Dana Elam, MSW, LMSW

What led you to becoming a mental health clinician?

Psychology has been a special interest of mine since late elementary school. I’ve had experiences in my personal and professional life where I’ve needed to learn more about the subject, in order to help a friend or client. That interest, combined with a passion for social and economic justice, led me to pursue a Master of Social Work degree. 

After 10+ years of working in other roles in human services, I decided to become a licensed clinician. I wanted to combine my passions for mental health and helping people, and improve access to quality mental health services in our area. I had grown tired of trying to refer someone desperately in need of services, only to find them waitlisted for months, or to have them cycle through multiple agency staff due to high turnover rates. 

What does being a 'good therapist' mean to you? 

A good therapist believes in people until they can believe in themselves. They help their clients with identifying and using their strengths to achieve their goals. 

I want my clients to know that people do well, when they can; and if being hard on yourself worked, it would’ve worked by now.

What’s your training and educational background?

I have a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Truman State University and a Master of Social Work degree from University of Missouri-Columbia. I am newly licensed and under the supervision of Ladonna Beachy, LCSW.

I am a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher. I am happy to blend in music, movement, deep breathing, meditation, and a person's personal spiritual practices into therapy sessions. I also love helping folks work on improving self-talk, boundaries, self-advocacy, and adding a little joy back into life.

I am currently training in DBT and EMDR, with plans for completion in summer 2024.  I plan to train in Internal Family Systems later this year as well.

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When not working, Dana can often be found curled up reading a good book, snuggling her dog, Luna, or cat, Betty, or enjoying a slice of fruit pie a la mode. She loves cottonwood trees and earthy colors, especially blues and greens.