Danielle Faye Jonas, PhD, LCSW
Specialties
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Building coping and emotion regulation skills
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Improving communication and relationship building
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Individuals facings serious illness and their loved ones, from diagnosis and bereavement
Therapy Modalities
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness
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Family Systems Approach
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Psychodynamic Therapy
Populations
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Parents
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Children and Teens
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Adults
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Families
Therapeutic Approach
Dr. Jonas is a psychotherapist with over a decade of experience as a private practice therapist, pediatric medical social worker, palliative care researcher, and bereavement coordinator, with particular expertise in parenting and family support. She works with clients of all ages, tailoring her therapeutic approach to each individual as needed.
Dr. Jonas has extensive experience supporting parents directly, helping them build confidence, strengthen communication with their children, and navigate the everyday and extraordinary challenges of raising kids. This work complements her broader focus on children, teens, and families navigating childhood related issues.
Her approach is informed by Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems Theory, and Mindfulness-Based Therapy. She is committed to understanding each person's individual perspective and experience, helping them articulate their unique needs and goals in service of greater emotional well-being. She creates a safe, supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore their authentic selves, bringing a warm, calming and genuine presence and a transparent, empathetic communication style.
Dr. Jonas is fellowship trained in pediatric palliative care and has particular expertise working with individuals facing serious illness, and their loved ones, across the full illness trajectory, from diagnosis through bereavement. Across her work, she helps clients build emotion regulation skills, strengthen relationships, and improve communication patterns. She also specializes in supporting people navigating depression, anxiety, life transitions, and grief.
Dr. Jonas is based in Santa Monica, California, where she offers in-person sessions, along with telehealth sessions throughout California, New York, and Connecticut.
Academic Work
Prior to starting her therapy practice, Danielle worked as a pediatric palliative care social worker and bereavement coordinator at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Danielle holds a Master's degree in Social Work from Indiana University and completed her PhD of Social Work at the New York University Silver School of Social Work. She is also fellowship trained in pediatric palliative care social work from the Harvard School of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.