Meet Dana

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dana and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dana, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It wasn’t a calculated decision that led me to start Dealing to Healing; it was a profound feeling, an undeniable calling that found me. From the moment I knew this calling, “Dealing to Healing” was what I consider a name given from the Divine, and I’ve always referred to it as a project. And it still is a project!

After decades navigating the treacherous waters of trauma, including narcissistic relationships, addiction, grappling with the deep-seated abandonment wound, and understanding my attachment style, something shifted. In 2021, amidst the global pandemic, I experienced what I can only describe as an “awakening”.

This wasn’t a gentle nudge; it was a powerful transformation. I went from battling suicidal thoughts to surrendering to this newfound purpose. God seemed to conspire in my favor, and in January 2022, I received incredible news: a scholarship to become “Enneagram certified”. By the end of that year, I was not only certified but actively teaching the Enneagram, using its profound insights to help others on their healing journeys, all while openly sharing my own story.

Dealing to Healing emerged from this intense period of personal metamorphosis, born from a desire to transform my pain into a pathway for others to find their own healing and purpose. This project has the potential to reach far and wide—from a book and a blog to Enneagram sessions, in-person speaking engagements, and so much more.

What should our readers know about your business?
Dealing to Healing is currently a “blog-based platform”, offering insights and guidance, alongside “one-on-one consulting and teaching sessions focused on the Enneagram”. What truly sets me apart is the deeply personal foundation of this work. This isn’t just a textbook approach or mere theory born from a desire to be a consultant or teacher; this was something born directly out of me, forged in the crucible of my own experiences, and a profound journey of healing from trauma. I didn’t go to school for this specific path; it was a calling that I felt compelled to share with the world. This authenticity allows me to connect with clients on a very real level, offering both understanding and practical tools.

I’m most excited about the future of this project. Dealing to Healing is like a slow-growing oak tree, sturdy and resilient, yet it also bends like a palm tree when faced with challenges. As an entrepreneur with decades of experience, I’m a firm believer that businesses that cultivate slow, steady growth are better equipped to iron out kinks as they arise. This organic development leads to a more robust and enduring presence, unlike the fleeting nature of some rapid-growth ventures.

Getting to this point hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced several challenges that have caused me to pause or slow down. However, I’ve never quit because I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that this is my calling and my purpose. The most important lesson I’ve learned along the way is the power of perseverance when you’re aligned with your true path.

What I want the world to know about me and Dealing to Healing is this: never give up on your purpose. If you believe you don’t have one, you’re wrong. The very fact of your existence means you have a purpose waiting to be discovered. Dealing to Healing is a testament to transforming pain into purpose, and my hope is to inspire others to begin their own healing journeys and uncover the meaningful reason they are here. You can read my entire awakening story and explore my blog at dealingtohealing.com, and follow my journey on social media by finding Dealing to Healing on Facebook and Instagram.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Arrival & BeltLine!
Morning/Afternoon:Arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), easily the world’s busiest airport! Settle into your accommodations – my home sweet home.
Lunch: Head straight to Ponce City Market for a selection brimming with diverse food stalls and local shops.
Afternoon: Stroll, bike, or scooter the Beltline. Immerse in nature.
Dinner: Fox Bros BBQ is a must when in Atlanta.
Evening: If the weather’s nice, consider a rooftop drink at Skyline Park on top of Ponce City Market for classic views and then while we are in the neighborhood a quick stop at the Clermont Hotel and Lounge.

Day 2: Braves & Bargains!
Morning: Time for some bargain hunting! We’re off to the Goodwill on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. As a fellow scavenger hunter, you know the thrill of the find, and this Goodwill often yields some great treasures.
Lunch: Grab a quick and tasty bite near Goodwill; there are plenty of casual options in Sandy Springs.
Afternoon: Immerse yourselves in America’s favorite pastime at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves! Even if there isn’t a game, touring the stadium and exploring The Battery Atlanta (the entertainment district surrounding the park) is a blast.
Evening: Catch a Braves game! The atmosphere is electric, and there’s nothing quite like cheering on the home team. Enjoy ballpark food or choose from the many excellent restaurants in The Battery beforehand.

Day 3: North Georgia Wine Country Escape!
All Day: Take a delightful day trip north to Chateau Elan Winery & Resort. This is a beautiful escape that truly makes you feel like you’ve left the city.
Start with a winery tour and tasting – learn about the winemaking process and sample their selection.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of their restaurants, perhaps the Versailles Restaurant for a more upscale experience or my favorite is a casual bite at Paddy’s Irish Pub. Explore the grounds, relax by a fire pit, or even indulge in a spa treatment if you’re feeling luxurious.

Day 4: Culture & Culinary Delights!
Morning: Dive into Atlanta’s rich history at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. Visit his birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and his final resting place. It’s a powerful and moving experience.
Lunch: Explore the vibrant Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. There are many fantastic local eateries, from casual cafes to more upscale options.
Afternoon: Experience the iconic Atlanta Botanical Garden. If it’s the holiday season (mid-November to early January), “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights” is an absolute must-see – millions of twinkling lights transform the garden into a magical wonderland. If not, the regular botanical displays are breathtaking.
Dinner: Given Atlanta’s melting pot status, this is where we’d let our palates lead the way. We could explore the incredible Ethiopian food on Buford Highway, savor authentic Mexican in many neighborhoods, or delve into the diverse culinary scene in areas like Inman Park or Decatur. We wouldn’t pick just one; we’d pick something we’re both craving for an authentic taste of Atlanta’s global flavors.
Evening: Depending on the mood, perhaps catch a show at the Fox Theatre or enjoy live music in a cozy Midtown spot.

Day 5: Iconic Atlanta & Scavenger Hunt Part Deux!
Morning: Visit the World of Coca-Cola to learn about the history of the famous beverage and sample different Coke products from around the globe. Right next door is the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest in the world, with incredible marine life. Choose one or both!
Lunch: Casual lunch downtown near Centennial Olympic Park.
Afternoon: Time for another treasure hunt! Atlanta has many fantastic independent vintage shops and antique malls. We could explore spots in Little Five Points for unique finds and a funky atmosphere.
Dinner: Enjoy a delicious dinner in Little Five Points, or head to a neighborhood like Virginia-Highland for its charming cafes and restaurants.

Day 6: Peachtree Road Race (If applicable – July 4th!)
Morning: If your visit falls on July 4th, then experiencing the AJC Peachtree Road Race is absolutely essential! We’d grab a prime spot along the route (starting in Buckhead and ending at Piedmont Park) to cheer on the tens of thousands of runners in the world’s largest 10K. The energy is infectious!
Late Morning/Afternoon: Enjoy the post-race festivities in Piedmont Park or explore other Fourth of July celebrations around the city.
Evening: Classic American BBQ for dinner, followed by fireworks displays if available.
Alternative (if not July 4th): If it’s not the 4th, we could explore Piedmont Park (right next to the Botanical Garden) – rent bikes, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the urban oasis. We could also visit the High Museum of Art for a dose of culture, or explore the shops and galleries in Buckhead.

Day 7: Farewell Brunch & Departure!
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely farewell brunch at a beloved Atlanta spot. Perhaps Snooze, an A.M. Eatery for creative pancakes, or Flying Biscuit Cafe for Southern comfort with a twist.
Afternoon: Depending on flight times, a final stroll through a favorite neighborhood or a last-minute souvenir hunt.
Departure: Head back to ATL, already planning the next Atlanta adventure!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Amazing “Guinea Pigs” and Cheerleaders:
First and foremost, I want to express immense gratitude to everyone who volunteered their time to be my “guinea pigs” when I first became Enneagram certified. Your willingness to let me practice and refine my skills was invaluable. I continue to offer sessions at an accessible cost because I’m working towards accreditation with the International Enneagram Association, and your continued participation helps me reach that goal.

I also want to send a huge shoutout to my phenomenal friends: Abigail, Ellen, Dibrell, Lisa, and Yolanda. You all have been my unwavering cheerleaders and a constant source of encouragement on every level. Your belief in me and in Dealing to Healing has truly made a difference.

To everyone who walked alongside me during my healing journey back in August 2021, your support and care were truly invaluable. And to all my wonderful followers on the blog and social media, thank you for your support. Your engagement and presence continue to inspire me every day.

Special Acknowledgment:
To my son, thank you for your unconditional love and for accepting me with the tools I had, even if they weren’t always perfect, as I navigated motherhood. Your support means the world to me, and I’m so grateful for your talent in creating my website.

My Teachers and Guiding Light:
Finally, I must acknowledge my Enneagram teachers, who imparted the knowledge and wisdom that laid the foundation for my work. And a very special shoutout to my therapist in Nashville, TN, Dr. Evelyn Frye. Her guidance and support have been profound and instrumental in my personal healing journey, which ultimately led to the creation of Dealing to Healing.

Website: https://dealingtohealing.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dealingtohealing

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dealingtohealing

Other: https://ieaninepoints.com/iea-directory/iea-professional-members/#!biz/id/647288eb07706a2273514f8c