- Emotion-focused work
- CBT strategies
- Mindfulness practice
About Dara
Dara Charlton is an LCSW practicing in Oregon with 20 years of clinical experience. She works with adults on common difficulties such as depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief, eating struggles, addiction issues, sleep problems, and coping with life changes.
She helps people notice patterns that keep them stuck and talks through practical steps to shift those patterns. Sessions tend to focus on emotions, how they connect to behavior, and improving communication. Dara draws on Emotionally-Focused Therapy alongside client-centered, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, and mindfulness approaches to tailor each session to what a person brings.
Her background includes long-term work supporting people who face trauma or chronic illness, caregiver stress, and compassion fatigue. She also addresses attachment and abandonment concerns, body image, and intimacy-related issues. Dara works with people dealing with blended family challenges, commitment and control problems, and the fallout from natural or human-caused disasters.
In sessions she uses straightforward techniques to build coping skills and to clarify what matters most to a person. That might include practical CBT exercises, DBT-based skills for regulating emotions, or mindfulness practices to reduce rumination. Dara emphasizes clear communication and steady progress rather than quick fixes.
People who choose her often want focused, emotion-oriented work that also includes skill building. She offers care in English and does not take international clients. For next steps, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session through the platform.
How Dara’s approaches translate to online sessions
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) centers on identifying and shifting emotional patterns that shape relationships and self-connection. It helps people name hard-to-recognize emotions and try new ways of responding in close interactions.Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so a person can explore concerns at their own pace. It supports building self-understanding and clearer personal goals.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) uses practical exercises to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It often helps with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and managing urges linked to addictions.
Choosing the right approach is something the therapist does with the client. Dara will review goals, preferences, and what feels most useful, then combine elements from these methods to fit the work together. The process is collaborative and may change over time as needs shift.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm the current online options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving, or health constraints. Phone or video sessions may allow shorter check-ins, reduce travel time, or let someone keep sessions during a busy day. Ask about formats and timing when you complete the matching questionnaire so appointments can fit practical needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
California, Oregon
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with adults on depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, eating and addiction concerns, sleep troubles, parenting strain, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic approach?
She uses Emotionally-Focused Therapy alongside client-centered, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, and mindfulness approaches to guide sessions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 20 years of experience working with adults on a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is an LCSW licensed in Oregon and practices there with two decades of clinical experience.
Which languages are supported and can international clients join?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats; confirm the current session options before booking.
How are costs handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.