The Counseling Cow, PLLC

Therapy for Confidence, Clarity and Connection

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Why the 'Counseling cow'?

The name was chosen out of my love for both cows and alliteration =)

Hi, my name is Daniela Otoya, LPC; Founder of The Counseling Cow, PLLC — a space for thoughtful, self-aware adults who are ready to stop second-guessing themselves and start living with confidence, clarity, and connection.You don’t need another self-help checklist. You need to stop talking yourself out of what you already know.
That’s how I support you, by helping you rebuild trust in your own judgment, decisions, and intuition.If you're here, this might be you:
1. The Idea That Stays in Your HeadI have this idea for a project, a side hustle, or even just a personal goal, something I know could be good. But before I even start, I convince myself it’s not good enough, that I’m not skilled enough, or that someone else will do it better. So I put it aside, again.2. The Promotion HesitationA manager suggests I take on a bigger role or responsibility. On paper, I could do it... probably even succeed. But my brain immediately lists every way I might fail. I hesitate, overthink, and sometimes even turn it down before I give myself a real shot.3. The Risky AskI want to ask for something- a raise, more flexibility, help on a project, or even just guidance- but I stop. I imagine the rejection or judgment and convince myself it’s safer to stay quiet, even though it would really move things forward.4. The Hesitation to Share ExpertiseI know something that could help my team, my friends, or a client, but I hesitate to speak up. “What if I get it wrong? What if it’s not good enough?” I hold back, even when I could make a real difference.5. The Unpursued OpportunityAn opportunity shows up- a class, a project, a chance to try something I’ve been curious about. I talk myself out of it because I feel underprepared, unsure, or undeserving. Later, I replay it in my mind and wonder if I sabotaged myself again.6. The Self-Imposed LimitsI have a goal I really want, but I put limits around it before I even start. I tell myself I need more experience, more time, more confidence, and while I’m waiting, I watch other people go for it and feel both inspired and frustrated at myself.

What’s Possible

Imagine trusting your own judgment enough to go after what you really want without overthinking every step, second-guessing every choice, or shrinking yourself to make life safer.Imagine speaking up in work, in relationships, in your creative projects, without that tight knot in your chest whispering, “You’re not enough. You can't do this. You don't deserve this”Through our work together, you can:

  1. Take action without letting self-doubt stop you

  2. Stop over-perfecting and allow your voice, ideas, and decisions to be enough

  3. Reconnect with your creativity as a tool for growth and self-expression, not just performance

  4. Move through life with more ease, grounded in your own judgment instead of trapped in your head

  5. Trust that your sensitive, ambitious, imperfect self deserves space, recognition, and connection

We’re not chasing flawless or fearless. We’re building confidence, clarity, and connection, so you can show up, make choices, and live in a way that actually feels like yours, even when doubt lingers.Down below are the different approaches I infuse in our work together:

Mindfulness

Mindfulness helps you slow down and actually notice what’s going on in your thoughts, your emotions, and your body. We use it to make space between the thought and the reaction, so you have more choice in how you respond. It’s not about “emptying your mind”; it’s about noticing what’s there without judgment.

Parts-Informed Therapy

We all have different “parts” of ourselves like the inner critic, the avoider, or the dreamer. Parts-informed therapy helps you understand these voices instead of battling them. When we get curious about why they show up, we can loosen their grip and let more balanced, creative parts lead the way.

Somatic Approaches

Sometimes your body holds onto tension and emotion long after your mind has moved on. We pay attention to sensations, posture, and breath, using gentle techniques to help your nervous system settle and release what’s been stored. It’s like giving your body a chance to exhale fully.

Creative Exploration & Play

You don’t have to be an artist to benefit from creative work in therapy. We might use metaphor, writing, movement, or playful exercises to help you express what’s hard to say. Play and curiosity aren’t just fun they’re powerful tools for loosening perfectionism and finding new perspectives.

What Working Together Looks Like

I offer individual therapy for Gen Z (18+) & Millenials via telehealth in Virginia.Session Options:
50-90+ minute therapy session – $150-200
Sliding scale available: based on your incomeI currently work with clients through:
Private pay (superbills offered for insurance reimbursement)All sessions are virtual via HIPAA-compliant platform.You can book a free 15-minute consult to see if we’re a good fit.I don’t do cookie-cutter therapy. We’ll tailor our work to your goals and your unique personality.

About me

I’m Daniela: part therapist, part wanderer, part lover of rivers. I’m the kind of person who will pull over to watch the light change on the water or get lost in a street market halfway across the world. Travel, adventure, and art are my oxygen. I believe life is too short for beige conversations and too precious for autopilot living. When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me painting, exploring a new town, or daydreaming about my next trip. I like strong matcha lattes, music that makes me feel something, and people who laugh from the gut. In short, I’m a mix of curiosity, compassion, and just enough mischief to keep things interesting.

🆘 In crisis? Please don’t wait.

This site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide emergency mental health services.If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, are in danger, or are considering self-harm or harming others, please do not use this website or contact form.Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you’re in immediate dangerReach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting HELLO to 741741Find more local resources at https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help/immediate-help