PuttingFamilyFirst

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DS Portrait of Dorenda Schmidt
Online therapist

Dorenda Schmidt

Calm guidance for family and relationship stress

Credentials
LCSW
Experience
10 years
Licensed in
New York
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Dorenda

Dorenda Schmidt is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, family conflict, and trauma. She works with adults who need practical ways to manage painful feelings and improve communication. Sessions focus on clear steps clients can try between meetings and on small changes that add up over time.

Dorenda keeps language plain and direct during sessions. She listens first, then helps clients name patterns that get in the way.

Background and approach

Together they map manageable goals and try tools that fit a client’s daily life. She pays attention to how past hurts affect current choices. Her practice also addresses issues around abandonment, adoption and foster care, blended family dynamics, and caregiver stress.

She offers support for people coping with divorce, domestic violence, grief, and end-of-life matters. She also works with concerns such as narcissism, self-harm, smoking or vaping cessation, and recovery from disaster-related stress. With ten years of clinical experience, Dorenda brings practical skills and steadiness to the work.

She is licensed in New York as an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her style combines direct problem-solving with empathetic listening so clients feel heard while they build new habits. Dorenda practices in New York and conducts sessions in English.

She focuses on helping adults manage emotions, rebuild relationships, and find clearer paths forward.

Evidence-based techniques adapted for online care

Two useful ways she approaches therapy are structured problem-solving and trauma-informed support. Structured problem-solving teaches clear steps for breaking problems into smaller parts and testing solutions, which helps with stress, caregiving challenges, and everyday communication problems. Trauma-informed support focuses on safety, pacing, and understanding how past harm shows up now, which is helpful for trauma, domestic violence recovery, and related emotional wounds.

She uses these approaches in collaboration with each client. Together they figure out which techniques fit the person’s goals, preferences, and current life demands. That collaborative process allows adjustments over time so therapy stays practical and relevant.

Online sessions include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options let clients choose shorter check-ins or longer conversations based on what works for their schedules. Remote formats make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving duties, and other responsibilities while keeping the focus on steady progress.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of family and personal issues does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and related concerns such as abandonment, divorce, caregiver stress, and blended family issues.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her approach is direct and practical. She listens closely, helps identify patterns, and suggests concrete steps clients can try between sessions.
What is her professional background?
She has ten years of clinical experience working with adults on emotional and relational challenges.
What credentials and location are on record?
She is an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker, credential NY LCSW 097766, and practices in New York.
Which languages and international options are available?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients.
What session formats does she offer online?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging for remote work.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps should I take to begin working with her?
Use the Start Therapy button, fill out a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

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