Donna McKnight

I am a career changing adult who decided to follow the path that led me to my life purpose – helping others. I returned to college and obtained a BA in Psychology at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York and then attended Long Island University for a Masters of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York, and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California. In addition I am credentialed in both states as an Certified Addiction Counselor. I have over 6 years of experience providing guidance for those at a crossroads, or with mood issues and treating dual diagnosis patients ( substance use and mental health diagnoses) working in outpatient treatment programs and a methadone clinic. I have experience with treating those with Trauma/PTSD from working over 2 years with Veterans at the Veteran’s Health Administration. I also have experience working with those suffering survivor guilt in the military and the World Trade Center bombings. I have experience working with those with TBI, and lastly working with those with Borderline Personality disorder in a private practice setting in New York. Aside from the formal education and experience listed above I participate in trainings of interest to me in optional treatment modalities such as Psychodrama and various training in DBT conducted by the creator of this therapy – Marsha Linehan. I believe all people are trying to find balance and meaning in their lives. Sometimes, they want to stop thinking or feeling or remembering painful things. At other times they just find it hard to figure out the next step in their journey. Regardless of what the issues or difficulties are we may be facing, we are all trying to succeed with this human journey. I try to work with people to help them identify their strengths and abilities. To start their process with the tools they do have and then to fill the “tool box” with new coping skills and strategies, new ways to evaluate their thinking, new ways to say what they really mean, and how to learn (sometimes for the first time) what it is they truly feel so they can express what that is.