Hi, I'm Danielle Barone, LCSW

Growing up, I learned early that asking "why" was essential for survival and understanding. I was confused and knew other families were operating differently. Again “why” was this my childhood experience, “why” was this ok, and “why” isn’t it changing?  While other teens were focused on typical adolescent interests, I found myself drawn to psychology books and case studies, driven by a deep curiosity about human behavior and the patterns that shape our lives. I was curious about what influences people to make the decisions they make, what informs their thinking and behavior.

 

After years of working in various fields, including retail and healthcare, while raising two boys and building a loving, stable marriage, that curiosity never left me. I was propelled in the opposite direction from everything I was exposed to in childhood to ensure my children were protected, inspired and supported in all of their needs. The turning point came when my nine-year-old son asked why I hadn't gone to college. That question became the mirror I couldn't look away from. The next day, I applied.

 

At thirty-eight, I walked into Lynn University and earned my psychology degree with a minor in criminal justice, followed by a Master's in Social Work with a specialization in child welfare. I completed both degrees in under six years while working full-time and raising my family. At forty-three, I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and opened Waves Therapy.

 

My approach is rooted in a fundamental belief: behavior is the weed; belief is the root. Too many approaches focus on trimming behavior, only for it to grow back repeatedly. I dig deeper, uncovering the old scripts, limiting beliefs, and survival strategies that no longer serve you. Because you are not your trauma. You are not your failures. You are not the label someone else placed on you. You are who you choose to be when you do the work of self-authorship.

 

Today, I work with teens, parents, and professionals to uncover who they really are. I bring parents into a therapy session not just to "fix the kid," but to explore how family patterns shape everyone's experience. I work with high-performing professionals who feel like impostors, showing them how perfectionism is often fear in disguise. And I connect with young people who think therapy is just another lecture, proving to them it's actually a place to be truly seen.

 

The values that drive my practice every day are family, authenticity, respect, resilience, and love proven through actions. I am living proof that your story isn't permanent. You can choose differently and become who you were meant to be.