Dayna Hunt, LMFT

Calm, practical therapy for real life

About Dayna

Dayna Hunt is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with 27 years of experience. She focuses on practical, down-to-earth care for people dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, grief, depression, and life changes.

Background and approach

Dayna keeps sessions straightforward and focused on steps people can use at home and in daily life. She draws on cognitive behavioral methods to help people notice and change unhelpful thoughts that shape mood and behavior.

She uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy techniques to build emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills. Dayna also practices a client-centered approach that emphasizes listening and meeting people where they are.

Her background includes work in independent practice, family service agencies, schools, and corporate settings. That variety gives her familiarity with common relationship patterns, blended family issues, parenting stress, and workplace concerns.

She has also supported people facing trauma, addictions, eating concerns, postpartum mood challenges, and seasonal mood shifts. Dayna earned a Bachelor of Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Dominican University in San Rafael.

Her long career reflects steady involvement in counseling and relationship-focused work. In sessions she focuses on clear tools such as thought tracking, communication practice, boundary setting, and skills for handling intense feelings.

She aims to help people find practical ways forward, whether the goal is improved relationships, managing anxiety, or coping with big life transitions.

How therapy approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and taking meaningful action even when feelings are hard. Online ACT sessions can help people who feel stuck reconnect with what matters and set doable steps toward those values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches practical exercises to notice and change thoughts that fuel anxiety or low mood. In remote sessions CBT work often includes tracking thoughts, practicing skills between meetings, and reviewing brief homework together. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT skills can be taught and practiced in video or text formats so people have tools to manage intense moments.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will review needs, goals, and preferences together and suggest an approach or blend that fits. That collaborative decision helps tailor sessions to what the person wants to change and how they prefer to work.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for longer skills practice and role play. Phone sessions can work when bandwidth is low or a quieter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging make brief updates, quick coaching, or ongoing support easier to fit into a busy day. These options add flexibility and make it simpler to keep therapy consistent around work, family, and other commitments.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns can be addressed in sessions?

Dayna helps with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and family problems, addictions, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, anger, low self-esteem, career changes, and ADHD.

What is Dayna's therapeutic style like?

The approach is practical and direct. She combines cognitive behavioral techniques, DBT skills, and a client-centered manner to help people build skills and try new ways of relating.

How long has she been practicing?

She has worked in counseling and relationship-focused roles for 27 years, including work in independent practice, agencies, schools, and corporate settings.

Where is Dayna licensed and based?

She holds a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist credential and practices in California.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

Therapy is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.

How does billing and cost work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin if I want to work with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Family conflicts

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 27 years
Licensed: California
Languages: English