Dana Watson, PhD, LICSW Supervisor

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

To all those who have recommended me to others for counseling services: Thank you!

05/22/2026

I broke my collarbone when I was 32 years old. I was playing tackle football with my brothers-in-law and friends. Before the game started, I made a bold declaration: I was going to score on the opening kickoff.

I got the ball, broke two tackles, and was headed for the goal line. Running at full speed, I could already see the touchdown in sight. Then my brother-in-law made a diving attempt to stop me and caught my right foot with his hand. I tripped, fell down on my left shoulder, and broke my collarbone.

I scored the touchdown, but it came at a cost.

At the emergency room, the doctor confirmed the break. I asked him if he was going to set it, and he said no. Then he said something I had never heard before: “Two broken bones in a room tend to find each other.”

I remember thinking, What does that even mean? Maybe it was the pain medication, but it made no sense to me.

He explained that when a bone breaks, both ends begin to bleed. As healing begins, those broken ends reconnect, and new bone starts to form. Then he said something that stayed with me:

“Once it heals, the new bone formed is stronger than the bone around it. It becomes stronger in the place that was once broken.”

That resonated with me.

We all make mistakes. We all experience seasons where we feel broken and bleeding. But if we allow ourselves to heal, God can strengthen us in the very places where we once hurt the most. I’ve seen Him do that in my own life.

You have to go through the test to get to the testimony. The process can be long, uncomfortable, and painful. But God has a way of bringing strength out of suffering and purpose out of pain. We may not be perfect, but through His grace, He continues to restore, rebuild, and redeem us.

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
— 1 Peter 5:10

02/28/2026

I recently changed the name of my practice to Patmos Counseling Center after a meaningful trip to the island of Patmos.

In Scripture, Patmos was a place of exile, but it also became a place of clarity, growth, and renewed purpose. That symbolism resonates with me.

Many people begin counseling in seasons that feel isolating and overwhelming. I understand that personally. Yet I believe that with the right support, those seasons can become turning points.

Patmos Counseling Center reflects my commitment to providing a safe, clinically grounded, Christ-centered space where hardship can be processed honestly and where healing, resilience, and lasting change can emerge.

Sometimes the place that feels like exile becomes the place where transformation begins.

02/23/2026

These are the top TEN red flags 🚩 I see in marriage counseling:
1. Selfishness. Don’t be selfish. #1 by far. Considering the other person above yourself.
2. Lack of long term commitment.
3. Shutting down. A lack of emotional intelligence.
4. Immediate defensiveness.
5. No attempts made to repair the relationship.
6. Ignores emotional bids for connection.
7. Chronic criticism
8. Lack of fondness, admiration, affirmation.
9. Stalemate conflicts.
10. Emotionally unavailable, only wants physical connection.
11. *extra credit* TRUST.

02/14/2026

When God wants to get your attention, He starts with a whisper. When that doesn't work, He taps you on the shoulder. If you’re lucky, He’ll send a “prophet” to warn you, in the form of a friend, relative, pastor, someone who loves you and comes to speak truth. When that doesn't get your attention, God will punch you in the mouth.

Don't get punched in the mouth.