Paula Donovan

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.