PuttingFamilyFirst

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SD Portrait of Stephanie Donley
Online therapist

Stephanie Donley

Caring LMSW helping people build coping skills

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Credentials
LMSW
Experience
10 years
Licensed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Stephanie

Stephanie Donley is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and struggles with self-esteem. She works with concerns such as coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, addictions, relationship and family issues, parenting challenges, and problems with sleep or eating. Stephanie offers a warm, kind communication style and aims to make sessions feel respectful and approachable.

She identifies as LGBTQ+ affirming and avoids stigmatizing labels.

Background and approach

She brings ten years of experience across multiple settings where she provided advocacy, coaching, and guidance. That background includes supporting people through cancer survivorship and end-of-life concerns. Stephanie draws on practical tools rather than jargon, and she focuses on strengths the client already has.

Her work blends client-centered care with cognitive behavioral techniques and acceptance-based ideas. In sessions she helps people notice unhelpful thoughts, try small behavior changes, and practice skills that reduce distress. She also uses mindfulness and dialectical skills when those approaches fit the persons needs.

Stephanie prefers a collaborative, solution-focused style. She encourages clients to find new ways of thinking and coping and to discover the personal strengths they already possess. Her goal is to help people move toward a more peaceful, satisfying life while honoring each persons experience.

Clients can expect straightforward conversation, practical exercises, and gentle challenge when needed. Stephanie applauds the step of reaching out and supports clients through gradual progress toward their goals.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice painful thoughts without getting stuck in them and then take steps that align with their values. It can be useful for anxiety, grief, and when someone wants clearer direction in life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and trying small behavior changes to reduce distress. It often helps with anxiety, depression, sleep, and eating concerns. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and increase present-moment awareness, which can ease stress and improve coping.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with each client to decide which methods fit their goals and comfort level. Sessions can combine approaches as needed and adapt over time based on progress and preferences.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. That flexibility makes it easier to fit sessions around work, caregiving, or medical appointments and to practice new skills in everyday life. Licensed professionals can guide exercises, coach through difficult moments, and support goal-setting while meeting people where they are.

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 she address?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, self-esteem and many life changes. Other areas include parenting, addictions, relationship and family issues, sleep and eating concerns, and compassion fatigue.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is warm, respectful, and solution focused. She uses clear conversation, practical exercises, and works from clients' strengths.
What is her professional background?
She has ten years of experience working in multiple settings offering advocacy, coaching, and guidance. That work has included supporting people through cancer survivorship and end-of-life concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds an LMSW, license number MI LMSW 6801097868, and practices in Michigan.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How does cost and scheduling work?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with therapy?
To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
10 years
Licensed
Michigan
Languages
English

Next step

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