Stephanie Donley , LMSW

Stephanie Donley is a licensed social worker holding an LMSW credential, which indicates licensure as a master-level social worker. She brings a compassionate, strength-based approach to therapy and supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement, compassion fatigue, self-esteem concerns, and the many challenges that come with life changes.

Her background includes work with individuals at different stages of cancer survivorship and end-of-life care, and she offers guidance for those coping with loss, forgiveness, and caregiving responsibilities. She draws heavily from cognitive behavioral and humanistic approaches, shaping sessions around practical strategies, personal strengths, and the client s own goals. Her communication style is warm, kind, and engaging, and she intentionally avoids stigmatizing labels in favor of respectful, person-focused language.

Stephanie describes her practice as solution-focused and client-centered, helping people discover new ways of thinking, coping, and finding meaning in difficult experiences. She affirms LGBTQ+ identities and is educated in related issues while approaching each person s experience with humility and respect. She encourages individuals to explore their gifts and resilience as they work toward greater peace, purpose, and well-being.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Stephanie integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered methods to guide her online practice. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, and it is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and collaborative goal-setting, helping people explore values, build self-awareness, and strengthen their sense of agency.

She also draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which encourages acceptance of difficult emotions while clarifying personal values and committed action. ACT can support people who are navigating grief, life transitions, or persistent stress by helping them take meaningful steps aligned with what matters most.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Stephanie works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adapting techniques over time as progress unfolds.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility and access for different schedules and life demands. These options allow therapy to fit into daily routines and can make consistent support more achievable for people balancing work, caregiving, or health needs.