Therapist profile
Donna Smith, LMHC
New York LMHC - Family and parenting concerns
Continue with DonnaAbout
- Stress and anxiety
- Grief and loss
- CBT and ACT methods
About Donna
Donna Smith is a New York Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 35 years of clinical experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, addictions, parenting strain, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, LGBT issues, and related struggles such as anger, self-esteem, and coping with life changes.
She writes plainly with people who want straightforward support. Sessions are aimed at helping individuals talk through problems and develop workable steps for day-to-day life. Donna blends practical therapy methods with conversational, reflective work rather than technical jargon.
Over three and a half decades Donna has worked in several mental health settings and now focuses on one-on-one work. Her background includes a master’s level education in counseling from the University of Rochester and long experience in community and clinical environments. She uses that experience to help people consider realistic next steps.
Her style draws on several therapeutic approaches to match what a person needs in the moment. Techniques she uses include cognitive behavioral strategies to change unhelpful patterns, acceptance-based practices to handle difficult feelings, and client-centered listening to clarify goals.
Donna also values creative expression and writing as part of life outside therapy. She often encourages practical self-reflection and simple exercises that fit into a busy home life. People looking for steady, conversational support about family and parenting concerns will find a direct, experienced clinician ready to help them sort priorities and plan small changes.
How sessions work
Therapeutic approaches and online work
Donna commonly draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in her practice. ACT focuses on helping people notice and accept difficult thoughts and feelings while choosing actions that reflect their values. CBT looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors link together and uses simple, practical exercises to shift unhelpful patterns.She also uses client-centered methods that emphasize careful listening and helping a person clarify what matters to them. Together with the client she considers which approach or combination will best fit current needs and goals. Working out the right mix is a collaborative process and may change over time as progress is made.
Practical benefits of online work include fitting sessions into a busy home life and making it easier to keep regular appointments between other responsibilities. Because the biography does not list specific session formats, please confirm the available options before booking. The clinician will discuss how frequently to meet and which methods will be most useful given the person's situation and daily routine.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
35+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of home and family issues does she address?
She works with adults on family-related concerns such as parenting strain, family problems, family of origin issues, and communication problems.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She uses straightforward, conversational sessions that combine listening with practical steps and exercises drawn from several therapy approaches.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She brings 35 years of experience working in a range of mental health settings and now focuses on one-on-one counseling.
Is she a licensed clinician and where is she based?
She is a New York Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in New York.
Can she work with people who do not speak English?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking as formats are not specified in the biography.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Choose the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.