- Stress and anxiety
- Addictions support
- Life purpose focus
About Donna
Donna Sarvela is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) licensed in Utah and California with 13 years of clinical experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, and people coping with life changes. Donna also addresses related concerns such as codependency, family of origin issues, and problems with impulsivity or isolation.
Her approach centers on the client's strengths and practical steps. Sessions focus on talking through current problems, identifying patterns that keep difficulties going, and finding small changes that make daily life easier. Donna draws on Client-Centered methods to listen and reflect, and uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
Mindfulness techniques are included to build awareness of stressful moments and reduce reactivity. Motivational Interviewing helps when someone is unsure or stuck about making changes, especially around substance use and smoking cessation. Some psychodynamic ideas are used to look at how past family relationships influence present choices.
Donna aims to work in a way that is collaborative and straightforward. She helps people set realistic goals, practice new skills between sessions, and track progress. For those focused on life purpose, she supports clarifying values and next steps without promising a specific outcome.
Clients should confirm current session formats before booking, and note that services are offered in English and provided under a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Donna often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify thoughts and behaviors that keep them stuck. CBT is practical and focuses on concrete exercises and skill practice that translate well to remote sessions and between-session homework.She also uses Client-Centered Therapy, which prioritizes listening and reflecting so a person feels heard and understood. That approach helps clarify what matters most when someone is reconsidering career, relationships, or life purpose.
Mindfulness techniques are included to build moment-to-moment awareness and reduce reactivity to stress. These practices are taught in short exercises that can be practiced during the week and discussed in subsequent sessions.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Donna collaborates with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She reviews options, tries different techniques, and adjusts the plan based on what is most helpful.
Session formats are not specified here, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow brief check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Talk with the therapist about practical arrangements that match daily life and commitments.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
13+ years
Listed in
Utah, California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include codependency, family of origin issues, and life purpose.
How would she approach feeling stuck or directionless?
She uses a strengths-based, practical approach. Sessions combine client-centered listening with tools to notice patterns and try small changes.
What experience does she bring to these issues?
She has 13 years of professional clinical experience working with the listed concerns. That background informs her mix of therapeutic methods.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LCSW licensed in Utah and California and practices from Utah. Licensing is listed as UT LCSW and CA LCSW.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are sessions billed and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location and is provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.