Dana Cressman 

Feeling Deeply, Living Honestly

I resonate with those who feel emotions deeply. As someone who tends to process the world with high sensitivity, I’ve come to understand how emotional intensity can shape the way we move through life. Perfectionism showed up early for me—especially in school and sports—often making it hard to accept “good enough.” At times, the intensity of those emotions made it difficult to stay connected to activities I otherwise loved. 

Over time, I’ve come to see these experiences not as something to manage away, but as meaningful parts of what allows me to connect with others on a deeper level. Perfectionism is a companion that wants me to tune into my own goodness and that of others. Sensitivity is a source of insight, connection, and care for myself and those around me.

From the Classroom to the Therapy Room

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a secondary school teacher. My teaching qualifications are in physical education and biology, although my teaching career took a meandering and non-traditional path. Over time, I realized that teaching, while valuable, wasn’t quite the right fit for me. What truly mattered to me were the relationships—especially being present with students who were navigating challenging emotions and life transitions. 

What stayed with me was a growing curiosity about how anxiety lives in the body, how connection supports healing, and how important it is to feel seen and heard in our struggles. These questions led me to psychotherapy.

Moving towards Integration

It's a process to uncover what feels like the right fit. For me, a mix of high sensitivity, curiosity about the human body, love for movement, and the pull of perfectionism sparked a deep interest in how mental health relates to food, exercise, and self-esteem. This led me to join a team at an in-patient eating disorder unit, where I worked alongside other professionals supporting clients in their healing. I’m grateful for that experience and excited to bring what I’ve learned into private practice.

Outside the Therapy Room

Running and snowboarding help me stay connected to my body and remind me of my personal strength. I’m still learning to embrace “good enough” as I show up for social sports like pickleball and hockey. I’m rarely far from a non-fiction book and feel most at home in nature, where I find both creativity and calm. It is an absolute privilege to do this work and to witness the courage people bring to their healing journeys.