Donna Coakley, LCPC, LPC

Donna Coakley is a licensed counselor with 26 years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, and relationship concerns. She practices in the District of Columbia and works in a direct, warm style that focuses on respectful, compassionate conversation. Donna uses therapy to help people take practical steps toward feeling better and functioning more smoothly in daily life.

Her approach blends client-centered work with cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindfulness. Sessions usually focus on concrete skills and clearer ways of thinking, along with space to talk through difficult feelings. Donna also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing where appropriate to address intense emotions and trauma-related memories.

She has long experience with issues like parenting stress, sleeping problems, addictions, and problems with intimacy and communication. Her background includes a decade of experience working with military members and their families, and she lists veteran and armed forces issues among her focus areas. Donna also addresses first responder issues and a range of behavioral and mood concerns.

Donna holds LPC credentials in the District of Columbia and Virginia and an LCPC in Maryland. She frames therapy as a collaborative process and tailors conversations and plans to each person’s needs. People looking for practical strategies and steady support often find this approach helpful.

If someone is ready to begin, Donna guides them through simple next steps to set goals and schedule sessions.

Combining practical therapy approaches with online access

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and helping people set their own goals. The therapist follows the person’s lead, reflects what they say, and helps clarify values and choices to make small, useful changes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches concrete skills to change unhelpful thinking and behaviors. It is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and many daily challenges that interfere with functioning.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotion regulation and distress-tolerance skills. It can be helpful when emotions feel overwhelming or when patterns of conflict and impulsive behavior cause trouble.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals, symptoms, and preferences, and together they will try strategies that fit the person’s life. Adjustments happen along the way if something isn't working.

Confirm the current session delivery options before booking, because specific formats are not listed in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people continue care while living in different places, which can be useful for those with Service and civilian life connections.