Donna V. Norona, ASW #129991 (She/Her)
“The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit our own image. If in loving them we do not love what they are, but only their potential likeness to ourselves, then we do not love them: we only love the reflection of ourselves we find in them.” ― Thomas Merton As a dedicated educator for many years, I have come to recognize the critical need for mental health support—especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic—through the insights and experiences shared by my students. In 2022, I also lost my beloved stepmother-in-law. Her end-of-life journey deeply moved me and ultimately inspired me to pursue clinical social work.
Born and raised in the Philippines, I am fluent in Tagalog and Cebuano, and I also understand Hiligaynon. My areas of focus and interest include faith and spirituality, grief and loss, attachment issues, cultural identity and assimilation, as well as anxiety, depression, and trauma. As a lifelong learner, I integrate my extensive experience in special education and my cultural background alongside my master’s degree and ongoing professional development. I view psychotherapy as sacred work and am committed to being present for my clients in the most compassionate way possible. With empathy, I strive to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore, process, and heal from the challenges they face. I believe in the inherent strength of every individual and their ability to create meaningful change in their lives. The importance of prioritizing mental health care cannot be overstated, as it profoundly impacts how one shows up in the world. If you are interested in seeing whether we might be a good fit to work together, feel free to reach out to me via phone or email. I look forward to supporting you on your journey toward self-discovery and empowerment! Donna Norona is supervised by Stephen Polin, LMFT #7861 |
Areas of Focus
Education & Training
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