Dana McPherson, LCSW - Therapist in Oregon

About Dana

Dana McPherson is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and major life changes. She focuses on practical, straightforward support for relationship and family tensions, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, and career concerns. Dana speaks English and practices from an approach that centers respect and sensitivity.

Her aim is to meet each person where they are and tailor sessions to real-life needs. Dana has four years of professional experience and maintains active licensure as an LCSW in Oregon and California.

Background and approach

She uses clear tools and relatable language rather than jargon. Sessions are built around the client’s priorities and paced to what feels manageable for them. In therapy she blends tried-and-true methods with a client-centered stance.

Conversations often include practical strategies for coping with anxiety, ways to shift unhelpful thinking patterns, and skills to manage strong emotions. Mindfulness and motivational techniques are part of the mix when they help move a person forward. People working with Dana can expect collaborative planning and straightforward homework when it serves their goals.

She respects differences in background and identity, including LGBT concerns, and adapts techniques to each person’s situation. Progress is tracked in simple, observable steps rather than vague promises. Dana does not offer couples therapy.

She asks clients to be mindful of appointment commitments and notes that repeated no-shows can lead to ending services. To begin, clients follow the platform’s matching process and schedule sessions according to availability.

Approaches that translate well to online care

Client-centered therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and shaping sessions around what matters most to the client. It helps people feel heard and guides practical next steps tailored to their life circumstances.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts influence feelings and behaviors. In sessions clients learn to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and try small, concrete experiments to shift those patterns and reduce anxiety or low mood.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, offers skills for managing intense emotions and improving interpersonal effectiveness. It teaches breathing and grounding skills, emotion regulation, and communication tools that help in stressful family or workplace situations.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together they choose methods that fit the client’s needs and adjust as progress is made.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face connection, phone sessions remove travel barriers, and live chat or text-based messaging make it possible to check in between meetings. These options help people keep therapy consistent around school, work, caregiving, or other commitments while still working with a licensed professional.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems can be addressed?

Dana works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and family concerns, self-esteem, career questions, LGBT issues, and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include abandonment, attachment issues, caregiver stress, and end-of-life concerns.

How would Dana describe her therapy style?

She uses a warm, practical approach that centers the client. Sessions are collaborative and focus on clear steps, emotion management, and real-world strategies rather than abstract theory.

What training and background does she have?

Dana is a licensed clinical social worker with four years of professional experience working with adults across a range of concerns and life stages.

Where is she licensed and based?

Licensure includes Oregon and California with the following details: OR LCSW L16003 and CA LCSW LCSW123245. Her practice information lists Oregon as a location.

Which languages are supported and can international clients connect?

Sessions are offered in English, and international clients are accepted.

What session formats are available?

Therapy sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.

How are fees handled?

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

What is the first step to begin working together?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Trauma and abuse

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 4 years
Licensed: California, Oregon
Languages: English

Next step

Talk to Dana

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Stop at any point

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