Donna Coakley, MD, LCPC, LPC
- DBT certified support
- EMDR informed trauma care
- Military family experience
About Donna Coakley
Her style is warm, interactive, and grounded in respect, sensitivity, and compassion. She aims to create a space where people feel understood without being reduced to stigmatizing labels. Donna integrates cognitive-behavioral and humanistic approaches with talk therapy, drawing on structured, skills-based tools as well as reflective conversation to help clients move forward.
Donna is certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Therapist (CCTP), and is an approved EMDR Therapist. She tailors each conversation and treatment plan to the client’s unique goals and needs, offering support that is practical, personalized, and focused on sustainable growth. She recognizes that reaching out for help takes courage, and she is committed to supporting and empowering clients as they take the next steps toward a more fulfilling life.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
Therapeutic Approach
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Donna Coakley have?
Donna Coakley has 26 years of experience providing therapy and counseling support.
Is Donna Coakley a licensed therapist?
Yes. Donna Coakley holds the credentials MD, LCPC, and LPC. License details provided are MD LCPC LC0875 and DC LPC PRC1370.
In which languages does Donna Coakley provide therapy?
Donna Coakley provides therapy in English.
Where is Donna Coakley located?
Donna Coakley is located in the District of Columbia.
How can I work with Donna Coakley as my therapist?
You can work with Donna Coakley through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, depending on what fits your needs and scheduling.
Does Donna Coakley work with international clients?
Yes. Donna Coakley works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Donna Coakley cost?
The cost of therapy can vary based on factors such as your location and the therapist’s availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the “Start Therapy” button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the “Start Therapy” button and complete a short questionnaire to help match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches That Translate Well Online
Donna Coakley draws from several evidence-informed methods that work well in an online setting. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on noticing patterns in thoughts and behaviors and practicing new skills to respond differently. It is often used to support concerns like anxiety, depression, stress, and day-to-day overwhelm by helping clients build practical coping strategies.Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, skills-based approach that emphasizes mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. It can be especially helpful for people who feel stuck in intense emotions or recurring relationship conflicts and want tools they can use between sessions. Donna is certified in DBT and integrates it in a grounded, supportive way.
EMDR is a therapy approach designed to help clients process distressing experiences in a guided, step-by-step format. As an approved EMDR Therapist, Donna incorporates this method when it aligns with a client’s needs and goals.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. Donna collaborates with clients to identify priorities, preferences, and a pace that feels manageable, adjusting the plan as goals become clearer.
Online therapy adds flexibility by allowing sessions through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to access support in a way that fits real-life schedules.