Donna Sarvela

Strengths-based care for stress and recovery

LCSW Utah

Experience: 13 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Donna

Donna Sarvela is a licensed clinical social worker with 13 years of practice who focuses on supporting people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, and life transitions. She emphasizes a strengths-based perspective that helps clients identify practical coping skills and build on existing resilience.

Background and approach

Donna encourages candid exploration of thoughts and feelings so clients can move toward more satisfying daily functioning and emotional balance. Her approach blends several evidence-informed methods, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside client-centered listening, mindfulness techniques, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic awareness as appropriate.

She aims to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where clients feel empowered to make meaningful changes. Donna is licensed in Utah and California as an LCSW and conducts sessions in English, working remotely with people in Utah while not accepting international clients at this time.

Approach-driven online therapy that fits your life

Donna often integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy in remote sessions. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and developing practical skills to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and addiction. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathetic listening and collaboration, helping clients feel heard while they explore values, motivation, and personal goals.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Donna works with each person to tailor techniques and priorities to their needs and preferences, adjusting methods over time so the work stays aligned with evolving goals.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility and access from home or elsewhere. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity when life is in flux, and choose the communication style that feels most comfortable for the individual.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?

Donna works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, and coping with life changes, along with related issues such as codependency, family problems, and mood disorders.

What therapeutic style can I expect in sessions?

Her style is strengths-based and collaborative, drawing on client-centered techniques, cognitive behavioral strategies, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic ideas as appropriate to the person's goals.

How long has this clinician been practicing?

She brings 13 years of professional clinical experience to her work with clients.

What credentials and location apply to this therapist?

Donna holds the LCSW credential and is licensed in Utah and California under the following numbers: UT LCSW 14224899-3501 and CA LCSW 82665.

In which language are sessions offered and are international clients accepted?

Sessions are offered in English, and she is not accepting international clients at this time.

Which session formats are available for remote care?

Care is provided through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different preferences and schedules.

How are fees and payments handled?

Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions are arranged through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to begin working together?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a brief matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuse Depression Coping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Co-morbidityCodependencyDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shame Impulsivity Isolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disorders Self-harmSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

13+ years

Licensed

Utah, California

Languages

English