The Relationship Place

From Subtle Bias to Stronger Bonds: Mastering Neutrality in Couples Therapy
2025-10-16 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online
Even the most experienced couples therapists can get caught in subtle collusion—either by unintentionally siding with one partner or by becoming the “problem” when couples align against them. These hidden dynamics can erode trust, stall progress, and leave therapists feeling ineffective.
In this upcoming webinar, Dr. Dana McNeil will share tools to:

Stay neutral and spot unconscious collusion

Regain balance when couples “gang up”

Use Gottman-informed strategies to strengthen trust and progress

Designed for both seasoned and emerging couples therapists, this training will help you build confidence, protect your alliance, and foster real breakthroughs in the therapy room.
*Completing this will get you 1 CE credit towards licensure.
Book your slot here.

Dating 101: Navigating Breakups, Boundaries and Finding Your Match
2025-09-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
In this live webinar, you will learn how to sort through the confusion, heartbreak, and second-guessing that often follows the end of a relationship. Learn how to recognize when you’re ready to date again and what actually matters when choosing a partner. Discover what to consider when using dating apps and some basic considerations if you are on them so that you are ready to find your best relationship ever!
Book your slot here.

How to Be Your Best Self to Attract the Right Partner
2025-06-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Do you find yourself in relationships with the ‘wrong’ people? Do you tend to attract partners that don’t line up with your relationship goals?
Most therapists say that the kind of partner you attract reflects the person you are when you meet them. So what can you do to make sure you attract the kind of partner you most desire? If you want better choices in relationship partners, then you need to be the best version of yourself.
If you want to find a sustainable and mutually attractive relationship, then you need to be aware of what you are presenting to potential partners about who you are and what you stand for, You must have the ability to be confident in your values regardless of how others may view those choices. For most of us, that means spending time working on ourselves and shoring up our sense of who we are BEFORE we find the best partner. Sometimes it means finding that out while you are in a relationship. Other times the sense that you need to work on yourself only becomes known after a string of disappointments.
Join this upcoming webinar presented by Dr. Dana McNeil, PsyD, LMFT, to learn the patterns and signs that you may not be attracting the kinds of partners you desire. We will also explore how to evaluate patterns of behavior that may not be serving you in dating so that you can be the best version of yourself to attract the partner you want!
Book your slot here.

CAMFT's Annual Conference
2025-05-02 06:30 - 2025-05-03 17:30
The CAMFT Annual Conference is back in San Francisco, offering mental health professionals an incredible opportunity to earn up to 20 CEs through engaging workshops, select on-demand sessions, thought-provoking keynote speakers, an exhibit hall, and valuable networking opportunities.
This year, Dr. Dana McNeil, PsyD, LMFT, and founder of The Relationship Place, will be among the expert speakers, sharing insights on relationships and mental wellness.
With the conference venue located in the heart of San Francisco, attendees can explore famous landmarks like Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and more during their stay. Join us this May 2-3, 2025 at Hilton San Francisco Union Square.
Register today and take advantage of early bird pricing through February 19, 2025!

The Secret to Lasting Love with Dana McNeil, PsyD, LMFT - Conversations from the Gottman Institute
2024-12-12 11:00
According to statistics on marriage over the last several decades, couples are marrying less often than they have in past decades and are waiting longer to do so. This trend is contributing to making the rate at which people are getting married close to the lowest level in U.S. history. Does this statistic imply that couples are less happy?
Simultaneously, the trend toward divorce is dropping. In fact, far more people got married than divorced this year. While the trends are changing, knowing how to navigate successful relationships remains a mystery to so many couples. Too many couples have no idea how to approach difficult conversations without getting angry or defensive. Knowing the best ways to keep friendship, romance, and intimacy alive even after decades of marriage still can feel overwhelming to couples. Healthy couples know that success doesn’t just happen accidentally. We are not born knowing how to ask for our needs successfully or navigate conflict. That is why learning tools from the Gottman Method for healthy couples’ communication and applying the skills can be a game changer for creating lasting relationships.
Please join us for a webinar, hosted by Certified Gottman Therapist, Dr. Dana McNeil, focused on learning techniques that successful couples use in their relationships. Learning these tools can allow couples to feel more confident in their connection versus having to rely on their marital commitment to keep them invested in the relationship when they are having relationship challenges. Dr. McNeil will also share how to achieve lasting relationship satisfaction by bringing the best attitude perspectives to help maintain long-lasting relationship contentment.
Book your slot here.

Keeping The Love: Strengthen Your Partnership while Raising Neurodivergent Children Webinar with Jeffrey Young, MA, LMFT
2024-09-25 19:00
Parenting a neurodivergent child—whether dealing with ADHD, Autism, or another unique condition—can bring both profound joys and significant challenges. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times, especially when these challenges begin to impact your relationship with your partner. Maintaining a strong, supportive partnership is essential, not just for you, but for your entire family.
We invite you to join us for a compassionate and insightful session with Jeffrey Young, MA, LMFT, an experienced Marital and Family Therapist. Jeffrey will share practical, evidence-based tools to help you and your partner deepen your connection, improve communication, and navigate the complexities of raising a neurodivergent child together.
In this session, you will:

Understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with parenting a neurodivergent child.
Explore how to shift relationship dynamics toward a more supportive and fulfilling bond.
Learn how couples therapy can enhance communication and connection.

About the Speaker: Jeffrey Young, MA, LMFT, brings years of experience and a deep well of empathy to his work with couples. Trained in the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Jeffrey helps couples find hope, healing, and renewed connection.
We know how much you care for your child and your relationship. With the right support, you and your partner can grow stronger together. Join us for this special event, where understanding, compassion, and shared experience come together.

Navigating Grey Divorce: Strategies for Lasting Love and Companionship in Your Golden Years
2024-09-17 10:00 - 11:00
The Relationship Place founder, Dr Dana McNeil, will be a featured gust on ATS Wealth Management’s Tuesday Trends an Outlook. Following a market update by Dr. David Fogel, Dr. Dana McNeil, PsyD, LMFT, will provide insight into “Navigating Grey Divorce: Strategies for Lasting Love and Companionship in Your Golden Years.” This session will highlight key issues such as why couples over 40 are increasingly facing divorce, the sources of distress as they approach retirement, and successful techniques for maintaining emotional security in relationships. Additionally, Dr. McNeil will offer strategies for continued growth and adaptation as priorities shift with aging and changing family dynamics.

Complexities of Gray Divorce hosted by Dr. Wendy Walsh
2024-08-11 16:00 - 17:00
Tune in for an insightful episode of the KFI AM 640 podcast, hosted by the renowned Dr. Wendy Walsh. In this episode, Dr. Walsh is joined by The Relationship Place founder, Dr. Dana McNeil, PsyD, LMFT, one of the leading relationship experts and therapists based in San Diego, to explore the increasingly common phenomenon of gray divorce—divorce among individuals over the age of 50.
As couples face the challenges of long-term relationships, the decision to part ways later in life is becoming more prevalent. Dr. McNeil, with her extensive experience in helping couples through these difficult transitions, will share her expert insights on why gray divorces are on the rise and what individuals can do to navigate this life-altering process with compassion and understanding.
Whether you’re in a long-term relationship, have recently experienced a significant life change, or are simply interested in understanding the dynamics of relationships later in life, this episode promises to offer valuable perspectives and practical advice.
Don’t miss out on this important conversation. Listen to KFI AM 640 and join Dr. Wendy Walsh and Dr. Dana McNeil as they delve into the complexities of gray divorce. Be sure to listen live, or catch the episode on-demand via the iHeartRadio app.

How Guilt and Shame Impact Your Relationship
2024-07-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
There are many reasons that individuals experience guilt and shame. According to research, males and females experience guilt in different ways. For instance, women more often experience guilt around a sense of responsibility for the well being of others, whereas men feel guilty about making mistakes or because of difficulties in their marriage/relationship.
When partners become trapped in cycles of guilt and shame they often become physiologically aroused and experience flooding. When partners are emotionally overwhelmed, they are not able to connect with what is driving their guilt or shame. Understanding the causes of guilt and shame is one of the most important tools for couples to have healthy relationships.
Join us for a webinar presented by a Certified Gottman Therapist., Dr. Dana McNeil to learn about the role guilt and shame play in modern relationships. You will get an overview of the issues that often lead people to experience guilt and shame and learn tools to help overcome relationship challenges due to the presence of guilt or shame.

Register

Second Annual Mental Health Fair
2023-05-20 12:00 - 15:00 | 2729 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, 2729 Fourth Ave, San Diego, 92103, United States
Are you ready to boost your mind, body, and soul? The Relationship Place invites you to join us for an exhilarating day of wellness at our upcoming Mental Health Fair.
This year’s theme for the fair is connection, and host Dr. Dana McNeil and other mental health professionals will be sharing their insight and how we can better normalize our relationship with mental health, together.

This event is aimed at promoting holistic health and wellness, with a focus on mental, physical, and emotional well-being. The fair will offer attendees an opportunity to engage with health experts, learn about various wellness practices, and participate in interactive activities. The event is open to all members of the community, and The Relationship Place invites everyone to join and break the stigma of getting mental health support for individuals and couples.
Enjoy this red carpet event, hors-d’oeuvre appetizers, guest speakers, and partnerships with local San Diego Animal Shelters and rescues including Rancho Coastal Humane Society, and Animal Pads.
With the disruptive effects that COVID had on our collective mental health, and the ongoing struggles of life that seem to be exacerbated by our current climate, the second annual mental health fair hosted by The Relationship Place hopes to alleviate the stress brought on by recent hardships in our collective lives.

Kindle eBook Launch – D-Spot Conversations: Navigating Today’s Complicated Relationships
2023-05-03 08:00 - 17:00
Catch the eBook ‘D-Spot Conversations: Navigating Today’s Complicated Relationships’ by Dr. Dana McNeil, PsyD, LMFT on Amazon Kindle Store as it launches on May 3, 2023.
If relationships were easy, every couple would have one that’s vibrant, healthy, and filled with joy. It’s not that simple. Relationships are complicated, challenging, and take a lot of work. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have the relationship you want. Dr. Dana McNeil knows how to make that happen. D Spot Conversations: Navigating Today’s Complicated Relationships is the latest step in her effort to help couples overcome obstacles and achieve satisfying, successful relationships. In this book, Dr. Dana and a select group of skilled professionals share insights on a wide range of issues that can impact your relationship, including many most couples aren’t even aware of. The information in this book can make a huge difference in your relationship…and your life!

You Can't Please Them All: How to stop people pleasing and take control of your life
2023-03-09 10:00 - 11:00
Do you identify with any of these statements?
*You find yourself apologizing all the time for things that aren’t your fault.
* You feel responsible to keep the people in your life happy and taken care of?
*You feel burdened by all the things you need to do for everyone?
*You can’t handle it when people are angry at you?
*You will do almost anything to avoid conflict?
*You don’t let people know when they hurt your feelings?
If you have read this far, then you probably identify with several of the statements above and that’s OK. You can’t help it because you are wired to behave in ways that you believe will keep you from being alone in the world. However, these responses in relationships are actually keeping you farther from the secure connections that you want.
Join us for a live webinar presented by Dr. Dana McNeil, PsyD, about learning to identify when you are giving too much and why this behavior is keeping you from feeling close and connected in your relationships. We will identify what boundaries are, when they need to be set, why they are important in helping you feel safe and secure in all of your relationships, and the value in asking for what you need.

Mental Health Fair
2022-06-18 09:00 - 12:00 | 2729 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, 2729 Fourth Ave, San Diego, 92103, United States
We wanted to have an open house with our clients, friends of the practice, and community leaders. Our original goal was to celebrate our new expanded space (we added another suite to our practice) AND have the grand opening we never got to experience because of Covid. When we started inviting friends of the practice, we decided we wanted to also give them an opportunity to share their talents and gifts at the same time. It started as a chance to have an open house and has transformed into a mental health party 😊
We hope this can become an annual event and we appreciate your attendance, support, and ideas to make this grow into a must-attend yearly event!
Event ScheduleCome check out our expanded offices or see us in person for the first time if you have been working with us remotely by video.Stop by our vendor booths and learn about the support you can get from the friends of the practice. We will be having speakers throughout the day sharing tips and sharing tools to increase our communication skills and connection in our relationships:9:00 am – 9:15 amBreakfast, Mingle, Dana Introduction to Event & Practice9:15 am – 9:25amSara – Small Things Often9:25 am – 9:35 amFarnaz – Four Horsemen9:35 am – 9:45 amSavannah – Grief9:45 am – 9:55 amSabrina – Staying Connected After Kids9:55 am – 10:10 amRibbon Cutting Ceremony by Grace Tayama of SDRCC10:15 am – 10:25 amDr. Troy Boyle – Community Research Foundation10:30 am – 10:40 amNikki Helms – San Diego Community Birth Center10:45 am – 10:55 amDisha M., OM Fertility11:00 am – 11:10 amFernando – Canine Education SD11:15 am – 11:25 amLynn Waldman & Lucy Millan – Divorce Counseling Center11:30 am – 11:40 amBarbara Norman – Five F’s of Finance11:45 am – 11:55 amTanesha Adams – Spiritual Healer/Birth Doula/Medium11:55 am – 12:00 pmCloseout & Thank You

Current Vendor Lineup
Yoga Deck, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Episcopal Church, Jennifer Rehor LMFT CST, OM Fertility, Estella Bobadilla, TIDES Program of the YMCA

A Review of Private Practice & Licensing with The Relationship Place – Virtual
2022-05-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
As most pre-licensed associates know, it is difficult, if not impossible to find a position in a private practice setting while you are accruing your hours. Even when you are lucky enough to find a position in private practice, there is often only a few clients sent your way. That’s because most private practices survive on insurance referrals which generally don’t allow provisionally licensed clinicians to see their clients. Even when you can get clients assigned, finding quality supervision can feel almost impossible to obtain. Once clinicians are licensed, they often need to decide if they want to leave the security of a group practice or go out on their own. Some clinicians dream about leaving their work in an agency to work in private practice but have no idea what is involved with a transition. This program will walk you through the pros and cons of working in a private practice. This virtual panel will include conversations with associates who are full time employees at The Relationship Place (www.relationshipplace.com), which is a private practice with locations in San Diego and Encinitas. They will be joined by the founder of The Relationship Place, Dr. Dana McNeil, PsyD, LMFT. She and her team will answer your questions about what it is like to succeed in a private practice environment that supports working with pre-licensed associates. GENERAL OBJECTIVES

Differences in types of clients you will meet working in an agency versus private practice
Environment of working in private practice
Expectations of clinicians who work in private practice
Considerations between working in a group practice and going off on your own once licensed
What to consider now that Covid is starting to die down and how it impacts private practice
Insurance vs Cash Pay Practices
Hear from successful pre-licensed associates who are thriving in private practice
Why you need to find a niche when working in private practice
Hourly rates versus Percentages
Do you get benefits and retirement
What costs do you need to consider if you go out on your own?
Isolation in solo practice

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Associates will gain more insight about the differences between working in agency, group practices, and solo private practice.
Associates will be better informed about the financial, emotional, and mental tolls of working in each option.
Associates will gain confidence in making decisions about which work environment fits their personality and risk tolerance.
Associates will be able to gather tools to make decisions about next career steps after licensure is obtained.

Emerging Themes in Behavioral Health
2022-04-29 15:00 - 16:15
Featured Keynotes & Workshops topics coming soon.
Dr. Dana McNeil will be conducting a breakout session at this event
Friday, April 29, 2022
3:00 – 4:15 pm Breakout Session
How to be An Effective Therapist When You Don’t Agree With, Like, or Understand Your Client’s Relationship Variants

How to Create Work-Life Balance During the Holiday Season
2021-12-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
How to Create Work-Life Balance During the Holiday Season
Since most small business owners work 24 hours a day/7 days a week, it’s often difficult to find balance. This holiday season feels even more special because the Covid restrictions last year kept most of us from visiting loved ones and connection time feels even more important than ever.
It’s unlikely you are going to shut down your business or be able to completely step away even if you are spending time with people you care about. But how do you get balance?
Join us for a virtual workshop on December 9th at 10:00 am where Dr. Dana McNeil, Founder/CEO of The Relationship Place Marriage and Family Therapy and member of the SD Chamber will be teaching us the tips and tricks of enjoying the holidays without turning our backs on our business or mental health.
In this FREE workshop, you will learn…

How to set realistic expectations for your clients and employees during the holidays.
Strategies to manage time around competing drains on your attention.
Planning strategies you can set in advance to reduce stress and guilt.

Hope you can make it, and we will see you there!
