Donna Smith, LCSW
Experienced LCSW focused on personal stories
Details
| Name | Donna Smith |
|---|---|
| Credentials | LCSW |
| Based in | Louisiana |
| Licensed in | Louisiana |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Years in practice | 38 |
About Donna
Donna Smith is an LCSW with 38 years of experience helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and trauma. She works with adults who are struggling after difficult life events and supports people coping with relationship and family conflict or prejudice and discrimination. Donna uses straightforward talk and active listening to help people make sense of their stories.
She leans on Narrative Therapy to look at how life events are described, and she draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to build practical steps forward.
Background and approach
Her background includes long experience in medical and psychiatric settings, where she worked with people facing severe stress and trauma. That work shaped a practical, steady style that focuses on what helps most in daily life. Sessions often include looking at specific thoughts and behaviors, practicing new responses, and naming the effects of painful experiences.
She also supports parents dealing with postpartum depression and people impacted by discrimination. Donna aims to create a calm, focused space for each conversation. She invites people to explore one small change at a time and to test new ways of coping that fit their lives.
What this therapist works with
Her listing names Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts among the things Donna works with, alongside the areas below.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Depression
- Postpartum depression
- Prejudice and discrimination
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in her listing among her approaches.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Listed by Donna among the ways she works.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Donna among the ways she works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Donna among the ways she works.
- Gottman Method: Listed by Donna among the ways she works.
- Mindfulness Therapy: Listed by Donna among the ways she works.
- Trauma-Focused Therapy: Listed by Donna among the ways she works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Donna directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how she works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Donna directly how she uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
How narrative work and practical therapies fit online
Donna blends Narrative Therapy with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when working remotely. Narrative Therapy focuses on how people tell their stories and helps separate a person from a problem so they can see options. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages noticing thoughts and values, then taking small actions that align with what matters. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thinking and behavior and teaches specific skills to reduce anxiety or depressive symptoms.Finding the right mix is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with clients about goals, try different approaches, and adjust methods based on what feels useful. Clients are invited to give feedback so sessions match their needs and pace.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video sessions allow face-to-face conversation for deeper dialogue. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or a simpler check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging can fit into busy days and support brief updates or homework check-ins between meetings. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work and family schedules while using the approaches described above.
Common questions about this listing
What concerns does Donna help with?
She helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, and relationship or family conflict. She also focuses on postpartum depression and issues related to prejudice and discrimination.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Donna combines a gentle, conversational approach with practical exercises. She uses narrative work to revisit stories and CBT and ACT techniques to change thoughts and behaviors.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 38 years of experience, much of it in medical and psychiatric settings working with people under severe stress or facing traumatic events.
Where is she licensed to practice?
She holds an LCSW license in Louisiana as listed in her credentials.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can take place by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different schedules and preferences.
How are costs and scheduling handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability and use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a time.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Donna are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Donna where she has space. Ask about fees, and whether she holds a licence or registration where you live.
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