Image of Dani Gotwalt

About me

My style as a therapist is informed by a deep belief that my clients are the experts on their lives and experiences and I am a companion walking alongside them on their path offering them tools and options to help deepen their self understanding and empowerment to make real change in their lives. 

I bring a sense of humor when it fits, and I’m always interested in what feels most alive for you in the moment.

Before becoming a therapist, I spent years in private practice as a spiritual director, helping people connect with meaning, purpose, and the sacred in everyday life. That experience still shapes the way I show up: with warmth, curiosity, and a respect for the many paths we each walk, including spirituality.

I’m a long-time San Franciscan who loves reading fiction, walking everywhere, and spending time with my loved ones (friends, husband, and dog). I’m also a white, cisgender, straight woman who is childfree, married, and middle class. I name these identities because I believe it’s important to acknowledge the social locations we each bring into the room, and I’m committed to my own lifelong work of unlearning and disrupting oppressive systems, in therapy and beyond.

How I work

I believe you’re the expert on your experience, and I walk alongside you by offering tools and life skills to deepen self-understanding and empower change. Early sessions often focus on giving you coping strategies, identifying strengths and supports, and making space for deeper healing.

My style is warm, relational, and collaborative. We might use mindfulness, parts work, body awareness, or psychodynamic exploration, whatever fits your pace. I hold a “take what you want and leave the rest” approach to tools and modalities.

Working with me

  • I’m a deeply engaged listener, curious about your unique experience.

  • I gently help you slow down and tune into what’s happening here and now.

  • I may invite you to zoom out and explore the many systems shaping your story.

  • I geek out over teaching tools and frameworks to support your understanding and self-regulation.

  • I ask for your consent every step of the way and actively invite feedback.

  • I highlight your strengths and cheerlead your progress.

  • I welcome any topic that is impacting you—whether it’s sex, spirituality, money, or anything else.

Therapy approaches & modalities

  • Relational / Depth / Psychodynamic

  • Hakomi Mindful Somatic Therapy

  • Trauma-Informed

  • Social Justice / Feminist

  • Grief-Positive

  • Integrative

  • Experiential

  • Humanistic / Existential

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy

  • DBT Skills Training

  • Parts Work

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Training and experience

  • LMFT (CA #153552), in practice for 5+ years

  • M.A. in Counseling Psychology, The Wright Institute (2021)

  • Completed Hakomi Year 1 training and currently enrolled in Year 2

Ready to take the next step?

offering in-person in San Francisco & telehealth throughout California

schedule a free 20-minute call