Donna Coakley, MD, LCPC, LPC - Therapist in District of Columbia

About Donna

Donna Coakley brings a warm, interactive counseling style grounded in evidence-based methods. She is Donna Coakley, MD, LCPC, LPC, and she draws on 26 years of clinical experience. Her sessions aim to be respectful and practical.

She avoids stigmatizing labels and focuses on clear, direct conversation. Donna uses approaches such as cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness alongside client-centered listening. She also integrates EMDR and dialectical skills when appropriate.

In sessions she helps people name patterns, try small changes, and build new ways to cope.

Background and approach

Her background includes long experience with a wide range of concerns. These include stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, ADHD, addictions, sleep problems, and intimacy-related issues. She also lists relationship, family, and parenting among her practice focuses.

Donna holds the credentials MD, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and Licensed Professional Counselor. She is licensed in the District of Columbia and has worked across clinical settings over many years. Her style is practical and compassionate, aimed at helping people move toward clearer routines and steadier moods.

For people who want to start, she asks for a simple intake and then partners on goals and pacing. Conversations are tailored to each person’s needs, with an emphasis on doable steps rather than jargon or labels.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and working from the client’s priorities. In online sessions this means the therapist follows the client’s lead, asks questions that matter to them, and helps them decide what to try next. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Online CBT uses structured conversations and practical homework to change unhelpful patterns and improve mood or routines.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative step. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before. Together they will try approaches that fit the person’s needs and adjust the plan as progress is made.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy around family life, work, or busy schedules and let people continue care from different locations. Licensed professionals can use these formats to teach skills, process difficult experiences, and check in on progress without requiring in-person visits.

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 kinds of problems does she address?

She works with many common struggles including stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, ADHD, addictions, sleep problems, relationship and parenting concerns.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Her approach is warm and interactive. She blends client-centered listening with cognitive behavioral and mindfulness techniques, and adds DBT or EMDR when they fit the situation.

What professional background does she bring?

She has 26 years of clinical experience and long practice across a range of settings. That time includes focused work on trauma-related issues and behavioral concerns.

Which credentials and location are on record?

Her listed credentials are MD, LCPC, and LPC with license details MD LCPC LC0875, DC LPC PRC1370 and she practices in the District of Columbia.

Are sessions offered in other languages or outside the country?

Sessions are offered in English and she does accept international clients.

What formats are available for meeting remotely?

Appointments can take place by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.

How is cost handled for sessions?

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

What are the first steps to begin therapy?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Addictions
ADHD
Communication problems
Depression
Domestic violence
Drug and alcohol addiction
Family conflicts
First responder issues
Forgiveness
Guilt and shame
HIV / AIDS
Hoarding
Intimacy-related issues
Jealousy
Paranoia
Parenting issues
Personality disorders
Post-traumatic stress
Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
Relationship issues
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Self-love
Sexual assault and abuse
Sleeping disorders
Social anxiety and phobia
Veteran and Armed Forces Issues

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 26 years
Licensed: District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia
Languages: English

Next step

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