Last edited 07/14/2026
Identifies As
She / Her / HersWomanBlack/African AmericanPansexualOmnistBIPOC, LGBTQIA+Living with a chronic disease, Millennial
Get To Know Me
If you could pick one movie or book that influenced your approach to therapy, what would it be and why?
Homecoming by Dr. Thema Bryant; this book captures what is necessary to heal from trauma experienced by BIPOC individuals, and has inspired my approach to working with clients, as well as my own healing journey.
What do you think is the biggest barrier today for people seeking care?
One of the barriers are cost and time, as many people are very busy, mostly working to support themselves and others in their lives. I try to help clients see the investment they are making in themselves and their wellbeing, as I recognize that this a larger investment aside from the money they are spending. It takes time, patience, resilience, and courage to show up and challenge yourself within a therapeutic setting.
What would be important for someone to know about working with you?
I believe therapy works best when you don't feel like you have to perform, have all the answers, or pretend you're okay. My goal is to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are; whether you're overwhelmed, angry, grieving, uncertain, or simply trying to make sense of your experiences.
Clients often describe wanting more than coping skills; they want to understand why they keep finding themselves in the same relationships, carrying the same emotional burdens, or responding to stress in ways they wish they could change. Together, we'll explore not only what's happening in your life today but also the experiences that shaped how you see yourself, others, and the world.
I take a collaborative approach to therapy. I don't believe I'm the expert on your life; you are. My role is to bring clinical knowledge, curiosity, compassion, and perspective while working alongside you to discover what healing looks like for you.
As a Black woman therapist, I recognize that our identities, families, cultures, and communities influence how we experience the world. Therapy should be a place where those experiences are welcomed rather than minimized. Whether you're navigating racial stress, family expectations, intergenerational trauma, relationship difficulties, or major life transitions, you won't have to convince me that these experiences matter.
At the same time, I know that every person is different. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. Some sessions may involve processing difficult emotions, while others focus on practical strategies, building healthier boundaries, improving relationships, or celebrating growth. I tailor therapy to your goals, your pace, and what you need most in the moment.
Above all, I strive to build a relationship where you feel genuinely seen, respected, and understood. Healing often begins when we experience a relationship that feels safe enough to be honest in. My hope is that therapy becomes that space for you.
Location
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Specialties
Specializes in
AnxietyRelationship IssuesSelf-EsteemRace & Cultural IdentityTrauma
General Expertise
DepressionAnxietyRelationship IssuesSelf-EsteemRace & Cultural IdentitySocial AnxietyAttachment issuesChronic illnessCollege & graduate student issuesFamily issuesLife coachingLife transitionsPost-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)TraumaCoping SkillsCouplesHighly Sensitive PersonPeer Relationships
Treatment Approaches
Strength Based TherapyMindfulness PracticesEclectic TherapyCognitive Processing TherapyCulturally Sensitive TherapyPerson-Centered TherapyDialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Solution-Focused Brief TherapyInterpersonal PsychotherapyPsychodynamic TherapyRelational Therapy
Clientele
Types of Therapy
Couples CounselingIndividual Therapy
Serves Ages
Young Adults (18-24)Adults (25-65)Seniors (65+)Adolescents (13-17)
Languages
English
Professional Background
Licensure
Under Supervision: Dr. Denise Michelle Watkins, Resident, N/a is practicing under the supervision of Erika Dawkins (Pennsylvania, Licensed Psychologist, PS019046) at Revolutionary Perspectives LLC.
Please, note: A clinician listed as being “clinically supervised” is completing clinical hours toward their licensure. They have one or more fully licensed clinical supervisors that often have special training. They consult with their supervisor(s) on all of their cases.
Education
Widener University - Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, Doctorate of Psychology, Clinical Psychology, 2025
Widener University - Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology, Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology, 2023
Penn State University, Bachelor of Arts, Psychological and Social Sciences, 2018
Bucks County Community College, Associate of Arts, Psychology - Pre-Professional Emphasis, 2016
Work HistoryOver the course of my training and clinical work, I've had the privilege of supporting adolescents, adults, and older adults across a variety of settings, including college counseling centers, community mental health programs, inpatient behavioral health, victim advocacy services, and private practice. These experiences have allowed me to develop a flexible, culturally responsive approach that meets people where they are, regardless of where they are in their healing journey.
Much of my work has centered on helping individuals heal from trauma, navigate difficult life transitions, and strengthen their relationships with themselves and others. While completing my doctoral training, I worked extensively with survivors of crime, providing both short-term and long-term therapy. This experience deepened my understanding of the lasting impact that trauma can have on emotional well-being, relationships, identity, and daily life. It also strengthened my commitment to creating a space where clients feel empowered, heard, and supported as they regain a sense of safety and control.
My experience in community mental health broadened my ability to work alongside individuals facing complex challenges, including severe mental illness, substance use concerns, developmental and intellectual disabilities, and the effects of long-standing trauma. Working with people from diverse backgrounds reinforced the importance of understanding each person's unique story, recognizing the role that culture, family, and environment play in mental health, and tailoring treatment to fit their individual needs rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
In college counseling settings, I supported undergraduate and graduate students as they navigated anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, identity development, academic stress, burnout, grief, and major life transitions. These experiences strengthened my ability to help individuals better understand patterns in their relationships, build healthier coping skills, and develop greater confidence in navigating life's challenges. I also enjoyed collaborating with the campus community by creating and presenting workshops focused on mental health and wellness.
Earlier in my training, I worked in an inpatient behavioral health setting, providing therapy to individuals experiencing acute psychiatric crises and substance use concerns. This experience taught me the importance of meeting people with compassion during some of the most difficult moments of their lives and reinforced my belief that healing begins with feeling understood rather than judged.
Across each stage of my career, I have worked with individuals from many different racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. As a Black woman therapist, I understand that our identities, lived experiences, and systems around us influence how we experience stress, relationships, trauma, and healing. I strive to provide culturally responsive care that honors each person's unique experiences while fostering authenticity, self-understanding, and meaningful growth.
Today, I draw from all of these experiences to provide relational, trauma-informed therapy that is collaborative, compassionate, and personalized. Whether you're processing past experiences, navigating current challenges, or simply looking to understand yourself more deeply, my goal is to help you build insight, strengthen your resilience, and create lasting change in a space where you feel genuinely seen and supported.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not uncommon to have questions before starting therapy.
Dr. Denise Michelle Watkins, Resident, has answered a few of the questions they receive most often from new clients.
Is Denise Watkins accepting new clients?
Yes, Denise Watkins is accepting new clients for online therapy in Pennsylvania.
Does Denise Watkins accept insurance?
No, Denise Watkins does not accept insurance.
What types of therapy does Denise Watkins offer?
Denise Watkins offers therapy for couples and individuals.
Does Denise Watkins offer in-person appointments?
No, but people in Pennsylvania can book Denise Watkins for virtual appointments (teletherapy).
Does Denise Watkins offer online therapy?
Yes, Denise Watkins offers online therapy via video sessions to people in Pennsylvania.
How quickly can I see Denise Watkins?
Denise Watkins typically can speak with new clients within 48 hours. You can see their current general office hours and request an appointment on their profile page.
What languages does Denise Watkins speak?
Denise Watkins conducts therapy sessions in English.
Can I book an appointment with Denise Watkins online?
Yes, you can easily book an appointment with Denise Watkins online using ChoosingTherapy.com’s directory.