Danelle is a psychotherapist at Wildflower. Danelle brings to Wildflower a wealth of clinical experience in various mental health settings. She believes in the importance of providing evidence-based therapies and has extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Monmouth College, and her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University. Read Danelle’s full bio here.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a psychotherapist?
I’ve always enjoyed hearing people’s stories, helping people, and reflecting on other perspectives. I took some introduction psychology courses and started to realize that I have a passion for understanding human behavior, helping people understand themselves and figure out how to live their best lives. I also just love connecting with others and getting to know people in general.
As a psychotherapist, what part of your job is most satisfying?
I think the most satisfying part is seeing people with so much resilience and strength, and helping them see that in themselves. I also find that connecting with so many different people and hearing many perspectives is truly rewarding. I am always amazed at what my clients teach and show me throughout our work together. I feel so honored when clients trust me enough to divulge some of the most vulnerable pieces of themselves.
How would you describe your therapeutic approach?
My biggest aim in any therapeutic relationship is helping people feel safe enough to discuss both painful and pleasant moments they experience day-to-day, and being present with them in that. I have a background in evidence-based practices and try to weave these in together with developing a strong therapeutic alliance. I truly believe that people are the experts on themselves, and that my role is to help them understand themselves better and make meaningful changes in areas they find most meaningful.
Why do you believe that psychotherapy can help?
If someone feels safe enough to divulge some of the most vulnerable pieces of themselves and the therapist holds space for them with validation, openness, acceptance, and curiosity, it can be transformative. I believe it is incredibly freeing to have the space and person to share it all with and not be judged for it.
What are some of your specialties and what drew you to them?
I absolutely adore Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and was drawn to this modality because of the focus on values, and the work we need to do as humans to live a life driven by what matters to us deep in our hearts. I also was drawn to ACT because of the belief that we have space in ourselves to accept all of life’s experiences, pleasant and unpleasant, and that efforts to avoid pain may ultimately move us away from what’s important.
What is one thing about psychotherapy you wish everyone knew?
The most important part of therapy isn’t what the therapist DOES, it’s how they make you feel in the therapeutic space. Therapy without rapport, trust, and a sense of safety doesn’t go very far.
What is your motto or personal mantra?
“I am enough”
What are your favorite self-care activities?
I love going on long distance runs. It’s my time to be alone and reflect on everything. I also enjoy reading fantasy books and getting sucked into an entirely different world. More recently I’ve started doing jigsaw puzzles to tackle a challenge, feel accomplished, and practice being in the present moment (also so I can hang them around my house).
