(805) 882-2424 x 103
dallen@ftisb.org
Education, Professional Training & Publications
B.A. in Psychology from UCSB, 1983
M.S.W. in Social Welfare from UCLA, 1985
MST (Multisystemic Family Therapy) Certification, University of South Florida at Ventura County Behavioral Health
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) Certification, Parnell Institute at Esalen
EMDR Advanced, Parnell Institute at Esalen
Attachment-Focused EMDR, Parnell Institute Online
Early Trauma Protocol (ETP), The Early Trauma Protocol of Santa Barbara
Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Family Therapy Institute of Santa Barbara
Workshops with Esther Perel, Tammy Nelson, Terry Real (RLT), Stan Tatkin, Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson, John and Julie Gottman, William Doherty, Milton H. Erickson Foundation at UC Irvine
Treatment Philosophy & Approach
I have a natural inclination to notice the best in people which helps to mobilize change, allowing a deepening of interpersonal relationships. I believe that in the safety of the therapeutic setting, people will find the motivation and courage to face fears and open hearts in new ways. I use a blend of psychotherapeutic methods such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) that are calibrated for each person or family. I stay on top of the most recent research which I integrate with a holistic approach for healing the brain, body, mind, heart and spirit. I work collaboratively with you to release unwanted patterns that are blocking personal empowerment, creativity, self-acceptance and satisfying relationships.
Professional & Volunteer Experience
Current
Adjunct Professor at Antioch University Santa Barbara teaching Clinical Skills with Families and Couples, Intimate Relationships, Theories of Family Therapy, Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Group Therapy, Clinical Skills 1 and 2, Practicum 1 and 2, and Advanced Family Therapy weekend intensives.
Private Practice in downtown Ventura at 107 Figueroa Street
Board Member of FamiliesACT! doing mental health advocacy in the Santa Barbara community
Vice President of Membership of National Association of Social Work, Santa Barbara Chapter as well as many past positions on NASW California’s Board. Awarded Social Worker of the Year
Past
Adjunct Faculty Chicago School of Professional Psychology and Santa Barbara Graduate Institute
Field Work Clinical Supervisor for USC and CSUN
VCBH (Ventura County Behavioral Health) Psychiatric Social Worker IV Providing Clinical Supervision and Direct Services with children served by SELPA at Oxnard High School, DeAnza Middle School and Elmhurst Elementary School
VCBH Psychiatric Social Worker III Providing clinical services and supervising a mental health interventionist for children with ASD, OCD, ADHD, MDD and other psychiatric disorders in a treatment campus at Phoenix Elementary Treatment Program. Children were returning from psychiatric inpatient and residential treatment programs.
VCBH Psychiatric Social Worker III for Visions Interagency Program for adolescents returning from juvenile detention centers.
Clinical Supervisor and Clinician with Poinsettia Foundation Group Homes and Non-Public School
Psychiatric Social Worker at Camarillo State Hospital Children’s Mental Health Unit
Counselor San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center with adults diagnosed with serious mental illness
Trainee at VA Brentwood Outpatient Treatment Program and Psychiatric Hospital for adult veterans
Specialties & Areas of Expertise
I provide evaluation and treatment for a wide range of emotional problems. These include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias, posttraumatic stress disorder, and eating disorders as well as treating common problems in young children.
Family Therapy covering a range of issues including infertility, adoption, newly blended families, 3 generation families, co-parenting, step-parenting, and single parenting.
Relationship therapy to help couples rebuild intimacy byidentify patterns that are It addresses family-of-origin issues, enhances intimacy, and builds trust and commitment. This includes therapy for dating, premarital, marital issues, separation, divorce adjustment, bereavement, and issues related to communication, intimacy, and sexuality.
Provide support for teenagers and young adults dealing with complex issues. These include identity, body image, life values, individuation and differentiation, family struggles, relationships with peers, and managing academic and extracurricular stresses. I also treat addictions including self-harm, substance use, disordered eating, gambling and gaming.
Evaluate and provide interventions for neurodivergent children and teens. These services are for those struggling in school due to ASD, ADHD, learning disabilities, oppositional behavior, or anxiety/mood issues that interfere with learning.
Provide academic consultation for students with disabilities, including special education advocacy, referrals, and strength-based recommendations for treatment and interventions.
I am committed to working with people from diverse economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Strength-based and culturally sensitive therapy and interventions are provided.
Personal Life
On the weekends or holidays, you’ll find me on a long beach walk, boogie boarding with my family, hiking our SB trails, or reading in my backyard. Less often I might be found skiing on my favorite mountain Mt Baldy or riding a motorcycle on a back road. Rarely, you’ll find me on the back of a horse although that was the love of my childhood. I have had the fortune of a child being born in our family on the average of once every few years between the years of 1988 and 2019 and am very involved in their lives as an aunt, stepmother, and grandparent. We hit the 30 year anniversary mark and hope to make it to 40 or 50. I have a deep commitment to social justice and peace so you might also see me at a protest, town hall or BOS meeting. I am proud of the Santa Barbara Community for the ways they have quickly organized to defend our immigrant community. I am an LGBT and Gender Affirming Therapist.