Danica Neal, AMFT, is a dynamic and compassionate Associate Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to helping create lasting positive change in children, adolescents, and young adults. She recognizes how early intervention in a child’s life can be an integral foundation for increasing self-acceptance, autonomy, and resilience. Through a holistic approach, Danica strives to work collaboratively with her clients to guide them in overcoming what is causing them to feel the most stuck. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, perfectionism, and regulation issues. In addition, she has helped many clients explore and gain insight into gender identity, attachment, and family issues.
When working with children, she utilizes play and expressive arts to allow children to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences that they may not be able to convey with words. Danica determines which beliefs your child could be developing that are causing difficulties in everyday life, short-term, and long-term goals. Utilizing play as the child’s language, Danica will teach children useful skills relating to emotional regulation, interpersonal development, and mastery. She enjoys working closely with parents or caregivers in order to address these challenges early and collaborate on ways to foster improved communication and further support the child at home.
When working with young adults, Danica offers a compassionate and non-judgmental space to navigate the complexities of life transitions, identity, and self-acceptance. With a deep understanding of the unique pressures of young adulthood, she aims to foster a safe, empowering environment where clients can feel safe to master the unconscious obstacles that can keep them stuck in place. She also has a strong focus on supporting young adults within the LGBTQ+ community in overcoming current challenges, fears, and struggles. Together, Danica and her clients work to identify and cultivate areas in need of extra care.
Danica’s diverse educational and professional background instills confidence in her ability to address a wide range of client needs. She received her B.S. from Oberlin College and her M.A. in Counseling Psychology, with a Concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy, from Dominican University of California. Over 5 years of clinical practice, she completed a traineeship at her alma mater, providing individual therapy to college students. Her post-graduation work in the Novato public school district with children and adolescents from various cultural backgrounds further honed her skills and sparked her passion for working with a range of younger clients.
In her therapeutic practice, Danica harmoniously integrates Control-Mastery Therapy (CMT) with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Expressive Art Interventions.
“When navigating life in a world that can often feel overwhelming, my approach is collaborative and tailored to your unique needs. I am dedicated to promoting healing and self-love by helping you develop the skills needed to cope with life’s challenges.”
Outside of her professional work, Danica is an empathetic and caring individual who believes in the benefits of therapy. Her interests, such as crocheting, creating digital artwork, yoga, and playing board games with friends and family, reflect her creative and nurturing nature.