About Donna
Donna Sarvela is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people manage stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma, and depression. She focuses on practical steps to cope with life changes and regain a sense of control. Donna speaks plainly and aims to make the first step feel less daunting for someone looking for change.
She uses a strengths-based, client-centered style that starts with listening. Sessions give space to talk about thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Background and approach
That lets people name what matters and build small, realistic steps forward. Donna also draws on cognitive-behavioral ideas to spot patterns that keep problems going. She and the person work to try new ways of thinking and acting, then see what helps.
Mindfulness practices are introduced when useful to reduce stress and improve focus. Motivational interviewing techniques help when someone is unsure about change, especially around addictions or smoking and vaping cessation. Psychodynamic ideas may be used to look at long-standing family of origin issues or repeated relationship patterns that cause guilt, shame, or isolation.
Her approach is collaborative and down-to-earth. Conversations tend to be goal-oriented and practical, with tools people can use between sessions. Donna brings 13 years of clinical experience and holds LCSW licensure in Utah and California, and she works with adults in English.
Approaches that guide online sessions
Donna uses client-centered therapy to build understanding and trust. This approach focuses on listening, reflecting what a person says, and helping them set their own goals, which is helpful for stress, depression, and life transitions.Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to identify thinking and behavior patterns that worsen anxiety or mood problems. CBT in online sessions often includes simple exercises and homework to try new ways of reacting between meetings.
Mindfulness techniques may be offered to reduce reactivity and improve focus during difficult moments. These practices are brief and accessible, and they pair well with other methods to manage anxiety and cravings.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with each person to choose methods that match their goals, preferences, and pace. Plans are adjusted over time based on what helps most.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls let people use visual cues; phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and messaging offer ongoing support between calls or a lower-pressure way to talk about progress. These options aim to make therapy easier to fit into a busy life while keeping care focused and practical.
Frequently asked questions
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Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
Also works with
- Co-morbidity
- Codependency
- Coping with life changes
- Depression
- Domestic violence
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Impulsivity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Mood disorders
- Self-harm
- Smoking / vaping cessation
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Young adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
- Experience
- 13 years
- Licensed
- Utah, California
- Languages
- English