What to expect when you meet me...
When you meet with me, you get the real Dana. What does that look like? That looks like someone in Disney bows and dresses. I am young at heart, but wise with experience, and I embrace all parts of me. I will most likely talk about how Disney, mindfulness, and kayaking heal my soul. I will sit through difficult moments with you, challenge you to be your best self, and celebrate the wins along with you. I will always tell it straight to you (sorry, no sugarcoating happening here), but I will never judge you. Why? Because we all have bumps and mistakes along our journey, that's part of the human experience.
Why you would be interested in working with me...
If you are feeling out of sync with your life or that something is missing, you have come to the right place. I want you to be able to get more in tune with yourself and your own needs. We spend too much time trying to win the appraisal of others- in our work, our relationships, friendships, etc. How many times this week did you compare yourself to someone's story on social media, thinking "how do they have it all together? I wish that could be me!" Well here's the great news...it CAN be you! You just have to stop looking outward for answers and start focusing inward.
I work with the mind and body connection and incorporate a lot of mindfulness exercises to help you feel better emotionally and physically. When we take some time to listen to our bodies, we find the ability to better take care of ourselves and truly understand what we need. I believe in the importance of self-care and self-love which will ultimately attract the life you want. If you start to put yourself in #1 slot, then you will find the energy to give more to the world around you, which will lead to better relationships and having that passion back in your life.
How to make sure we are a good match...
I work best with clients that are ready to do the work. You recognize that what you are doing is keeping you stuck and you are ready to make a change. In therapy with me, you will be challenged. I do not sit idly back and just listen to you vent, you can do that with your friends for free! I'm a very active therapist in my session. This means that I am going to ask challenging questions, sit with you through difficult experiences, do exercises with you, and send you off with some homework between sessions. The best work happens in the time between sessions when you are taking what we've discussed or practiced in sessions and apply it to your day to day living.
How my own story led me here...
I have gone through my own journey of self-discovery, which has allowed me to live the life I want. It was really hard work, and I resisted a lot along the way. I had to learn to put down the ironclad wall I built around me. That meant letting go of being the best, or failing miserably trying to be best. It meant stopping all the fad diets and quick fixes. Most importantly, it meant looking in the mirror for answers instead of everywhere else. I had to ask the person in the mirror what SHE wanted and needed and who she wanted to be. I had to let go of the shoulds, the comparisons, the expectations. I had to commit to listening to just me and trusting the process.
The process was messy, I won't lie. It involved me letting go of some unhealthy relationships and risking being lonely. It meant taking ownership for my mistakes. It meant refraining from stuffing feelings down with food. It meant disappointing loved ones because I set some boundaries or pursued passions of mine that were not in line with what they wanted for me. It meant heartache and a lot of tears. It also meant learning to have a ton of patience and self-compassion along the way.
But in the process, which is always ongoing, I have found so much joy and contentment in my life. I learned that I have an army of love and support around me. I know who my people are! I am healthy and I've added years to my life and my physical ability by changing my relationship with food. I can own my anxiety and educate those around me about how to manage theirs. I jump into things that would previously scare me. I get to do what I love, where I want to do it, and be surrounded by good energy and people. I am loving my journey and I cherish the opportunity to help you love yours!
What makes me qualified to be in this role...
I am a licensed counselor with a Master's Degree in Counseling and Human Services from Lehigh University. I have recently moved to Central Florida from the Poconos, PA in 2018. I have a LPC license from PA (PC009955) and LMHC license from FL (MH16583). I also provide online video counseling, which means that I can help any compatible clients statewide in PA or FL.
I have undergone intensive training and therefore specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I also have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I utilize all of this training in work with clients with anxiety, self-esteem, and life transition concerns. I am also skilled at working with clients with Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder.
I have recently come into private practice when I moved to FL in February of 2018. However, I am not new to the therapy world by any means. I have a rich history of counseling over the past 10 years. I have worked in residential settings as well as community settings. I have seen a range of severity in mental health diagnoses- from everyday stress to severe and chronic mental health conditions. I have worked with at-risk teens, older adults, addiction, developmental delays, and adults. So believe me when I say I am up for the challenge!
