Donna Brooks, M.S.W.

• M.S.W., University of Pennsylvania
• B.A., Psychology, The State University of New Jersey

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners, No. 104561
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker, North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board, No. C008735
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Commonwealth of Virginia Board of Social Work, No. 0904007223

Overall, I would consider myself a Generalist in my therapeutic approach, as I utilize a variety of modalities based on the presenting issues. I tend to be very solution-focused and love thinking “outside of the box” to find creative answers for challenges and problems. I am comfortable working with a diverse client population with regards to age, race, gender, sex, religion, and ideology. I have extensive experience working with active-duty military, veterans, and their families. I am certified as an Integrative Mental Health Professional and take a holistic approach, considering often overlooked root causes for mental health issues and incorporate discussion about nutrition, sleep, physical health, and exercise. I am particularly interested in brain and body-based therapies, including Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, and Brainspotting, which can help process traumatic events which may be “stuck” or are unable to be resolved using traditional “talk” therapy. I love working with young adults who are at the beginning of figuring out their career path or life’s calling, and also working with those who need support as they make a major life transition to a second (or third) career. I also greatly value healthy relationships and enjoy working with couples and new mothers.

I was drawn to Social Work due to its strong code of ethics and six core values, which include service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. I have spent my career personally working to uphold these values and helping to instill them in the new professionals in the field of mental health whom I have taught and supervised. I am a firm believer in the power of advocacy and consider myself to be a passionate advocate for my clients and colleagues, as well as helping to empower others to be strong advocates for themselves. I work to remain aware of my own biases and remain willing to always learn about what I don’t know.

My mentors and supervisors have been invaluable, and my goal is to create this same environment for those who are new in this field. I truly enjoy working with new professionals who are learning about how to trust their instincts and figure out which therapeutic style suits them best. My hope is that supervisees will feel supported as they are challenged to grow in their clinical skills and consider perspectives other than their own, and that they will feel safe and comfortable navigating the vulnerability that comes with this process.