Donnise Powell
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master’s degree in Social Work, Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC), and an Administrative Services Credential in progress, I bring extensive experience supporting youth, young adults, and families across clinical, school-based, and community settings. My professional background includes mental health counseling, crisis intervention, clinical supervision, program development, and leadership in student mental health and wellness. Throughout my career, I have grown from providing direct clinical services to leading teams, developing programs, supervising clinicians, and helping shape systems that support the social-emotional and mental health needs of young people. This experience has strengthened my ability to see the whole person, understand the systems that impact their lives, and help clients identify practical ways to navigate challenges and create meaningful change. My philosophy is simple: I’m not here to solve your problems for you. I’m here to walk alongside you, help you recognize your strengths, and support you throughout your healing and growth.
First session
In your first session, you can expect a welcoming, judgment-free space to share what brings you to therapy and begin getting to know one another. We’ll talk about your concerns, strengths, goals, and what you hope to get from therapy. You’ll have an opportunity to ask questions, and we’ll begin identifying practical steps that can support your healing and growth. You don’t need to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say—I’ll help guide the conversation and make sure you feel comfortable with the process.
Strengths
My approach to therapy is warm, authentic, and relational. I’ve never been one to feel comfortable in overly formal therapeutic settings, and I strive to create a space that feels welcoming, safe, and genuine. Many clients describe my style as conversational, down-to-earth, and easy to connect with. My goal is to make therapy feel less like sitting across from an expert and more like having a meaningful conversation with someone who truly cares about your well-being and growth. I believe healing happens through connection, honesty, and self-discovery. While I bring clinical knowledge and evidence-based practices to our work together, I also recognize the power of lived experience. When appropriate, I may share personal insights and testimonies that help foster connection and remind you that healing is possible. Supporting others on their healing journeys continues to strengthen and deepen my own. As a woman of faith, I welcome opportunities to incorporate spirituality and Christian values into therapy for clients who desire that perspective. At the same time, I honor and respect each client’s unique beliefs, values, and experiences. I also believe that humor, laughter, and moments of joy are important parts of the healing process. Life can be heavy, and sometimes a little laughter creates the space we need to breathe, reconnect, and move forward.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is ready to better understand themselves, work through life’s challenges, and create meaningful change. They may be navigating stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, self-worth, or the impact of past experiences. I enjoy working with clients who are open to reflection, growth, and developing practical tools to support their well-being. You don’t have to have everything figured out—I’m here to meet you where you are and walk alongside you as you work toward greater clarity, confidence, healing, and a life that feels more aligned with who you are.
Origin story
I’ve been doing social work my whole life—long before I knew social work was a profession. I grew up in a family that was deeply connected to our community. Through church, sports, extracurricular activities, and school, we were often “that family” who knew people, showed up, served others, and was deeply involved. From the outside, we were often seen as a model family and a pillar in the community. And in many ways, we were. But behind that image, we were also navigating our own challenges. I learned early that people can be carrying experiences that others may never see. I also learned that struggle does not define a person, and that healing is possible. While I excelled outwardly, I was also processing my own experiences; learning how to make sense of them. Over time, I realized that those experiences shaped my ability to connect with and understand people from many different walks of life. They taught me to listen without judgment, see beyond what is on the surface, and recognize the strength that can exist alongside pain. My journey into social work grew naturally from that foundation. Serving others has always felt less like a career choice and more like an extension of who I am. My experiences have deepened my belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and live a life that feels meaningful and whole. Becoming a therapist and starting my own private practice is a continuation of that calling. I hope to create a space where people feel seen, understood, supported, and empowered—not defined by what they have been through, but encouraged by what is possible for their lives. This keeps the heart of your story—including the lived experiences that shaped your perspective—without making the profile feel overly clinical or overly focused on trauma.
Ongoing work together
Ongoing therapy will be collaborative, supportive, and tailored to your needs and goals. Together, we’ll explore patterns, build on your strengths, develop practical tools, and work through challenges at a pace that feels manageable. Progress may look different for everyone, but you’ll begin to notice greater self-awareness, improved coping, healthier boundaries, more confidence in your decisions, and a stronger ability to navigate life’s challenges. We’ll regularly check in on your goals and adjust our work as you grow and your needs change.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we identify patterns that may be contributing to stress or keeping them feeling stuck, then work on developing more balanced ways of thinking and practical strategies for responding differently. I use CBT collaboratively and in a way that connects to each client’s real-life experiences, with the goal of helping clients build greater self-awareness, confidence, and effective coping skills.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I provide culturally responsive therapy by recognizing that your identity, culture, family, community, values, and lived experiences all shape how you see yourself and navigate the world. I don’t believe therapy should be one-size-fits-all. I take time to understand your perspective, honor what is important to you, and consider the cultural and systemic factors that may influence your experiences. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, respected, understood, and safe to be fully yourself while working toward your goals.
Faith-based therapy
Faith-based therapy incorporates a client’s spiritual beliefs and values into the therapeutic process when they are meaningful to them. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore how their faith may influence their identity, relationships, decision-making, healing, and personal growth. When desired, therapy may incorporate prayer, Scripture, spiritual reflection, and other faith-based practices alongside clinical approaches. My goal is to honor your beliefs while supporting your emotional and mental well-being in a way that feels authentic to you.
Interpersonal
I use Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) to help clients explore how their relationships and life circumstances can impact their emotional well-being. Together, we look at communication patterns, relationship challenges, changes or transitions, grief and loss, and other interpersonal stressors that may be contributing to what you’re experiencing. The goal is to strengthen your relationships, improve communication, develop healthier ways of relating to others, and feel more confident navigating the relationships and situations that matter most to you.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients explore what they truly want for themselves and identify the motivation for making meaningful changes. Rather than telling you what you should do, I help you work through ambivalence, recognize your own strengths, and connect your choices to your values and goals. Together, we’ll identify realistic steps that feel manageable and meaningful, while honoring that you are the expert on your own life.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Black / African American
Woman
Top specialties
Anxiety
Childhood / Intergenerational Trauma
Family Conflict
Other specialties
Learning / School Challenges
Life Transitions
Parenting
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Family Therapy
Individual Therapy
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Licensed in
CaliforniaLicense 126885