Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Thomas.
Hi Dana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From as early as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to help people. When I went to college to study social work, I didn’t know exactly where that path would lead—I just knew I wanted to make a difference. But around the time I graduated, life threw me some big curveballs. I went through a period of deep personal loss within my family, and even though I had my degree, I didn’t feel I had the capacity to help anyone else. I needed to pause and focus on my own healing first.
It took about eight years, but I eventually found my way back to social work. My first job was with Catholic Charities. When they asked where I wanted to work, I said I was interested in the geriatric population. They smiled and said, “Great—you’re going to be in an elementary school!” I had no idea how much I would love working with kids. I absolutely thrived there, learning so much from my mentors at Catholic Charities and from the incredible school staff.
After two years, I moved into a supervisor role where I split my time between school-based therapy, supervising new clinicians, and starting to see adult clients. That experience not only strengthened my clinical skills—it helped me discover how much I love mentoring. There’s something so special about watching new therapists grow from uncertain and self-doubting to confident professionals ready to say, “Hold my cardigan, I’ve got this.”
After leaving Catholic Charities, I took a position at another agency that ended up teaching me more about what not to do than what to do. Still, I believe every experience serves a purpose. That chapter helped me grow as a leader, meet amazing new therapists, and ultimately pushed me toward what I’d always wanted—to open my own practice.
That’s how Therapeace came to life. I truly believe we’re all searching for a sense of inner peace in a world that often makes that difficult. My practice gives me the opportunity to work with people from all different walks of life. I’m a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist and an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider, and over time, I’ve noticed two main groups of clients who tend to find their way to me:
People who want to declutter both their minds and their homes. I’ve always loved cleaning and organizing, so I decided to combine that with therapy. I now offer a unique in-home therapeutic service where I help clients create order in their physical space while also working through the mental and emotional clutter that often comes with it. (I work within a 20-mile radius of Crownsville, MD.)
Adult women navigating late-diagnosed or suspected ADHD. So many of these women have been masking their symptoms for years just to keep everything afloat. As they get older and hormones shift during perimenopause or menopause, those coping systems stop working the way they used to—which can lead to more anxiety and depression. Together, we work on understanding what’s really happening and finding new ways to manage life with more compassion and self-acceptance.
Right now, I’m still shaping what Therapeace will look like in the future. I’m trusting the process, building a strong foundation, and staying open to wherever this journey leads.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Dealing with my own grief, anxiety, and depression caused my career to pause for a while. I’ve learned that we can’t truly show up for others until we’ve taken the time to heal ourselves. That season of stepping back taught me so much about self-awareness and self-compassion—two things I now emphasize in my work with clients.
Balancing all the roles we carry—therapist, parent, partner, friend—can be challenging, too. I do my best to be fully present for my clients while also showing up for my family and myself. It’s a constant dance, but it keeps me grounded and connected to what really matters. I’ve come to believe that the toughest chapters in life often prepare us for the meaningful work we’re meant to do later.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
A few years ago, I went to a friend’s house and had an experience that really stuck with me. I didn’t realize she struggled with hoarding, and her living room was full of unopened packages—some dating back to the early 2000s. Hidden beneath all of them was an overnight bag. It turned out that bag was what she had taken when she stayed with her father during the last days of his life. She hadn’t been able to unpack it and had literally buried it under all those things.
That moment really shone a light on how our physical space can reflect our mental and emotional space. It inspired me to get a certification in organizing and incorporate that into my therapy practice. I don’t know of any other therapists who will literally come to your house and help you clean out your sock drawer while also processing life.
Of course, there are limitations—due to time and travel, I can only offer this type of therapy within a certain area. But most of my clients work with me virtually or in-office, so while we may not always be physically digging through closets, we are definitely addressing the “clutter” in their minds.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
2 last tidbits:
1. You don’t have to stick with the first therapist you meet. Many offer a free 15-minute chat so you can see if you vibe—it’s basically speed dating…for your mental health. Not every therapist is your perfect match, and that’s okay!
2. You don’t need a big life drama to come to therapy. Honestly, adulting is stressful enough. Therapy is for anyone who wants support, clarity, or just a safe space to untangle life.
Pricing:
- 165 per hour
- I do accept Cigna and Aetna insurance
Contact Info:
