Donda Goodson, LMHC, LPC

Donda Goodson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor who brings 32 years of experience to her work. She helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, and struggles with addiction. She also supports those managing ADHD, autism spectrum concerns, and the everyday strain of parenting. Her style is warm and direct, aimed at practical change rather than labels.

Goodson earned a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in Vocational Rehabilitation and a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Much of her clinical time has been spent in community mental health agencies and private practice across Alabama. She has worked with people from childhood into later adulthood, covering a broad range of issues and life stages.

In sessions she uses client-centered methods to listen and build trust. She pairs that with cognitive behavioral tools to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Mindfulness and acceptance ideas are woven in when they fit the client’s goals.

Her approach is collaborative and goal-oriented. She helps clients set small, manageable steps and practices they can use between sessions. Topics often addressed include coping with life changes, maintaining sobriety, communication problems, and rebuilding self-esteem.

People who want straightforward guidance and experience with addiction-related concerns may find her practical approach useful. She works to make therapy feel relevant to daily life and personal priorities.

How therapy approaches guide online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on helping people notice their thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It can be useful for stress, anxiety, and making changes that matter over the long term. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches practical skills to notice and change patterns of thinking and behavior that keep problems going. CBT often helps with depression, anxiety, and addiction-related routines. Client-Centered Therapy centers on respectful listening and building trust so people can find their own solutions and goals.

Finding the right approach is part of therapy. The therapist will work together with the client to decide which methods fit best based on goals, preferences, and how someone responds in sessions. That collaborative process can include trying different techniques and adjusting the plan as needed.

If you are considering online options, confirm the specific session formats before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy life, shorten travel time, and allow for check-ins that feel more frequent. Some clients prefer shorter remote check-ins during a lunch break, while others choose longer sessions to do deeper work. Talk with the therapist about what will fit your routine and goals so sessions are practical and sustainable.