Laurie Jo McDonnell, LMFT

Calm practical support for life and family stress

About Laurie

Laurie Jo McDonnell is a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, and relationship strain. She speaks plainly and focuses on practical steps people can use right away.

Background and approach

Laurie welcomes questions and aims to make the first contact feel manageable for a worried parent or caregiver. She believes each person knows their own story and brings strengths to the work.

Sessions are a place to sort out feelings, try new ways of responding, and build clearer communication. Laurie uses straightforward talk, guided exercises, and listening to help people find what works for them.

Over 25 years of practice in Florida have given her experience with common family issues. She supports people dealing with family of origin problems, blended family concerns, and communication breakdowns.

She also works with those facing divorce and separation or the emotional fallout from caregiving, chronic illness, or cancer. Laurie draws on several approaches to tailor sessions to each person’s needs.

Her methods aim to reduce unhelpful patterns and strengthen emotional connection where it’s needed. Progress is paced to fit the person’s goals and life demands.

Practical tools are part of the work. That can mean short exercises between sessions, strategies to manage anxiety and stress, or ways to handle difficult conversations.

Laurie helps people set achievable steps and track how things change over time.

How Laurie’s Approaches Translate to Online Work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice painful thoughts without getting ruled by them and choose actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, stress, and finding direction after loss. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms like worry and low mood. It often includes practical exercises and short homework tasks to practice between sessions. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) targets emotional patterns in close relationships and helps people express needs and respond to each other in new ways.

Finding the right approach is part of the process and Laurie works collaboratively to figure that out. She will listen to a person’s concerns and goals, explain options, and tailor methods so they fit everyday life. Clients and therapist adjust the plan as progress unfolds, with simple steps to try at home.

Online therapy formats available include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for full conversations and practicing communication skills. Phone sessions are flexible and can fit into a lunch break or a busy day. Live chat and messaging work well for brief check-ins, written reflection, or when typing is easier than speaking. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent around work, caregiving, or treatment for illness.

Frequently asked questions

What issues does Laurie commonly help with?

She helps people manage stress, anxiety, grief, depression, relationship strain, and family problems. Additional focus areas include caregiving stress, chronic illness, abandonment, and communication problems.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her style is straightforward and collaborative. Sessions use listening, short exercises, and practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns.

How long has she been practicing?

Laurie has 25 years of professional experience working with emotional and family concerns in Florida.

What credentials and location are listed?

She is listed as an LMFT, licensed in Florida, and practices with experience focused in that state.

Are sessions offered in other languages or countries?

Sessions are offered in English. She does not accept international clients.

Which session formats are available?

Therapy can be conducted by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin therapy?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. Then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Family conflicts

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 25 years
Licensed: Florida
Languages: English