Dana Andersen

Calm, practical support for life’s hard moments

LPC, LPCC Minnesota

Experience: 15 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Dana

Dana Andersen is a licensed therapist based in Minnesota who focuses on helping people navigate stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, and major life transitions.

Background and approach

With 15 years of professional experience, she centers her work on clients' strengths and lived expertise, supporting practical change while respecting each person’s story and values. She invites clients to view therapy as a collaborative process that builds on what already works in their lives.

Her approach draws from evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), and solution-oriented techniques to address emotional pain and relational challenges. Dana works with clients facing a range of concerns including chronic illness and pain, caregiver stress, codependency, communication and commitment issues, loneliness, and end-of-life matters.

Prospective clients can schedule by selecting an available slot on her calendar and begin work at a pace that fits their needs.

Online approaches that balance skills and values

Online sessions with Dana often draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and build concrete skills for managing anxiety, depression, and stress. CBT offers practical tools such as behavioral experiments and thought records to help clients test assumptions and change patterns that maintain distress.

She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on clarifying personal values and developing psychological flexibility. ACT helps clients accept difficult feelings without getting stuck in them while taking steps toward a meaningful life. Client-Centered principles guide the relationship by prioritizing empathy and the client’s expertise about their own life when deciding what techniques to use.

Finding the right fit between approach and goals is part of the collaborative process. The therapist will work with each client to choose methods that match their needs, pace, and preferences, and adjust strategies as progress unfolds.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and lifestyles. These options allow clients to access ongoing support from licensed professionals with fewer barriers related to travel or time, making it easier to maintain consistent work on goals.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of difficulties does Dana commonly address?

Dana works with people experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, and coping with life changes, along with related concerns such as chronic illness, caregiver stress, codependency, loneliness, and family or communication problems.

What is Dana’s therapeutic style like?

Her work is collaborative and strengths-focused, combining practical strategies with compassionate listening to help clients make changes that fit their values and daily life.

How many years has she been practicing?

She brings 15 years of professional experience to her clinical work, applying that background to a variety of emotional and relational concerns.

Where is Dana licensed to practice and what are her credentials?

She holds LPC and LPCC credentials and practices in Minnesota. Licence details provided are AZ LPC LPC-22916 and MN LPCC 01945.

Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?

Sessions are provided in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.

What session formats are available for online work?

Clients can connect through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on what works best for their schedule and preferences.

How are fees handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin if I want to work together?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session based on the therapist’s available times.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Grief Depression Coping with life changes

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessJealousyMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks Phobias Post-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSex addictionSocial anxiety and phobia

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Solution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

15+ years

Licensed

Minnesota, Arizona

Languages

English