Dr. Dianna McFarlane

Dr. Dianna McFarlane, Master of Social Work (MSW), Doctor of Social Work (DSW), LCSW-C, LICSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, educator, and consultant with a deep passion for trauma-informed care and culturally responsive practice. Practicing in both Maryland and Washington, DC, she brings over two decades of experience working with children, couples, and families navigating the lasting impacts of trauma, grief, and loss. Dr. McFarlane holds a B.S. in Social Work from Oakwood University, an MSW from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and a Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. Her academic and clinical work centers on the powerful intersections of attachment, trauma, and culture—with a particular focus on how historical trauma, systemic racism, and intergenerational experiences shape the internal relational models of African American individuals and families. Her diverse career spans child welfare, family court, community mental health, and non-profit leadership, where she’s served as a clinician, supervisor, and consultant. As an adjunct professor and clinical supervisor, Dr. McFarlane is committed to shaping the next generation of social workers, blending research, real-world practice, and cultural awareness to foster more effective, compassionate care. Whether in the classroom, the therapy room, or the training room, Dr. McFarlane brings warmth, wisdom, and a strong belief in the power of healing through understanding our stories—personal, historical, and collective.