Dr. Dana Dorfman

05/09/2026

On my latest Substack, I dive into the nuances of a growth mindset—including the extreme trends like "looksmaxxing"—and self-acceptance: https://drdanadorfman.substack.com/p/growth-vs-self-acceptance

Subscribe for free here: https://drdanadorfman.substack.com/

And if you know me, the voice in this video might sound familiar. That's because I experimented with an AI program to create a "Dana" voice just for social media videos. (And I'm sorry to say but AI Dana doesn't have nearly enough Jersey in her accent.)

01/01/2026

The practice of hope doesn’t require chipper ignorance, and resilience doesn’t mean pretending things weren’t hard. When we reflect on moments where we felt hopeless, overwhelmed, or deeply unsettled, a remarkable truth can emerge: we endured, or tolerated, uncomfortable feelings and figured out a way to adapt. Growth only happens when we’re challenged. As we move into 2026, I encourage us to look back and acknowledge the four major categories of challenges we faced and the ways those challenges changed us. The question I often return to with patients is a simple one: What was the challenge that got you here? Read a few questions to get you started in each category in my free Substack: https://drdanadorfman.substack.com/p/a-therapists-practicum-to-keep-hope

10/10/2025

It’s so I’m sharing my latest Substack post inspired by the Biggest Loser documentary. Gentle reminder that “coaching” and “guidance” can take the form of abuse in our culture, particularly when it comes to our bodies. You can read that and more on drdanadorfman.substack.com

02/07/2025

Anxious? (This isn't a rhetorical question!) In honor of the second publication anniversary of my book "When Worry Works," I'm giving away a free, one-hour anxiety consultation. If you're like to be selected, DM me or email [email protected] by Feb. 14 at midnight ET. The person selected will be chosen blindly. All messages are confidential and will be deleted after the 14th. Feel free to share this with anyone you know who may appreciate a free hour talking about their anxiety.

You can buy the book here or wherever books are sold: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-worry-works-dana-dorfman-phd/1141677234

04/17/2024

It's pretty exciting to open up the Jewish Book Council newsletter and see your book in the Featured section—and in the Passover issue no less. It's also pretty exciting that "When Worry Works" is in such stellar company. Check out the issue and the other authors here: https://mailchi.mp/jewishbooks/unique-haggadot-for-passover-57842024

02/14/2024

I made Valentine's Day cards for my fellow mental health practitioners and worriers ❤️ (Feel free to share with someone you love.) I had a lot of fun creating these, so please enjoy.

01/30/2024

If you're a podcast ju**ie like me—especially ones about parenting—I highly recommend Parenting Breakdown, hosted by Rachel Henes and her husband Matt. They have a nice dynamic and talk honestly about relatable parenting dilemmas. And, my fellow practitioners, they offer sage, research-backed guidance! Listen here on Apple Podcasts:

Parenting Breakdown with hosts Rachel Henes, a noted parenting educator and consultant on achievement culture at some of America’s most competitive schools, and her husband Matt Borden, a coach for high performing executives, discuss the ins and outs of parenting mindfully in a non-stop world.

01/30/2024

Join me on Thursday! Details below.

Join us for a FREE virtual discussion with Dr. Dana Dorfman PhD, on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 7:30 PM on Zoom.

👉 Registration required: ctjfs.org/Dorfman

Dana will discuss her book "When Worry Works: How to Harness Your Parenting Stress and Guide Your Teens to Success." Don't miss this community-wide event in partnership with United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien, Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County, UJA-JCC Greenwich, Jewish Family Services of Greenwich and the Jewish Book Council.

👉 Register here: ctjfs.org/Dorfman


stamfordmoms.com WestportMoms

04/25/2023

As approaches, I encourage teens AND us parents to abstain from posting. Here's why, plus healthier ways to honor the occasion.

It's harmful to teen mental health and inadvertently perpetuates toxic messages.

04/13/2023

Anxiety is “contagious, "but it can provide physiological benefits in certain situations. Check out my interview with New York Family—I hope it gives you some beneficial anxiety only.

We sat down with New York City-based psychotherapist about anxiety in parents and adolescents and the benefits of anxiety.

04/11/2023

A gentle reminder from my latest newsletter, Demystifying Adolescence. These tips won’t magically transform you, but they will make a difference. Sign up for free here: https://drdanadorfman.com/contact/