Founder, The Relationship Place (San Diego Couples Therapy)
Certified Gottman Therapist
Licenses:
California LMFT #99008 | Texas LMFT #205614
Dr. Dana McNeil is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the founder of The Relationship Place, a San Diego couples therapy practice specializing in high-acuity relationships, emotional disconnection, conflict repair, and intimacy concerns. She has achieved the highest level of training in the Gottman Method Couples Therapy and is known for her compassionate, direct, and practical approach to helping couples rebuild trust, communication, and closeness.
She is also the founder of Therapy Getaway, a structured couples intensive model designed for couples seeking deep, focused relationship repair. Dana has specialized expertise in midlife marriage challenges, empty nest transitions, and gray divorce, and provides training and professional education for therapists, including work connected to the Gottman Institute.
Her expertise has been featured in national publications including Oprah Daily, Martha Stewart Living, Men’s Health, Bustle, and SELF Magazine.
She is passionate about helping couples move from feeling like roommates to rebuilding emotional and physical connection.
Certified Gottman Therapist
Licenses:
California LMFT #99008 | Texas LMFT #205614
Dr. Dana McNeil is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the founder of The Relationship Place, a San Diego couples therapy practice specializing in high-acuity relationships, emotional disconnection, conflict repair, and intimacy concerns. She has achieved the highest level of training in the Gottman Method Couples Therapy and is known for her compassionate, direct, and practical approach to helping couples rebuild trust, communication, and closeness.
She is also the founder of Therapy Getaway, a structured couples intensive model designed for couples seeking deep, focused relationship repair. Dana has specialized expertise in midlife marriage challenges, empty nest transitions, and gray divorce, and provides training and professional education for therapists, including work connected to the Gottman Institute.
Her expertise has been featured in national publications including Oprah Daily, Martha Stewart Living, Men’s Health, Bustle, and SELF Magazine.
She is passionate about helping couples move from feeling like roommates to rebuilding emotional and physical connection.
Latest posts by Dr. Dana McNeil (see all)
- What Is Relationship Cringe? Why Caring About Your Partner Can Feel Embarrassing - March 5, 2026
- Is an Emotional Affair Cheating? Signs and What to Do Next - February 24, 2026
- Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in San Diego: What Actually Feels Romantic? - February 10, 2026
Founder of the Relationship Place, Dr. Dana McNeil, was interviewed by Fox News and gave some great advice on how to talk to children about difficult topics such as the recent mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
The most important thing to remember is we all grieve and process differently and that needs to be honored. There must be a couple of days to grieve the loss of what we found. Dana recommends being ready to cover difficult topics. Make sure your own emotions are in check. So that you don’t create anxiety in your kids. Your conversations will be different based on the age of the child. Help them express themselves through art or writing.
