Laurie Jo McDonnell, LMFT - Therapist in Florida

About Laurie

Laurie Jo McDonnell is a licensed marriage and family therapist who focuses on family and parenting concerns, along with stress, anxiety, grief, and depression. She draws on 25 years of clinical work in Florida to support people facing relationship strain, family conflict, or major life changes. Laurie approaches sessions with respect for each person's story and strengths.

She aims to make the first steps feel manageable for a worried parent or family member.

Background and approach

In sessions she treats the person and the relationships around them. She uses practical conversation to help identify patterns that cause pain and to try different ways of responding. Therapy often includes learning skills to reduce anxiety, managing grief, and improving how people talk to one another.

Laurie uses a mix of evidence-based methods. She may focus on thoughts and behaviors that keep stress and depression ongoing. She also works with emotions in the moment to strengthen attachment and connection between partners or family members.

When needed, she incorporates strategies to clarify values and move toward meaningful change. Her background is rooted in client-centered work that respects a person’s own expertise about their life. The goal is steady progress rather than quick fixes.

Laurie explains options clearly, and she adjusts the pace to match each family's needs. Sessions are offered in English and delivered by a Florida licensed marriage and family therapist, LMFT. Laurie encourages people to take the next step when they feel ready and offers straightforward guidance about how to begin therapy.

Evidence-based methods adapted for online family work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people clarify what matters most and take small actions that align with those values. It supports movement through grief, depression, and chronic stress by focusing on values and committed steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at how thoughts and behaviors keep problems going and introduces specific strategies to reduce anxiety and lift mood. CBT is useful for managing stress, depression, and everyday worry.

Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. Laurie will talk with each person or family about goals and preferences, then recommend which methods to try first. The plan can change as needs shift, so the client and therapist decide together what is most helpful.

Online sessions use video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make therapy more flexible. These formats let families fit work or caregiving around appointments and maintain continuity when life gets busy. Laurie adapts techniques from ACT and CBT to work well in virtual formats, keeping sessions focused and practical while respecting each family’s pace.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

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.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Laurie address?

She works with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, family problems, grief, and depression. Additional focus areas include communication, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and blended family issues.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Sessions are collaborative and practical, using conversation to name patterns and try new responses. She emphasizes strengths and clear, doable steps for families.

How long has she been practicing?

Laurie has 25 years of professional experience providing therapy in Florida. That work informs her approach to family and relationship challenges.

What are her credentials and where is she located?

She is a Florida licensed marriage and family therapist, LMFT, with license number FL LMFT MT2063. Her practice is based in Florida.

Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?

Sessions are offered in English. She is not accepting international clients.

What formats are available for sessions?

Therapy is available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options aim to fit different schedules and comfort levels.

How is cost handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Pricing depends on those factors.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability. The process is designed to connect you with the right fit.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Family conflicts

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 25 years
Licensed: Florida
Languages: English

Next step

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