Deana Porter

Deana Porter is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in California with 29 years of experience. She focuses on relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, and anger. She also helps people who are struggling with self esteem, motivation, intimacy issues, and the stress that comes with life changes.

Her approach is practical and person-centered. She listens first, then builds a plan that fits each person’s situation. Sessions focus on clear goals and real steps people can try between meetings. Deana aims to create a respectful and compassionate space for honest conversation.

Deana uses evidence-informed methods to guide her work. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to teach skills for emotional regulation. She also incorporates parts-based work from Internal Family Systems and communication techniques from the Gottman Method when useful.

Clients come for many reasons, including grief, anxiety, depression, parenting strain, caregiver stress, and issues tied to adoption or blended families. She also supports people managing mood conditions such as bipolar disorder and the practical fallout those conditions can cause.

Deana keeps the focus on what matters day to day. She helps people build better communication, reduce overwhelm, and regain a sense of control. Starting therapy with her involves setting clear, achievable steps and checking progress as work continues.

How these approaches work in online therapy

Deana commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy in her work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing thought and behavior patterns that keep people stuck. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and anger-related reactions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes building practical skills for managing strong emotions, tolerating distress, and improving interpersonal communication, which can be helpful for stress, mood swings, and relationship conflicts.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together they choose strategies and adjust them over time so the work fits the individual's needs.

Confirm the session options before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow check-ins from wherever a person is that day. Some approaches lend themselves to short skills practice between sessions, written exercises, or focused conversation that fits a single meeting. Ask about available formats when you schedule so sessions match your routine and goals.