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DA Portrait of Donna Avant

Donna Avant

Experienced LICSW offering practical therapy

LICSW Alabama

Experience
32 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Donna

About Donna

Donna Avant brings 32 years of clinical social work experience to her practice as an LICSW, guiding people through periods of loss, transition, and chronic stress.

Background and approach

She draws on a client-centered stance alongside cognitive behavioral techniques to help clients notice unhelpful thinking patterns, learn practical coping skills, and build awareness that supports healthier choices. Donna frames therapy as collaborative work where past experiences, present circumstances, and future hopes all inform how someone moves forward.

Her approach emphasizes practical problem solving and emotional exploration in equal measure. She helps clients develop resilience by addressing sources of distress, strengthening self-confidence, and clarifying values that matter most.

Whether the concern is anxiety, grief, relationship strain, work-related stress, or questions about life purpose, she aims to support people in navigating change and finding actionable steps toward greater balance and well-being. Clients find that sessions combine empathetic listening with targeted strategies - exploring feelings and beliefs while identifying concrete skills to manage symptoms and improve daily functioning.

Donna invites prospective clients to begin the process when they are ready and to schedule sessions according to mutual availability.

CBT and Client-Centered Care for Online Counseling



Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. In practice this means learning to recognize automatic thoughts, testing their accuracy, and building practical skills to reduce anxiety, manage depression, and improve daily functioning. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathetic listening and respect for each person's experience, providing a collaborative environment where the client's values and goals guide the work.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and the therapist works together with each client to determine which methods fit best. Sessions typically begin with an exploration of immediate concerns and preferences, then adapt techniques over time so therapy remains responsive to individual needs and goals.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule or to connect from different locations. These formats allow licensed professionals to provide consistent support and practical tools while accommodating varied communication styles and life circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?
Her practice includes stress, anxiety, grief, self-esteem, relationship and family issues, depression, caregiver stress, workplace problems, and related life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She combines a client-centered stance with solution-focused work and cognitive behavioral techniques to explore feelings and change unhelpful thinking patterns.
How much experience does she have?
Donna has 32 years of experience working in mental health, assisting clients through grief, trauma, chronic stress, and other challenges.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, credential AL LICSW 1395C, and practices from Alabama.
Does she work with people who live outside the United States?
She accepts international clients and can provide services to people who are located outside the United States.
Which session formats are available?
Sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different communication preferences.
What does therapy cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes

Also works with

Family conflictsParenting issuesCareer difficultiesDepressionCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Caregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsFamily problemsHospice and end-of-life counselingLife purposeSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Experience

32+ years

Licensed

Alabama

Languages

English