Welcome to BetterHelp! My name is Danielle McDonald, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified School Social Worker (CSSW) practicing near Buffalo, New York. I graduated from the University at Buffalo School of Social Work with my Masters degree in 2006 and have been working in the field for 17 years. During my career I have worked in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment and substance abuse counseling. This experience has enabled me to work with many different populations including children, teenagers, young adults and adults.
My experience includes working with individuals with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem, career challenges, substance use issues, and major life changes including learning how to adjust to new normals. I believe that the therapeutic alliance is one of the most important aspects of counseling, and is a very important catalyst for the change and growth that you would like to see. I am very easy-going and have a collaborative approach to therapy. I love to build relationships with others using empathy, listening and humor. Clients tell me I am a mindful listener, compassionate, and engaging.
In my practice, I tend to primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client Centered Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, but often adjust my technique to meet the needs of my client. I am flexible and willing to utilize the mode of communication that you are most comfortable with. In the beginning of counseling, I will discuss with you the needs or concerns that brought you to seek out therapy. From there we will work together to identify the goals that you would like to achieve.
It takes a lot of strength and courage to take these first steps and I look forward to working with you!
Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Attachment issues, Blended family issues, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Dependent personality, Divorce and separation, Family problems, Fatherhood issues, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Men's issues, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Phobias, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Smoking / vaping cessation, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy
NY LCSW 080182
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Danielle McDonald. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
She’s the best never fire this woman xoxo
Written on Sep 01, 2022 after therapy with Danielle for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, anger management, coping with life changes, and adhd
She's great! Super friendly, always flexible on availability and I really appreciate her!
Written on May 13, 2021 after therapy with Danielle for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety
I have been to a few therapists and Danielle is one of the best
Written on Apr 09, 2021 after therapy with Danielle for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, self esteem, and adhd