Paula Donovan

Compassionate CBT-informed therapy for real-life change

LCSW Virginia

Experience: 20 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Paula

Paula Donovan is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who brings two decades of counseling experience to her practice in Virginia. She centers her work in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside client-centered and mindfulness-informed methods, helping clients examine unhelpful thoughts and develop practical coping skills.

Background and approach

Paula emphasizes collaboration, treating each person as the expert on their own life while offering clinical guidance drawn from long professional experience and a rich personal history living and working internationally. Her approach focuses on identifying strengths, patterns, and relationships that support resilience and renewed energy in daily life.

Paula addresses a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, grief, addictions, trauma and abuse, intimacy issues, and self-esteem challenges, as well as additional areas such as caregiver stress, end-of-life counseling, and multicultural concerns.

She frames progress as practical and relational rather than miraculous, and seeks to build a trusting therapeutic connection that can include warmth and a sense of humor. Originally from Ireland, Paula draws on life and work across countries to inform compassionate, evidence-informed care.

Prospective clients in Virginia who are ready to explore change will find a seasoned practitioner who balances clinical tools with respect for each person’s story.

How CBT and Client-Centered Practices Work Online

Paula uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify patterns of thinking that contribute to stress, anxiety, and mood difficulties, then practices concrete skills to shift those patterns and improve day-to-day functioning. She also integrates client-centered therapy, which emphasizes listening, empathy, and collaboration so clients can explore their own priorities and meaning at their own pace.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Paula works collaboratively to tailor methods to each person's goals and preferences. She will discuss which tools and strategies might fit best, adjusting the focus over time as needs evolve and progress becomes clearer.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering practical flexibility for those with busy schedules or limited transportation. These options allow clients to engage in real-time conversations or use messaging for ongoing support, making it easier to maintain continuity of care and to practice skills between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of issues does Paula commonly address?

She works with many concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, addictions, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self-esteem, and a range of additional areas such as caregiver stress and end-of-life counseling.

What is Paula's therapeutic style like?

Her style blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with client-centered and mindfulness elements, focusing on practical skills, self-understanding, and a collaborative relationship that values the client's expertise about their life.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Paula has 20 years of experience as a clinician, bringing a background of international work and extensive practice in helping clients navigate life transitions and complex emotional challenges.

Where is Paula licensed and what are her credentials?

She is a licensed clinical social worker with the credential VA LCSW 0904007247 and practices in Virginia.

Can clients who speak other languages work with her?

She conducts therapy in English and is not accepting international clients at this time.

In what session formats does she offer therapy?

Sessions are available through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different communication preferences.

How are fees and subscriptions handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What steps are required to begin working together?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule an appointment according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGrief Self esteem Depression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyDivorce and separationDomestic violenceFertility issuesGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Sexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

20+ years

Licensed

Virginia

Languages

English