Paula Donovan, LCSW
Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Grief
Self esteem
Depression
Video
Phone
Live Chat
Messaging
About me
Hello there and thank you for clicking on my profile. If we meet, the first thing you will notice after my well earned wrinkles, is that I have an Irish accent! I came to the USA over 40 years ago to work at the World Bank with very diverse teams and expertise. Then I retrained as a licensed clinical social worker so I could focus on supporting individuals in need using both my clinical training and experience as well as my life experience around the world and in the US. I deeply believe that You are the best expert on your life so far. So the self knowledge that you decide to share with me can allow us to work together to ease and energize your "here and now", as well as your next steps. Together we can identify and reinforce the strengths, relationships, patterns and practices that support your resilience and well being. I can draw on many different clinical approaches in our work. There is no magic. The basic ingredient is a trusting relationship -- sometimes even with some laughter! Life can be deeply unfair. Losses and disappointments bring grief, isolation and loneliness. Traumatic events and recurring stress leave our bodies and spirits intensely vigilant and exhausted. Relationships wound us, sometimes seemingly beyond repair. Illnesses -- our own, or of loved ones, sap our vitality and hope. Life can feel stuck and meaningless. And still, you are here, now, and about to explore a new opportunity! I hope you try it. All best wishes, take great care, Paula
Professional experience
15yrs in practice
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Caregiver Issues and Stress, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Domestic Violence, Expats, Fertility Issues, Guilt and Shame, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Infidelity, Isolation/Loneliness, Midlife Crisis, Mood Disorders, Multicultural Concerns, Postpartum Depression, Post-traumatic Stress, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Somatization, Women's Issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
License information
VA LCSW 0904007247
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Paula Donovan. 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.
Paula is wonderful. Warm, open, witty, and attuned. I would recommend her to my closest loved ones.
Written on Jan 27, 2023 after therapy with Paula for 11 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and compassion fatigue
I needed help through this process and I was uncomfortable starting therapy but it has helped me a lot and I appreciate her patience and efforts in helping me rebuild. Highly recommend Paula. At the end of the day I chose to invest in myself for once and I’m glad I did with better help.
Written on Jan 22, 2023 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
Paula is amazing. I am grateful to have been matched with her.
Written on Jan 18, 2023 after therapy with Paula for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I really enjoy Paula!! She listens and appears to truly care about my welfare. I really appreciate the wisdom and advice she imparts.
Written on Dec 10, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and career difficulties
I have had the luck of finding Paula first thing on this website, and she showed an amazing amount of patience and care for my journey. I felt very validated and encouraged in my feelings, and she helped me to learn more about myself than I ever thought I would. I recommend her to anyone, especially anyone who is being a little too hard on themselves sometimes. A true gem of a person!
Written on Dec 04, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Paula Donovan is a wonderful therapist. She is warm, insightful, and quick to respond to messages. She also makes sure one understands how to fully utilize the BH website. I would recommend her to anyone looking for support.
Written on Nov 13, 2022 after therapy with Paula for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes