Paula Donovan, LCSW
Experienced LCSW supporting life transitions
- Individuals and couples
- Trauma and grief
- Mindful practical strategies
About Paula Donovan
Paula Donovan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Virginia who brings two decades of clinical experience and a broad international background to her therapeutic work. She came to the United States more than 40 years ago to work at the World Bank and later retrained to focus on clinical practice, supporting individuals and couples through life transitions, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, and a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns. Paula combines professional training with life experience from around the world to help people find clearer, more energized ways of living.
Paula approaches each person as the expert on their own life, using what clients already know about themselves as the foundation for change. She and her clients identify and reinforce strengths, meaningful relationships, practical patterns, and daily practices that support resilience and well-being. Her work draws on several evidence-informed approaches, selected to fit each person’s needs, and she values a trusting therapeutic relationship as the central ingredient for progress, often accompanied by warmth and occasional laughter.
Paula recognizes that life can bring deep unfairness, loss, chronic stress, and painful relationship wounds that leave people feeling isolated, exhausted, or stuck. She welcomes the opportunity to explore these challenges collaboratively and to support clients as they consider new steps forward and reclaim a sense of purpose and vitality.
Paula approaches each person as the expert on their own life, using what clients already know about themselves as the foundation for change. She and her clients identify and reinforce strengths, meaningful relationships, practical patterns, and daily practices that support resilience and well-being. Her work draws on several evidence-informed approaches, selected to fit each person’s needs, and she values a trusting therapeutic relationship as the central ingredient for progress, often accompanied by warmth and occasional laughter.
Paula recognizes that life can bring deep unfairness, loss, chronic stress, and painful relationship wounds that leave people feeling isolated, exhausted, or stuck. She welcomes the opportunity to explore these challenges collaboratively and to support clients as they consider new steps forward and reclaim a sense of purpose and vitality.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
Additional Focus Areas
Aging and geriatric issuesCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyDivorce and separationDomestic violenceFertility issuesGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Sexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Paula Donovan have?
Paula Donovan has 20 years of experience as a clinical therapist.
Is Paula Donovan a licensed therapist?
Yes. Paula Donovan holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her license is listed as VA LCSW 0904007247.
In which languages does Paula Donovan provide therapy?
Paula Donovan provides therapy in English.
Where is Paula Donovan located?
Paula Donovan is located in Virginia.
How can I work with Paula Donovan as my therapist?
You can work with Paula Donovan through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Paula Donovan work with international clients?
Paula Donovan does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Paula Donovan cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Paula Donovan
Paula integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based approaches into her online work to address a range of concerns. Client-centered therapy focuses on understanding each person’s unique perspective and building a collaborative relationship that supports self-discovery and personal growth - it is especially helpful for people seeking validation, deeper self-awareness, and stronger relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) offers practical tools to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, making it useful for managing anxiety, depression, stress, and patterns that undermine daily functioning. Mindfulness therapy teaches present-moment awareness and gentle acceptance techniques that can reduce reactivity to stress and improve emotional regulation.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Paula works collaboratively with clients to assess needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts methods over time so the work fits the person rather than forcing a single model in all situations. This shared decision-making helps clients feel engaged and supported throughout change.
Online therapy with Paula includes video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules, energy levels, and comfort with technology. These options make it easier to access consistent support from licensed professionals while balancing work, family, caregiving, and other life demands.