- Attachment based work
- Client centered approach
- Cognitive behavioral tools
About Donald
Donald Holmes is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Michigan with 22 years of clinical experience. He works with people facing relationship strain, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, depression, and life transitions including midlife change.
He focuses on creating an open environment where clients can talk about difficult feelings. In sessions he encourages clear, direct conversation about what led to guilt, shame, or ongoing self-criticism. He listens for patterns in relationships and behavior that keep those feelings active.
Donald uses practical approaches that help people understand how attachment and thought patterns affect everyday choices. He draws on attachment-based ideas to look at how early relationship experiences shape expectations. He also uses client-centered listening to center the person’s own experience and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify and test unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
Sessions tend to be straightforward and focused on small, manageable steps a person can try between meetings. He helps clients build clearer communication habits and more realistic self-statements. When relevant, he addresses isolation, impulsivity, or the fallout of divorce and separation.
People who come for help with guilt and shame often want practical ways to stop ruminating and to feel steadier in daily life. Donald aims to help clients notice recurring patterns, practice different responses, and weigh choices more calmly. To begin, follow the site’s intake flow to match and schedule a first meeting.
How his approaches translate to online sessions
Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationship patterns shape current expectations and reactions. Online sessions can use this approach to trace patterns in friendships and intimate relationships and to practice new interaction steps.Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and reflecting what a person brings to the room. In remote meetings this means the therapist focuses on understanding the client’s perspective before suggesting changes or exercises.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets specific thoughts and behaviors. In online work, CBT often involves identifying troubling thoughts during a session and then testing small behavior experiments between meetings.
Deciding which approach to use is part of the work together. The therapist will collaborate with the client to choose methods that match current needs, goals, and preferences and may combine elements from different approaches over time.
Confirm which session formats are offered before booking, as the biography does not list formats. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life - for example, shorter check-ins during a lunch break, or meetings without travel time. It also lets people try different session rhythms and homework between meetings to see what helps most.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
22+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self-esteem struggles, depression, and coping with life changes including midlife transitions.
How would he approach feelings of guilt or shame?
He listens for the story behind the feelings, then uses attachment ideas and CBT techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and try alternative responses.
How much experience does he have?
He has 22 years of professional work experience in clinical settings.
What are his credentials and where does he practice?
He is an LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker - practicing in Michigan.
Can sessions be conducted in other languages or for international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and he is not accepting international clients.
What formats are available for sessions?
Please confirm current session options before booking since the biography does not list specific session formats.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.