More about Donnie
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in body image, anxiety, attachment issues, and appearance-based self-worth in Gen Z and Millennial women. For the past 10 years, I’ve helped clients who feel consumed by overthinking, comparison, dating insecurity, perfectionism, and pressure to meet beauty standards build a healthier relationship with themselves, their bodies, and their emotions.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based therapy. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic work to help clients better understand their patterns, regulate anxiety, and feel more secure and confident beyond appearance alone.
I offer hybrid therapy sessions in Patchogue and virtual therapy throughout New York and Vermont. I currently accept Aetna, Northwell Direct, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, and private pay.
• • Therapy with me is meant to feel human — a space where you don’t have to perform, shrink yourself, or figure it all out alone.
Why I Love This Work
“I highly recommend Donnie for any Gen Z or Millennial in NY wanting to address body image and self-esteem issues. She is authentic, witty, and an all around amazing person and therapist.”
-Donna Vo Sotomayor, RMFTI
What Sets Me Apart?
My Approach
My approach to therapy is collaborative, honest, and grounded in real life. I’m not here to sit silently and nod - I’m here to help you understand yourself on a deeper level, challenge the patterns that are keeping you stuck, and support you in creating change that actually feels sustainable.
I take a relational, insight-oriented approach, which means we look at how your past experiences, relationships, and core beliefs shape the way you think, feel, and show up today. At the same time, we focus on practical tools you can use in your day-to-day life - not just insight, but real shifts.
Evidence-Based Interventions
I also integrate evidence-based interventions throughout our work, including parts work (IFS), cognitive and behavioral strategies, somatic awareness, and nervous system regulation. This allows us to not only understand your patterns, but actually change how you relate to them - mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Our work might include exploring attachment patterns, building self-worth outside of appearance or external validation, improving communication and boundaries, and learning how to regulate your emotions without shutting down or spiraling.
Holistic Healing
If therapy hasn’t worked for you in the past, it might not be because you’re doing anything wrong - it might be because you were trying to change your thoughts while your body was still stuck in survival mode.
That’s the gap my approach focuses on.
No “just think positive.”
No “just journal about it” when your nervous system is in overdrive.
No pressure to love your body in order to heal your relationship with it.
Real healing means looking at the whole picture: your mind, your body, your emotions, and the deeper layers of who you are.
That might look like using grounding and mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, or tools like EFT (tapping) and visualization to help your nervous system actually feel safe - not just understand that you are.
Together, we’ll start to understand how these pieces connect so you can feel more grounded, more regulated, and more like yourself - not just in theory, but in your day-to-day life.
Holistic Healing
If therapy hasn’t worked for you in the past, it might not be because you’re doing anything wrong - it might be because you were trying to change your thoughts while your body was still stuck in survival mode.
That’s the gap my approach focuses on.
No “just think positive.”
No “just journal about it” when your nervous system is in overdrive.
No pressure to love your body in order to heal your relationship with it.
Real healing means looking at the whole picture: your mind, your body, your emotions, and the deeper layers of who you are.
That might look like using grounding and mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, or tools like EFT (tapping) and visualization to help your nervous system actually feel safe - not just understand that you are.
Together, we’ll start to understand how these pieces connect so you can feel more grounded, more regulated, and more like yourself - not just in theory, but in your day-to-day life.
Licenses:
New York, Licensed Clinical Social Worker #096215
Vermont, Telehealth Licensed Clinical Social Worker #089.0136817TELE
Certified Advanced Holistic Counselor
Compassion
I approach every session with warmth and genuine care. My goal is to create a space where you feel supported and understood, even on the days when things feel heavy or overwhelming.
Respect
Your story and your pace matter. I’ll always honor your boundaries, listen to your voice, and work collaboratively so that therapy feels safe and empowering for you. YOU get to decide what your goals are. If something’s not working, we can change course at any time.
Nonjudgment
Therapy is a place where you don’t have to filter yourself or worry about being “too much.” You can bring your real thoughts, feelings, and experiences here without fear of criticism.
My practice is inclusive and affirming.
I work with clients of all races, cultures, sexualities, gender identities, and backgrounds. No matter what you bring into the room, you will be treated with respect and dignity.
My Values
“I have worked alongside Donnie from our early days in training, and now as practice owners. I can confidently say that she is the example of someone who puts in the work for their clients, and for themselves, which is equally important when navigating sensitive topics. She’s a go-to referral and everyone I’ve referred speaks highly of her and their own progress. Confused or fearful young adults transform into confident versions of themselves with Donnie.”
-Irene Koutsidis-Martelli, LCSW
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