Dana Sarkela

Dana graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2010 and became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in 2017. She is a dedicated professional who specializes in the mental health and behavioral development of individuals spanning from early childhood through adulthood. Her primary focus lies in establishing strong rapport with her clients to nurture a therapeutic relationship that promotes emotional well-being.

Dana is especially skilled in creating a safe and inviting atmosphere where clients feel encouraged to express their emotions and address their concerns. This approach has proven particularly beneficial for children and adolescents, who often find it challenging to articulate their feelings. She is deeply passionate about educating youth on emotional intelligence and works to enhance their understanding of how emotions influence behaviors and decision-making.

To support her clients, Dana utilizes evidence-based therapeutic approaches, primarily cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). She tailors interventions to meet each individual’s unique needs, incorporating skill-building, emotional regulation strategies, and practical coping techniques that can be applied in daily life.

Additionally, Dana is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), which equips her with specialized training to support children and adolescents in processing and coping with traumatic experiences. Her comprehensive, compassionate, and client-centered approach ensures that individuals of all ages receive the guidance and support needed to improve their emotional health, build resilience, and achieve meaningful personal growth.

Dana takes a client-centered approach, prioritizing rapport-building to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves. She works collaboratively with clients to identify their goals and tailor interventions to meet their individual needs and strengths. Dana also focuses on helping clients build practical coping skills and increase self-awareness to support lasting emotional and behavioral growth.

Dana creates a supportive and engaging virtual therapy environment where clients feel safe, comfortable, and able to openly express themselves from their own space. She prioritizes consistency and structure in sessions while remaining flexible to meet each client’s individual needs. Dana also incorporates interactive and practical strategies to keep clients engaged and to support the development of skills that can be applied in their daily lives.