Stephanie Donley , LMSW

Stephanie Donley is an LMSW, or Licensed Master Social Worker, with ten years of experience working with people facing anxiety, stress, depression, isolation, grief, bereavement, end-of-life concerns, compassion fatigue, and challenges related to self-esteem and coping with life changes. She has supported individuals at various stages of cancer survivorship and those navigating hospice and end-of-life needs, offering steady guidance through difficult transitions.

Her practice emphasizes a genuine, respectful, and positive therapeutic experience. Communication is warm, kind, and engaging, and she avoids stigmatizing labels in favor of honoring each person’s unique story. While she does not claim to be an expert in all aspects of LGBTQ+ experience, she is educated in those issues and maintains an LGBTQ+ affirming approach to care.

Stephanie’s work is solution-focused, client-centered, and strength-based, drawing heavily from cognitive behavioral and humanistic therapies. She believes people have the capacity to learn from struggles, discover new ways of thinking and coping, and build on their own strengths to find greater peace and purpose. She encourages and supports those taking the first steps toward change and a more fulfilling life.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Support

Stephanie Donley draws on client-centered therapy to place the client’s perspective and goals at the center of the work - this approach emphasizes empathy, active listening, and collaboration to help people explore values, strengths, and personal meaning. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is used to identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, and is often applied to concerns such as anxiety, depression, and stress to develop practical coping skills. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, encourages acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that reflect personal values, which can support coping with life changes and grief.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey. Stephanie works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adapting techniques as the relationship and work evolve. Licensed professionals and therapists often combine elements from different models to tailor care to the individual.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can occur by video call or phone, and therapy can also continue through live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to access consistent support around work, family, medical appointments, or mobility limitations, while allowing clients to engage in a format that best suits their lifestyle and comfort level.