Paula Donovan, LCSW
Compassionate LCSW for life transitions
- 20 years experience
- Strength based approach
- Offers online sessions
About Paula Donovan
Paula Donovan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with two decades of clinical experience who brings warmth, humor, and a broad international perspective to her work. She arrived in the United States more than 40 years ago to work at the World Bank and later retrained as a clinical therapist so she could focus directly on supporting individuals and couples. Her Irish accent and well earned wrinkles are part of the easy, authentic presence she brings into sessions.
Paula approaches therapy with the conviction that each person is the foremost expert on their own life. She invites clients to share the self-knowledge they already hold so the work can concentrate on easing the pressures of the present and clarifying the next steps. In collaboration she helps identify and strengthen the relationships, patterns, and practices that build resilience and well-being.
Drawing on a range of clinical methods, Paula adapts her approach to the needs of the person or couple in front of her. She emphasizes the importance of a trusting therapeutic relationship as the foundation for change, often mixing serious reflection with moments of laughter. She recognizes how losses, trauma, chronic stress, illness, and relationship wounds can leave people feeling isolated, exhausted, or stuck, and she offers steady, experienced guidance for those navigating these challenges. Paula invites people to explore a new opportunity for growth and healing when they are ready.
Paula approaches therapy with the conviction that each person is the foremost expert on their own life. She invites clients to share the self-knowledge they already hold so the work can concentrate on easing the pressures of the present and clarifying the next steps. In collaboration she helps identify and strengthen the relationships, patterns, and practices that build resilience and well-being.
Drawing on a range of clinical methods, Paula adapts her approach to the needs of the person or couple in front of her. She emphasizes the importance of a trusting therapeutic relationship as the foundation for change, often mixing serious reflection with moments of laughter. She recognizes how losses, trauma, chronic stress, illness, and relationship wounds can leave people feeling isolated, exhausted, or stuck, and she offers steady, experienced guidance for those navigating these challenges. Paula invites people to explore a new opportunity for growth and healing when they are ready.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
Additional Focus Areas
Aging and geriatric issuesCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyDivorce and separationDomestic violenceFertility issuesGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Sexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Paula Donovan have?
Paula Donovan has 20 years of experience.
Is Paula Donovan a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details: VA LCSW 0904007247.
In which languages does Paula Donovan provide therapy?
Paula Donovan provides therapy in English.
Where is Paula Donovan located?
Paula Donovan is located in Virginia.
How can I work with Paula Donovan as my therapist?
You can work with Paula Donovan through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Paula Donovan work with international clients?
Paula Donovan does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Paula Donovan 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 Support
Paula uses client-centered therapy to orient the work around each person's values, choices, and lived experience. This approach prioritizes empathy and collaboration and is helpful for people seeking deeper self-understanding, support through life changes, or improved relationships.She also integrates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and developing practical strategies to manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, or stress. CBT can be useful for those who want structured tools to change how they respond to difficult situations.
Mindfulness-based practices are woven into her work to help people build awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily responses. These practices can reduce reactivity to stress and support calmer engagement with daily life.
Finding the right blend of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Paula collaborates with each person to identify the methods that best match their goals, preferences, and current needs, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds.
Online therapy options such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging provide flexibility for scheduling and make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives. These formats allow licensed professionals to offer consistent support across many circumstances, helping people access care from their preferred location and at times that work for them.