Danielle Kraai

One of the things I love most about being a therapist is getting to witness people grow into the fullest, most authentic version of themselves. It’s incredibly meaningful to walk alongside someone as they work through challenges, uncover new insights, and build a life that feels more manageable, intentional, and aligned with who they really are. Watching that progress unfold — from the first session to the breakthroughs along the way — is a privilege I never take for granted.

In our sessions, you can expect a space that’s centered around you. I always begin by inviting you to share whatever’s been on your mind lately. I find that when we don’t start there, the thoughts or worries closest to the surface can sometimes get in the way of our deeper work. But if you’re not sure what to talk about or nothing specific is coming up that day, that’s totally okay — I’ll guide us back to the goals you’ve set for therapy or revisit what we’ve been working on. My approach is person-centered, which means you get to lead the way and I’ll meet you there with support and structure.

When I describe therapy to people in everyday language, I often say it has two layers. The first is what I call the band-aid approach — where I help you build tools and coping strategies that provide immediate relief. Whether you’re managing anxiety, navigating a conflict, or simply feeling overwhelmed, we’ll work on practical ways to feel better right now. From there, we’ll gently dig deeper into the “why” and the “how” — exploring what’s really going on beneath the surface so we can create long-term change. It’s about building a system in your life that helps you respond more effectively to challenges, emotions, or patterns of behavior.

I deeply believe that each person’s story is shaped by their unique life experiences, cultural background, family dynamics, relationships, and more. These influences often play a big role in how we view the world and how we respond to stress or conflict. In therapy, I’ll help you make sense of those influences while also working through whatever issues are most present in your life right now. Healing happens when you’re ready for it — not when someone else tells you it’s time.