Deana Porter, LMFT

Deana Porter is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in California with 29 years of professional experience. She works with people facing relationship and family challenges, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related concerns, motivation and self-esteem struggles, and a broad range of life stressors. Porter brings a respectful, sensitive, and compassionate stance to her work and adapts conversations and treatment plans to fit each person’s distinctive needs and goals.

Her approach centers on meeting clients where they are and supporting them through difficult transitions, whether that involves rebuilding connection, managing anxiety and grief, improving sleep and eating patterns, or addressing parenting and family-of-origin issues. She emphasizes collaboration and tailors interventions to the individual’s pace and circumstances. Taking the first step toward a more satisfying and balanced life can feel courageous; Porter aims to offer steady guidance and practical support as clients move toward greater resilience and clearer direction.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Access

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is often used to address anxiety, depression, stress, and patterns that interfere with daily functioning and relationships.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) combines skills training in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. It is helpful for intense emotions, relationship conflicts, and learning practical coping tools in moments of crisis.

The Gottman Method focuses on relationship dynamics and communication skills, offering concrete strategies for couples to improve connection, manage conflict, and rebuild trust.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Deana Porter works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy makes these approaches accessible through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. This flexibility lets clients attend sessions from home, fit therapy into busy schedules, and maintain continuity of care when life circumstances change, while working with licensed professionals who can tailor treatment to each person’s situation.