Stephanie Donley, LMSW
Compassionate Michigan therapist for life transitions and grief
- Anxiety and stress
- Grief and loss
- Strength-based coaching
About Stephanie Donley
Stephanie Donley is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with ten years of experience supporting people through anxiety, stress, depression, grief, and life transitions. Her LMSW credential indicates a licensed master-level social work practice, and she has worked in multiple settings providing advocacy, coaching, and guidance for individuals facing isolation, bereavement, end-of-life and hospice concerns, compassion fatigue, and challenges related to self-care and self-esteem.
She has experience working with people at various stages of cancer survivorship and end-of-life care, bringing a compassionate, warm, and engaging communication style to each interaction. Stephanie emphasizes a nonstigmatizing approach and describes her practice as LGBTQ+ affirming while acknowledging ongoing learning in that area. Her sessions are intended to be genuine, positive, and respectful.
Stephanie draws on solution-focused, client-centered, and strength-based methods, with substantial influence from cognitive behavioral and humanistic therapies. She believes individuals have the capacity to learn from their struggles and to discover new ways of thinking and coping. Therapy with her aims to help people uncover personal strengths, identify practical strategies, and pursue a more peaceful and fulfilling life. She recognizes the courage it takes to seek help and honors that step toward change.
She has experience working with people at various stages of cancer survivorship and end-of-life care, bringing a compassionate, warm, and engaging communication style to each interaction. Stephanie emphasizes a nonstigmatizing approach and describes her practice as LGBTQ+ affirming while acknowledging ongoing learning in that area. Her sessions are intended to be genuine, positive, and respectful.
Stephanie draws on solution-focused, client-centered, and strength-based methods, with substantial influence from cognitive behavioral and humanistic therapies. She believes individuals have the capacity to learn from their struggles and to discover new ways of thinking and coping. Therapy with her aims to help people uncover personal strengths, identify practical strategies, and pursue a more peaceful and fulfilling life. She recognizes the courage it takes to seek help and honors that step toward change.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesDepressionCoachingADHD
Additional Focus Areas
Aging and geriatric issuesBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisPanic disorder and panic attacksPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPregnancy and childbirthSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Stephanie Donley have?
Stephanie Donley has 10 years of experience.
Is Stephanie Donley a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the LMSW credential. License details: MI LMSW 6801097868.
In which languages does Stephanie Donley provide therapy?
Stephanie provides therapy in English.
Where is Stephanie Donley located?
She is located in Michigan.
How can I work with Stephanie Donley as my therapist?
You can work with Stephanie Donley through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Stephanie Donley work with international clients?
Stephanie Donley does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Stephanie Donley 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, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just 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 options
Stephanie integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, client-centered principles, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into online work to offer practical and values-focused support. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings while clarifying personal values and taking committed actions that align with those values - it can be useful for managing anxiety, stress, and life changes. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, nonjudgmental listening, and collaborative pacing so the person feels heard and supported while exploring goals and growth. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and developing concrete coping skills and behavioral strategies to address symptoms such as worry, low mood, or sleep difficulties.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Stephanie works collaboratively with each person to determine which combination of methods fits their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors interventions to the individual rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.
Online sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for people balancing work, caregiving, or health concerns. These options make it easier to access consistent support from licensed professionals and to maintain continuity of care when schedules or circumstances change.