Who I am in the Office
I’m Danielle (Dani – she/they), and I am a legally blind, genderfluid, late-diagnosed neurodivergent ex-gifted kid. In 2024, I made the decision to leave everything I knew and move to Washington where I could build a life for myself in a place that was both more accessible and more accepting. That means that I know what it’s like to live a life surrounded by systems that aren’t built for us and do not support us – I know what it’s like to fight for what I need, and I want to help you do the same. More than that, I want to help you stop fighting and finally find some peace in a world that often leaves us feeling exhausted, burned out, and struggling to find purpose.
I utilize an approach that is trauma informed and grounded in a balance of practical solutions as well as exploring meaning, purpose, and spirituality. I utilize techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Somatic Therapy, Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, Art Therapy, and more.
I also work at LightHeart Mental Health where I have a physical office and work with children and adults utilizing the above techniques as well as Play Therapy and Child-Centered Play Therapy techniques. My ultimate goal is to open my own practice where I can utilize typical talk therapies as well as art, narrative, music, and play therapies to work with children, families, and adults with a continued focus on neurodivergence, LGBTQIA+ communities, disability, and other underrepresented and under supported minorities.
Education and Experience
I am a licensed mental health counseling associate (LMHCA), which means I am working with a supervisor (Zane Behnke) while I finish my hours and other tasks for independent licensure. I plan to finish and apply for licensure in late 2026.
I am originally from Mississippi and earned my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mississippi State University. I completed internships in a variety of settings including an addiction IOP/PHP, a child advocacy center, a community center supporting unhoused and lower income families, and with acute inpatient adults in a psychiatric hospital. Since moving to Washington, I have worked in a group practice where I’ve supported a variety of clients from ages 3 to 60 and symptoms ranging from depression, anxiety, and trauma to ADHD, Autism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Who I am away from the Office
Outside the office, I continue to explore my curiosity, creativity, and journey to find new ways to make life meaningful. I have way too many hobbies and interests like so many neurodivergent people. Some of my hobbies and interests include crochet, guitar, singing, songwriting, graphic design, writing, video games, tabletop RPGs, and hockey (GO TORRENT!!!).
I have worked as an advocate for disabilities and accessibility for the past 7 years including work in web and video game accessibility consulting, public speaking, and panel moderation on topics like accessibility and mental health in gaming.
I am also a part of the Seattle Sea Otters which are a part of the American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) which is an organization that supports the creation of adaptive hockey teams for people with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. I joined the team in late 2025, and we are working to create an inclusive space for people with disabilities of all ages and hockey skill levels.
Am I a Good Fit for You?
If you’d like to learn more about what I can do for you, visit my Services page. If you have more questions, you can visit my Frequently Asked Questions page.
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Already Work with Danielle?
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