About Dana West

Dana Risucci-West, LCSW specializes in substance abuse, addictions, marriage, trauma and sexual abuse issues. Dana is passionate about helping others feel heard and validated and then helping them to identify the root of their problems. Dana's mission statement with her practice is to Speak the Truth in Love and help others develop a purposeful treatment plan to achieve wellness and healing. Dana is known to show her heart and all that she does and facilities a warm environment where her clients feel safe and nurtured.

3 Lies Teen Girls Believe | Orlando Teen Counselor Dana West, LCSW

Ever stopped and wondered what happened to my sweet little baby girl while glancing at you’re teenage daughter struggling with self-esteem, relationships, and mood swings? It seems that it is a rite of passage in our society for teenage [...]

Infertility and Its Effects: What You Need to Know

The impact of infertility is not discussed enough, but it is a prevalent problem. Its effects take a toll on a person physiologically and mentally. One in eight couples have reported to have difficulty conceiving or maintaining pregnancy. There [...]

Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms and Treatments | Orlando Counselor

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental health condition that affects a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. It is characterized by extreme shifts in mood, ranging from episodes of mania (a state of elevated [...]

7 Marriage Relationship Tips to Manage Quarantine Stress | Marriage Therapist

Relationships can be difficult, but when you add a global pandemic, quarantines, curfews, and the mass hysteria flowing through society, relationships can seem almost impossible. You’re stuck in the house all day, unable to distract yourself with your usual daily [...]

The Benefits of Forgiveness | Counselor Dana West

The Benefits of Forgiveness | Dana West, LCSW Why is forgiveness easy to verbalize but so difficult to express? How many times should I forgive?  Can I distance myself while forgiving someone who hurts me repeatedly? If I forgive too [...]

8 Characteristics of Teen & Serial Arsonists | Suspected Orlando Serial Arsonists Arrested | Steven Angle | Orlando Winter Park Counselor

Two persons of interest were arrested for suspected link to 30 arson incidents in the Orlando area.  Since June 2014 there has been: Eleven residential arson incidents in Sanford Twelve in the Orlando area Three in the Daytona area. CFN 13 [...]

7 Issues to Address Before Marriage | Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Engaged | Marriage Counselor Relationship Expert Dana West, LCSW

The latest Hollywood love news is that Kim Kardashian was presented with a 15-carat diamond ring from her long-term rapper boyfriend Kanye West, on her birthday October 21, 2013.  This will be Kardashian’s third attempt to walk down the aisle [...]

Do Most Sexual Abuse Survivors Lose their Childhood | Amanda Perry, Michelle Knight, & Gina DeJesus | Dana West, LCSW Abuse Counselor

Darkness into Light Fleeing from the pits of darkness, Amanda Perry, 27, escaped from being held hostage for over a decade.  She called 911 at a neighbor’s house and found freedom after 10 years being held hostage.  She wasn’t the [...]