ChangeAtYourPace.org Need help now?

Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Donna Sarvela

Donna Sarvela

LCSW

Utah

Strengths-based therapist focused on practical change

Continue with Donna

At a glance

Credentials
LCSW
License
LCSW, Utah / 14224899-3501; LCSW, California / 82665
Experience
13 years
Languages
English
Location
Utah

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Client-centered care
    • Practical skills

    About Donna

    Donna Sarvela is a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, addiction issues, and the fallout of trauma and abuse. She draws on 13 years of clinical experience to support people who are trying to cope with life changes and find more satisfying ways of living.

    She uses a strengths-based, client-centered approach in sessions. That means conversations begin with what is already working and build from there. Donna aims to create an open, nonjudgmental space where clients can talk through thoughts and feelings and consider practical steps forward.

    Motivational Interviewing is part of her toolbox for moments when someone feels uncertain about change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques are also used to identify unhelpful thinking and try new behavior patterns. Mindfulness ideas and psychodynamic perspectives may be introduced when they fit a person's goals.

    Donna holds LCSW licensure in both Utah and California and applies that clinical background to everyday concerns. She pays attention to how co-occurring issues like codependency, substance use, or family of origin problems can affect a person's mood and choices.

    Sessions tend to focus on concrete goals such as reducing anxiety, coping with cravings, quitting smoking or vaping, working through guilt and shame, and finding a clearer sense of purpose. Donna emphasizes collaboration and helps people take manageable steps toward change.

  2. How therapeutic approaches guide online care

    Donna often uses Motivational Interviewing to help people resolve mixed feelings about change, focusing on their own reasons and motivation. This approach can be useful for addiction, smoking cessation, and other times when a person wants to move toward a new behavior.

    She also draws on Client-Centered Therapy, which centers the conversation on the client's experience and priorities, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which looks at patterns of thinking and behavior to try small experiments that can reduce anxiety and improve mood. These methods are explained in simple terms and applied to the specific problem the person brings.

    Choosing an approach is collaborative. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful. Together they decide which techniques to try and adjust the plan as progress is made.

    The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, avoid travel time, and have more flexible appointment choices. It can also allow shorter check-ins when a quick update is needed and make it simpler to continue work during life transitions.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes

    Additional focus areas

    Co-morbidityCodependencyDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersSelf-harmSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

    Therapeutic approaches

    Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

    Experience

    13+ years

    Listed in

    Utah, California

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What concerns does Donna help with?

    She helps people address stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, and addictions, plus related issues like codependency, family problems, and smoking or vaping cessation.

    What is her therapeutic style like?

    Her style is strengths-based and client-centered, focusing on nonjudgmental conversation and practical steps. She uses motivational interviewing to support readiness for change.

    How much clinical experience does she have?

    Donna has 13 years of professional clinical experience working with a range of mood, trauma, and addiction concerns.

    What credentials and state registrations does she hold?

    She is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, with licensure in Utah and California.

    Can sessions be conducted in other languages or with international clients?

    Sessions are offered in English. She is not accepting international clients at this time.

    What session formats are offered?

    The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.

    How are fees and payment handled?

    Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

    How do I begin working with her?

    Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, then schedule according to therapist availability.

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

Back to all therapists

Donna Sarvela Continue with Donna