DW Portrait of Donna Welles

Donna Welles, LICSW

Compassionate, practical support for anxiety and life change

13 years in practice · based in Massachusetts · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Donna

Donna Welles is a licensed independent clinical social worker with 13 years of experience in Massachusetts. She centers sessions on the person in front of her and respects each client as the expert on their own life. Donna focuses on everyday struggles like stress and anxiety while supporting people through change.

Her work often addresses motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. She also helps with depression and coping when life shifts in unexpected ways.

Book with Donna Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Background and approach

Sessions are aimed at practical steps people can try between meetings. Donna uses a client-centered approach that listens first and follows the client’s lead. She draws on techniques from dialectical behavior therapy and mindfulness to help people manage emotions and stay present.

These methods are used to build skills for stress, panic, and mood challenges. Clients can expect a warm, respectful space where strengths are noticed and used. Donna talks through small, doable strategies for communication, impulsivity, and relationship concerns.

She also supports people facing grief, trauma, or burnout from caregiving and work. People with attention challenges, eating or sleep difficulties, anger, or feelings of isolation may find focused tools here. Donna also attends to multicultural concerns and identity issues, including LGBT related stress.

Her approach is practical, steady, and collaborative.

How client-centered and skill-based therapy works online

Donna blends client-centered listening with skills-focused methods so online sessions feel practical and grounded. Client-Centered Therapy means the conversation follows the client's priorities and personal strengths, helping them set goals that matter. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, offers clear skills for managing intense emotions, reducing impulsive acts, and improving communication. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple practices to increase present-moment awareness and reduce rumination.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Donna will discuss options and adjust methods based on each person's needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative process helps pick strategies that fit day-to-day life and the challenges someone brings to therapy.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to make therapy flexible. Video is useful for deeper conversation and seeing nonverbal cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to use video. Live chat or messaging supports brief check-ins, skill coaching between sessions, and ongoing accountability without scheduling a full call. These options help people fit therapy around work, caregiving, and busy schedules.
Book with Donna Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What kinds of concerns does Donna help with?
She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues, plus related topics like trauma, grief, and relationship or parenting strain.
What is her general therapeutic style?
Donna uses a client-centered approach that listens first, then offers practical strategies. She also integrates DBT and mindfulness tools to help manage emotions and build skills.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Donna has 13 years of professional experience working with a wide range of mood and stress-related concerns in Massachusetts.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She holds an MA and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in Massachusetts.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Are sessions available to international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are offered?
Therapy is available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How do I begin working with her and what does it cost?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire, then schedule according to availability. Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What this therapist works with

Experience
13 years
Licensed
Massachusetts
Languages
English

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