About Donna

Donna Smith is a licensed mental health counselor with 35 years of experience based in New York. She helps people cope with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, trauma, ADHD, and relationship or intimacy concerns. Donna offers a calm, steady presence and focuses on practical steps that make daily life easier.

Her approach centers on partnering with each person to find what works for them. Sessions are conversational and down-to-earth. She listens for patterns that keep someone stuck and suggests simple tools to try between meetings.

Background and approach

Donna blends a few different approaches to tailor care. She uses elements of acceptance and commitment work to help people notice their values and take small actions toward them. Cognitive-behavioral strategies are used to identify unhelpful thoughts and practice realistic coping skills.

Client-centered ideas guide how she builds trust and follows the client's pace. Over her career Donna has worked in a variety of mental health settings and now focuses on one-on-one work. She often weaves creative writing and reflective exercises into sessions when that fits a person's goals.

The tone in sessions is warm, nonjudgmental, and respectful of each person's story. People who reach out can expect to set clear, manageable goals and to practice new habits between meetings. Donna aims to be a companion on the journey rather than an authority, helping people move toward the life they imagine.

Approaches in Online Sessions and What They Do

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and take small actions toward what matters, even when feelings are difficult. It can be helpful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and trying different behaviors to reduce distress and improve mood. It often helps with anxiety, depression, and coping skills. Client-Centered Therapy centers the person's own goals and experience, with the therapist offering empathetic listening and gentle guidance to build trust and self-directed change.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, try methods that fit those goals, and adjust the plan over time. Together they decide which techniques to focus on and how to practice new skills between sessions.

Online sessions can be delivered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs. Video lets people read facial expressions and use visual tools. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text messaging are useful for brief check-ins, daily skill practice, or fitting support into a busy schedule. These options make it easier to keep consistent meetings and to use therapy in real-life moments.

Questions people ask

What concerns does Donna commonly help with?
Donna works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, trauma, ADHD, relationship and intimacy issues, and related concerns.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is warm and conversational with a practical focus. Sessions emphasize simple tools, reflection, and clear goals to make daily life easier.
How long has she been practicing?
She brings 35 years of experience in a range of mental health settings and now focuses on one-on-one counseling work.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) licensed in New York and practices from that region.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats does she offer online?
Clients can work with her via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
35 years
Licensed
New York
Languages
English

We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you.