About

Hi there, I'm Archelena! My name is Archelena McDonald (the preferred name is Dee Dee), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles, California, and serving clients statewide via telehealth. I currently work with adults and specialize in providing treatment for mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, psychosis, grief and loss, PTSD, and couples/family counseling. My approach My approach to therapy includes a collaborative relationship with each individual client to identify the best treatment model. My past treatment modalities have mainly included Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Problem Solving Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy. My focus My main desire in providing care is to "meet the client where they're at," so I have had the opportunity to work with various populations dealing with various issues. Some of my experience has involved working with couples and families to establish effective communication and supporting individuals who are struggling with life transitions that include both seasons of celebration (e.g., starting a new relationship) and seasons of mourning (e.g., experiencing a significant loss), and helping clients to process childhood traumas. My goal in every interaction is to provide resourceful tools that will empower my clients to feel well-equipped to live fulfilling lives despite unforeseeable circumstances. My communication style I am big on rapport, so my communication style is to exude a level of empathy that allows my clients to feel seen, heard, and understood. I do this by creating a safe atmosphere where my clients won't feel judged and can trust me to help identify any areas of improvement that may help them live a more enriching life. My journey to therapy I have always known that I would be in a supportive role of some kind, as my initial goal as a child was to become a medical doctor.