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Stephanie Donley

Stephanie Donley, LMSW

Michigan

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Licensed Master Social Worker - Young adult issues

  • Stress and anxiety
  • CBT and mindfulness
  • Grief and caregiving

About Stephanie

Stephanie Donley is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan with ten years of experience. She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, addictions, relationship and intimacy concerns, and issues often faced by young adults such as career and ADHD-related challenges.

She keeps conversations direct and practical. Sessions focus on finding clearer ways to think about problems and learning small habits that change day-to-day functioning. Stephanie draws on cognitive behavioral methods and mindfulness to help people notice patterns and test new ways of responding.

Her style leans toward client-centered and acceptance and commitment therapy ideas. That means listening first, then helping people set values-based goals and try manageable steps toward them. Dialectical behavior techniques are used when people need skills for emotion regulation and stress tolerance.

Stephanie describes her practice as affirming of LGBT identities and avoids stigmatizing labels. She has experience supporting people through cancer survivorship, end-of-life concerns, caregiving strain, and bereavement, and she includes coaching elements when people want practical planning or direction.

Sessions tend to be straightforward and focused on what matters now. She helps clients break big changes into small actions - whether that means preparing for a first job, managing overwhelming coursework, navigating relationship transitions, or finding better sleep and daily routines.

How Stephanie uses therapy approaches online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people name what matters most to them and take small steps toward those values even when emotions are strong. It is often useful for career uncertainty, life transitions, and feeling stuck. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and offers practical exercises to test unhelpful beliefs and build new habits. CBT is commonly used for anxiety, sleep problems, and low mood. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and improve focus during stressful periods.

Choosing an approach is collaborative. Stephanie listens to what you want to change, looks at your day-to-day routines and pressures, and recommends methods to try. She will check in about what helps and adjust the plan so it fits your goals and preferences.

Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Many people find online work helps fit therapy into study, early career schedules, or caregiving routines because it can reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Others use online sessions to keep momentum between in-person appointments. Talk with her when you schedule about the session length and setup that will fit your life.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

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 approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

10+ years

Listed in

Michigan

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she work with?

She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, addictions, relationship and intimacy concerns, and ADHD-related challenges.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Her approach is practical and client-centered, using cognitive behavioral ideas, mindfulness, and acceptance-based goals to help people try new ways of coping.

How much experience does she have?

She has ten years of experience working in a range of settings with individuals facing grief, chronic illness, caregiving stress, and everyday mental health concerns.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She holds an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) credential and practices in Michigan.

Can people who speak other languages work with her?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does she work with international clients?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are costs handled?

Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I get started with her?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.

Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.

Stephanie DonleyLMSW

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