Santa Barbara Therapist

DanaH Williams, M.A., LMFT

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over seventeen years experience helping adults, teens, children and families cope with and overcome depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, behavioral problems, self-harming behaviors, communication issues, family transitions, addiction and stress. I believe that there is hope for each and every person that I work with, even through life's most difficult circumstances.

I understand how frustrating and hopeless trying to cope alone can feel. I want you to know that you do not have to suffer in silence. Compassionate support, listening and solution-focused therapy is here.

I specialize in helping people break unwanted, destructive patterns of coping and empower them with practical, evidenced-based coping skills proven to reduce depression, anxiety, stress, addiction and self-harm. I am passionate about building a strong alliance with my clients, creating a safe environment to process unresolved grief and trauma, teaching positive coping skills and utilizing your internal strengths and resources to bring about lasting change that enables you experience relief from emotional pain and enjoy life.

I am extensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). I earned a DBT certificate issued by Dr. Alan Fruzzetti, Director of the DBT Therapy and Research Program and Professor of Psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno, after completing an intensive, one-year DBT certification process.  

I am Past President of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, Santa Barbara Chapter, where I have served on the Board of Directors since 2010. I was recently nominated Director-At-Large on the Board of Directors at the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. An organization that represents over 33,000 psychotherapists in the state of California. 

I am a nationwide public speaker, presenting to audiences at the National Partnership for Well-Being Institute (formerly, National Wrap Around Institute), in Anaheim, CA, on Integrating DBT-Informed Coping Strategies into Community Mental Health Programs. I have trained hundreds of mental health para-professionals and lay counselors to lead effective, special-interest, community and support groups in their homes, businesses and neighborhoods.

Professional Affiliations

Past-President, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, Santa Barbara Chapter (SBCAMFT)
Director-At-Large, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
Member, Kiwanis Club International of Santa Barbara
Member, Santa Barbara Downtown Organization (SBDO)

Education

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Antioch University Santa Barbara
Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, Azusa Pacific University