CBT Therapist Directory

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Laurie Jo McDonnell, LMFT

Florida LMFT for relationships and life transitions
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Couples and families
  • Grief and loss

About Laurie Jo McDonnell

Laurie Jo McDonnell is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in Florida with 25 years of professional experience. She works with individuals, couples, and families facing stress, anxiety, relationship and family conflicts, grief and loss, and depression. Her practice also addresses related concerns such as attachment and abandonment issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, blended family challenges, and communication problems.

Laurie Jo approaches therapy from a strengths-based perspective, viewing each person as the expert of their own story and building on the resources they already possess. She combines evidence-informed methods with a collaborative, client-centered stance to help clients clarify values, improve relationships, and find practical ways to manage difficult emotions and life transitions. Her goal is to support clients in developing tools that fit their lives and priorities.

Making the decision to begin therapy can take courage, and Laurie Jo honors that step. She aims to create a respectful, supportive environment where clients can explore challenges, grieve losses, and work toward clearer communication and healthier connections within themselves and with others.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsDependent personalityDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Social anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Gottman Method Narrative Therapy Internal Family Systems Systemic Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Laurie Jo McDonnell have?

Laurie Jo McDonnell has 25 years of professional experience.

Is Laurie Jo McDonnell a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credential LMFT, which stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. License details are FL LMFT MT2063.

In which languages does Laurie Jo McDonnell provide therapy?

Laurie Jo McDonnell provides therapy in English.

Where is Laurie Jo McDonnell located?

Laurie Jo McDonnell is located in Florida.

How can I work with Laurie Jo McDonnell as my therapist?

You can work with Laurie Jo McDonnell through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Laurie Jo McDonnell work with international clients?

Laurie Jo McDonnell does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Laurie Jo McDonnell cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Laurie Jo uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients notice difficult thoughts and feelings without being overwhelmed by them, and to clarify personal values that guide meaningful action. ACT can be helpful for stress, anxiety, and difficulty making life changes.

She also employs Client-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes empathy, active listening, and unconditional positive regard so clients can explore their experiences at their own pace. This approach supports emotional processing around grief, relationship concerns, and depression.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to distress and to develop practical strategies for change. CBT can assist with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and coping with chronic stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Laurie Jo works collaboratively with clients and other licensed professionals to tailor methods to each person’s needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting techniques as progress unfolds.

Offering video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, online therapy provides flexibility for scheduling and makes it easier to maintain continuity of care across busy lives. These options allow clients to access therapy from their preferred settings while working with a therapist who can adapt interventions to the online format.

Ready to start therapy with Laurie Jo McDonnell?

Take the first step toward a better you.