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Laurie Jo McDonnell

Laurie Jo McDonnell, LMFT

Florida

LMFT in Florida - Relationships and Family Issues

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  • Stress and anxiety
  • Grief and loss
  • Cognitive and EFT methods

About Laurie

Laurie Jo McDonnell is a Florida-licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 25 years of experience. She works with adults managing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, family issues, grief, loss, and depression. She frames clients as experts on their own stories and builds on their strengths to address current problems.

Laurie uses straightforward conversation to identify patterns that keep problems repeating. She listens for how family roles and expectations from childhood show up now. Together with the client she looks at what those patterns cost and what might be done differently.

Her approach draws from several well-known methods such as cognitive behavioral techniques and emotionally-focused work. Those methods are used to clarify thoughts and feelings, practice new ways of interacting, and rebuild connection where it has frayed. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ideas are also part of sessions when they help people notice values and take small steps toward them.

Sessions tend to be practical. Clients will talk through problems, try short exercises during the hour, and make manageable experiments to practice outside sessions. Laurie encourages straightforward goals and regular review of progress.

She works in English and is based in Florida. With a quarter century of practice she offers a calm, direct style focused on helping people change patterns that trace back to their families of origin.

How therapeutic approaches guide online sessions

Laurie uses cognitive behavioral techniques to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors. CBT is useful for anxiety, mood concerns, and everyday habits that keep problems going.

She also draws on Emotionally-Focused Therapy ideas to map how people respond to one another and to emotions. EFT-style work helps when connection and attachment patterns influence current relationships. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is used to clarify values and encourage small, values-based steps in daily life.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Laurie will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and comfort level. That choice can shift as progress is made and new needs appear.

Session formats are not listed in the biography, so please confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or reduce travel time. Therapists often adapt exercises and between-session tasks so they work in the client’s daily routine rather than expecting major schedule changes.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsDependent personalityDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Social anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Gottman MethodNarrative TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy

Experience

25+ years

Listed in

Florida

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?

She works with stress, anxiety, relationship and family problems, grief and depression. Family of origin issues are listed among the areas she focuses on.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

She uses clear conversation and practical exercises. The work emphasizes noticing patterns and trying small changes between sessions.

How much experience does she have?

She has 25 years of professional experience as a clinician. That background informs her approach to common family and relationship challenges.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She is an LMFT licensed in Florida. Her practice location is in Florida.

Which languages are supported in sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does she accept clients outside the United States?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are sessions priced?

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

What are the steps to begin working together?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

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Laurie Jo McDonnellLMFT

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