Stephanie Donley , LMSW

Stephanie Donley is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with a decade of experience supporting people through significant life challenges. She has worked across multiple settings advocating, coaching, and guiding individuals facing anxiety, stress, depression, isolation and loneliness, grief and bereavement, end-of-life and hospice concerns, compassion fatigue, and issues related to self-care, self-esteem, forgiveness, life purpose, and coping with life changes. Her practice includes work with people at various stages of cancer survivorship and those navigating end-of-life transitions.

She brings a genuine, respectful, and positive presence to the therapeutic relationship and communicates in a warm, kind, and engaging manner. She avoids stigmatizing labels and maintains an affirming stance toward LGBTQ+ clients, noting that she is educated in these matters and strives to approach each person with respect. Her approach blends solution-focused and strength-based methods with client centered values, informed by cognitive behavioral and humanistic principles.

Stephanie believes in people’s capacity to heal, learn, and grow through their own struggles and triumphs. Therapy with her emphasizes discovering practical coping strategies, new ways of thinking, and the personal gifts that can guide a more peaceful and fulfilling life. She recognizes the courage it takes to reach out and honors the first steps toward seeking greater well-being.

Evidence-Based Approaches for Online Support

Stephanie Donley integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, client centered therapy, and cognitive behavioral techniques into her online work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps clients clarify values and build psychological flexibility by teaching strategies for accepting difficult thoughts and committing to meaningful action - it can be useful for anxiety, stress, and life changes. Client centered therapy emphasizes a nonjudgmental, empathetic relationship where the client's own goals and strengths guide the work - this approach supports self-esteem, grief processing, and personal exploration. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to improve mood and coping - it is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and problem-solving around everyday challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey, and Stephanie collaborates with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors techniques over time so therapy remains practical and aligned with what the client wants to achieve.

Online sessions offer flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing clients to engage from home or wherever they are most comfortable. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to maintain continuity of care during life transitions or when in-person meetings are not feasible.