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Dr. Dana McNeil

Founder, The Relationship Place Certified Gottman Therapist Licenses: California: LMFT #99008 | Texas: LMFT #205614 Dana is a gifted, compassionate, and practical therapist. She has achieved the highest level of training possible in the Gottman Method of couples therapy and has special interests in working with all clients, including those who live out-of-the-ordinary lives or have alternative relationships.

5 Ways to Recharge Your Energy After a Rough Day

General /

Few things zap your energy the way a stressful day can. Stress is known to reduce our levels of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that play an important role in our mood, energy and motivation. After a difficult day, you might be tempted to lounge on the couch watching TV until it’s time to go to bed. Although it might feel good in the moment, it won’t give you the mood and energy lift you need […]

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The “Q” in LGBTQA: How Do I Know if I’m Not Straight?

LGBTQ /

The study of sexual orientation has been quite a controversial area of psychology, and one that continues to raise numerous questions: What makes a person identify as gay, and what percent of the population currently identify as such? Is sexual orientation determined solely by biology, or what role do early learning and other social experiences play? As complex of an issue as sexual orientation is, it’s easy to see why many people -particularly young people

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Starting Over: Dating After the Death of a Significant Other

Aging, Couples Counseling /

Whether it’s expected or sudden, losing a partner is always a devastating heartbreak. The finality of the loss of the love of your life, and the idea that you will move forward in the world without them by your side, might be one of the most difficult challenges you will face. If you’ve suffered the death of a significant other, have grieved and come up on the other side, you may be at a point

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Are the “5 Stages of Grief” Real?

Grief /

Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance: these are the very well-known five stages of grief, as postulated by Swiss psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in her 1969 book On Death and Dying. At the time of the book’s publication, very little instruction was given in medical school on the subject of death and dying, which was what motivated Kübler-Ross to share her findings in her work with terminally ill patients. Since the book’s publication, the five stages of grief have become so well-known

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4 Tips for Making Friends in Your Golden Years

Aging /

Though young people seem to dread getting older, the truth is, many things get better with age. We tend to have more self-confidence, more money in the bank, and more time to explore our goals and dreams. But in some ways, getting older can be difficult. We tend to lose connections with friends and can find ourselves feeling alone and isolated. And it’s not as easy making friend in your 60s, 70s, or 80s as

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4 Healthy Ways to Distract Yourself from Anxiety

Anxiety /

Anxiety is a natural dialogue between our mind and body. It’s a red flag that something might be going on in our surroundings that requires our attention. For most of us, anxiety is an uncomfortable but fleeting feeling that pops up on occasion during particularly stressful times. For some, anxiety may be more present and color more of their daily life. And for still others, anxiety is a constant torture; a nightmare they can’t awaken

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5 Important Relationship Questions You Need to Answer

Couples Counseling /

You’ve probably heard this a thousand times, but here it is again: Relationships are tough and they require constant work. You and your partner have to be ready to put in the work every single day, and one way to do this is through constant evaluation of your relationship. Here is a list of some important questions to answer both individually and as a couple. These questions will give you a clearer picture of your

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7 Tips for Getting Through a Breakup

Couples Counseling /

No breakup is ever easy, but some breakups can make you feel like you’ve been sucker punched. And during those times, it can become sincerely difficult to see a way forward. Maybe your friends and family don’t seem to understand why you’re struggling so much, but you have every right to your feelings and your personal journey of mourning. (Because yes, you are allowed to mourn over a relationship!) I know that things may feel dark right

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Is Meditation for Me?

General /

As beautiful and joyous as life can be, it can also be plain ol’ stressful. Whether it’s hefty mortgage payments, killer commutes, or bosses who don’t give us the credit we deserve, stress can come at us from all different angles. Surveys have uncovered some pretty disturbing statistics about stress. 33% of people feel they live with extreme stress, while 48% believe the stress in their lives has increased over the past five years. And

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6 Great Ways to Deepen Your Relationship Bond

Couples Counseling /

Love is a beautiful thing, and there’s nothing more amazing than feeling the bond you share with your partner get stronger. If you’re in a happy relationship, you can keep it that way by introducing a few new things into your relationship. Here are 6 evidence-based approaches that will help you enjoy a more fulfilling connection. Listen- Listening is a great way to boost intimacy. Make a sincere effort to always listen to your partner, especially

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