Danielle ‘Dana’ Davis has been an advocate and healer for as long as she can remember: in grade school she was the confidential and empathetic friend everyone would talk to, the voice for those too afraid to speak, the volunteer for those in need and the rescuer of stray/abused animals. She now has 20+ years of mental health experience in counseling and advocacy.
A North Carolina native by birth (Wrightsville Beach, Wilmington) but Tennessean by heart, she graduated University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology (1994) and her Master’s Degree (Ed.M.) in Guidance and Counseling (Clinical Psychology concentration) in 2000. She obtained her National Certified Counselor (NCC) Certificate in 2003 and remains a member of her local PsiChi chapter to date. Certified in Trauma Informed Therapy in tandem with the Tommy Burkes Victim Assistance Academy, she has counseled those surviving rape/sexual abuse, domestic violence, human trafficking and grief/loss. She is also certified in Crisis Intervention/Suicide Counseling, serving those experiencing thoughts of self harm, addiction issues, and anger management.
Dana developed a love of community service as a clinician at a Nashville community mental health center, providing assessments, therapy and case management referrals to Middle Tennesseeans. That passion expanded to public service while working in local city and state government; counseling victims of crime, persons experiencing homelessness, veterans and individuals involved in the criminal justice system. She has worked in all Levels of Care settings and telehealth is her preferred method of therapy, as she has learned clients feel more relaxed and empowered in the comfort of their own space.
Dana’s counseling philosophy is aligned with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, understanding that healing cannot occur without basic safety needs being met; she is an expert in community referrals, ensuring clients have a solid foundation on which to build.
Grounded in Personality and Attachment Theories, Dana is an expert in providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gottman Method, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, Interpersonal Counseling, and Narrative Counseling with a person-centered, strength-focused approach. She specializes in Trauma (including Depression, Anxiety/PTSD), Dual Diagnosis, Adjustment Disorders, Forensic Referrals, and Conflict Resolution for adults, couples and adolescents (13 years and older).
“Born on the beach, retire on the beach,” is Dana’s ultimate life goal: A B&B in Costa Rica with my partner, Matt; his Harley; and our 4 cats + 2 Akitas.