About Dana

Dana Jackson is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervisor designation (LISW-S) and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) with 20 years of experience supporting adolescents and adults across private practice, community mental health, inpatient/residential treatment, and nonprofit settings.

She works with clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, identity development, and major life transitions, with a strong focus on helping individuals reconnect with their strengths and build a more grounded, empowered sense of self.

Dana is especially passionate about supporting Black clients navigating today’s social climate, adolescents developing their identity and independence, survivors moving beyond survival into healing and growth, and couples working to strengthen their relationships.

At the center of her work is the belief that therapy is not about “fixing” people, but about offering perspective, support, and tools so clients can create meaningful change in their own lives.

Training & Credentials

• Bachelor & Master of Social Work, The Ohio State University

• 20 years of professional clinical experience

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) trained

• Experience across private practice, community mental health, inpatient/residential treatment, and nonprofit organizations

Approach

Dana takes a laid-back, conversational, and relational approach to therapy. She focuses on building trust and helping clients feel comfortable enough to engage honestly in the therapeutic process.

Her work is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and solution-focused approaches. She helps clients identify challenges, clarify goals, and recognize their strengths so they can take meaningful steps toward change.

Dana believes that integrity, authenticity, honesty, relationships, and skill are the foundation of effective therapy. She creates a nonjudgmental space where difficult conversations can happen safely, always centered around the client’s goals and readiness for change.

What to Expect

Clients can expect an open, conversational style where the focus is on getting to know each other and building a strong therapeutic relationship.

Early sessions focus on understanding what brings you in, identifying goals, and beginning to explore patterns, strengths, and barriers. Dana works collaboratively, helping clients gain perspective while also supporting practical steps toward change.

She emphasizes trust, honesty, and support, and encourages clients to engage at a pace that feels manageable while still moving toward meaningful growth.

A Bit Outside the Office

Outside of her clinical work, Dana values family, creativity, and enjoyment of life. She spends time with her husband and children, enjoys anime, dystopian films and shows, reading, traveling, and exploring food as a “foodie.”

She also values personal growth and believes in continuously developing herself so she can show up fully and authentically for others.

A Note from Dana

Dana believes that most people benefit from therapy at some point in their lives. She often encourages clients to give therapy a few sessions to see if it feels like a good fit, while also emphasizing that it’s okay to change providers if needed.

Her core message is simple: therapy works when there is honesty, effort, and willingness — and you don’t have to do it alone.