Dana McPherson, LCSW

Dana McPherson is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship struggles. She also supports clients dealing with trauma and abuse, self-esteem concerns, LGBT issues, career questions, and major life changes. Dana writes in a direct, respectful way and aims to meet people where they are. Dana uses short-term and skills-based methods alongside a person-centered stance. Sessions are focused on practical thoughts and everyday habits that get in the way of day-to-day life. She works together with each person to set clear goals and try small, manageable changes between meetings. With four years of clinical experience, Dana has worked with a wide age range from teens to seniors. She emphasizes sensitivity and respect in the room and adapts pace and tone to the person in front of her. She does not offer couples therapy. Her approach draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify thinking patterns, Dialectical Behavior Therapy for emotion regulation and coping skills, and motivational interviewing to support change. Mindfulness practices and narrative techniques are also used to help people make sense of their stories and notice helpful habits. Dana is licensed as an LCSW and practices with attention to each client's values and needs. She encourages people to take the first step and outlines clear expectations about attendance and scheduling to keep therapy productive. Inquiries from outside the United States are accepted, and sessions are conducted in English.

How these approaches translate to online work

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and responding to each person's needs. In practice that means the therapist follows the client's lead, offers reflection, and adjusts the pace so people feel heard and understood. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thought and behavior. Online sessions can focus on spotting unhelpful thoughts, trying small experiments between meetings, and practicing new habits that reduce anxiety and depression.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides concrete tools for managing strong emotions and improving interpersonal skills. Through targeted skill teaching and practice, clients build tolerance for distress and learn ways to communicate more effectively. These approaches often pair well with brief mindfulness exercises to help people notice what is happening in the moment.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will ask about your goals and preferences and recommend methods that fit your needs. That decision is collaborative and can change as progress is made.

Specific session formats were not listed in the biography, so confirm the available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - sessions can be scheduled around work, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Many people find remote sessions help them practice new habits in their everyday settings while staying engaged with therapy.