Dannie Estelle-Velez

More About Dannie Estelle-Velez

Clinical Interests:

Dannie is an art therapist and clinical mental health counselor whose work is grounded in interpersonal neurobiology and child-centered practices. They are passionate about working with neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and trauma-impacted youth ages 5+ in a variety of environments.

Dannie recognizes that children and adolescents often struggle to verbalize their feelings which can cause problems at home and school, as well as difficulties with relationships and behavior. They aim to facilitate an environment to explore and understand feelings through art and play. Dannie utilizes their education in art therapy to help children learn to trust themselves, understand their sensory systems, and explore their world.

Clinical Approach:

Dannie specializes in working from a relational, neurodevelopmental, and regulation-based framework. While Dannie’s experience in behavior intervention is extensive, unlike typical behavioral modification, Dannie is passionate about utilizing the nervous system of both child and caregiver to change behaviors. Through providing children and families therapeutic interventions grounded in interpersonal neuroscience, that emphasize co-regulation and sensory modulation as foundations for change.

Hobbies:

When not at work or talking about the magic of art therapy, Dannie enjoys crocheting and reading, among many other “cozy” hobbies. They are obsessed with their two dogs, Audrey and Duane. Each summer, Dannie volunteers at Camp Brave Trails, an LGBTQ+ youth leadership summer camp, as mental health support staff.