Denise Donaldson

Are you looking for a compassionate, experienced therapist in Maryland who truly understands the complexities of your journey? I’m Denise, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) with over 25 years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, trauma, grief, and major life transitions. I provide individual therapy for Maryland residents via secure telehealth.

I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University in 1998 and have worked across diverse settings—including private practice, psychiatric hospitals, substance use treatment, schools, foster care and adoption services, HIV/AIDS support, crisis intervention, and cancer care. My work also includes supporting clergy and providing community mental health services in Maryland.

Clients describe my style as warm, grounded, and collaborative. I offer a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach that honors your lived experience and empowers you to move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you're managing panic attacks, coping with chronic illness, or grieving a loss, I tailor each session to meet your unique needs.

You have your own unique story, and I will take the time and care needed to get to know you during our initial meeting and as we continue through each session. I believe therapy should feel like a conversation rather than just an intervention. As you gradually share more with me, I will draw from various therapeutic models to help you reduce/manage symptoms, ground yourself, elevate your well-being, heal, learn, relate to others, express your feelings, and make meaningful changes in ways that align with your unique identity.

I encourage my clients to start with the "how" and then move toward the "why." In our early sessions, we will focus on the "how"—specifically, how you can make some changes to start feeling better. Once we achieve a bit of stability, we can explore the "why" behind your experiences and discuss "where" you can go from here.

So, the first "how" is: "How do I make an appointment?" If you're ready, just click a time on the sidebar to schedule your first session. As a Maryland-based therapist, I’m deeply committed to making therapy accessible and inclusive for all. I welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and communities, and I strive to create a safe, affirming space where healing can begin.

If you're ready to take the next step, I’d be honored to support you. Let’s work together to help you feel more grounded, empowered, and connected.