Licensed to practice in 6 states and accepts 45 insurances. Specializes in Grief, Life Transitions, Trauma and PTSD and 2 more.

Donna M Hunter

LCSW, 40 years of experience
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About me

Hi, I’m Donna, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I work with adults who look like they’re “fine” on the outside, but inside they’re overwhelmed, exhausted, anxious, or emotionally shut down from trying to hold it all together for too long. Many of my clients come to therapy because they feel stuck in patterns they can’t explain—people-pleasing, overthinking, guilt, emotional blowups, shutdowns, or staying in relationships that don’t feel safe or steady. Sometimes the root is trauma. Sometimes it’s years of stress, loss, or family dynamics that taught you to survive instead of breathe. In our work together, we’ll slow things down, get clear on what’s actually happening (and why), and build practical tools you can use in real life—not just in session. My style is warm, direct, and collaborative. I’ll help you understand your nervous system, strengthen boundaries, untangle painful relationship patterns, and reconnect with the parts of you that have been carrying too much for too long. If you’re ready to feel calmer, clearer, and more like yourself again, I’d be honored to support you. You can schedule your first session whenever you’re ready.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Starting therapy is a big step, and it’s completely normal to feel nervous at first. Our first session is an intake appointment and typically lasts 60–90 minutes, so I have time to get to know you and understand what you’re needing support with. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what you’ve been experiencing, and what you want to be different. I’ll ask some background questions, and you’ll have plenty of space to ask questions too. My goal is for you to feel safe, supported, and understood—not rushed. By the end of the session, we’ll begin building a plan together and decide what to focus on moving forward. After the intake, sessions are usually 53–55 minutes. Most importantly, therapy works best when it feels like a good fit. If you leave the first session feeling comfortable and connected, that’s a great sign. If you don’t, that’s okay too—I’m happy to help you find someone who’s a better match..

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strengths as a therapist are connection, compassion, and being direct in a way that still feels safe and supportive. I’m warm, honest, and real with my clients. I’ll tell you the truth with care—and I’ll also help you laugh when you need to, because healing can be heavy, and you don’t have to carry it in silence. I use metaphors and storytelling to make complicated emotions easier to understand and work through. Therapy with me is practical, collaborative, and focused on real change—not just talking in circles. My approach is flexible and tailored to you. I draw from evidence-based therapies like CBT, EMDR, and IFS, along with a client-centered style. We’ll use the tools that actually help you feel better and move forward.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I work best with adults who are dealing with: Anxiety and depression PTSD / trauma-related symptoms Grief and loss Codependency and relationship burnout Toxic family dynamics Addiction recovery support (or loved ones affected by addiction) Building coping skills and emotional regulation My goal is to help you feel more grounded, confident, and emotionally steady—especially if you’ve been in survival mode for a long time.

Specialties

Top specialties

Grief

Trauma and PTSD

Other specialties

Identifies as

Serves ages

Accepts

Location

Offers in-person in 1002 McClain Rd, Bentonville, AR 72712, 108

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I will help you understand your negative thoughts/ beliefs and how to change those gremlins that have been negatively affecting your life

EMDR

Since 2003 I have been using EMDR to process trauma. I

Eclectic

I use a wide variety of interventions during a session. I focus on what I hear from you and choose the intervention that will fit your needs.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

It is very helpful to identify the other aspects of yourself that often hold your trauma.

Trauma Informed Care

My work is grounded in trauma-informed care, which means we move at a pace that feels safe, respectful, and steady. I understand that trauma doesn’t just live in memory—it shows up in the body, in relationships, and in the way a person learns to cope. I also draw from trauma-focused CBT principles, and I have extensive experience helping clients identify trauma-driven beliefs, manage triggers, and build coping skills that actually work in daily life. We’ll focus on helping you feel more regulated, less reactive, and more empowered—without forcing you to relive everything all at once.

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This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.