Danniel Worthen

Danniel Worthen Cullumber, MSW, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, trauma therapist, and native Utahn with over two decades of experience in trauma-informed care. She is the founder and owner of Willow Medela Wellness LLC, a holistic trauma therapy practice based in Utah that integrates clinical expertise with mind-body-spirit healing.

Danniel is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) at Simmons University, where her work continues to center social justice, holistic healing, and culturally responsive practice.

She began her career in human services as a recreational therapist, a role she held for 15 years before transitioning into social work. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Utah in 2012 and her Master of Social Work from the University of New England–Maine in 2020. During her graduate practicum, she co-created a Skills Counseling program that continues to support clients today.

At Willow Medela Wellness, Danniel works with youth, adolescents, adults, and older adults, offering individual, family, and group therapy. She has extensive experience in child welfare and provides specialized trauma-informed care for individuals with complex trauma, PTSD, and special needs. Her approach is grounded in empathy, empowerment, and accessibility, combining mindfulness, breath work, and holistic techniques to help clients reclaim meaning and connection.

Outside of her clinical work, Danniel enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the metaphysical, and indulging her love of all things paranormal. Affectionately known as “the cat lady” and “the paranormal social worker,” she can often be found curled up with her cats, watching paranormal shows, or reading one of her many treasured books.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and trauma-informed. I believe healing begins with safety, connection, and self-understanding. Together, we explore your story; not to stay in the past, but to help you find meaning, resilience, and direction in the present.

I integrate a range of research-based interventions to meet each client’s needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). I also draw on mindfulness, breath work, and meaning-centered storytelling to support mind-body integration and emotional regulation. These approaches help clients identify patterns, strengthen coping skills, and reconnect with their authentic sense of self.

My work is grounded in culturally responsive, anti-oppressive, and strength-based frameworks, recognizing the impact of identity, environment, and systemic factors on well-being. I specialize in working with adults navigating complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety, grief, and identity-related challenges, and I offer an affirming space for clients with spiritual or paranormal experiences that are often misunderstood in traditional settings.

At the core of my practice is the belief that healing happens through both evidence-based practice and genuine human connection. My goal is to help you reclaim your story, restore balance, and move toward a life guided by purpose, meaning, and self-compassion.

Your first session with me focuses on building safety, trust, and understanding. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy, what you hope to work on, and what’s been making things difficult lately. You don’t need to have the perfect words or a clear plan; this time is for you to simply show up as you are.

We’ll review your intake information, discuss confidentiality, and go over any questions you have about the process. From there, we’ll begin identifying the patterns, stressors, or symptoms you’d like to change and start developing a personalized plan that includes short-term goals and long-term supports.

Because healing involves ongoing maintenance, we’ll also explore practical coping strategies to help regulate emotions and manage distress between sessions. I often integrate CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and mindfulness-based practices to support emotional regulation and resilience.

I also welcome discussions of spiritual or paranormal experiences as part of your unique meaning-making process if that’s relevant to you. Therapy with me honors the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.

By the end of your first session, my goal is for you to feel heard, supported, and grounded with a clearer understanding of how we’ll work together to build stability, strengthen coping tools, and create sustainable healing over time.