Dana Catarella, LSW

Hello, and welcome to My Therapy Connection™! My name is Dana and I am a Licensed Social Worker in New Jersey. I currently live across the bridge in Philadelphia. I work with individual teens and adults as well as couples.

Overcoming personal challenges during my high school and college years led to developing a passion for the human mind, human behavior, and studying human relationships. I realized that I had a talent, unique set of skills, and perfect mindset to become a therapist.

As your therapist, I understand that sometimes life gets overwhelming, and sorting through your thoughts, emotions, and various challenges feels like an impossible task. My goal is to provide a safe space for you to feel comfortable learning, growing, reflecting, and healing. In session we will process your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so that you will be on the path to healing.

I practice unconditional positive regard, with a client-centered, non-judgmental approach, which basically means that my clients are free to say, think, and feel whatever they want in session and there will be no judgment from me. You are safe in my therapy room.

My belief is that the I should never assume or believe to know more about you than you know about yourself. Afterall, clients are experts on themselves, and I will serve to guide you towards finding your own answers. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the vehicle for creating change, and there is not a “one size fits all” model for effectuating change.  Additionally, I strive to assist my clients with building positive views of themselves and their relationships.

My belief is that through gaining self-awareness and self-efficacy over your mind is what leads to empowerment and positive self-appraisal, which builds motivation for making long lasting changes. My favorite moment is when a client feels the light switch turn on, when confusion turns to clarity, and when pain turns into acceptance and peace.

Now, a bit more about my professional background: I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in Social Work—both from Rutgers University. Since graduating, I have worked in various settings within the mental health field. Some settings include hospitals, inpatient facilities, partial care facilities, residential treatment centers, and intensive in-community treatment. Because of my vast experience in these settings, I have worked with clients suffering from variety of challenges, including Mood Disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, various Phobias, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Body Image Issues, Schizophrenia, Substance Abuse problems, Grief & Loss, LGBTQIA issues, and those who are on the Autism Spectrum. 

My specialty includes working with individual adults, teens, and couples. I utilize various modalities of evidence-based treatment depending on your unique needs. I have received specialized training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Positive Psychology, Mindfulness, Stages of Change Model, and I am Level 1 Certified in The Gottman Method for Couples.

In my free time you can find me riding my E-scooter through the city streets, working out at the gym, reading psychology and self-help books, making smores at my firepit with friends and family, trying out new restaurants, traveling, attending concerts and art museums, watching true crime shows, and cooking various cuisines.

As a therapist, I understand the importance of self-care and managing stress. Therefore, I engage in a daily mindfulness meditation and yoga practice as well.

If you have any further questions about my areas of expertise, and how I can help you, please feel free to reach out to me via email at: [email protected] I am also offering a free 10-minute consultation if you are unsure about therapy or want to know more about how I can help you.

As a pre-licensed counselor, I work under the supervision of Larissa Boianelli-Mason, LCSW NJ License Number 44SC05392700.

Dana’s rate: $125