Dana Mooney,
Buddhist Psychotherapist
LPC (CO), LMHC (FL)
Photo by: Jason DeWitt
Pronouns:
she/her, they/them
Licensure:
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (FL): MH13991
Licensed Professional Counselor (CO): LPC.0013869
University Education:
University of Central Florida
Master of Arts in Counselor Education (2013)
Bachelor of Science in Psychology (2010)
Spiritual Education:
Florida Community of Mindfulness: Dharma Transmission Group (2019-2021)
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Clinical Experience and Journey
After completing a Master’s program with the University of Central Florida in Orlando in 2013, I returned to my hometown of Tampa to accept a position as a substance abuse and mental health therapist at a community non-profit. Over the next three years, I worked in both the Methadone Assisted Treatment Program and the Women’s Intensive Outpatient Program, where I provided individual and group therapy.
From 2017 to 2023, I owned and operated a private practice to serve individuals with marginalized identities in Florida. My focus was on the LGBTQIA+ and consensually non-monogamous communities, including polyamorous, kink/BDSM, lifestyle/swinging, and other relationship-expansive individuals, couples, and groups. I also had the privilege of supporting many transgender and gender-expansive clients as they navigated Florida’s medical system to access gender-affirming care, while also adapting to the state's rapidly shifting socio-political landscape.
In 2020, as the pandemic led to widespread isolation, I transitioned my practice to fully telehealth in order to prioritize the health and safety of my clients and myself. This shift also allowed me the flexibility to relocate to a politically and culturally safer state, as a queer person of color in 2022.
By 2023, I recognized the growing need for in-person care and the importance of holistic healthcare that addresses not only mental health but also our spiritual well-being. This led me to close my Florida-based practice and begin anew with Half Smile Counseling, to serve my local community. My goal is to offer a space where individuals can slow down, reflect deeply, and transform their suffering into a path toward liberation.
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Pictured: My Teacher and me after Bodhisattva Vows Transmission Ceremony, 2021
Spiritual Path and Lineage
In 2017, while seeking local meditation classes, I had the great fortune of meeting my Buddhist teacher, Fred Eppsteiner, and coming into contact with the Dharma through the Florida Community of Mindfulness. Fred began his Zen practice in the late 1960s at the Rochester Zen Center with Roshi Philip Kapleau. In the mid-1970s, Fred developed a close relationship with Thich Nhat Hanh, joining his Order of Interbeing in 1983 and receiving Lamp Transmission, and permission to teach in the Plum Village Tradition in 1994. Fred also has a strong connection to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, having received teachings from Dzongnar Rinpoche in 1975 in the Dzogchen (Great Perfection) tradition and further instruction from other Vajrayana masters.
From 2019 to 2021, I engaged in a rigorous 3-year Dharma Transmission program under Fred’s guidance, during which I received transmission of the teachings he received from his teachers. This program required a deep commitment to both study and practice, with daily commitments of at least two hours of study and practice, quarterly small group retreats, and five or more days of solo retreats each year. Additionally, the program included regular group practice instruction, as well as individual teacher interviews. Throughout this time, I also participated in additional meditation retreats and days of mindfulness.
In 2019, I received the Transmission of the Five Mindfulness Trainings, followed by the Transmission of Bodhisattva Vows in 2021. These transmissions have deepened my commitment to the path of mindfulness and compassionate service.
Since moving to Denver in 2022, I have beeen actively involved with my local Sanghas (spiritual communities). I began and continue to facilitate a biweekly meditation group for young adults, attend weekly gatherings and retreats, and help plan and lead retreats for the community. I remain deeply committed to my own practice and to sharing what I have received to support others on their healing journey.
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Identities and Passions
I believe that one of the most important aspects of the healing journey is learning to feel safe in authentic, embodied connection with others—practicing showing up together in our wholeness. To foster that connection, I bring my whole self into the room, which invites clients to do the same. This includes embracing all the intersecting aspects of identity (and non-identity), as well as acknowledging who we are and what we do beyond the healing process.
Identities: Queer, non-binary, biracial: Chinese (second generation American) and Caucasian, neurodivergent (highly sensitive person), Artist, 10+ years lived experience with polyamory and non-monogamy, able-bodied, Buddhist, vegan/vegetarian
Passions: Community building, rhythm roller skating, dancing, quilting and fiber arts, visible mending, painting, cooking, Dharma, laughing (!!)
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Get in touch
Think we might be a good fit for therapy? Let’s schedule a free 20 minute phone consultation to see if and how I may be able to help.