Stephanie Donley , LMSW

Stephanie Donley is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) who helps people manage stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, and major life changes. She also addresses compassion fatigue, addiction concerns, relationship and intimacy issues, and challenges around eating and sleeping. Stephanie takes a warm, respectful approach that aims to make therapy feel accessible and straightforward.

Her style is client-centered and strength-based. She focuses on practical coping skills and clearer thinking. Sessions emphasize kindness and nonjudgmental listening, avoiding stigmatizing labels while exploring what matters to each person.

Stephanie draws from cognitive behavioral ideas, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, dialectical behavior strategies, and mindfulness. She uses these tools to help people notice unhelpful patterns, build new habits, and act in ways that match their values. The goal is steady, realistic change rather than quick fixes.

She has about 10 years of experience working in varied settings and has supported people facing cancer survivorship, end-of-life concerns, bereavement, and caregiver stress. That background informs a practical, compassionate way of addressing serious life stressors.

Stephanie affirms LGBT identities and works to create a respectful environment for people from diverse backgrounds. She encourages curiosity about strengths and life purpose, and she supports clients who want coaching-style help alongside therapy. Her approach aims to help people find clearer direction and more manageable daily routines.

Approaches that guide online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and taking small, meaningful steps toward them. It helps people who feel stuck by encouraging action in line with what matters most. Client-Centered Therapy centers on listening, empathy, and respect so people can explore problems at their own pace and find their own solutions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and behaviors together and teaches concrete skills to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and change unhelpful habits.

Choosing the right approach is often part of the work itself. The therapist will collaborate with each person to match methods to goals and preferences. That might mean trying a few techniques, tracking what helps, and adjusting the plan together over time.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text work well for brief check-ins, journaling between sessions, or people who express themselves better in writing. These options make it easier to schedule care around work, family, or health concerns while keeping therapy consistent and practical.