Monica Chambers Dailey

An HBCU graduate with a degree in Philosophy and a proud mom of three, my professional journey began working with children involved in dependency cases at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Polk County. My experience also includes substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation counseling, which have shaped my understanding of the many ways people navigate adversity, healing, and change.

Training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in 2016 was a life-changer. At last, I had found a treatment modality that could be applied across populations, emphasized practical skills, and was deeply philosophical at its core. Grounded in behaviorism and cognitive therapy, DBT reflects a principle that resonates with me: as Marsha Linehan has expressed, we can learn to “act our way into a new way of feeling.”

Much of my work has centered on trauma survivors seeking to make peace with the past while learning to live more effectively in the present. Supporting individuals navigating family-of-origin dysfunction often involves finding the balance between acceptance—of ourselves and others—and change in the areas within our control. My work also includes helping clients navigate toxic or unhealthy workplace relationships, while my background in rehabilitation counseling offers a valuable perspective on life transitions and the challenges that accompany change.

Every client is met with appreciation and respect, with space for both acceptance of where they are today and the possibility of meaningful change. This is the work I feel called to do, and it is a sincere honor to bear witness to each person’s journey and offer support along the way.

My general orientation is dialectic, meaning that two seemingly opposing ideas can be true at the same time. My clients are doing the best that they can AND they can do better and push themselves further. This is one of the main assumptions of DBT and how I approach the work. I strive for the balance between affirmation and accountability, acceptance and change. I also recognize our shared humanity and the importance of normalizing my clients' struggles.

My clients can expect to be seen and heard from the first interaction. In our first session, it is my goal for new clients to walk away with a clear sense of where they've been, where they are now, and hope for where they are headed.