Dana McPherson, LCSW

Dana McPherson is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, trauma and abuse, grief, and depression. She also supports those dealing with self-esteem, career shifts, LGBT concerns, family tensions, and coping with life changes. Dana writes in a direct, respectful way and aims to meet people where they are.

Dana offers short-term goals and longer work depending on a person’s needs. Sessions focus on practical steps to feel less stuck and to improve day-to-day functioning. She uses clear conversation and collaborative planning rather than jargon.

Her work draws on client-centered therapy, so sessions follow each person’s priorities. She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify unhelpful thoughts and DBT skills for emotion regulation when needed. Mindfulness and motivational interviewing are added to help with focus and motivation.

Dana’s background includes four years of clinical practice as an LCSW in Oregon. She has experience with a wide age range and with issues from abandonment and attachment concerns to caregiver stress and end-of-life counseling. This range informs a practical approach tailored to each person’s life.

She does not provide couples therapy. The first meeting is used to clarify goals and make a simple plan that fits a person’s schedule and needs. People who choose to work with Dana should expect a respectful, straightforward process focused on small changes that add up.

Therapeutic approaches and how online work can help

Client-centered therapy focuses on the person's own goals and pace, with the therapist following what matters most to them. This approach helps when someone needs a space to sort priorities and decide next steps. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts and behaviors influence feelings and teaches concrete skills to change those patterns. CBT can help with anxiety, low mood, and getting unstuck.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss options and try methods that fit a person's goals and preferences. Over a few sessions the plan is adjusted so work stays useful and manageable.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to schedule therapy around work, school, or caregiving. They can also allow shorter check-ins when a full session isn't needed and reduce travel time, making consistent care easier to maintain. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises, worksheets, and mindfulness practices to an online setting so progress continues between visits.