Donna Smith

Compassionate counselor guiding personal growth

LMHC New York

Experience: 35 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Donna

Donna Smith is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) based in New York with 35 years of clinical experience supporting people facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, trauma, relationship and intimacy concerns, addictions, parenting challenges, ADHD, and related issues.

Background and approach

She draws on a wide range of therapeutic methods to help clients navigate life transitions, manage intense emotions, and rebuild self-esteem after difficult losses or upheavals. Her style blends evidence-informed techniques with a compassionate, person-centered stance that treats each client as an individual with a unique life story.

Donna emphasizes collaboration, inviting clients to co-create goals and explore practical strategies while honoring personal values and meaning. She also integrates creative expression into the work when helpful, viewing narrative and writing as complementary ways to deepen insight and foster healing.

Clients can expect a steady, empathetic presence and a therapist who frames herself as a guide alongside them rather than an authoritative expert. Donna offers flexible scheduling and formats to suit different needs, and she encourages prospective clients to reach out if posted appointment times do not match their availability.

Therapeutic approaches and online options

Donna uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical skills for reducing anxiety, improving mood, and managing stress. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is also part of her toolkit, encouraging clients to clarify values and practice acceptance-based strategies that support meaningful action even when difficult feelings arise. Additionally, she draws on client-centered principles to create an empathic, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and respected.

Choosing a therapeutic approach is a collaborative process. Donna works with each person to assess which combination of methods fits their goals, preferences, and the issues they bring; together they refine the plan as progress and needs evolve.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to attend sessions around work, family, or other commitments. These options support ongoing access to therapy from different locations and allow clients to engage in ways that suit their communication style and schedule.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?

Donna works with a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, grief, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy-related issues, parenting struggles, ADHD, and compassion fatigue.

What is her therapeutic style and approach?

Her approach is collaborative and person-centered, combining client-centered therapy with practical, skills-based methods such as CBT, DBT, ACT, and emotionally-focused techniques to help clients build insight and coping strategies.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She brings 35 years of experience in a variety of mental health settings and focuses on one-on-one work that enhances quality of life through individualized care.

What credentials and location information are listed?

She is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) practicing in New York with license details NY LMHC 001003.

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

Sessions are offered in English, and she is not currently accepting international clients.

Which session formats are available?

Clients may connect via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.

How are costs and scheduling handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What is the process for starting therapy?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesGrief Depression

Also works with

AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changes Compassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shame ImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPersonality disordersPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

35+ years

Licensed

New York

Languages

English