Dana West, LCSW | Orlando Trauma Therapist, Women & Marriage Counselor
Dana West
MSW, LCSW
Dr Phillips area Licensed Clinical Social Worker of Total Life Counseling Center
Dana West
MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Trauma, Marriage & Women’s Issues Specialist
Marriage Counselor Orlando, FL | Couples Counselor Orlando
Dana West is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in trauma recovery, marriage and couples counseling, women’s issues, and addiction-related concerns. With over two decades of clinical experience, she supports individuals and couples in overcoming emotional, relational, and trauma-based challenges.
Her areas of expertise include PTSD, sexual abuse recovery, addiction, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and relationship issues. Dana takes a compassionate, trauma-informed, and evidence-based approach, helping clients achieve meaningful healing, emotional stability, and lasting personal growth.
Get to Know Dana West
Providing Compassionate, Trauma-Informed Counseling Rooted in Experience and Healing
Dana is known for her warm, authentic approach and her belief that lasting change happens when therapy addresses both present symptoms and the underlying root issues affecting emotional well-being.
Her clinical philosophy is supported by advanced education, state licensure, and active professional involvement.
- Master of Social Work (MSW) – Florida Atlantic University (FAU), Boca Raton
- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – State of Florida
- Member, National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
- Licensed & Certified Provider, Psychology Today
Dana has practiced in community mental health centers, residential addiction and mental health treatment programs, group trauma recovery settings, and private practice.
As a sexual abuse survivor, Dana brings a personal understanding to her work as an Orlando marriage counselor, allowing her to connect deeply with clients and help them heal so the past no longer impacts the present or future.
Clinical Experience & Therapeutic Approach
Dana West has extensive experience in behavioral health. She worked for four years in a residential treatment program at the Wellness Resource Center in the Boca Raton area, supporting individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental illness.
This experience strengthens her ability to help clients heal from trauma recovery, addiction treatment, and patterns that interfere with emotional stability and sobriety.
Dana helps clients heal from their past so it no longer affects their present or future by using stress management skills, healthy coping strategies, anger management, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), eye-movement-based trauma approaches, and the Gottman Relationship Counseling Method, an evidence-based approach widely respected in couples therapy in Orlando.
She believes many challenges, including anxiety, depression, relationship and marital issues, self-esteem struggles, addiction, and mood disorders, stem from deeper unresolved issues. Her work focuses on both symptom relief and long-term healing, making her a highly regarded marriage counselor Orlando couples seek for sustainable change.
Her work begins by addressing presenting problems and immediate symptoms to help clients find stability and relief. She then focuses on identifying and compassionately addressing root issues related to clinical trauma, life transitions, or substance abuse. Dana believes that without healing these core issues, therapy can become temporary rather than lasting. Her passion is helping individuals experience emotional freedom and live a fulfilling life with loved ones and friends.
Additional professional experience includes:
1. Private Practice
Dana started her private practice in 2009 and quickly became highly sought after due to the level of care, excellence, and results experienced by her clients. Her focus in private practice has been on addictions, women’s issues, sexual abuse, and trauma.
2. Trees of Hope
Dana has facilitated multiple groups and trained many group leaders for sexual abuse survivors at Trees of Hope in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She has served as Director of Facilitators since 2009 and has trained numerous facilitators, helping expand access to healing and recovery for women impacted by past abuse.
3. Smith Community Mental Health
Dana worked in an alternative school day treatment program for emotionally handicapped children, where she served as a primary therapist for middle school students, supporting their emotional and behavioral needs.
Professional Credentials & Clinical Affiliations
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – State of Florida
- Member, National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
- Psychology Today – Licensed & Verified Provider
Services
Explore Expert Counseling Services Offered by Dana West
Healing and understanding via compassionate & skilled relationship counseling experts.
TLC provides a comfortable environment to deal with relationships, parenting, transitions in life, and more.
TLC aims to help others heal from their past so it no longer effects ones present or future.
The journey to better begins today.
- Marriage and Relationship Issues
- Premarital Counseling
- Addictions & Substance Abuse
- Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)
- Sexual Abuse Trauma
- Codependency
- Family Issues Related to Sexual Abuse
- Physical Abuse
- Depression
- Teen and Adult Women’s Issues
- Eating Disorders
- Relationship Issues
- Spiritual Counseling
- PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Dana’s Personal Journey and Therapeutic Focus
Lived Experience, Deep Empathy, and Relational Healing
Dana’s work as a trauma therapist is deeply shaped by her own life experience. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, she understands firsthand how trauma can impact emotional health, relationships, and self-worth.
From an early age, she felt called to help others heal, and that personal insight allows her to connect with clients in a genuine and compassionate way.
Through her own recovery journey, Dana worked through mood instability, emotional eating, and intimacy challenges connected to unresolved trauma.
Experiencing meaningful healing herself fuels her passion for helping others move beyond their past so it no longer defines their present or future. Her work is rooted in authenticity, empathy, and hope.
Dana brings particular focus to:
- Strengthening emotional connection in relationships
- Helping couples communicate openly and build deeper trust
- Supporting emotional healing from unresolved trauma
- Encouraging intentional growth during life’s challenging seasons
Dana is happily married to Jim West, President of Total Life Counseling Center, and works alongside him to provide care for individuals, couples, children, and families. Together, they create a supportive and compassionate environment where clients feel safe to explore core emotions and pursue lasting emotional and relational growth.
Dana provides marriage counseling in Orlando, sexual abuse therapy, addiction counseling, and trauma-focused care using an authentic, honest, and compassionate approach that supports meaningful healing and personal restoration.
Interviews & Seminars
TLC Has Been Featured On Multiple TV Networks and News Stations:
What Type of Person Commits Arson | Steven Angle | Dana West Orlando Winter Park Counselor | CFN 13
Orlando Sexual Abuse Counselor | 4 Sexual Assault Tips | Jermaine Smith Cocoa Beach FL | CBS Video
Orlando Winter Park Counselor on Movie Theatre Shooting over Texting | Channel 13 Dana West
Orlando Counselor on Workplace Bullying & Victim Tips | Jonathan Martin & Richie Incognito Video
Orlando Shooting 4 Grief Tips | Canadian National News TV Interviews Jim West, LMHC
News 13 Interviews Family who Benefited from TLC Groups & Camps
Testimonials
A Few Kind Words From Satisfied Clients
“She’s my angel! Before I was miserable and didn’t know why? Working with Dana has helped me understand and accept the effects of abuse. She has made me a better person and I am able to live again!”
LP
Abuse Patient
“So many people treat sexual abuse, but Dana understands it at a level that most do not and she addresses the core issues around abuse.”
Anonymous
Sexual Abuse Patient
“Dana is an angel from God and I can tell her anything. I have never felt so comfortable and able to tell my deep dark secrets!”
Anonymous
Adult Female Depression Patient
“Dana knows the right things to say at the right time! She understands me like no other counselor and facilitates my healing!”
Anonymous
Individual Trauma Patient
“Dana helped me figure out why I was constantly arguing with my husband and why I was unhappy in my marriage. She helped me to take responsibility in the unhealthy behaviors I was doing that was contributing to my marital issues. I now know how to deal with my emotional triggers and to communicate my feelings with my husband more effectively. I am much happier with my life in general and feel more connected to my spouse.”
Anonymous
Marriage Counseling Couple
“She is awesome and I love her!”
Anonymous
Female College Student
“I’ve been to so many therapists and Dana is the first counselor who understands all the other areas which surrounds sexual abuse! She is such a gift!”
Anonymous
Abuse Patient
“Dana sees right through me and calls me out on my issues without judgment!”
Anonymous
Male Addictions Patient
Frequently Asked Questions
What should we expect during our first couples counseling session in Orlando?
Your first couples therapy session is a safe space focused on basic information, relationship history, and current issues. Expect professional guidance, small talk to ease nerves, a relationship assessment, and a discussion of your relationship dynamics and next steps.
Are there couples counseling centers in Orlando that offer evening or weekend appointments?
Yes, many couples counseling centers in Orlando offer evening or weekend therapy sessions. Scheduling flexibility supports professional help as a proactive way to improve relationship dynamics, address practical matters, and commit to weekly sessions without disrupting schedules.
How long does couples therapy typically last in Orlando?
Couples therapy in Orlando often lasts 8 to 20 sessions. The length depends on relationship goals, current challenges, progress made, and whether couples attend weekly or transition to less frequent sessions over time.
Are there online couples counseling options available in Orlando?
Yes. Many Orlando counseling providers offer online couples therapy sessions, allowing convenience, continuity of care, and effective couples therapy from home. Online options support communication skills, current issues, and relationship dynamics with professional guidance and flexibility.
How do I find the best couples counselor in Orlando for our needs?
Start with professional support referrals and reviews, check credentials and experience, ask about therapy techniques and specialization, and ensure comfort during initial session. Matching goals, communication styles, and positive feedback helps you find a good therapist and effective couples therapy.
What types of issues are commonly addressed in couples counseling in Orlando?
Couples counseling addresses communication challenges, conflict resolution skills, patterns of communication, negative thought patterns, trust issues, life transitions, family dynamics, infidelity, emotional disconnect, and stress. Sessions support better communication and a higher quality of life in relationships.
What are the benefits of choosing a specialized marriage counselor in Orlando?
A specialized marriage counselor offers trained professional guidance, effective therapy techniques, tailored support for relationship dynamics, conflict resolution, and deeper understanding of couples’ needs. This increases chances of successful couples therapy, improved communication skills, and better long-term relationship outcomes.
Total Life Blog
Articles & Tips by Dana West
Southwest Orlando Office Location
Our Total Life Counseling Center Southwest Orlando location is conveniently located at Metro West Professional Plaza near Dr. Phillips & Windermere 2 miles off the 408 off Hiawassee. Surrounded by shops and beautiful sceneries, our main office location provides counseling, therapy, coaching, camps and career services for relationships, addictions, abuse, trauma, depression, ADHD, and more!
Total Life Counseling Center Metro West (Main Office)
Metro West Professional Plaza
1507 South Hiawassee Road, Suite 101
Orlando, FL 32835
