Kristine Donaldson , LCSW

Kristine Donaldson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Illinois with 14 years of professional experience in mental health care. She has worked with people facing depression, anxiety, compassion fatigue, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and family challenges, addiction, parenting struggles, and a range of mood and personality concerns. Her work also addresses stress, self-esteem, career issues, coping with life changes, and difficulties such as panic, OCD symptoms, and social anxiety.

As an LCSW - a licensed clinician trained to assess and treat mental health concerns - Kristine emphasizes building a relationship grounded in trust and respect to shape individualized treatment plans. She draws from a range of evidence-informed methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Mindfulness Therapy, adapting techniques to meet each person's needs and goals.

Kristine approaches care with gratitude for the opportunity to support people through difficult transitions and losses, and with a focus on practical skills, emotional processing, and strengthening resilience. She centers collaboration and clarity in therapeutic work, helping clients move toward greater self-understanding and healthier relationships.

Evidence-based approaches delivered through online care

Kristine integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors; this approach is often useful for anxiety, depression, panic, and stress-related concerns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness, which can be helpful for intense emotions, relationship challenges, and coping with crises. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) supports the processing of traumatic memories and related symptoms by using structured techniques to reduce the emotional charge of past events.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Kristine works with each person to evaluate symptoms, goals, and preferences, and she tailors interventions so the therapy style fits the client rather than asking the client to fit a single method.

Online therapy with licensed professionals offers practical flexibility - sessions can occur by video call or phone, and shorter exchanges can happen through live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care around work, family, and life demands while still accessing focused therapeutic support.