Donna Ford, LPC - Therapist in Tennessee

About Donna

Donna Ford is a licensed professional counselor in Tennessee with two decades of experience in mental health care. She has worked in residential, outpatient, inpatient, and in-home settings. Donna focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, anger, self-esteem concerns, LGBT issues, relationship and family matters, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes.

Her approach begins with the person in front of her. She uses client-centered methods and motivational interviewing to understand what matters most to each individual.

Background and approach

From there she often combines cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness techniques to build practical skills for daily life. In sessions she aims for a warm and supportive tone. She works collaboratively to set clear, achievable goals and breaks them into manageable steps.

That means talking through real situations and practicing small changes that add up over time. Donna’s background across multiple care settings gives her a broad view of how problems show up in different environments. She brings that experience to treatment planning and to finding realistic strategies that fit a client’s life.

If someone is looking for steady support through transitions, loss, or ongoing symptoms of anxiety or depression, Donna offers a mix of evidence-based tools and a compassionate, goal-focused style. She encourages people to take the first step toward change and to move at a pace that feels right for them.

Therapeutic approaches and online care that adapt to your life

Client-centered therapy focuses on the person’s own goals and experiences. It involves listening closely and shaping the plan around what the individual finds most important. This approach helps people who need a supportive space to untangle feelings and decide next steps.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions. It teaches practical skills to challenge unhelpful thinking and to try small behavior changes, which is useful for anxiety, depression, and stress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, adds skills for emotional regulation and managing intense reactions, which can help when emotions feel overwhelming.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Donna will collaborate with each person to choose techniques that fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She often blends methods so therapy stays practical and relevant to daily life.

Online sessions offer flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, continue care during life changes, and pick the communication style that feels most comfortable. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and skill practice to work well in these formats, keeping the focus on useful, real-world strategies.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Donna commonly address?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, anger, self-esteem, LGBT concerns, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is warm, compassionate, and supportive. She emphasizes collaboration and practical goal-setting in sessions.

What kind of experience does she bring?

Donna has 20 years working in mental health across residential, outpatient, inpatient, and in-home settings.

What are her credentials and where is she located?

She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Tennessee LPC 2094, and practices in Tennessee.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

Sessions can take place by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What should I do to begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Addictions
Anger management

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 20 years
Licensed: Tennessee
Languages: English

Next step

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