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Neringa

1 Apr 2025 Harmonia Careers

In the Spotlight: Finding transformation through therapy and self-development with Neringa Dan

neringa

In today’s world, more people than ever are seeking guidance, healing, and tools for personal growth. Behind every therapist and coach is a unique story of resilience and transformation that shapes how they help others.

We sat down with Neringa Dan, founder of Dragonfly Therapy to learn about her journey from Lithuania to the US, and now Tenerife, her unique approach to therapy, and her newly launched CPD-accredited self-development course, Root to Rise – An Introduction to Self-Development.

Q&A with Neringa

Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and what led you to become a therapist?

I was born and raised in Lithuania. Seeking a brighter future, I took a leap of faith and moved to the United States, where I lived for 18 years. In Florida, I worked in various roles that strengthened my skills in customer service and client support. I attended St. Petersburg College and later graduated with a bachelor’s degree in management from the University of South Florida.

It was in St. Petersburg, Florida, that I met two extraordinary mentors who transformed my life. They opened my eyes to the profound connection between our thoughts, emotions, physical body, and spirituality. With their guidance, I embarked on a journey of deep growth and self-discovery, gaining wisdom that no traditional education could provide. I began to understand my traumas, fears, anxiety, and panic attacks, and I experienced what I can only describe as an “awakening.” My senses sharpened, and my ability to feel and understand the emotions of others deepened, expanding my empathic gifts.

My early years were filled with hardship and challenges that left me broken, insecure, and fearful. I had grown up without the guidance I needed to navigate life, but through self-awareness and healing, I rebuilt myself from within. As I became whole, my passion to help others grew stronger. I understood the transformative power of being truly seen and heard without judgment, and I felt a deep calling to offer that space to others.

Sharing my personal journey, education, and innate empathy became a mission I could not ignore — and it was then that I chose the path of becoming a therapist and life coach.

What are your trainings and qualifications?

Over the years, I have felt a strong calling to deepen my knowledge and expand the tools I can offer to my clients. My journey has led me to study a variety of therapeutic and holistic practices, each one enriching the way I support others on their path of healing and self-discovery.

I hold a Level 3 Diploma in Reflective Therapy, which forms the foundation of my work, allowing me to create a safe and compassionate space for clients to explore their inner world. Alongside this, I have a Level 3 Diploma in Authentic Indian Head Massage, which supports relaxation and the release of stored tension, and I am currently completing training in Quantum Healing, which expands the connection between mind, body, and energy.

I am also a certified Reiki Practitioner (Levels 1 and 2) and hold a Certificate in Mindfulness, both of which allow me to weave spiritual and energy-based practices into my work where appropriate. In addition, I have completed the Level 3 Accredited Trainer Programme, which enables me to design and deliver training, workshops, and courses with clarity and professionalism.

To ensure I approach my work holistically and responsibly, I also studied the Level 3 Diploma in Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology, as well as the Level 3 Diploma in Health, Safety, and Hygiene, and the Level 3 Diploma in Professional Business for the Wellness Practitioner. These qualifications give me a strong foundation in understanding both the human body and the professional standards required in wellness practice.

Altogether, these trainings reflect not only my professional development but also my personal journey. Each qualification represents a step in expanding my awareness and refining my ability to guide others through their own transformations.

dragonfly

Tell us about your company. What inspired the name ‘Dragonfly Therapy’?

Dragonfly therapy is about therapy and educational transformation. I work with students, mindfulness and self-care presentations and workshops, mentoring, retreats, as well as Reflective Therapy in person and online, coupled with spiritual/intuitive work.

Since I was little, I had a fascination with dragonflies. I would sit at the riverbank and observe them flying around. I decided to call my company Dragonfly Therapy after a dragonfly came and sat on my palm, then left and came back again. Dragonflies primarily symbolise transformation, change, and adaptability. This symbolism arises from their life cycle, where they transition from aquatic nymphs to airborne adults, representing a profound personal transformation. They also embody light, new beginnings, and embracing life fully.

How do you combine traditional therapy techniques with self-development work in your practice?

I approach client challenges with the understanding that many of life’s difficulties require a deeper, more personal exploration. Often, meaningful change begins when the client looks inward, reflecting on their behaviours, recognising patterns, and embracing the need for transformation.

Many conflicts or struggles with others stem from unresolved aspects within oneself, and addressing these at the root can unlock lasting progress. My focus is not only on resolving the immediate challenge but also on fostering personal growth, self-development, and lasting, positive change that enriches the client’s life well beyond the present moment.

tenerife

You’re now based in Tenerife – how does the island influence your work or your approach to therapy?

Living and working in Tenerife deeply enriches my approach to therapy. The island’s natural beauty and serene atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for fostering mindfulness, clarity, and personal growth. The vibrant, diverse culture here inspires me to approach each client with openness and a fresh perspective. I find that the balance of ocean, mountains, and sunshine naturally encourages resilience, hope, and a renewed sense of possibility in the people I work with.

Do you see clients in the UK and if so, how does this work?

Yes, absolutely. I currently work with many international clients, including those in the UK, through online sessions. Technology has made it possible to create a safe and supportive space no matter where in the world we are, and I find that clients are often surprised at how deeply connected and transformative online sessions can feel. Whether it’s through video calls or other virtual platforms, the essence of the work -the openness, empathy, and healing energy - remains the same.

When I travel to the UK, I also make time to meet clients in person, offering private sessions for those who prefer that face-to-face connection. These in-person meetings can be especially powerful, as they allow for a deeper energetic exchange, but I truly believe that both online and in-person sessions can offer equally profound opportunities for growth, clarity, and transformation.

You’ve just launched a new self-development course – can you tell us more about this?

The course has been designed to allow a deep exploration of the human experience, guiding learners through the intricate interplay between trauma, thought patterns, beliefs, emotions, and relationships. It begins by uncovering the roots and impacts of trauma, offering insight into how it shapes our defenses, triggers, and ways of seeing the world. From there, it delves into the powerful influence of thought patterns and limiting beliefs, revealing how they can restrict self-worth and how to break free from them.

The program also invites participants to develop a richer emotional awareness, understanding both the gifts and challenges emotions bring, while fostering healthier relationships with oneself, others, and the wider world. Grounded in compassion and practical wisdom, it closes with accessible techniques - such as breathwork, mindfulness, and movement - that nurture resilience, balance, and a renewed sense of wholeness.

Who is this course designed for? Do participants need any prior experience?

As an introductory program, it welcomes participants from all walks of life—no prior experience is needed—only the willingness to explore and embrace change.

It's designed for individuals who have experienced trauma or other challenging life events, and who are ready to move beyond simply living with the weight of those experiences. It offers foundational knowledge and gentle guidance to spark self-reflection, deepen understanding, and inspire personal growth.

It's just as valuable for someone beginning their self-development journey as it is for professionals in the wellness, healthcare, or education fields who want to strengthen their skills and understanding.

The course could be used a turning point in their personal development, offering tools and awareness to navigate life with greater clarity, resilience, and self-worth. For others, it also supports career development, providing insights and CPD-accredited learning that enhance their professional practice and allow them to bring a deeper level of empathy and understanding into the work they do with others.

Thinktree

You mention the course is CPD-accredited, can you explain more about what that means for mental health professionals thinking about signing up?

The course is titled Root to Rise – An Introduction to Self-Development, and it has been carefully designed as a Level 2 Award that is fully CPD accredited, carrying 5 CPD points. Accreditation means that the course structure and content has been thoroughly reviewed, recognised, and is continually monitored by ThinkTree Hub, an international professional association committed to maintaining the highest standards in training and education.

For me, CPD accreditation is more than just a credential. It represents a commitment to quality and integrity. It ensures that the course not only supports personal transformation but also contributes to continuing professional development, allowing participants to strengthen their skills, expand their knowledge, and enhance their credibility within their chosen field.

Whether learners join for personal growth or to complement their professional journey, they can be confident that the course meets respected industry standards in the UK.

What do you hope that participants gain from completing the course?

As an introductory course, it will give learners a strong foundation for personal growth and healing. By the end of the course, participants will have a clear understanding of trauma, its causes, and its effects, as well as the body’s natural defense responses. They will be able to recognise and assess personal thought patterns, identify limiting beliefs, and apply techniques to build self-worth.

The course also highlights the importance of core relationships: with oneself, with others, and with the wider world, showing how these connections directly influence overall wellbeing. With the support of accessible practices such as breathwork, mindfulness, meditation, and movement, participants will leave equipped with strategies to nurture resilience, balance, and ongoing growth. For some, this will be the start of a lifelong personal journey; for others, it may also serve as a valuable first step into further study or tools they can begin weaving into their professional practice.

reflection

What makes this course different from other self-development offerings out there?

What sets Root to Rise apart is its gentle balance of compassion, clarity, and practicality. It addresses trauma, thought patterns, beliefs, emotions, and relationships in one integrated journey, offering both understanding and tangible tools for change.

Grounded in CPD-accredited standards, it meets professional benchmarks while remaining deeply personal, accessible, and welcoming to learners with no prior experience.

Can you walk us through what the course content and/or modules look like?

The course is structured into six key units, each building on the last to create a well-rounded introduction to self-development:

  1. Trauma – An exploration of what trauma is, its causes, the body’s natural defense responses, and the lasting impacts it can have.
  2. Thought Patterns – A look at how old patterns are formed, the ways they influence our lives, and practical methods for breaking free from them.
  3. Limiting Beliefs and Self-Worth – Understanding how core beliefs shape daily experiences, alongside strategies to release limitations and build stronger self-worth.
  4. The Power of Emotions – Examining different types of emotions, their deeper purpose, and the consequences of processing—or suppressing—them.
  5. Core Relationships – Exploring the relationships we hold with ourselves, with others, and with the wider world, and how these connections affect our wellbeing.
  6. Practical Techniques for Wellbeing – Concluding with accessible practices such as breathwork, mindfulness, meditation, and movement, giving participants everyday tools to support balance, resilience, and growth.

Why do you think self-development work is so important right now?

Self-development work is essential in today’s world, where the pace and complexity of life require greater resilience, adaptability, and clarity of purpose. Through investing in personal growth, individuals are able to navigate uncertainty with more confidence, strengthen their relationships, and make choices that align with their true values. This kind of inner work not only helps to address immediate challenges but also lays a solid foundation for lasting fulfillment and success throughout life.

It has been an important focus for me to create a course that is accessible to those who feel the need for change but may not yet fully understand what is happening within themselves, and who are seeking a clear, foundational introduction to self-development.

Thank you for sharing so much of your personal and professional journey. Just one final question, where can you sign up to the course?


Thank you, it's been great to share my experience and passion with your readers. The course is delivered entirely online, so you can complete it from anywhere in the world at a pace that suits you.

There are no fixed session times you need to attend - everything is designed to be flexible, allowing you to fit your learning around your schedule. You can access the materials whenever it’s convenient, and revisit them as often as you like.

For more information and to get started, you can visit the course page which has an introductory price of £72 for access to the entire course.


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