Donna Sarvela, LCSW

Donna Sarvela is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in both California and Utah with 13 years of clinical experience. As an LCSW she brings specialized training in mental health and social work to help clients navigate stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma, abuse, depression, and life transitions.

Using a strengths-based approach, she focuses on clients' existing resources and resiliency while addressing co-occurring concerns such as codependency, substance use, family issues, and mood disorders. Her practice emphasizes practical coping strategies for challenges like impulsivity, isolation, social anxiety, and smoking or vaping cessation, alongside deeper work around family of origin issues, forgiveness, guilt, and shame.

Donna aims to create an open and nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be explored and where clients can take steps toward meaningful change. She supports people through difficult life changes and recovery from trauma and addictive behaviors, helping them identify goals and build skills to manage symptoms and improve daily functioning.

Recognizing that the decision to begin therapy takes courage, Donna offers steady, compassionate guidance so clients can pursue a more fulfilling and balanced life at a pace that feels right for them.

Approaches for Online Therapy and Personalized Care

Donna draws from client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness therapy to support clients in an online setting. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathetic listening and collaboration - it helps people clarify their goals, build self-awareness, and feel accepted as they work through change. Cognitive behavioral therapy is structured and skills-focused - it helps identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and teaches practical tools for managing anxiety, depression, and addiction-related patterns. Mindfulness therapy introduces simple attention and awareness practices to reduce reactivity, improve emotional regulation, and support coping with stress and trauma.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Donna works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts techniques over time so treatment remains relevant and effective for the individual.

Online therapy with Donna is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility to fit sessions into busy schedules or to continue care during life transitions. These options allow clients to engage in therapy in ways that feel most comfortable while maintaining the structure and professional support of licensed professionals and experienced therapists.