Anna McDonald , LICSW, LCSW

Anna McDonald is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship or intimacy-related issues. She also supports people facing career decisions, compassion fatigue, and the challenges that come with pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum adjustment. Anna practices in Minnesota and offers services in English and Spanish.

She takes a respectful, down-to-earth approach in sessions. Conversations are tailored to each person's situation and paced to match what feels manageable. Anna listens first, then works collaboratively to set goals that fit daily life.

Her work draws on several practical approaches. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to spot and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. Client-Centered Therapy keeps the conversation focused on the person and their values. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills are introduced when people need tools for emotion regulation and stress tolerance.

Anna also uses elements of the Gottman Method for relationship communication and Motivational Interviewing to help with ambivalence and change. These methods are mixed to match the problem at hand rather than applied in a fixed formula.

With five years of masters-level social work experience and broader professional experience, she brings practical problem solving and empathy to sessions. People who reach out can expect straightforward conversations, skill building, and work toward clearer choices and better day-to-day coping.

Online approaches that fit your life

Anna uses Client-Centered Therapy to keep the work focused on the person's values and priorities, which helps when someone needs support that feels personally relevant. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify unhelpful thoughts and habits and to practice small behavior changes that can reduce anxiety and low mood. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills are offered when stronger emotion regulation and stress-management tools are needed, for example during periods of high overwhelm or burnout.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and challenges and then suggest methods that match those needs. That lets sessions stay collaborative and practical rather than one-size-fits-all.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different days and schedules. Video works well for longer sessions and when nonverbal cues matter. Phone sessions require less bandwidth and can fit a break at work. Live chat and text messaging allow for shorter check-ins and more frequent contact between longer appointments. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent around jobs, caregiving, or travel.