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Donna Coakley, MD, LCPC, LPC

Based in District of Columbia Online sessions

Compassionate, practical therapy for everyday struggles

Book with Donna
Years in practice
26
Credentials
MD, LCPC, LPC
Licensed in
District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia
Languages
English
Focus
Stress, Anxiety
Focus
Trauma and abuse
Focus
Self esteem
About

About Donna

Donna Coakley is a licensed clinician with 26 years of experience who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, parenting strain, and relationship concerns. She uses practical talk and evidence-informed methods to guide conversations and set achievable goals. Donna works from a respectful, nonjudgmental stance that aims to make the work feel approachable and useful.

She blends client-centered listening with cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors.

Background and approach

Dialectical behavior skills and mindfulness tools are used to build emotion regulation and improve day-to-day coping. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is also part of her toolkit for people dealing with traumatic memories. Donna has a medical degree (MD) and holds LPC and LCPC credentials.

She has long experience addressing addictions, trauma, sleep problems, ADHD, and intimacy-related issues as well as concerns like guilt, shame, and forgiveness. Her background includes work with military members and related issues, which informs an understanding of stress responses and life transitions. In sessions she focuses on practical steps parents and individuals can try between meetings.

Conversations center on small, concrete changes rather than jargon. She aims to teach skills that reduce overwhelm and improve communication. People who choose her often want clear tools and a collaborative plan.

She supports clients in setting short-term goals while also addressing deeper patterns when needed. Work with her typically combines in-session practice with homework to reinforce progress.

Focus areas and approaches

What Donna works with

Everything Donna lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Donna helps people with.

Approaches Donna lists

Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.

Online support

Therapeutic approaches that translate to online care

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and responding to what matters most to the person in front of the therapist. It emphasizes empathy and follows the client’s lead to help clarify goals and priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches concrete strategies to shift patterns that increase anxiety or low mood. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, offers skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication when feelings run high.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss options, try techniques in session, and adjust plans based on what feels most helpful. Clients and the therapist work together to pick methods that fit the person’s goals, comfort level, and daily life.

Online sessions offer flexibility for busy schedules and varied needs. Video calls let therapists observe body language and practice skills live. Phone sessions require less bandwidth and can be easier on days when being on camera feels difficult. Live chat or text-based messaging can provide brief check-ins, support between sessions, or a way to send short updates and homework progress. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or other routine commitments while still accessing licensed professionals and structured therapeutic work.
Questions

Questions people ask about Donna

What concerns does Donna commonly address?

She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, relationship and intimacy issues, ADHD, addictions, trauma, sleep trouble, and related concerns.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her style is warm and interactive with a focus on respect and practicality. Sessions aim to teach skills and create small, doable changes.

How much experience does she have?

Donna brings 26 years of clinical experience working across a wide range of concerns, including long-term work with military populations.

What credentials does she hold and where is she based?

She holds an MD and the LPC and LCPC credentials and practices in the District of Columbia.

Which languages are supported in sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.

What session formats are available?

Clients can meet by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on preference.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

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