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Deana Porter, LMFT

California LMFT focused on relationships and trauma
  • Relationship and family therapy
  • Trauma and intimacy support
  • CBT and DBT approaches

About Deana Porter

Deana Porter is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 29 years of clinical experience serving clients in California. She brings extensive expertise in relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related concerns, self-esteem and confidence, stress and anxiety, grief, eating and sleeping difficulties, parenting and fatherhood issues, caregiving stress, and a wide range of other life challenges. Deana combines respect, sensitivity, and compassion in her work, tailoring conversations and treatment plans to reflect each client's unique history and goals.

Deana is credentialed as an LMFT, which stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a credential that reflects specialized training in family systems and relational care. She focuses on creating a collaborative environment where clients can explore patterns, heal from past wounds, and build stronger connections with themselves and others. Whether addressing attachment and family-of-origin dynamics, blended family and adoption concerns, codependency and commitment challenges, or mood-related conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder, she adapts interventions to meet the needs of individuals, couples, and families.

Taking the first step toward greater wellbeing often requires courage, and Deana aims to support that process with practical guidance and steady encouragement. Her approach emphasizes individualized support and clear, respectful communication so clients can move toward more fulfilling and balanced lives.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem

Also Specializes In

Stress, AnxietyGriefEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Additional Focus Areas

Adoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDependent personalityDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesNarcissismSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic Approach

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Gottman Method Internal Family Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Deana Porter have?

Deana Porter has 29 years of experience.

Is Deana Porter a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the LMFT credential, which stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. License details: CA LMFT 46489.

In which languages does Deana Porter provide therapy?

Deana Porter provides therapy in English.

Where is Deana Porter located?

Deana Porter is located in California.

How can I work with Deana Porter as my therapist?

You can work with Deana Porter through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Deana Porter work with international clients?

Deana Porter does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Deana Porter cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Approaches that guide online care and therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps clients identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is often used to address anxiety, depression, stress, and challenges with motivation and sleep. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, emphasizes practical skills for regulating emotions, tolerating distress, and improving relationships - useful for intense mood swings, anger, and interpersonal conflict. The Gottman Method focuses on relationship patterns and communication skills, providing tools for couples to strengthen connection and resolve recurring problems.



Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Deana works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and personal preferences, tailoring the plan as work unfolds to ensure a good fit.



Online therapy offers practical flexibility for fitting care into busy lives. Through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, clients can access licensed professionals from home or other convenient locations. These options make scheduling easier, support continuity of care during life transitions, and allow different modes of communication to match what feels most helpful for each person.

Ready to start therapy with Deana Porter?

Take the first step toward a better you.