Welcome back to Conversations with Clinicians where we interview one of our associate therapists. We like to give you this opportunity to learn more about the way that they work. It can also give you insight into therapeutic modalities, approaches and techniques. Today, meet Dani Gotwalt who says in part:
“I care about therapy being a secure, nonjudgmental space where clients can comfortably “try on” new ways of being to see what fits. I hold a “take what you want and leave the rest” approach. My style is collaborative, mindful, somatic, strength-based, compassionate, and (when appropriate) playful. You are the expert on your lived experience, and I’m here to walk alongside you as you become even more you!”
What is your therapeutic orientation?
- Attachment/Relational
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Social Justice/Feminist
- Somatic Mindfulness (Hakomi)
- Trauma-informed
What are your areas of specialty?
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief and Loss (particularly sudden traumatic loss)
- Relationship Issues
- Trauma
Read Dani’s blog post: What to Say to Someone Grieving
What other modalities inform your work?
Before I became a therapist, I was a spiritual director — walking alongside others as they deepened their understanding of their higher power (God, the universe, the love that connects us, etc.) and how they can be in relationship with that higher power (practices, community, action). I also used to offer workshops on the Enneagram personality profile.
What is it like to work with you?
First and foremost, my goal is to build as much safety in the therapeutic relationship as it allows. I have a deep belief in the power of working together collaboratively and compassionately, I want my clients to know I am on their team as it comes to their well being. And… as appropriate, I can be a bit of a goofball.
Who do you LOVE working with?
Adults and teens who identify as:
- an adult child of emotionally immature parent
- a people pleaser/helper/caretaker
- the “strong one” for their family and friends
- a person who was called “mature for their age” or “old soul” growing up
What most inspires you about doing this work?
Witnessing clients get in deeper contact with their inner wisdom, self compassion, and confidence. Getting to see that magical mix of gaining strength in softness.
What is one thing that clients might be surprised to learn about you?
I used to be a DJ for a local community internet radio station!
What is one takeaway moment that you’d like to share from your own experience as a client in therapy?
The work is more like a spiral than a straight path, just because I would come back to a topic or memory I’ve processed before did not mean I wasn’t growing.
Give us your best recommendations for …
Best self-care suggestions for free or on a budget
- Slowly walking around San Francisco while listening to music that brings you into the present moment
- Visiting a new library branch
- If overwhelmed or angry, jumping jacks!
- Looking at green plants – houseplants or in Golden Gate Park
- Journaling
What are your favorite therapy books?
- Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
- My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem
- Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson
- All About Love by bell hooks
- Hold Me Tight by Sue Johnson
Your favorite non-therapy books?
- What You are Looking for is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
- Anything by Becky Chambers
- Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett
Your favorite quote?
“Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.” – Rilke
How can potential clients contact you?
Danielle (Dani) Gotwalt (she/her), AMFT #129425
Supervised by Holly Greenberg, PhD LMFT #80912 and Edwin L. Fowler, LCSW #76151
Phone: 415-801-3271
Email: [email protected]
Web: danigotwalt.com
Where is your office located?
On Divisadero St. near California St. in Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco
You can also contact us at Center for Mindful Psychotherapy to learn more about working with Dani Gotwalt or any of our associate therapists.