About Lighthouse Counseling
Compassionate Counseling Rooted in Faith and Experience
Dean Anderson
Founder & Lead Therapist
Dean F. Anderson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a career in mental health care that began in 1987. He opened his private practice, Lighthouse Counseling, in 1991 and retired from Wasatch Behavioral Health in 2022 after 35 years of service. During his time there, Dean directed multiple clinics and helped train many up-and-coming therapists.
In addition to his clinical work, Dean is a passionate motivational speaker. He frequently presents on topics such as grief and loss, domestic violence, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Over the years, he has worked closely with attorneys, clergy, and other professionals to support individuals and families through life’s most difficult moments.
Education and Training
Dean earned his Associate’s Degree from Snow College and completed both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Social Work at Brigham Young University. He also holds specialized training in life coaching, trauma-informed care, and therapeutic support for mental health challenges, including domestic violence.
Personal Life
Dean lives with blindness caused by Retinitis Pigmentosa, but he has never let that limit his purpose or impact. He’s built a meaningful career as a therapist, coach, administrator, husband, father, and grandfather. Married since 1982, Dean is the proud father of five children and grandfather to several grandchildren. His lived experience continues to shape the empathy and strength he brings to his work.
Becky Anderson
Receptionist
Becky Anderson brings a lifelong passion for education and family to her role at Lighthouse Counseling. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Brigham Young University, then spent 11 years running her own preschool while raising five children. Following that, she taught elementary school for 16 years before retiring from the classroom in 2022.
Today, Becky serves as the welcoming afternoon receptionist at Lighthouse Counseling, where her warmth and kindness help clients feel at ease. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, traveling with her husband, and cherishing time with her children and grandchildren.
Emily Garcia
Office Manager
Emily Garcia earned her Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Brigham Young University before receiving her Social Service Worker (SSW) license. She spent five years at Wasatch Mental Health, working with adult clients—a role she loved deeply.
After stepping away to focus on raising her four children, Emily returned to the mental health field in 2017 when she joined Lighthouse Counseling. She finds great joy in supporting others and being part of a team that’s committed to healing and hope. Emily values the meaningful work she shares with Dean and is grateful to stay connected to a field she’s so passionate about.
About Lighthouse Counseling in Dean’s Words
Hear directly from Dean F. Anderson about Lighthouse Counseling and the mission that has guided our care for over 30 years
Personalized, Faith-Informed Care
We honor your values and your story. Therapy here is never one size fits all. It’s grounded in both evidence-based practices and your personal beliefs.
Decades of Real Experience
Founded in 1991 by Dean F. Anderson, LCSW, our practice is built on over 30 years of clinical leadership and lived understanding of life’s hardest moments.
Trauma-Informed and Judgment-Free
We create a space that feels safe and respectful. Whether you’re navigating PTSD, addiction, or emotional pain, you’ll be met with patience, not pressure.
Practical Tools That Empower You
Our therapy goes beyond talk. We use proven approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you reframe negative thoughts, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to build emotional regulation skills, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to strengthen relationship bonds.
Real Help. Real Hope. Right Here When You Need It
Why Individuals & Families Trust Lighthouse Counseling
When life feels heavy, who you turn to matters. At Lighthouse Counseling, we offer more than credentials; we offer compassion, experience, and unwavering support. Whether you’re facing anxiety, addiction, trauma, or relationship struggles, we walk beside you with care and clarity. Healing isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a process. And we’re here for every step.
Testimonials from Those We've Helped
I highly recommend Dean Anderson and his practice. He is the perfect balance of listening to understand, and then offering useful, practical solutions and tools to help you improve your life. I look forward to working with him in the future.
Kristy
I’ve had an amazing experience working with Dean! Dean provides the perfect balance of listening and providing good feedback. He’s also a very respectful, light-hearted, and trustable counsellor. And as someone who has had multiple therapists, Dean was by far the one that I’ve had the best experience with. Multiple factors go into having a good therapy experience, but I think Dean is absolutely worth giving a shot in your journey of healing.
Noah
Lighthouse Counseling and Dean Anderson has been wonderful to work with over the years. I can’t say enough how much good has come from working with Dean and the wonderful folks at Lighthouse. I can honestly say Dean has been a game changer for my marriage!
Travis
Your Path to Healing Starts Here
Your healing matters. Let’s begin together
1
Let’s Talk
Your first step is simply reaching out. We’re here to listen and help.
2
Your Safe Place Begins Here
You’ll sit down with Dean, someone who truly listens and tailors your care to your needs.
3
Begin Your Healing Journey
Together with Dean, you’ll build a path forward that honors your values, goals, and pace.
4
Keep Growing Between Sessions
Healing doesn’t stop after your session. Dean’s resources help you keep growing, learning, and feeling supported.
Our Services
Support for Your Life’s Journey
Relationship Counseling
Guidance for couples and individuals navigating relationship challenges, improving communication, resolving conflict, and rebuilding trust in healthy, supportive ways.
Depression & Anxiety
Individual therapy focused on identifying root causes, managing symptoms, and building effective coping strategies to restore emotional balance and mental clarity.
Bipolar & Mood Disorders
Supportive care for those experiencing intense mood fluctuations, with emphasis on emotional regulation, stability, and tailored treatment planning.
PTSD Counseling
Evidence-based therapy for individuals affected by trauma, offering a safe space to process painful memories and regain a sense of safety and control.
Life Transitions Therapy
Support through major life changes such as divorce, death, career shifts, or other kinds of loss by helping clients adapt, find purpose, and grow through periods of uncertainty.
Disability Support
Therapeutic services tailored for individuals living with physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities, fostering self-advocacy, confidence, and emotional well-being.
Codependency Counseling
Therapy to help individuals recognize unhealthy patterns of dependency, develop boundaries, and build self-worth in and outside of relationships.
Domestic Violence Recovery
Compassionate care for survivors of abuse, focused on safety, healing, empowerment, and the restoration of self-trust and autonomy.
Anger Management Therapy
Structured support for individuals seeking healthier ways to understand, express, and regulate anger, enhancing both personal and professional relationships.
Pornography Addiction Help
Specialized support for individuals struggling with compulsive sexual behaviors, with a focus on understanding triggers, restoring balance, and promoting healthy intimacy.
Our Services
Support for Your Life’s Journey
Relationship Counseling
Guidance for couples and individuals navigating relationship challenges, improving communication, resolving conflict, and rebuilding trust in healthy, supportive ways.
Depression & Anxiety
Individual therapy focused on identifying root causes, managing symptoms, and building effective coping strategies to restore emotional balance and mental clarity.
Bipolar & Mood Disorders
Supportive care for those experiencing intense mood fluctuations, with emphasis on emotional regulation, stability, and tailored treatment planning.
PTSD Counseling
Evidence-based therapy for individuals affected by trauma, offering a safe space to process painful memories and regain a sense of safety and control.
Life Transitions Therapy
Support through major life changes such as divorce, death, career shifts, or other kinds of loss by helping clients adapt, find purpose, and grow through periods of uncertainty.
Disability Support
Therapeutic services tailored for individuals living with physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities, fostering self-advocacy, confidence, and emotional well-being.
Codependency Counseling
Therapy to help individuals recognize unhealthy patterns of dependency, develop boundaries, and build self-worth in and outside of relationships.
Domestic Violence Recovery
Compassionate care for survivors of abuse, focused on safety, healing, empowerment, and the restoration of self-trust and autonomy.
Anger Management Therapy
Structured support for individuals seeking healthier ways to understand, express, and regulate anger, enhancing both personal and professional relationships.
Pornography Addiction Help
Specialized support for individuals struggling with compulsive sexual behaviors, with a focus on understanding triggers, restoring balance, and promoting healthy intimacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally exhausted, therapy can provide the support and perspective you need. Many of our clients begin counseling to cope with stress, improve relationships, or gain tools for healing. If you are considering therapy, we are here to help you take that first step.
Call us today at 801-367-7505 to schedule your first session.
What can I expect during my first session?
In your first session, your therapist will listen carefully to your concerns, ask questions to understand your goals, and begin creating a personalized treatment plan. This time is focused on building trust and helping you feel supported from the start.
Let’s help you feel prepared. Email dean@lhcutah.com if you have questions before your first visit.
What types of counseling services do you offer in Orem, Utah?
At Lighthouse Counseling, we offer individual, couples, and family therapy for a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, addiction, and life transitions. Whether you’re searching for a therapist in Orem, Utah or need marriage counseling, our experienced team is here to help.
Not sure where to begin? Call us at 801-367-7505 to learn which services are right for you.
Can you help with marriage or relationship issues?
Yes. We specialize in marriage counseling in Orem, and couples therapy. Whether you are struggling with communication, conflict, or disconnection, our therapists use proven approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help couples build stronger, healthier relationships.
Take the first step toward healing. Email dean@lhcutah.com to schedule a couples session.
Do you offer faith-based counseling?
Yes. We welcome individuals of all backgrounds and also offer faith-based counseling for those who prefer to include spiritual values in their therapeutic work. Founder Dean F. Anderson provides support that honors both clinical expertise and faith-based perspectives when requested.
Interested in faith-integrated therapy? Call 801-367-7505 and let us know what you’re looking for.
Do you accept insurance or offer self-pay options?
We accept most major insurance plans and also offer private pay options. Our goal is to make professional counseling in Orem Utah accessible and affordable, and we are happy to discuss payment arrangements with you.
We’re happy to guide you. Call 801-367-7505 to discuss payment and insurance options.
Do you offer telehealth sessions?
Yes. We provide secure, HIPAA-compliant online therapy for individuals and couples. If you are looking for a therapist anywhere in Utah and prefer the convenience of virtual appointments, telehealth is a flexible and effective option.
Prefer online therapy? Call 801-367-7505 to check telehealth availability.
How do I schedule an appointment?
To schedule a session, call us at 801-367-7505 or visit our Contact Page. Our staff, will walk you through the process and make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
We use a range of evidence-based methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). Each approach is tailored to meet your specific needs, whether you’re seeking help from a therapist in Orem for anxiety, trauma, or relationship challenges.
Want to know more about our methods? Call 801-367-7505 to speak with our team directly.
How soon can I get an appointment?
We do our best to offer timely appointments based on your availability. Same-week sessions are often possible, especially for telehealth. Whether you’re looking for marriage counseling or individual therapy, we are committed to getting you the support you need without a long wait.
Let’s get you scheduled. Call 801-367-7505 and we’ll find the next available time that works for you.
Insights & Support from the Lighthouse Blog
Explore helpful articles on mental health, relationships, faith, and healing. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, seeking marriage counseling in Orem, Utah, or just looking for guidance, our blog is here to shine a light on your path forward.
Understanding Relationship Burnout: Signs and Solutions for Couples
August 1st 2025
Recognize the signs of relationship burnout and discover practical solutions to reignite your connection. Read the article to revive your partnership.
Recognizing the Subtle Signs of Depression: What You Need to Know
August 10th 2025
Discover the subtle signs of depression and learn how to recognize them. Understand the importance of awareness and get the support you need.
Navigating Grief & Grief‑Like
Losses
August 12th 2025
Struggling with grief after divorce, job change, or an empty nest? Learn what grief feels like after major life changes.