About Dr. Winley

Dr. Dara Winley is a licensed marriage and family therapist, professor, speaker, consultant, writer, and AAMFT Approved Supervisor whose work is dedicated to helping people, professionals, and organizations navigate conflict, strengthen relational leadership, and build healthier relationships. She is passionate about helping people make sense of complex relational dynamics so they can lead, communicate, and connect with greater clarity, emotional intelligence, and confidence.

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With more than a decade of clinical experience, Dr. Winley brings a unique perspective that bridges research, systemic thinking, and practical application. Whether working with therapy clients, consulting with leaders, teaching graduate students, or facilitating professional development, her goal is the same: to create spaces where people can engage difficult conversations with wisdom, courage, and compassion.

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Dr. Winley earned her master's and doctoral degrees from Drexel University after beginning her training at the University of Maryland, College Park. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, where she was later promoted to Clinic Director. Her experiences in clinical leadership inspired her passion for mentoring and training future clinicians.

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Today, Dr. Winley serves as Core Faculty and Assistant Professor in the Couple and Family Therapy Department at Adler University, where she teaches graduate courses in family therapy, couples therapy, clinical supervision, and advanced clinical practice. Beyond the classroom, she provides consultation, workshops, and speaking engagements for organizations seeking to strengthen relational leadership, improve communication, and cultivate emotionally healthy workplace cultures.

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In her private practice, Dr. Winley works from an attachment-based and systemic framework, helping individuals, couples, and families navigate depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, racial stress, intergenerational relationship patterns, and conflict. She has particular expertise in helping clients strengthen communication, cultivate emotional safety, and navigate conflict in couple, family, friendship, and professional relationships.

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 Dr. Winley's mission is to help people build healthier relationships and lead with greater relational wisdom.

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Winley enjoys building meaningful community, traveling, and living out her faith.