Client Testimonials
Here are some words of praise from clients I've worked with.
“Therapy can feel superficial and skills-based - getting you to the point of functional, but not healed. With perceptive and persistent questions, Danielle goes deeper, walking alongside you to the heart of issues. She brought me back to myself, teaching and reminding me of what I once knew - my power to direct my life and trust my intuition.”
— Hallie
“What I like about Danielle's individual coaching is that it feels less formal than traditional counseling or therapy. She creates a more comfortable, relaxed, and relatable environment. I've found that she incorporates many different approaches and modalities—mindfulness, mind-body connection, intellectual understanding, and even optional homework. It's something truly different and unique compared to anything else I've done.”
— Emily P., Mother of 1
“While working together I went through the most difficult time in my life—losing my first pregnancy and my dad. Danielle's support was critical during this time as I wrestled with deep grief and existential crisis. Her knowledge in parenting, self-compassion, grief, and philosophy were just the mix I needed to find a path to hope and homecoming. I can't imagine who I'd be right now if it wasn't for our work together.”
— Heather A., Mental Health Counselor
“I felt so stuck and hopeless that I couldn't even see any possibilities for myself, and I had no confidence in my ability to create the life I wanted. Danielle taught me that I am a deserving person, not just because of what I do, or how smart I am, or how much money I make, but simply because I am a human being. I'm still at my same job, but I know that whatever I choose next, I won't be running away. I'll be running toward something I'm excited about.”
— Katie Wilson
“Danielle has seen me in ways that I could not communicate to my friends or my family. She's never asked me to apologize for going into dark places, and she has also never struggled to laugh with me too. I now can wake up every morning without feeling adrift. She's helped me feel grounded in my body and my own wisdom.”
— Jaya, Assistant Principal / Teacher
“Danielle has become an incredibly important person in my life, guiding me to where I am today. Thanks to her coaching, I actually opened an art studio that I'd been dreaming about for years! She transformed not just my professional path, but my entire understanding of myself.”
— Victoria Nikitina Chala, Rising Heart Coaching, Mother of 2
@risingheartcoach
“Danielle showed me that I can actually make good money doing what I love as a writer and writing coach, instead of continuing to work nine-to-five. She's helped me value my time and my wisdom—not just as a paid professional, but as a mother and a human being.”
— Sarah Orman, Writer, Lawyer Coach, Mother of teens
“I was running myself into the ground, trying to be perfect at my job, at personhood and at motherhood. Danielle revealed to me that I was blaming myself for issues caused by systemic societal problems. She teaches a version of feminism that isn't defensive, but wise, healing, and grounded in community. She was able to articulate what it means for a person to be intrinsically valuable in a way that finally hit home for me.”
— Ariel G., Veterinarian, Mother of 3
“Danielle helped me give myself a sense of motivation or urgency to do the things I said mattered to me, like starting my own business. If I hadn't been working with her, it just would have become another thing that still would not be done right now.”
— Heather C., mother of 2
“Before I started working with Danielle, I had been ‘trying to be a writer’ for almost two decades. By the end of our first six-month program, I had gotten several publications, (including one in a major paper), a grant to write, and, most importantly, my MIND had been radically changed; my anxiety levels dropped, and I was able to show up to my creative work with an attitude that felt excited, empowered, and playful. By the end of our third program, I'd quit my job, finished a book draft, and within a week, I had agents fighting over it! I am awash in tears of gratitude. Thank you, Danielle. You changed my life.”
— Kelly Ramsey, Writer and Former Wildland Firefighter
“When I started my six-month program with Danielle, I was struggling with a lack of focus and a self-destructive pattern of abandoning projects to chase the next shiny thing. Danielle helped me to clarify my core values and to learn how to see obstacles as a part of the process of development that could be solved, rather than as reasons to give up. She offers a masterful combination of rational thinking and emotional intelligence, and has helped me cultivate my confidence and connection with myself, my creative process, and my vision for the future.”
— Jessica Alfaqih (she/her), Founder of Intro to Honors and Persuasion Maven, Portland, OR
“Before I started working with Danielle, I was extremely depleted and operating my business from a place of fear. I found myself constantly worried about how to keep my business going and how to create financial stability for myself. After two years of coaching with Danielle, I’ve now achieved far beyond my initial coaching goals with her: I have a thriving coaching practice, time to write, savings for a house, and two months of scheduled vacation a year! Danielle gave me invaluable guidance on how to run a successful business and supported me with mindset exercises and philosophical ideas that put me in a position to succeed. I can’t believe I went so long without seeking her help. If you’re struggling, I highly recommend connecting with Danielle for guidance and support in reaching your big dreams.”
— Jaime deBlanc-Knowles Writer/ Writing Coach at freshinkaustin.com
“Danielle helped me when a decade of therapy couldn't touch my incapacitating existential dread, fueled by my discarded religious upbringing, lack of sense of self, and loss of hope in humanity. She showed me that my ‘educated’ view that the world is a terrible place was really just a way of giving up. She seemed to have a quote, book recommendation, and/or Buddhist teaching for literally every single situation, and through them, she taught me how to draw comfort from the world, and more importantly, from myself.”
— Dani Smith, Writer and Actor
“I was trying to mentally prepare myself for the arrival of my second child, after really struggling postpartum with my first. After a year in traditional therapy, I still felt frustrated, stuck, and overwhelmed. Danielle cut straight to the heart of the limiting thoughts and stories I was caught in. Through her gentle encouragement, she helped me fully honor my pain while also challenging my negative self-talk. After a lifetime of feeling doomed in motherhood, I am now so much more confident, capable, and patient with myself. I never thought, at six-weeks postpartum, I could feel this good.”
— Meg B. (she/her), mother of two, Portland, OR
“When I started Danielle's 6-Month Philosophical Coaching Program, I had a hope for the career I wanted, but I felt totally overwhelmed and didn't think I could ever really get there. Before my Program was even half over, I'd already launched a website, secured my first paying client, and I'm now actively building the business of my dreams. If you want someone who will believe in you whole-heartedly, give you the structure to succeed, and challenge you not to back down from the biggest version of your life, call Danielle.”
— Caitlin D., Charlotte, N.C.
“[Philosophical Coaching is like] having your own personal guru whose knowledge isn't pigeonholed to one set methodology or theory - the best of all the guru knowledge! Danielle was compassionately honest and helped me switch my perspective while bringing in great tools from varied philosophical perspectives. In just two sessions, my attitude around my work atmosphere has completely shifted!”
— Hannah E., Portland, OR
“What perhaps is most surprising to me is how much gratitude and joy I am finding in life as a result of my work with Danielle. Starting in a place of such darkness and disempowerment, I hadn’t allowed myself to hope beyond 'getting out of survival mode.' The circumstances in my life have not become any easier since starting the program. Yet, the vitality, hope, joy and power that I thought I lost in becoming a mother have been restored to me in new ways. Danielle helped me hone in on the places of pain that motherhood had exposed, like a nerve that was constantly getting poked, and find ways to respond to the pain with healing and empowerment.”
— Jeni W., Licensed Clinical Social Worker, board approved supervisor, Mother of 2
“Working with Danielle gave me the confidence I needed to take the leap of starting my own business. I was struggling and holding myself back, but Danielle helped me take an objective look at what was going on. With her patient, probing, philosophical perspective, she helped me uncover a clear path to resolving the issues. Though I was apprehensive about this challenge before working with Danielle, I left our sessions feeling upbeat and ready to take it on.”
— Karen N., Portland, OR
“Before working with Danielle, I felt pretty hopeless. I was dealing with significant personal loss, felt unenthusiastic about my career, and was just stuck in my self-destructive routine. After working with Danielle for only six months, I am much more confident and happier with a positive outlook on whatever experiences and emotions will come. Unlike traditional talk-therapy I've had in the past, Danielle offered effective, skills-based guidance on dealing with rather than avoiding life's challenges. She helped me see my self-deprecating cycle and provided me with concrete tools to develop self-compassion, self-care, patience, and inner wisdom. The confidence, self-awareness, and gratitude I've gained from working with Danielle is priceless. I am so thankful for Danielle's help, methods, and approach toward becoming more present in my life.”
— Q. K., Portland, OR
“I spent a lot of time and energy working at jobs that didn’t really fit who I am or what I am passionate about. Working with Danielle, I now have a new career direction that I am actually excited about! Danielle asked thought provoking questions to help me connect to what I really want out of work and encouraged practical steps to make it a reality.”
— Amy V., Chicago, IL
“Having worked with numerous therapists in the past, I wanted to try something different. Danielle's philosophical approach was great in that it challenged me to think critically about my past and present experiences. In doing so, I gained insight into what was really underlying my behavior and actions. I appreciated Danielle's inquisitiveness and compassion to my experiences--she gently challenged me to think outside the box and come to deeper understandings of why I do what I do. I would highly recommend Danielle!”
— Tracy C., Portland, OR
“I wanted to thank you for all of the help and support that you have given me during our time working on things. I have been continuing a lot of our practices--the morning pages, reading the books you recommended, finding time for myself, the artist dates, and thinking a lot about being/feeling abundant.
I have seen some amazing changes in my perspective and habits since we started speaking. I have created some distance between my person life and my work, I have allowed myself to open up to someone romantically and our relationship is amazing, I have completely reworked my finances and I'm being very aware of each dollar I spend and I have a plan to get myself out of debt. I have made some big changes and I'm looking forward to this next part of my life...working with you has been incredibly helpful, and I wanted you to know this.”
— Ben, Portland, OR
“Having spent twenty years in traditional, analytical therapy with psychologist, I was interested in a different perspective. Danielle provided an open atmosphere for discussion about concerns and goals in my life. We didn’t stay hung up in the past, as often happens in therapy, but also didn’t disregard it. It is a good balance between reflection and evolution. I highly recommend!”
— Carrie C., Portland, OR
“I very much enjoyed my session with Danielle. I didn't quite know what to expect, and what I discovered is that I got out of it something I'd always hoped to — but hadn't — gotten out of traditional talk therapy: someone able to take off the kid gloves and completely follow along as I outlined the shifting existential dilemmas that I often grapple with in my own head, recognize them as commonly occurring problems previously grappled with by many others, and offer angles and insights I had yet to get to on my own. I was left with quite a lot to process, and at least one major breakthrough I'd likely still be struggling to obtain were it not for our session. The positive impact on my clarity of thinking about my own behavior has been invaluable.”
— Jason G., Portland, OR
“Talking with Danielle about some of my unconscious mind-sets regarding work was really helpful for me. In understanding that my philosophical bias was just one way to see the workplace, I was able to also identify and appreciate the other, equally valid, viewpoints that coworkers and clients might hold. This allowed me to communicate from a place of understanding and acceptance on a deeper level than what I was capable of before.”
— S. L., Newberg, OR
“Philosophical Coaching has been a lovely approach to organizing my thoughts. At times, I used to think ‘I'm crazy’ or ‘am I the only that thinks this way,’ but in the light of philosophy, I see my thoughts measured against mindful thinking throughout the age of man.
It can be a scary adventure to explore the depth of your mind and heart, but with Danielle's coaching and guidance, you feel equipped with tools to navigate the flow of thoughts and emotions. Philosophical Coaching is different form of counseling. It is a nonjudgmental examination of a problem with multiple choices of solutions, and Danielle helps you explore and build the confidence to know which is right for you. Plus, Danielle is a delight to share conversation with and has a wide range of knowledge and life experiences to contribute.”
— Monique E., Battleground, WA
“I've been to traditional therapists and was ready to try something different. Danielle's unique approach helped me to gain a new perspective on the problems I was struggling with, and feel empowered. Her guidance has given me the ability to take control of my situation and feel secure in myself. I've gained skills that will help me through life thanks to Danielle's support and encouragement.”
— Malia G., Portland, OR
“As a mother of two young children, I was at a crossroads with my business and needed to figure out whether to keep pursuing or change course. I knew a lot of my stalling was due to being in my head a bit too much about how to proceed. Not only did Danielle help me straighten out and re-think some of the false stories I had been repeating to myself over time, but she instilled a new sense of confidence and drive. I was surprised by how much of a shift in my thinking I experienced after our first session. She helped me face some hard truths head on but always with a sincere interest in helping me map out my business. The balance of dreaming big, but putting actionable steps in place left me feeling excited and more motivated than I have been in a long time.”
— Shannon J., Birmingham, MI
“I have, since I was very young, found it extremely difficult to share my thoughts with persons I find to misconstrue my words, however well-intentioned they may be. It is not kind words or distant wisdom I seek, but a moment granted for me to speak; to take my time, sit in silence, utter one word at a time, and for such an unintelligible slog of thoughts to be heard without pause by someone else. And to these moments, Danielle will listen, will question, sometimes kindly, other times more directly, but always, as it turns out, with an intent to help myself articulate my convictions, or to begin formulating them in the office, together. A very wonderful individual, I highly recommend Danielle for anything that may be on your mind.”
— Richard K., Boston, MA
“As a new mother attempting to survive the pandemic, I found myself grappling with agonizing dilemmas that forced me to deeply (and urgently) question topics such as identity, community, power/control, and human frailty. My work with Danielle provided an authentic, compassionate, and wise space to unpack these messy themes and wrestle with the really hard questions. I am still benefiting from the books and resources she shared along the way. One of the most important gifts that I gleaned from our time together was the ability to better understand a broader vision for how my individual struggle connected to a universal journey toward liberation. I am very grateful for the insight and learning. Danielle will give you something hard to find: she'll take you seriously as both a thinker and a mother.”
— Christen C.