Dr. Donna Daniel

Dr. Donna Daniel is a New Mexico-based therapist who relocated from Arizona during the COVID shutdown and brings 35 years of counseling experience to her work. She combines long-standing professional knowledge with a fresh, non-stodgy approach to the therapeutic relationship, attending to verbal and nonverbal cues and bringing her full presence to each session - including observation, intuition, and sensitivity to energy and chakras when appropriate.

Her practice is eclectic and informed by many theorists, drawing on Gestalt therapy, Rational-Emotive therapy, mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and thanatology and grief work. She has particular experience helping people through grief, intimacy-related concerns, self-esteem and identity issues, coping with life changes, stress and anxiety, addictions, relationship and family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating and sleeping disorders, parenting and career difficulties, and a range of mood and attention conditions.

Dr. Daniel has lived and worked in many places - including assignments at military bases abroad in Italy, Germany, England and Japan - and has traveled widely, including three pilgrimages to India. She spent 14 years living off-grid in Arizona and practiced a sustainable lifestyle, and she now prefers smaller-town and natural settings while recognizing the attractions of urban life. She is married for 21 years and is childless by choice.

Spiritually oriented more than strictly religious, Dr. Daniel has explored Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, some Wiccan practice, the Gnostic mystery traditions, had a brief time with the LDS church, and was raised Baptist. She understands that faith can support recovery or, at times, contribute to ongoing harm, and she approaches spiritual topics openly without taboo - provided a client is genuinely seeking to move away from damaging patterns and relationships. She believes in brief, goal-focused therapy but remains open to working in cycles on different topics as needed.

Dr. Daniel is licensed to practice professional counseling in New Mexico as an LPCC and in Arizona as an LPC. If this approach and background feel like a fit, she welcomes hearing from prospective clients who are ready to engage in the work of change and healing.