Relationships are complex, and even the strongest couples face challenges. But what if there was a way to navigate those challenges with evidence-based tools and expert guidance?
Dr. Dana McNeil, PsyD, LMFT, a Gottman-trained relationship therapist and our founder, has dedicated her career to helping couples strengthen their bonds and communicate more effectively. Recently featured in SD Voyager’s Daily Inspiration series, Dr. McNeil shared her journey into the therapy profession, her passion for The Gottman Method, and her mission to redefine the way couples experience counseling.
From Property Insurance to Therapy: A Calling to Help Others
Dr. McNeil’s path to becoming a therapist was inspired by her time as a property insurance adjuster. She recalls witnessing the emotional toll of natural disasters on her clients, stating, “I soon realized that before I could settle their insurance claims, I would need to provide my clients with support and empathy so they could process their shock.” This experience highlighted the power of active listening and emotional validation, ultimately leading her to pursue therapy as a career.
Discovering the Gottman Method Through Personal Experience
Dr. McNeil’s interest in couples therapy grew out of her own relationship. Facing the challenges of long-distance, she and her then-partner turned to the Gottman Method for guidance. “It’s an easy to understand and structured method that teaches effective and simple communication skills,” she explains. Even though the relationship didn’t last, the lessons she learned became foundational in her work as a couples therapist.
Creating a Judgment-Free Therapy Space
With a passion for helping couples navigate relationships without fear or shame, Dr. McNeil founded The Relationship Place. She emphasizes that therapy should not be about fitting into a mold but rather about “giving clients the support, tools, compassion, and an outside-of-the-box approach to doing couples therapy.” Her practice prioritizes inclusivity, warmth, and research-backed techniques to ensure clients feel truly seen and supported.
The Challenges of Running a Practice
Like any business owner, Dr. McNeil has faced her share of struggles. “I don’t know any entrepreneur or business owner who views their path to success as a ‘smooth road,’” she reflects. From hiring the right therapists to navigating the impact of COVID-19, she has learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
Breaking the Stereotypes of Therapy
At The Relationship Place, Dr. McNeil and her team work to change the outdated notions of therapy. Instead of clinical, impersonal sessions, clients experience warm, inviting spaces designed to foster real connection. “We won’t just talk about your problems. We help you develop evidence-based skills based on John Gottman’s 40-plus years of research,” she states.
For individuals or couples seeking support, The Relationship Place offers consultations and therapy sessions tailored to unique relationship needs. Book a session with us, explore our Therapy Getaway program, or fly Dr. McNeil to you for an in-depth and more personalized couples therapy experience.