Dr. Nicole Donato, LPC

Dr. Nicole Donato is a licensed mental health professional with advanced academic training, holding two master’s degrees and a PhD in Psychology. She has served in a variety of clinical roles over the course of her career, including work in an inpatient psychiatric hospital, outpatient therapy settings, and as a social worker for a foster family agency. Dr. Donato has been licensed in New Jersey since 2006 as an LPC - a Licensed Professional Counselor - and combines that clinical background with her current role as a college professor, where she finds deep satisfaction in helping others reach moments of clarity and understanding.

Her approach to therapy is grounded in building an authentic therapeutic alliance. From a client-centered perspective she emphasizes genuineness and empathy, striving to understand each person’s life experience. She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients identify activating events and the self-talk that can contribute to negative feelings, and she integrates techniques from motivational interviewing and psychodynamic therapy when they fit the client’s needs.

Dr. Donato values collaboration and clarity about how therapy works, and she welcomes the opportunity to work with clients through online methods. She aims to guide people as they address emotional concerns and life challenges, tailoring interventions to each individual’s goals and circumstances.