Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to read my profile. Beginning a journey of personal growth is a meaningful step, and finding the right counselor to support the work you want to do is an important part of that process.
The essence of my work as a counselor is reflected in this question from the poem The Summer Days by Mary Oliver :
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
I view my role as helping you thoughtfully explore this question and move toward answers that feel authentic and purposeful.
The individuals who tend to be the best fit for my practice are those who are going through life, yet find themselves feeling weighed down or navigating change alone. Clients often seek my support during periods of grief, life transitions, relationship or career changes, empty nesting, or when they simply want greater clarity, alignment, and fulfillment in their lives. If you are motivated toward growth and value a supportive, respectful, and nonjudgmental space, my approach may be well suited for you.
I am a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina with over 32 years of professional experience. My work has been broad and varied, with a consistent focus on helping individuals gain perspective and grow through life’s challenges. I have extensive experience supporting clients coping with major health concerns, life-threatening illness, and significant loss, as well as guiding individuals through developmental and life-stage transitions including education and career changes, relationships, parenting and adult children, caregiving for aging parents, retirement, and redefining identity in new chapters of life.
While my background is firmly rooted in clinical counseling, my style is intentionally more coaching-oriented than traditional psychotherapy. Our work together is collaborative, forward-focused, and practical. Rather than concentrating primarily on symptom management or extensive exploration of the past, we focus on what matters most to you now—clarifying goals, building on strengths, and identifying meaningful steps toward the life you want to create.
My approach draws from positive psychology and evidence-based practices, emphasizing meaning, purpose, and life satisfaction. I believe happiness is something that can be cultivated over time, even amid everyday stressors and significant life challenges. Together, we will develop tools and strategies that support resilience, intentional living, and a richer day-to-day experience.
If you are seeking a thoughtful, experienced professional who will partner with you in growth, clarity, and intentional life design, I would welcome the opportunity to work with you.
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Depression, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, Aging and geriatric issues, Blended family issues, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Chronic pain, illness, and disability, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Postpartum depression, Pregnancy and childbirth, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Women's issues, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
NC LCMHC 833
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Donna Jeane Pappas. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
She is knowledgeable, compassionate, caring and so helpful.
Written on Sep 10, 2025 after therapy with Donna Jeane for 2 years and 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, and coping with life changes
Great Therapist! She is flexible and understands how busy I am during the school year!
Written on May 27, 2025 after therapy with Donna Jeane for 4 months on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, and self esteem
DJ was the lifeline I knew I needed but didn’t know how to get. She has been a perfect fit for my needs, and it’s not a stretch to say I literally don’t know what I would’ve done had we not connected. Forever grateful for her support and guidance thru my grief, and navigating new normals with family.
I didn’t think I’d get out of the darkness. I did…but not without her.
Written on Mar 26, 2025 after therapy with Donna Jeane for 1 year and 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
DJ was excellent - her ability to hold a space for difficult conversations, ask insightful and helpful questions and provide warmth and a lack of judgement really helped me to relax and unpack the issues that had brought me to BetterHelp. I feel like a different (much happier and lighter!) person after therapy with her. Thank you DJ!
Written on Feb 28, 2023 after therapy with Donna Jeane for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
My time with Donna Pappas (DJ) has been wonderful so far! Every session with her has been enlightening, and she has helped to both support and guide me through a difficult time. She creates a safe space for me to process what I am going through, and adapts to my needs.
Written on Jan 24, 2023 after therapy with Donna Jeane for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and grief