Dani Derse

As a therapist, my goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, valued, and supported as they explore their mental health, process difficult emotions, and reconnect with their authentic selves. I seek to validate my clients' experiences while also challenging them to consider new possibilities, fostering resilience and self-acceptance. At the core of my work is a deep reverence for each person’s humanity. I believe that every individual is complex, whole, and inherently worthy, regardless of the struggles they face. We all carry wounds, defenses, and patterns shaped by our lived experiences—but we also carry profound strength, wisdom, and the capacity for healing. I see therapy as a space to hold both: the pain and the possibility, the sorrow and the joy, the struggle and the transformation. My approach is eclectic and adaptive, recognizing that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. I tailor each session to the unique needs, goals, and lived experiences of my clients. At times, I draw from psychodynamic and attachment-based perspectives to explore the deeper roots of emotional patterns. Other times, I focus on the present moment, offering practical tools for navigating life’s challenges. My work is deeply informed not only by my education and clinical training but also by my own healing journey. I understand, on both a professional and personal level, the courage it takes to step into vulnerability and the profound transformation that can come from doing this work. This lived experience allows me to hold space with deep empathy and authenticity, meeting clients wherever they are with genuine understanding. At the heart of my practice lies a deep curiosity, openness, and compassion. I believe that healing happens within a relationship of trust, presence, and spaciousness—where clients feel safe enough to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences with honesty and vulnerability. I incorporate a client-centered, integrative approach, drawing from trauma-informed care, mindfulness-based practices, somatic awareness, and expressive modalities. I also value the connection between psychological and spiritual well-being, weaving in Jungian and transpersonal perspectives to support deeper self-exploration. We often develop defense mechanisms to protect ourselves, yet these same patterns can keep us from our deepest dreams, longings, and joy. I believe that by understanding our wounds with compassion, we can open our hearts to greater love, creativity, and spontaneity. Wherever you are in your life, that is where we will begin. Taking the first step toward healing can be the hardest, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you are ready to deepen into self-inquiry, I would be honored to support and guide you. Change is possible, and support can make all the difference. If it sounds like I would be a good fit for your therapy needs, please reach out to schedule a consultation call. Be well!