DonnaJean Ebert
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with experience working with individuals navigating OCD and anxiety disorders. My therapeutic style is warm, compassionate, and down-to-earth. I strive to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where clients feel comfortable being open, honest, and themselves. I believe therapy should feel collaborative and supportive, while also providing opportunities for growth and meaningful change. My goal is to help clients feel understood, build confidence, develop effective coping skills, and feel more empowered in their everyday lives.
First session
During our first session, clients can expect a warm, welcoming, and judgment-free space where they can begin to feel comfortable sharing their experiences. We will spend time getting to know one another, discussing what brings them to therapy, exploring their concerns and goals, and identifying what they hope to gain from the therapeutic process. I want clients to leave their first session feeling heard, understood, and reassured that they are not alone. We will begin building a collaborative relationship and developing a plan that feels supportive, individualized, and aligned with their needs.
Strengths
I bring warmth, empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to connect with each client. I am a strong listener who values creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and accepted without judgment. I bring a calm, approachable, and nonjudgmental presence to sessions, while also offering encouragement, insight, and practical strategies to help clients navigate challenges. I value meeting clients where they are, recognizing their individual strengths, and working collaboratively to help them feel empowered and confident in their ability to make meaningful changes.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who may feel overwhelmed by anxiety, intrusive thoughts, excessive worry, or the need for certainty and control. I enjoy working with individuals navigating OCD and anxiety who are looking to better understand their thought patterns, reduce the impact of symptoms on their daily lives, and develop healthier ways of coping. I work well with clients who are open to exploring their experiences, challenging unhelpful patterns, and working toward meaningful change at their own pace.
Ongoing work together
Ongoing therapy sessions will provide a consistent, supportive space to explore challenges, recognize patterns, and work toward personal growth. Sessions will be collaborative and tailored to each client's individual needs and goals. We may focus on understanding and managing anxiety, navigating intrusive thoughts, challenging unhelpful thinking patterns, and developing healthier coping strategies. I incorporate evidence-based approaches while meeting clients where they are and moving at a pace that feels comfortable. My goal is to help clients build confidence, feel more in control of their lives, and develop skills they can carry with them outside of the therapy room.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients develop a healthier relationship with their thoughts and emotions rather than feeling the need to control, avoid, or eliminate them. I focus on building psychological flexibility by helping clients practice acceptance, increase awareness of the present moment, and recognize that thoughts do not always define reality or require action. For clients experiencing OCD and anxiety, ACT can be especially helpful in learning to tolerate uncertainty, make space for uncomfortable feelings, and reduce avoidance. Together, we work toward identifying personal values and taking meaningful steps toward a life that feels fulfilling, even when anxiety or intrusive thoughts are present.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
I incorporate Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help clients with OCD and anxiety gradually face situations, thoughts, and feelings that trigger anxiety while learning to resist compulsive behaviors and rituals. Treatment is collaborative and individualized, allowing clients to work at a pace that feels manageable while building confidence in their ability to tolerate uncertainty and discomfort. Together, we identify triggers, develop an exposure plan, and practice reducing compulsions and avoidance behaviors.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients explore their feelings about change, identify personal goals, and build confidence in their ability to move forward. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and nonjudgmental, allowing clients to explore ambivalence and recognize their own motivation for change. I use open-ended questions, reflective listening, and encouragement to help clients identify their strengths, values, and reasons for wanting something different. This approach can be especially helpful for clients experiencing anxiety and OCD who may feel stuck in patterns of avoidance or struggle with taking steps outside of their comfort zone. My goal is to empower clients to make meaningful changes at their own pace while feeling supported throughout the process.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I incorporate a person-centered approach by prioritizing the therapeutic relationship and creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, valued, and understood. I believe each client is the expert on their own experiences, and my role is to provide empathy, genuine support, and guidance as they navigate their challenges. I strive to meet clients where they are, honor their individual experiences, and work collaboratively toward goals that feel meaningful to them.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Licensed in
- New JerseyLicense 44SC06714900