about dr. dena dinardo
Clinical Psychologist and Marriage & Family Therapist
I’m a conscientious, culturally aware professional skilled in the effectiveness of psychotherapy.
I offer online therapy for couples and families and believe that therapeutic alliance is a significant factor in change.
how to choose a therapist?
When choosing a therapist, read about them, have a consultation, ask questions, and then trust yourself.
Here’s a bit on my relevant background:
I am a first-generation American. I’m the eldest daughter of a blended family. My upbringing provided me with lots of nuanced insight into immigration, marriage, separation, divorce, parenting, re-marriage, sibling relationships, and more.
I’ve always been deeply attuned to and curious about the dynamic influence of these circumstances. In part, it motivated me to pursue a more sophisticated understanding of human behavior. It turns out that this mission has supported my personal healing journey and strengthened my desire to professionally co-lead healing paths with others.
As I began to formalize this interest during my undergraduate studies, I considered attending law school with a focus on social justice and family law. However, I realized that meaningful conversation and important dialogue could help people heal. And I discovered my vocation in relationship and family therapy.
things i love hearing from my clients
“Therapy with you feels like a master class, but developed uniquely for us.”
“We actually use the skills we’ve learned in therapy.”
“We didn’t know as much about each other as we thought we did.”
becoming a therapist
I most definitely felt "called" to bring my innate gifts of sensitivity and awareness to extensive academic and clinical training. And I'm proud to have equipped myself with the tools needed to make healing connections with others.
As a family and relationship therapist, I enjoy integrating multiple perspectives. It is my honor to facilitate a shared understanding of interpersonal challenges between people. As a clinical psychologist, I embrace a comprehensive biological, psychological, social, and spiritual approach to learning about my clients. Individual context matters, as do variables including, but not limited to, age, race, class, gender and sexual orientation, health status, ability, religion, culture, and more.
I founded my private practice in 2015. I supplemented my client work for several years by teaching graduate students how to apply general systems theory to relationships and families. Learning from and with therapists-in-training enhanced my expertise in the process of therapy and how relationships function.
I'm also keenly aware of the profound impact of outstanding ethical behavior on psychotherapy efficacy. Since 2020, I've dedicated myself to practicing online therapy full-time, with an increased focus on couples, relationships, and families.
my credentials
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Doctorate of Clinical Psychology
Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, PA; APA-accredited
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Master of Art, Counseling and Family Therapy
La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA; COAMFTE-accredited
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Bachelor of Art, Communication Studies and General Business
University of Scranton, Scranton, PA
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Certificate in Functional Medicine Health and Wellness Coaching
Functional Medicine Coaching Academy
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Certificate in Divorce Mediation
Conflict Resolution Training, Inc.
Professional Bio
Dr. Dena DiNardo is a Clinical Psychologist and Marriage & Family Therapist who specializes in treating couples, families, and relationships. Licensed to serve clients in 35+ states, she operates a virtual private practice based in Philadelphia, PA.
She received her Clinical Psychology training from Chestnut Hill College, an APA-accredited program specializing in evidence-based psychodynamic and family systems theory. Previously, Dr. DiNardo earned her Master's degree in Counseling and Family Therapy from La Salle University, a COAMFTE-accredited program. She has also earned postgraduate certificates in Divorce Mediation and Functional Medicine Health & Wellness Coaching.
In the early part of her career, Dr. DiNardo taught graduate and undergraduate students at The University of Pennsylvania and La Salle University.
She has been featured in an APA-published book and several popular media outlets, amassing a following of more than 12k on social media. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, including APA Division 46 (Society for Media Psychology and Technology) and the Pennsylvania Psychological Association.
Dr. DiNardo is open to collaboration and partnerships with other systemic thinkers interested in expanding the reach of mental health education.
