- Client Focus: Adolescents, Adults, Older Adults
- Primary Treatment Approaches: CBT, Trauma-informed, Strengths-Based, Person-Centered
About Donna
Healing takes time, and asking for help is the first courageous step in the path to recovery. I am an empathetic and dedicated clinician who is passionate about supporting clients’ growth throughout their recovery journey. I strive to help clients feel understood, valued, and safe in an accepting environment, free of judgement.
I attended Rutgers University, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a minor concentration in Sociology. After working in the mental healthcare field for a bit of time, I made the decision to further my education by earning a Masters of Social Work Degree from Temple University. My studies primarily focused on clinical mental health, which has best prepared me as a licensed social worker. I have worked with individuals, families, and groups throughout the lifespan with varying mental health diagnoses. Some areas of expertise include addressing depression, anxiety, mood deregulation, distress tolerance, behavior modification, impulse control, distorted thought patterns, frustration tolerance, and substance use.
I have experience working in a variety of non-profit agencies, providing counseling in various treatment settings. I have experience working in long term inpatient psychiatric hospitals, assisting individuals with psychiatric disorders and involvement with the criminal justice system. In addition, I have treated clients at a short term care facility, partial hospitalization, and an intensive outpatient program. I have also taken initiative to make positive impacts on colleagues’ professional development through facilitating trainings on therapeutic approaches.
I prefer to take a trauma-informed and strengths based approach to assist clients in achieving their treatment goals. I am an advocate for meeting clients where they are and taking a compassionate approach to therapy. I utilize a variety of evidence based theories and techniques to fit my clients’ individualized needs through a person centered and solution focused lens. My therapeutic approach consists primarily of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, while I am flexible in applying a variety of behavioral methods and therapeutic techniques to appropriately fit the individual needs of the clients I serve.
I am driven and enthusiastic about helping others. I am also someone who values integrity and dignity in developing a therapeutic alliance. I am a believer in empowering individuals by working collaboratively with clients to help guide them toward emotional wellness. Are you looking to be challenged with compassion, empathy, and support? If you are motivated to make improvements, together we can make a positive change to enrich your life and build resilience.
Specialties
- Trauma
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood Disorders
- Impulse Disorders