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Dana McPherson

Dana McPherson, LCSW

Therapist · Oregon · 4+ years of experience

Midlife transitions and life changes support

Continue with Dana

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  • Practical goal focus
  • Collaborative session style
  • Emotion regulation skills

About Dana

Dana McPherson is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, depression, and midlife transitions. She emphasizes respect and sensitivity in sessions and tailors each meeting to the person's needs. Dana encourages practical steps toward feeling less stuck and more connected to everyday life.

With four years of professional experience, Dana draws on multiple approaches to meet different concerns. She uses Client-Centered Therapy to build a cooperative relationship and to make the person feel heard. She applies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify patterns that keep problems going and to try small experiments that can change thoughts and behavior.

Dana also integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills and mindfulness practices for emotion regulation and staying present during difficult moments. Motivational Interviewing is used when people want to make changes but feel uncertain about where to begin. These methods are adapted to each person's pace and goals.

She notes she does not provide couples therapy. Dana asks people to be mindful of scheduling norms and attendance policies. If three appointments are missed without notice, the relationship may be ended.

People who choose Dana can expect a practical, respectful approach that focuses on clear goals and step-by-step progress. She works to make therapy relatable and useful for everyday challenges.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression

Also works with

LGBTFamily conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

4+ years

Credentials

California, Oregon

Languages

English

How therapeutic approaches work in online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building an empathetic, nonjudgmental relationship. In practice this means sessions center on what matters to the person and the therapist follows their lead to set goals and priorities.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It helps people spot unhelpful thinking patterns and try small behavioral experiments to reduce anxiety, low mood, or stuck habits.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches practical skills for managing intense emotions and improving interpersonal effectiveness. Mindfulness exercises are also used to help people stay grounded during stress and to notice patterns without harsh self-judgment.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That plan can change over time as progress and priorities shift.

Confirm current session options before booking since formats are not specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when that suits a schedule. It also gives more flexibility around timing and can help people maintain momentum between appointments.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Dana commonly address?

Dana helps people with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, LGBT issues, family concerns, self-esteem, career questions, and coping with life changes including midlife transitions.

How would you describe her therapy style?

She uses a respectful, down-to-earth style that focuses on collaboration. Sessions are tailored to the person and aim for clear, practical steps toward their goals.

What experience does she bring to sessions?

She has four years of professional work experience and applies a mix of well-known approaches to match individual needs.

What credentials and location are listed?

Dana holds an LCSW credential and is based in Oregon with licensure noted for California as well.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the U.S. work with her?

International clients are accepted; confirm any regional licensing considerations before booking.

How are fees and billing handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to start therapy with Dana?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Dana McPherson Online therapy options on BetterHelp

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