Therapist profile
Paula Donovan, LCSW
Virginia
LCSW - Relationships and Codependency
Continue with PaulaWhere Paula stands
- Credentials
- LCSW
- License
- LCSW, Virginia / 0904007247
- NPI
- 1619204419
- Experience
- 20 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Virginia
About
- Relationship patterns
- Codependency concerns
- Grief and loss
About Paula
Paula Donovan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Virginia with 20 years of experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, grief, depression, addictions, and related concerns such as codependency and caregiver strain. Paula speaks English and brings both professional and life experience to sessions.
She began her life in Ireland and moved to the United States over 40 years ago to work at the World Bank before retraining as a clinical therapist. That background shapes how she listens and asks questions. She treats the person in front of her as the expert on their life and uses what they already know to plan practical next steps.
Paula draws on several well-known therapeutic approaches. She uses client-centered methods to follow what the person brings to the room and cognitive behavioral ideas to identify patterns of thinking that keep problems going. She also includes techniques from dialectical behavior therapy and mindfulness when those skills fit the work.
In sessions she focuses on identifying strengths, recurring patterns, and everyday practices that can reduce overwhelm and increase energy. She acknowledges the real effects of loss, trauma, chronic stress, and caregiving on the body and mood. The aim is to ease immediate distress while building clearer ways to handle future challenges.
Paula values a straightforward working relationship and says good humor can be part of it. To begin she asks people to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session so they can talk about goals and next steps.
How sessions work
Therapeutic approaches and online sessions
I tend to draw on client-centered work and cognitive behavioral therapy in online sessions. Client-centered work means the therapist follows what the person brings and focuses on the issues they name. It helps when someone needs a clear, respectful space to sort out priorities and values.Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It is useful for anxiety, low mood, and repeating relationship patterns because it helps identify small, testable changes people can make. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) adds practical skills for managing intense emotions and improving interpersonal effectiveness when needed.
Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, try methods that fit those goals, and adjust the plan together based on what helps. That means skills practice, noticing patterns between sessions, and checking in about what feels useful.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, shorten travel time, and allow check-ins during a break from work or between appointments. Some formats can be better for brief check-ins while others support longer, skills-focused work; Paula will help clarify the best option during the first scheduling steps.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
Virginia
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she work with?
She works with adults on stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, depression, addictions, codependency, caregiver stress, and related issues.
What is her therapeutic style like?
She practices client-centered work and also uses CBT and DBT skills and mindfulness techniques depending on what fits the person's needs.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 20 years of experience as a clinician, along with prior international work experience that informs her approach.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Virginia Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and practices in Virginia.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the 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 you are not safe at home, use the crisis and helpline numbers.