New to Grow
I am Dr. D’uana White, Ed.D., LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker with a background in behavioral health, school counseling, and family systems. I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, emotional regulation concerns, and stress-related difficulties. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and culturally responsive, and I am committed to creating a supportive space where clients feel seen, understood, and empowered to heal and grow.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In your first session with me, you can expect a welcoming, supportive, and judgment-free space where we begin building a strong therapeutic relationship. We will talk about what brought you to therapy, your goals, your concerns, and what you hope to gain from our work together. I will ask questions to better understand your background, relationships, and current challenges, while also giving you space to share at your own pace. Together, we will begin identifying patterns, strengths, and areas for growth, and we will discuss how therapy can best support your needs. My goal is for you to leave your first session feeling heard, understood, and hopeful about the path forward.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What stands out about my therapeutic approach is my ability to integrate emotional intelligence, attachment-based work, and culturally responsive care into a warm, collaborative, and results-driven therapeutic experience. I bring a unique blend of clinical expertise, leadership experience, and systems-level understanding, which allows me to support not only individual healing but also relational and family transformation. Clients often share that they feel deeply seen, understood, and empowered in our work together. I focus on helping clients develop greater emotional awareness, improve communication, and build healthier relationship patterns that lead to lasting change both in and outside of therapy.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am best positioned to serve individuals, couples, and families who are navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, emotional overwhelm, and stress-related concerns. I work especially well with clients who are seeking greater emotional awareness, healthier communication, and stronger connections in their personal and family relationships. Many of my clients are high-achieving professionals, parents, and caregivers who are balancing multiple responsibilities and are ready to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being. I partner with clients who are motivated for growth, open to self-reflection, and committed to creating meaningful and lasting change in their lives.
Family Therapy
I bring extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families across school, community, and clinical settings. My background in school counseling, early intervention, behavioral health, and family systems work allows me to support families navigating communication challenges, parenting concerns, emotional regulation difficulties, and major life transitions. In my practice, I approach the family as an interconnected system and help each member better understand their role within family dynamics. I work collaboratively with families to strengthen communication, build emotional awareness, improve conflict resolution, and establish healthy boundaries, creating a supportive and respectful space where every voice is valued.
Motivational Interviewing
I have used Motivational Interviewing throughout my work in behavioral health, substance use counseling, school-based mental health, and clinical practice. This approach is especially helpful for clients who feel stuck, uncertain, or conflicted about making changes in their lives. In my work, I use Motivational Interviewing to help clients explore their goals, values, and ambivalence in a nonjudgmental and supportive way. Rather than directing or pressuring clients, I partner with them to strengthen their confidence, increase self-awareness, and build the internal motivation needed to make meaningful and lasting changes.
Couples Counseling
I have experience supporting couples through a wide range of relational challenges, including communication difficulties, emotional disconnection, trust concerns, life transitions, and parenting stress. My work with couples is grounded in emotional intelligence, attachment theory, and relational healing. In my practice, I create a neutral and compassionate space where both partners feel heard and respected. I help couples identify unhealthy interaction patterns, improve emotional understanding, rebuild trust, and strengthen intimacy so they can move toward a healthier, more connected relationship.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I am deeply committed to providing culturally responsive and inclusive care, informed by years of experience working with diverse individuals, families, and communities across a wide range of backgrounds and identities. In my practice, I integrate cultural humility into every aspect of treatment by honoring each client’s lived experience, values, and worldview. I recognize the impact of culture, race, identity, and systemic stressors on mental health and work to create a space where clients feel seen, respected, and understood. My goal is to provide therapy that is affirming, empowering, and aligned with each client’s unique story.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy is a central framework in my work with individuals, couples, and families. My background in emotional intelligence, attachment theory, and behavioral health allows me to help clients understand how early emotional experiences and relationship patterns influence their current challenges. In practice, I use EFT to help clients identify emotional triggers, recognize negative relational cycles, and develop healthier ways of expressing needs and emotions. This approach supports clients in building emotional safety, deepening connection, and creating more secure and fulfilling relationships.