Lanora Dennis
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of clinical experience supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges, work through difficult experiences, and move toward meaningful change.
You can honor the person you’ve had to be while making room for the person you’re becoming.
I believe therapy is a collaborative process that provides an opportunity to gain greater self-awareness, explore new perspectives, and develop the tools needed to create a more fulfilling life. My approach is warm, direct, and supportive, and I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, respected, and understood. I recognize that every person’s journey is unique, so I tailor my approach to each client’s individual needs, experiences, and goals. My goal is to help clients build on their strengths, navigate challenges with greater confidence, and develop healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and responding to life.
First session
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another, discuss what brings you to therapy, and explore what you hope to gain from the experience. I want you to feel comfortable sharing your story at your own pace in a space where you feel heard, respected, and supported. We will begin identifying the concerns, experiences, or patterns you would like to work through, along with the strengths you already bring to the process. You do not need to have everything figured out before we meet. My goal is for you to leave our first session feeling understood, with a clearer sense of direction and an understanding of how we can work together toward your goals.
Strengths
I bring 20 years of clinical experience, empathy, active listening, and a straightforward yet compassionate approach to therapy. I strive to create a space where clients feel safe enough to be honest, explore difficult emotions, and discuss challenges without fear of judgment. I balance listening and reflection with practical tools and strategies that clients can apply in their everyday lives. Whether we are working through anxiety, navigating relationship challenges, healing from difficult experiences, or building self-esteem, I help clients recognize unhelpful patterns, strengthen emotional regulation, establish healthy boundaries, and develop greater self-awareness. I believe in meeting clients where they are while also helping them identify opportunities for growth. My goal is for you to leave sessions feeling understood, supported, and better equipped to navigate life with confidence and clarity.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is ready to better understand themselves, navigate life’s challenges, and work toward meaningful change, even if they are unsure where to begin. You may be feeling overwhelmed, struggling with relationships, experiencing a major life transition, or simply sensing that something needs to change. You may be looking for a safe space to process your experiences, gain clarity, build confidence, or develop healthier ways of coping. You do not need to have all the answers or know exactly what you need from therapy to get started. I welcome clients who are open to self-exploration, willing to consider new perspectives, and interested in developing practical tools to support their growth. My goal is to meet you where you are, help you recognize your strengths, and support you in creating meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into my practice to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Together, we explore how unhelpful thinking patterns and learned responses may contribute to emotional distress or keep them feeling stuck. I help clients identify and challenge these patterns, consider alternative perspectives, and develop healthier ways of responding to life’s challenges. Through collaborative discussions, practical exercises, and strategies clients can use between sessions, we work toward strengthening coping skills, improving emotional regulation, and building greater confidence in managing difficult situations. I tailor CBT techniques to each client’s individual needs and goals, creating a supportive environment that encourages self-awareness, practical growth, and lasting change.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I use mindfulness-based techniques to help clients become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in the present moment. These practices can help reduce stress, manage overwhelming emotions, and create space to respond to challenges rather than react automatically. My goal is to help clients develop greater self-awareness, emotional balance, and a stronger sense of calm in their everyday lives.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate DBT skills to help clients manage intense emotions, cope with stress, and improve their relationships. Together, we focus on practical strategies for emotional regulation, handling difficult situations, communicating effectively, and setting healthy boundaries. I use this approach to help clients feel more in control of their responses and better equipped to navigate life's challenges.
Motivational Interviewing
I use motivational interviewing to help clients explore their feelings about change, identify what matters most to them, and build confidence in their ability to move forward. Rather than telling clients what they should do, I work collaboratively with them to identify their own reasons for change and overcome uncertainty. This approach helps clients make choices that align with their values, goals, and vision for their lives.
Psychodynamic
I use psychodynamic therapy to help clients explore how past experiences, relationships, and recurring patterns may influence their current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By developing a deeper understanding of themselves, clients can begin to recognize patterns that may be affecting their relationships and overall well-being. This approach supports greater self-awareness, emotional understanding, and the opportunity to make healthier choices moving forward.
Location
Virtual sessions