Profile / United States
Donna Coakley, LCPC, LPC
District of Columbia
Licensed counselor - anxiety and trauma
See online therapy options- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- DBT skills
- EMDR and mindfulness
About Donna
Donna Coakley is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with 26 years of experience. She practices in the District of Columbia and works with people facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self-esteem issues, depression, ADHD, addictions, relationship strain, intimacy concerns, sleep problems, and parenting challenges.
She uses practical, structured methods that focus on changing unhelpful thoughts and habits. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the approaches she uses to help people notice thinking patterns and try different responses. She also draws on client-centered techniques, dialectical behavior therapy, EMDR, and mindfulness methods when those fit the problem.
Sessions are conversational and goal-focused. Donna helps people identify small changes they can practice between meetings. She talks through concrete strategies for managing intense emotions, improving communication, and reducing compulsive behaviors.
Her background includes long experience with military members and their families across branches, and with people dealing with substance and process addictions, post-traumatic stress, domestic violence effects, and other complex concerns. She has worked with a range of personality and mood issues and with people coping with guilt, shame, or grief.
Donna approaches treatment as a collaborative process. She reviews goals, suggests practical exercises, and adjusts plans based on what is working. To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
How cognitive and skills-based methods work online
Donna regularly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce anxiety and low mood. CBT sessions often include short practices and homework to try between meetings.She also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication. DBT techniques are practical and useful for managing intense feelings and reducing impulsive behaviors. Client-centered methods emphasize listening and collaboration, letting clients set goals while the therapist offers reflective feedback.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist and client review goals and try specific methods to see what fits best. This is a collaborative process that may combine CBT, DBT skills, EMDR, or mindfulness depending on needs and preferences.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to schedule sessions around work or family life, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Many people find it simpler to practice homework and skills between sessions when meeting remotely.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
26+ years
Listed in
District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address most often?
She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, self-esteem, ADHD, addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, sleep problems, and parenting challenges.
How does she use CBT in sessions?
She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients notice unhelpful thoughts and try alternative responses. Sessions include practical exercises to practice between meetings.
What is her professional background?
She has 26 years of clinical experience and additional long-term work with military members and their families across branches.
What credentials and location should I know?
She holds LPC credentials in the District of Columbia and Virginia, and an LCPC credential in Maryland, and she practices in the District of Columbia.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She accepts international clients.
How are sessions paid for and priced?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Choose the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.