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Paula Donovan

Holistic Jungian therapist specializing in trauma and relationships

About

Hello there and thank you for clicking on my profile. If we meet, the first thing you will notice after my well earned wrinkles, is that I have an Irish accent! I came to the USA over 40 years ago to work at the World Bank . Then I retrained as a clinical therapist so I could focus on supporting individuals and couples using all my training and life experience around the world and in the US. I deeply believe that YOU are the best expert on your life so far. So the self knowledge that you decide to share with me can allow us to work together to ease and energize your “here and now”, as well as your next steps. Together we can identify and reinforce the strengths, relationships, patterns and practices that support your resilience and well being. I can draw on many different clinical approaches in our work. There is no magic. The basic ingredient is a trusting relationship — sometimes even with some laughter! Life can be deeply unfair. Losses and disappointments bring grief, isolation and loneliness. Traumatic events and recurring stress leave our bodies and spirits intensely vigilant and exhausted. Relationships wound us, sometimes seemingly beyond repair. Illnesses — our own, or of loved ones, sap our vitality and hope. Life can feel stuck and meaningless. And still, you are here, now, and about to explore a new opportunity! I hope you try it. All best wishes, take great care, Paula

Years Experience: 20
Location: Virginia, United States
Accepting New Clients: No
Gender: Female
Accepting international clients: No
NPI Number: 1619204419
Credentials: VA LCSW 0904007247
Languages Spoken: English
Licenses: LCSW (Virginia) #0904007247 exp 2026-06-30
List of Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief, Self esteem, Depression, Addictions, LGBT, Family, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Eating, Sleeping, Parenting, Anger, Career, Bipolar, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, Female therapist, Gay
Where Can You Work With This Therapist: BetterHelp
Therapist of color: No
Communication options: Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging

Paula Donovan

Twenty years helping people heal
  • Individual and couples therapy
  • Flexible video, phone, chat
  • Virginia licensed LCSW

Licensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime

About

Paula Donovan greets visitors with a warm Irish lilt and a lifetime of varied experience. She moved to the United States more than 40 years ago to work at the World Bank, then retrained to become a clinical therapist so she could concentrate on supporting individuals and couples using both her professional training and broad life experience from work around the world and in the US.

She practices from a belief that each person is the leading expert on their own life. The observations and history a client brings allow Paula to collaborate with them to ease and energize their here and now, while also clarifying next steps. Together she helps identify and strengthen the relationships, patterns, practices, and personal resources that sustain resilience and well-being.

Paula draws on a range of clinical approaches to fit the needs of each person and couple. She emphasizes that there is no single magic solution – the essential element is a trusting therapeutic relationship, often accompanied by a bit of laughter. She is a Virginia-licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), license number 0904007247, and brings 20 years of clinical experience to her work.

She recognizes that life can be deeply unfair. Losses and disappointments commonly bring grief, isolation, and loneliness. Traumatic events and ongoing stress can leave the body and spirit constantly vigilant and exhausted. Relationships sometimes cause wounds that feel irreparable. Illnesses – whether one’s own or a loved one’s – can drain vitality and hope, and periods of life can feel stuck or meaningless.

Despite these challenges, Paula regards the decision to seek help as a meaningful new step. She encourages those who are ready to explore this opportunity to reach out and begin the work together. All best wishes, take great care, Paula Donovan.

Location: Virginia, United States
Years Experience: 20
Gender: Female
Languages Spoken: English
Therapist of Color: No
Communication Options: Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging

Specialties

Other areas of experience: Intimacy-related issues

Ready To Start Your Journey?

Therapist Available Through: BetterHelp
Currently Accepting New Clients: No
Accepting International Clients: No

Credentials & Verification

  • Credentials: VA LCSW 0904007247
  • NPI Number: 1619204419
  • License: LCSW (Virginia) #0904007247 exp 2026-06-30

Is Online Therapy the Right Choice for Your Mental Health Journey?

Many people wonder whether online therapy can truly help. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or major life transitions, online therapy has been found to be comparable in effectiveness to traditional in-person care.

One major benefit is flexibility – clients can connect in the way that fits their routine and comfort level, whether that is a video call, a phone session, live chat, or in-app messaging. This flexibility often makes it easier to maintain consistent care amid busy schedules.

Licensed professionals deliver online therapy, and if a client feels the fit is not right they have the option to seek a different therapist. For many people, receiving therapy remotely provides access to effective support while accommodating the demands of daily life.

How much experience does Paula Donovan have?

Paula Donovan has 20 years of experience providing therapy services.

Is Paula Donovan a licensed therapist?

Yes. Paula Donovan is a Virginia-licensed clinical social worker, holding an LCSW credential with license number 0904007247.

In which languages does Paula Donovan provide therapy?

Paula Donovan provides therapy in English.

Where is Paula Donovan located?

Paula Donovan practices in Virginia.

How can I work with Paula Donovan as my therapist?

Clients can work with Paula Donovan by phone, video, live chat, or messaging.

How much does therapy with Paula Donovan cost?

The cost of therapy can vary by location and Paula Donovan’s availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time for any reason. For current pricing and details, click the ‘Start Therapy’ button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Beginning therapy is straightforward. Click the ‘Start Therapy’ button and complete a brief questionnaire to help match you with Paula Donovan. Depending on her availability, you can then schedule your first session by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

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