About
My Approach
Hi, I'm Dana Abselem.
I believe therapy works best when it offers both compassion and action. Feeling heard and understood is an important part of healing, but lasting change also comes from gaining new perspectives, learning practical skills, and gradually replacing patterns that no longer serve you.
My goal is to create a space where you feel safe enough to be vulnerable, curious enough to explore the experiences that have shaped you, and supported enough to begin making meaningful changes. Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, or a major life transition, we'll work together to understand what's keeping you stuck while building practical tools you can use long after our sessions end.
My approach is collaborative, warm, and practical. We may explore how past experiences continue to influence the present, identify unhelpful patterns, strengthen emotion regulation skills, and develop healthier ways of responding to life's challenges. My work is primarily informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while integrating skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and other evidence-based approaches. Every treatment plan is individualized to fit every person's unique experiences, strengths, and goals.
Why "Kavona Bri"?
Kavona is a Yiddish word meaning intention, referring to the mindful purpose and depth we bring to how we live.
Brí is an Irish word meaning strength and essence, or the core of who we are.
Together, they reflect my belief that meaningful healing happens when intention and inner strength come together to create lasting change.
My Journey
I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with more than 15 years of experience supporting people facing anxiety, trauma, emotional dysregulation, life transitions, and a wide range of other mental health concerns. My work has included inpatient, outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs, allowing me to support people at many different stages of their healing journey.
Early in my career at Butler Hospital, I discovered that while I valued helping people through periods of crisis, what I found most meaningful was building lasting therapeutic relationships and witnessing growth over time. That realization inspired me to pursue outpatient therapy and ultimately create Kavona Bri Therapy and Wellness, a practice where I could partner with clients as they build insight, develop new skills, and create meaningful, lasting change. It was also on the inpatient units at Butler Hospital where I quickly discovered the power of group therapy. While facilitating groups there, I would provide offer information, relevant skills and a space for us to come together, and then would be in awe of the magic that happens when the individuals of the group come together and realize they are not alone. They encourage one another, offer different perspectives, hold one another accountable, and celebrate successes together. I am continuously amazed at the growth that comes from the connection people build with one another. It's a privilege to witness that process, and it's one of the reasons I'm so passionate about offering workshops and therapy groups as part of my practice.
In addition to providing therapy, I've served as Assistant Director of Social Services at HRI Hospital, taught social and behavioral sciences in Brown University's Doctoring course, and worked in higher education supporting students through academic and personal challenges. These experiences continue to shape my appreciation for the many ways emotional well-being influences every aspect of our lives.
A Little About Me
Outside of my work, I value many of the same things I encourage clients to cultivate: slowing down, being intentional, and finding moments of restoration in everyday life.
For me, that often looks like sitting outside with a cup of tea, working on a crossword puzzle, indulging in a bite of dark chocolate, or listening to a favorite song. I also believe humor can have a place in therapy. While we may explore difficult experiences together, moments of laughter can remind us of our resilience and help make the work feel a little lighter.
Finding the right therapist is an important decision. If you think we might be a good fit, I'd be happy to answer your questions during a free 15-minute consultation.