- Client-centered approach
- Evidence-informed tools
- Focus on life patterns
About Nicole
Dr. Nicole Donato is a Licensed Professional Counselor with eleven years of clinical experience who combines client-centered care with practical therapy tools. She holds two master’s degrees and a PhD in Psychology. Nicole focuses on helping people untangle patterns that cause stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, addiction concerns, and codependency issues.
Nicole’s work history includes inpatient psychiatric care, outpatient therapy, and social work for a foster family agency. She also teaches at the college level and enjoys watching students reach moments of clear understanding. Her varied background shapes a flexible approach to common life struggles.
In sessions she aims to build a real connection first. That means being genuine and listening closely to understand what life feels like from each person’s point of view. She draws on client-centered Therapy to make space for the person’s experience and to guide the pace of change.
Nicole uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot unhelpful thoughts and test them against real life. She also integrates motivational interviewing to support readiness for change and psychodynamic ideas to look at long-standing patterns from the past.
People come to her for many concerns including depression, grief, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting stress, eating and body image struggles, ADHD and bipolar mood concerns. She also addresses caregiver stress, family of origin problems, and life-purpose questions.
To begin, Nicole works collaboratively to set clear goals and practical steps. She values straightforward conversation and helps people make changes they can use in daily life.
How her approaches shape online therapy
Client-centered Therapy emphasizes understanding each person’s experience and building a strong working relationship. In practice this means sessions begin with listening closely, asking about what matters most, and letting the client set the pace for change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them against real events to reduce distress and change behavior. CBT techniques can help with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and daily habits that feed codependent patterns.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Nicole will talk with each person about their goals and preferences, then recommend tools and exercises that fit those needs. She treats choice as collaborative and adjusts methods as progress and comfort evolve.
The practical benefits of online therapy can include easier scheduling and fitting sessions into a busy day, avoiding travel time, and keeping momentum between appointments. Because the therapist’s specific session formats are not listed here, confirm current session options before booking. Many people find that meeting remotely helps them maintain consistency and apply skills directly in their daily routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
11+ years
Credentials
New Jersey
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does this therapist help with?
Nicole works with a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, eating and body image issues, and codependency. She also supports people facing grief, trauma and relationship or intimacy problems.
How would you describe the therapy style?
Therapy blends a client-centered stance with practical techniques. Sessions focus on listening, building rapport, and using CBT, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic ideas when helpful.
What background does the therapist have?
She holds two master’s degrees and a PhD in Psychology and has worked in inpatient and outpatient settings as well as in foster care social work. She also teaches at the college level.
What are the therapist's credentials and where are they based?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, listed as NJ LPC, and practices from New Jersey.
In which languages can sessions be held?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with this therapist?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a session?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. Then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.