Donna Jeane Pappas

Donna Jeane Pappas is a licensed clinical mental health counselor practicing in North Carolina. She helps people who feel weighed down by change, grief, stress, or major life shifts. Her style is practical and collaborative, aimed at clarifying goals and finding workable next steps.

Many people come to her during transitions like retirement, career changes, empty nesting, or after the loss of a loved one. She also supports those facing serious health concerns, caregiving strain, and challenges tied to aging. Hospice and end-of-life counseling is one of the areas mentioned in her work with clients facing significant loss and illness.

With 32 years of experience, Donna blends counseling and coaching. Sessions focus on the present and the future rather than lengthy exploration of past events. Conversations are goal-oriented, and practical tools are offered to help people move forward.

Her approach draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and client-centered techniques among other methods. She emphasizes meaning, purpose, and building everyday resilience so people can live more intentionally.

People who value a respectful, nonjudgmental partnership tend to find her approach helpful. She works with individual adults seeking clarity, coping strategies, or support through major life changes. To begin, she invites prospective clients to consider what matters most to them and take one focused step toward it.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing difficult thoughts and feelings without letting them dictate behavior. It helps people clarify their values and take small steps toward a life that feels meaningful. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns. Client-Centered Therapy places the person's experience at the center and uses empathy and respect to support self-directed growth.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Donna will work with each person to decide which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. That collaboration may mean trying a blend of approaches and adjusting as goals evolve.

If you prefer online work, check the session options before booking since specific formats are not listed in the biography. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counseling into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Many people find virtual meetings help maintain continuity during health challenges, caregiving demands, or relocations. The therapist will discuss how sessions can be scheduled to suit your routines and goals.