Donna Smith, LMHC
LMHC providing collaborative, compassionate care
- 35 years experience
- University of Rochester trained
- Creative writing integration
About Donna Smith
Donna Smith is a master's-prepared Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Rochester, New York, with extensive experience helping people navigate life's challenges. Trained through the University of Rochester, she has built a long career focused on one-on-one work that supports clients in enhancing the quality of their lives.
With 35 years of clinical experience across a range of mental health settings, Donna brings seasoned judgment and practical skills to each therapeutic relationship. Her practice centers on partnership - she frames her role as a guide who walks alongside clients as they define and pursue the future they imagine for themselves.
Donna combines clinical expertise with a personal passion for creative writing, and she often sees therapy and storytelling as complementary ways to explore identity, meaning, and change. She offers a warm, genuine, and hope-oriented approach that emphasizes open communication, trust, and collaborative goal-setting.
Clients can expect a respectful, nonjudgmental atmosphere where their choices shape the path forward. Donna draws on the knowledge gained throughout her career and life to support individuals working through stress, relationship concerns, grief, trauma, addiction issues, mood disorders, parenting challenges, and related struggles. Her practice reflects a commitment to walking beside people as they pursue healing and growth.
With 35 years of clinical experience across a range of mental health settings, Donna brings seasoned judgment and practical skills to each therapeutic relationship. Her practice centers on partnership - she frames her role as a guide who walks alongside clients as they define and pursue the future they imagine for themselves.
Donna combines clinical expertise with a personal passion for creative writing, and she often sees therapy and storytelling as complementary ways to explore identity, meaning, and change. She offers a warm, genuine, and hope-oriented approach that emphasizes open communication, trust, and collaborative goal-setting.
Clients can expect a respectful, nonjudgmental atmosphere where their choices shape the path forward. Donna draws on the knowledge gained throughout her career and life to support individuals working through stress, relationship concerns, grief, trauma, addiction issues, mood disorders, parenting challenges, and related struggles. Her practice reflects a commitment to walking beside people as they pursue healing and growth.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPersonality disordersPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Donna Smith have?
Donna Smith has 35 years of experience.
Is Donna Smith a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LMHC, which stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor. License details: NY LMHC 001003.
In which languages does Donna Smith provide therapy?
Donna Smith provides therapy in English.
Where is Donna Smith located?
Donna Smith is located in New York.
How can I work with Donna Smith as my therapist?
You can work with Donna Smith through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Donna Smith work with international clients?
Donna Smith does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Donna Smith cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Donna Smith integrates several evidence-informed approaches tailored to each person's needs. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters most to them and take practical steps toward those values while learning to relate differently to difficult thoughts and feelings - it is often helpful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a supportive, empathetic environment where the therapist follows the client's lead, which can be especially useful for building self-esteem, processing grief, and improving relationship patterns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches concrete skills to identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and is commonly used for anxiety, mood concerns, and coping with stress.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Donna works collaboratively with clients to identify which methods fit best with their goals, preferences, and circumstances. She tailors interventions and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds so therapy remains relevant and practical.
Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect - through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging - making it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, manage caregiving or work responsibilities, and access care across different locations. Licensed professionals can deliver meaningful therapeutic support via these formats, and Donna structures online work to promote clear communication, continuity, and convenience for clients.