About Me

I’m a California licensed psychologist based in Oakland California, where I was born and raised. My approach is compassionate, culturally affirming, and trauma-informed. I have more than a decade of experience helping people navigate concerns including mood disorders, anxiety, relationship conflict, self-esteem and self-concept, racial discrimination, life transitions, identity development, and finding balance.

My work is deeply rooted in social justice values,  and as a Black woman, I am committed to the empowerment of marginalized individuals and communities. My approach is compassionate, culturally affirming, and trauma-informed. We'll work together to help you gain new insights and awareness so that you’re better prepared to navigate the challenges you're facing and make the changes that are important to you.

I listen deeply while also taking an active role, focus on building a real connection, and bring in a sense of humor. I will hold you accountable to help you take charge and claim your power.

I practice mostly from a culturally informed relational psychodynamic framework and integrate mindfulness-based practices. I’ll help you to develop insights about how your early experiences and cultural context are influencing how you feel and think about yourself, and how you show up in your relationships and the world, often in ways you may not be aware of. Increased awareness allows you to act with more clarity and intention, and make new choices. Because you’re an individual with unique needs and no one size fits all, I also integrate CBT, motivational interviewing, somatic techniques, and narrative therapy.

“Awareness is like the sun. When it shines on things, they are transformed.”

— Thích Nhất Hạnh

“Hi There-

I’m Dr. Dana L. Collins”

she/her/hers pronouns

Credentials

I earned my B.A. in psychology from Spelman College, my M.S. in counseling and counselor education from Indiana University, and my Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Boston College. I also hold a Certificate of Authorization from The Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program from the University of California Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center and Sounds True, and have received training on treating traumatic stress Traumatic Research Foundation in Boston, MA.