Rated 4.6 stars out of 5, 14 ratings

Dana Barnes

LPC, 8 years of experience

Authentic
Solution oriented
Open-minded

About me

Great to meet you! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in New Jersey and have been practicing for the last 6 years. Life has its challenges and it is easy to question ourselves and often that feeling of disconnect can be so consuming and hinder growth. It is my goal to help you learn who you are, sit with those unknown questions along the way, and find fulfillment.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Seeking therapy is overwhelming in itself let alone that first session. However, that is something to be so proud of and my empowering approach will make you feel heard and confident to start looking inward. We will spend our time on getting to know each other as it is my priority to make sure that you feel seen by me. I will want to know more about what brought you to therapy and collaborate to develop a few goals to start working on in future sessions.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

Having worked in the addictions and mental health field for over 6 years, I have observed common themes that lead to continued suffering. A significant piece of what I bring are mindfulness based techniques to truly understand yourself on an intimate level. This practice aids in connecting with what you may be rejecting and relearn an acceptance for all parts of who are you. I'm also an EMDR-trained therapist which gets to the root of trauma while processing the event so it no longer derails your path. My belief is that you are the expert as it is my duty to get you to make you see that as well. I utilize interventions tailored to your specific needs.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

There is no "ideal" client for me as any client willing to put in work on themselves is what I offer space for. I seek to create an environment that is strengths-based, collaborative, and nurturing while also challenging my clients to identify the internal dialogue that keeps them stuck. As I encourage you to bring your authentic self, I will always do the same. This will allow us to feel a healthy connection and let go of your walls to reach inner freedoms.

Specialties

Top specialties

Other specialties

AnxietyDepression

I identify as

Serves ages

My treatment methods

EMDR

I am EMDR trained and have integrated this into my therapeutic practice for the last year and a half. This provides a safe foundation to enter deep trauma work within the healing process.

Attachment-based

I utilize attachment-based theories when exploring a client's past trauma and/or how this interferes in present-day relationships. I ensure that the client and I have developed a secure and trusting relationship to help model healthy attachment while guiding the client to their own understanding of unresolved issues to reach freedom.

Trauma Informed Care

While I will encourage you to stay with discomfort, ultimately I allow you choice. This is vital to developing an empowered relationship with oneself and a sense of regained trust that you know yourself best.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

Rated 4.6 stars out of 5, 14 ratings

2 ratings with written reviews

June 26, 2025

Dana was fantastic! After having a terrible experience with a provider on a different platform earlier this week, I am truly grateful to have found and connected with her. Dana was receptive, understanding, and her outlook on therapy seems to very much align with what I am looking for. I am excited to start this journey together!

Verified client, age 35-44

Review shared after session 1 with Dana

March 3, 2025

Dana is an incredible therapist who truly listens and makes me feel heard and understood. She creates a safe, supportive space where I never feel judged, and her insight has helped me navigate challenges with clarity and confidence. Her compassionate yet empowering approach encourages growth and self-awareness, making every session valuable. I’m grateful to have found her and highly recommend her to anyone looking for a therapist who genuinely cares and makes a real difference.

Verified client, age 45-54

Review shared after session 5 with Dana