Therapist profile
Laurie Jo McDonnell, LMFT
LMFT - Stress and relationship concerns
Continue with LaurieAbout
- Stress management
- Relationship patterns
- Grief and loss
About Laurie
Laurie Jo McDonnell is a Florida licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 25 years of experience. She works with adults who are dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, family conflict, grief and depression. Her approach begins with listening to what matters most to each person.
She treats people as the experts of their own stories and looks for strengths they already have. Sessions focus on practical steps and clearer communication. Laurie uses a mix of methods to help people manage strong feelings and make changes that fit their everyday lives.
Her background includes long-term clinical work helping people cope with loss and major life changes. She also addresses issues such as abandonment, attachment concerns, blended family problems, caregiver stress, chronic illness and cancer related strain. Laurie has worked with people facing separation and the emotional fallout that follows.
In sessions she may draw on acceptance and commitment ideas, cognitive behavioral tools, emotionally focused practices and narrative techniques. She also uses approaches informed by the Gottman Method for relationship patterns. The work is practical - learning skills, testing changes, and noticing what helps.
People who come for help can expect clear conversation about goals and small steps to try between meetings. Laurie encourages steady progress and checks in about what is working. To begin, she asks people to complete a brief matching questionnaire and schedule the first session.
How sessions work
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Laurie often integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in her work. ACT focuses on helping people notice their thoughts and commit to actions that match their values, which can help with anxiety and grief. CBT looks at how thoughts, feelings and behaviors interact and offers concrete skills to reduce distress and change unhelpful patterns.She approaches online work collaboratively. The therapist and client review goals and try methods together to see what fits. Adjustments are made based on the client’s needs, preferences and how the exercises feel in practice.
The specific session formats available are not listed here, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find online sessions easier to fit into busy days, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, or remove travel time. Laurie uses her clinical approaches to shape work that fits someone’s routine and focuses on practical skills they can use between meetings.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Florida
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she work with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, family conflict, grief and depression, plus related issues such as abandonment and caregiver stress.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is practical and person-focused. She listens for strengths and uses methods like ACT, CBT, EFT and narrative ideas to help people try small changes.
How much experience does she have?
She has 25 years of professional experience working in clinical settings and with individual adults on relationship and family-related concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is an LMFT licensed in Florida and practices with that credential within the state.
Can I work with her in a language other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she accept clients outside the United States?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does payment work and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.