Hi, I’m Dana.
It’s time to make that change…
And become the person you’ve always wanted to be.
“You have everything you need for complete peace and total happiness right now.”
I see you, stuck in the tug-of-war between wanting something different and fearing what change might bring.
I see you, questioning if you’re ready—or if you even know how to take that first step.
I see how uncertainty keeps you frozen, afraid to move forward but unsatisfied with where you are.
I see you overwhelmed by the thought of letting go of what’s familiar, even if it no longer feels right.
I see that you’re doing your best to hold it all together, but deep down, you feel like you’re not in control of your own life.
“You find peace not by rearranging the circumstances of your life, but by realizing who you are at the deepest level.”
Your life doesn’t have to feel this way.
I get it. The idea of transforming your life feels overwhelming, and the fear of failure can be paralyzing. You’re trying to keep everything together while wondering if change is even possible—or if it’s worth the risk.
You want a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling, but stepping into the unknown feels terrifying.
And even when you dream about change, it’s hard to imagine where to find the time and space to make it happen.
What if you start pointing yourself toward that change and you no longer have time for the people you love?
I’ve been there. And I’m here to tell you that you can make that change without wrecking the things that are already good.
Hey there, I’m Dana.
My purpose is to help people facing life’s crossroads find clarity, overcome their fears, and step into the life they’ve always imagined—one filled with purpose, joy, and authenticity.
A life where you feel...
Calm.
Confident.
Empowered.
Truly happy.
I love helping people navigate the uncertainty and create a path forward that feels right for them.
Here’s my story.
I’ve played many roles in my life—daughter, sister, corporate go-getter, entrepreneur, wife, and just about every kind of mom you can imagine. Each of these roles brought its own challenges and joys, but they also taught me something deeper about myself and the transformations we all go through.
From a young age, I struggled with the fear of change and the uncertainty it brings. I often felt like life was something happening to me, rather than something I could shape. When things felt out of control, I clung to what I knew—even when it wasn’t serving me.
I was determined not to let fear and uncertainty stop me from living a fulfilling life.
I threw myself into situations that terrified me. For a while, it worked—I became desensitized to the fear. But it also numbed me to everything else.
After college, I found stability as a freelance writer. I loved the creative process, but interviewing people left me paralyzed with self-doubt. The anxiety I’d tried so hard to suppress came rushing back. I turned to wine in the evenings to cope with the stress. It helped me get through the days, but deep down, I knew it wasn’t a real solution.
In my late twenties, I got married and retreated into the safety of writing a novel. At first, it felt like freedom. I didn’t have to face the pressures of a traditional job, but cracks quickly formed in my marriage. Neither of us could handle conflict, and our unspoken issues built walls between us.
Then my son Charlie came into the world, and he became the greatest joy of my life. But even with this beautiful little boy in my arms, I still felt like I was careening through a life I couldn’t control. The fear of failing—not just for me, but for him—became impossible to ignore.
It was time to make a change.
After seven years of marriage, my husband and I divorced, and I started a corporate job in healthcare marketing. It was a high-pressure role that pushed me far outside my comfort zone. As an introvert, the constant social interaction felt overwhelming, but I convinced myself this was just how life had to be.
Still, something wasn’t right. No matter how much I adjusted or powered through, I felt disconnected—from myself, from my life, and even from my son. I wanted so badly to be fully present for him, to savor every precious moment, but it felt like I was running on autopilot.
After years of hard work—including juggling two side gigs—I finally saved enough to quit the corporate job and work from home as a freelance writer and editor. It was a huge leap, but I knew I had to do something different. I had more control over my schedule and could be there when my son got home from school. On paper, it looked like I’d finally “figured it out.”
But creating a life that looked good wasn’t enough. I realized that real transformation meant facing the things I’d been avoiding—my fears, my doubts, and the uncertainty of stepping into something new. I couldn’t keep waiting for circumstances to change; I had to change how I approached my life.
So, I made one of the hardest but most important decisions of my life: I sought help. I started working with a therapist, confronting the fears and beliefs that had been holding me back for so long. It wasn’t easy, but it was the beginning of something truly transformative.
Let me be clear: I’m not a licensed therapist—I’m a certified coach. While I don’t provide therapy services, I use many of the tools I’ve learned along my journey in a coaching capacity. These techniques are incredibly effective for navigating the challenges of daily life and creating meaningful change.
I discovered the powerful connection between my thoughts and emotions.
When I finally started paying attention to my thoughts, I was shocked at the negative, critical stories I was telling myself day in and day out. No wonder I felt stuck and overwhelmed!
Through guided exercises, I learned to slow down, recognize those thoughts, and begin to shift them. Changing my thoughts changed how I felt—and that transformation touched every part of my life.
Finally...
I could interrupt spiraling thoughts before they took over.
I could untangle the conflicting voices in my mind and understand what they were trying to tell me.
I learned to listen to my feelings instead of ignoring or suppressing them.
I started speaking honestly—with myself and with others—without fear of being misunderstood.
My mind calmed, my breathing deepened, and I felt a sense of peace I hadn’t known before.
This wasn’t just change; it was the beginning of a completely new way of living.
My life transformed.
I realized I didn’t have to keep struggling. I found clarity about the life I wanted to create and took bold steps toward it. I pursued a new path that aligned with my passion for helping others navigate their own transformations, and it’s been the most fulfilling journey I could imagine.
I now have meaningful downtime with my son, and we’re closer than ever. Our little family has grown to include two amazing stepchildren and a husband with whom I share an honest, supportive connection. I finally feel fully present in these relationships, savoring the moments that truly matter.
This is the life I always dreamed of—and I can finally enjoy it fully because I’ve embraced the tools to face life’s uncertainties with courage and confidence.
This is what I want for you, too. It took me years to figure out how to get here. The road wasn’t easy, but looking back, I see how every step—every challenge—led me to this place.
I also see the shortcuts I could have taken, the guidance that would have made all the difference. That’s why I’m here: to walk alongside you, to help you see that you’re on the right path, and to give you the tools to move forward with confidence.
Some fun facts about me…
I’m a total Florida girl of the rustic kayaking, fishing, windsurfing variety. Stick me in a bay with a net and bucket and I’m happy as a clam.
I started a publishing company with a guy I met on a plane and published several successful books about how to make money selling on Amazon.
I’ve been running since I was a teenager and just before COVID, ran two half-marathons in two days (so kind of a marathon?)
I once came face to face with a black bear in my tent and followed him to see what had attracted him to our campsite. Interesting fact - even bears turn their noses up at Dinty Moore Beef Stew.
At one time in my life I’ve played piano, saxophone, oboe, guitar, and violin but none of them very well.
My hero as a kid was Indiana Jones.
We recently brought in a new addition to the family. A Moyen Poodle we call Peachy-Poo!
I’ve written two novels that I immediately placed in a drawer and forgot about.
It took me over 30 years to figure out what I’m supposed to be doing in this world.
Professional Bio
Dana Cooper is a certified life coach specializing in transformational change and personal growth using cognitive behavioral (CBT) and internal family systems (IFS)* techniques.
Through coaching, speaking, and writing, Dana helps women who feel stuck or uncertain take courageous steps toward a life they truly love. Her approach combines practical strategies with deep self-awareness, empowering her clients to overcome obstacles, embrace change, and create meaningful, lasting transformation.
Dana holds a BA in English/Creative Writing and has over two decades of experience as a corporate copywriter and editor. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work, with the goal of expanding her ability to support clients in both therapeutic and coaching settings.
Dana lives on the serene shores of Florida’s Gulf Coast, where she finds inspiration and balance in the beauty of nature.
*Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a trademark of The Center for Self Leadership.