LCSW, 34 years of experience
Donna Marino, LCSW graduated from the New York University School of Social Work in 1992. Her extensive clinical training and experience include clinical work in psychiatric hospitals, psychiatric triage, and an outpatient mental health program. Donna has been the Director of Clinical Services in a school for special needs, and also developed a thriving private practice providing individual, family, and marital/couple therapy to the adolescent, adult, and senior populations. Donna is dedicated to helping clients achieve health, personal growth, self empowerment, and symptom reduction within a safe, comfortable, and compassionate therapeutic setting. Donna enjoys spending time in nature, traveling, reading, learning, teaching, movies, cultural experiences, spirituality, and sharing quality time with family, friends, and her little dog, Chloe.
In our first session, we will talk about your life history which includes previous treatments, challenges, stressors, triggers, your strengths, support network, and overall life long experiences. Our first session is called an Intake appointment, and this is when we discuss your psychosocial history, an assessment, and a treatment plan. During this appointment, administrative information including the Cancellation and No Show Policy will be discussed, and I will answer any questions you may have. We will end our Intake time by scheduling your next appointment, our first therapy session, to begin your journey toward self discovery, personal growth, and healing!
As a therapist, I believe a clients healing begins when there is understanding and compassion offered in the therapeutic process, when trust begins to develop and the client experiences a sense of acceptance and support. This is one of my biggest strengths I can provide. The ability to empathize cannot be taught in a clinical text book because empathy is not acquired academically but is developed from the experiences of our heart and soul.
I have extensive clinical training and many years of clinical experience working with adults and seniors throughout various life stages, life challenges, and life cycles.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy provides the opportunity for a corrective experience by gaining an awareness of the triggering thoughts which can sometimes be responsible for maladaptive behavior. Learning effective coping skills can assist with symptom reduction, resolution, and implementing healthy ways of making well thought out decisions and managing daily challenges.