- ACT and CBT methods
- Mindfulness practice
- Client-centered focus
About Stephanie
Stephanie Donley is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with ten years of experience based in Michigan. She works with adults dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, self-esteem struggles, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and related concerns such as intimacy issues, addictions, and ADHD. Stephanie also notes experience supporting people facing cancer survivorship, end-of-life concerns, and caregiver stress.
Her approach is straightforward and conversational. She uses client-centered, solution-focused methods and draws on cognitive behavioral ideas and humanistic perspectives. Sessions tend to focus on practical ways to change unhelpful thinking and on building skills for managing emotions and behavior.
Stephanie describes her style as warm and engaging while avoiding stigmatizing labels. She affirms LGBT people and says she continues to learn about LGBTQ+ experiences. Conversations often include coaching elements and problem-solving to address day-to-day pressures and relationship or career challenges.
In sessions she helps people recognize patterns that keep them stuck and practices alternative ways of responding. That may include identifying values, small behavioral experiments, mindfulness exercises, and communication practice. She also brings experience supporting people through grief, chronic illness, and major life transitions.
Clients can expect practical steps alongside reflective conversation. Stephanie emphasizes strengths and what a person already does well, then builds on those assets to manage symptoms and move toward clearer goals.
How Stephanie Uses ACT, CBT and Client-Centered Work Online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and take small steps that align with those values. It often includes exercises to notice thoughts without fighting them and to try actions that feel meaningful despite uncomfortable feelings.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing new behaviors. It is practical work that can include tracking thoughts, testing assumptions, and practicing new ways to respond to stress or anxiety.
Client-Centered work centers the person's experience and priorities. The therapist listens closely, reflects what the client says, and helps the client guide the pace and focus of sessions.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. Stephanie works collaboratively to choose methods that match a client's goals and preferences. That means trying a few strategies, checking what helps, and adjusting plans together rather than sticking to a fixed program.
Confirm the specific session formats available before booking, since they are not listed here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life - for example shorter check-ins during a work break or switching to an audio-only meeting when bandwidth is limited. Discussing practical arrangements at the start helps sessions fit into daily routines and responsibilities.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, grief, depression, self-esteem, compassion fatigue, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, and related concerns such as ADHD and caregiving stress.
How does she approach feelings of guilt or shame?
She uses client-centered and solution-focused methods with tools from ACT and CBT to look at thoughts, values, and small behavioral changes that can alter how guilt or shame shows up.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has ten years of experience working in multiple settings, including supporting people through cancer survivorship and end-of-life issues.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She holds an LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) credential and practices from Michigan.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats does she provide?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the available formats are not specified here.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies by location. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select 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.