- 20 years experience
- Oregon LCSW
- Focus on health concerns
About Dara
Dara Charlton is an Oregon-based therapist who focuses on helping adults manage stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. She is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, with 20 years of experience guiding people through grief, addiction-related concerns, and major life changes. Her style aims to be warm and non-judgmental so clients can speak honestly about difficult issues.
She uses a tailored approach that combines practical skills with reflective work. Dara helps people notice unhelpful patterns, try new ways of coping, and build stronger communication. She often works on sleep problems, eating and body image concerns, and intimacy-related struggles in straightforward, manageable steps.
Dara also supports people facing chronic illness, caregiving stress, cancer, aging concerns, and chronic pain. She pays attention to how physical health and emotional life interact, and she helps clients prioritize manageable strategies for day-to-day living. Her work includes addressing attachment issues, codependency, and the impact of past trauma.
Clients can expect a focus on real-world tools such as mindfulness practices, emotion regulation skills, and cognitive techniques to shift unhelpful thoughts. She draws on approaches like Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness Therapy to fit each person’s needs.
Dara aims to help people reconnect to their strengths and move toward goals they value. She invites curious, honest conversation and works collaboratively to set practical steps forward.
She uses a tailored approach that combines practical skills with reflective work. Dara helps people notice unhelpful patterns, try new ways of coping, and build stronger communication. She often works on sleep problems, eating and body image concerns, and intimacy-related struggles in straightforward, manageable steps.
Dara also supports people facing chronic illness, caregiving stress, cancer, aging concerns, and chronic pain. She pays attention to how physical health and emotional life interact, and she helps clients prioritize manageable strategies for day-to-day living. Her work includes addressing attachment issues, codependency, and the impact of past trauma.
Clients can expect a focus on real-world tools such as mindfulness practices, emotion regulation skills, and cognitive techniques to shift unhelpful thoughts. She draws on approaches like Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness Therapy to fit each person’s needs.
Dara aims to help people reconnect to their strengths and move toward goals they value. She invites curious, honest conversation and works collaboratively to set practical steps forward.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
20+ years
Credentials
California, Oregon
Languages
English
Approaches that translate to online care
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and helping people find their own answers; it can be helpful for exploring values, grief, and identity concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and is useful for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and repetitive negative thoughts. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers concrete skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships, which can help with intense emotions, self-control, and coping under stress.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to figure out which methods fit their goals and preferences. That could mean trying a few tools, tracking what helps, and adjusting the plan together over time.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session formats available before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life by removing travel time and offering shorter check-ins when needed. They also make it simpler to continue care during life transitions, manage appointments around medical treatments, or stay connected while balancing caregiving and work.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Dara address?
Dara works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, relationship struggles, eating and body image concerns, and coping with life changes.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is warm and non-judgmental, combining practical skills training with reflective conversation to help people change patterns and manage emotions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 20 years of experience as a practicing clinician supporting adults through grief, trauma, chronic illness, and relationship difficulties.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - practicing in Oregon.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are international clients accepted?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Dara?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.