Celia Donovan, LMHC, LCDP (she/they), is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional in Rhode Island with more than 20 years of experience supporting adults, college students, and seniors. She holds a Master’s and CAGS in Mental Health Counseling and has advanced training in the Seeking Safety model for the treatment of PTSD and substance use.

Celia works with individuals navigating trauma and PTSD, substance use and co-occurring disorders, depression, anxiety, life transitions, stress and burnout, domestic violence, and women’s issues. She also provides affirming care for LGBTQIA+ individuals and those exploring gender identity, as well as support for neurodivergent clients.

Her therapeutic approach is collaborative, strength-based, and client-centered. Celia integrates a range of evidence-based practices including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and the Seeking Safety model. Her work is present-focused while also recognizing how past experiences can shape current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Celia aims to select tools and strategies that best align with each client’s individual needs and goals.

In the first session, clients can expect a collaborative conversation about what has brought them to therapy and what they hope to explore or change. Celia encourages clients to ask questions about the therapeutic process and believes that the client should feel comfortable deciding whether the therapeutic relationship feels like a good fit.

Celia places strong importance on the therapeutic relationship, recognizing that trust, collaboration, and connection are often the most important elements in creating meaningful change. She strives to create a space that feels relaxed, supportive, and non-judgmental, where clients can deepen self-understanding, develop practical strategies for managing distress, and strengthen their sense of self-empowerment.

Celia has long been drawn to the helping professions and finds deep meaning in witnessing clients gain insight, confidence, and the ability to create meaningful change in their lives.

Outside of her work, Celia enjoys staying active outdoors, listening to and playing music, and trying new activities.