adjusted as progress is made so the plan fits the individual's situation.
Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to give flexibility. Video is useful for deeper conversation and visual cues, phone calls work when bandwidth is limited, and chat or text can suit quick check-ins or times when typing is easier. These options make it simpler to fit therapy into a busy schedule and to continue work between in-person commitments.
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Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Career difficulties
Also works with
- Experience
- 25 years
- Licensed
- Florida, California
- Languages
- English