Donna Smith , LCSW

Donna Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a long career working in medical and psychiatric settings. She brings steady compassion and a commitment to supporting people who face a wide range of psychological challenges and life stresses. Her practice focuses on helping individuals navigate stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family difficulties, and the effects of trauma and abuse, including post-traumatic stress disorder and other specified traumas stemming from childhood experiences, neglect, or exposure to emotional or physical harm. Donna also works with those coping with occupational stress and stress related to medical issues, as well as postpartum depression and difficulties arising from prejudice and discrimination.

With decades of experience, she emphasizes a thoughtful, person-centered approach that honors each client’s history and resilience. Donna applies evidence-informed methods to address patterns of thinking and feeling, to repair relational strain, and to reduce the ongoing impact of traumatic events. Her practice aims to create an environment where practical strategies and empathic listening combine to help people regain balance, strengthen relationships, and move toward clearer goals for their emotional well-being.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care and Growth

Donna Smith draws on several well-established approaches to guide online therapy. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients notice difficult thoughts and feelings without being driven by them and focuses on clarifying values and taking committed action - this can be useful for stress, anxiety, and patterns that keep people stuck. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) centers on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and developing practical skills to shift them; it is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and mood-related concerns. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a nonjudgmental, empathic relationship where the therapist supports the client’s own goals and personal growth - this approach is particularly helpful for relationship and family issues and for building resilience after trauma.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Donna collaborates with each person to determine which methods align best with their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds. The online format supports this collaboration by offering flexible ways to meet, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make regular care more accessible for people with busy schedules, mobility limits, or those who prefer to receive support from home, while preserving the same therapeutic focus and professional guidance they would expect in person.