Dana Clark

As a child growing up in New Orleans, LA, I struggled feeling seen, heard, and as if I truly belonged. I realized at a young age people (of all ages) shared with me their vulnerable, intimate and personal stories. And as I listened and held space for their concerns, these story-tellers felt a sense of relief, seemed lighter and a smile spread across their face.

I began wondering why people do what they do. This led me to gain education, strategies and tools to understand human behavior and development, learn how to effectively hold space for another, and begin supporting others with empathy; allowing them to feel seen, heard, and belong.

In the process, I chose to become a stepmom. I learned first hand how hard it is to blend a family and co-parent. If no one gives the biological parents a manual upon the birth of their child, there really is nothing for steps. This experience has given me a desire to fill this gap; helping steps, bios, and the children navigate and build a more content settled home.

I have a person-centered base to my approach with collaborative focus while using an eclectic mix of interventions and tools.

Here’s what that means...I start from the basis that we all want to be heard, seen, and not judged. I build rapport through this approach and collaborate with the child’s valued and important people (VIP) in their life to create supportive lasting effective change.

I complete a full Intake Session with Parents only to gain an idea on what brings the child to therapy and any need to know history and background, such as when symptoms started, family history, etc.

I then conduct 2-3 Individual sessions with your child to build rapport, gain their perspective of what brings them to therapy, and what they think would help them moving forward.

I then meet with the parents again to discuss initial impressions (not what their child has privately shared with me) and the recommended treatment approach and goals.