Stephanie Donley, LMSW

Stephanie Donley is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and major life changes. She speaks plainly and offers a warm, respectful approach for those feeling overwhelmed by relationships, work, parenting, or health concerns. Her style aims to reduce shame and build practical skills for everyday life.

She uses client-centered care and draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to spot unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and mindfulness strategies are also part of her approach when they fit a person's goals. Sessions focus on small, doable steps rather than lengthy theory discussions.

Stephanie emphasizes strengths and practical problem solving. She partners with people to set realistic goals, try new coping tools, and track progress. Conversations are collaborative and paced to each person's comfort.

Her background includes 10 years of experience across settings that involved advocacy, coaching, and support for people dealing with serious illness and end-of-life issues. That work informs how she supports caregivers, people facing chronic health problems, and those coping with loss.

Stephanie practices from Michigan and conducts sessions in English. She aims for an inviting space where people can explore changes, grief, and identity without judgment. If someone wants steady, skills-focused support with a kind, practical clinician, her approach may fit well.

How CBT, ACT, and Client-Centered Methods Work Online

Stephanie often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and test new behaviors. CBT involves setting small experiments and practicing skills between sessions to reduce anxiety or lift mood.

She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people accept difficult feelings while committing to values-based actions. ACT can be useful for coping with grief, chronic illness, or ongoing stress by clarifying what matters and taking steps toward it.

Client-centered therapy is part of her foundation and focuses on listening, empathy, and meeting each person where they are. That approach creates space to explore identity, relationships, and life purpose without pressure.

Choosing the best approach is a team effort. She will discuss options, try methods in session, and adjust the plan based on what feels helpful for the client's goals and preferences.

Online therapy makes these methods flexible. Video calls allow face-to-face work when visual cues matter. Phone sessions can fit into a short break or use less bandwidth. Live chat and text messaging support quick check-ins, skill practice, or when someone prefers writing over talking. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent around work, caregiving, or health needs.