Donalee Rooks, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Mental Health Therapist

Donalee founded Centering Therapy as a place to heal and build resilience. She supports clients struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship problems, and life transitions. Donalee is a trauma-informed therapist who applies tools from several modalities, including Mindful-CBT, Strength-Based Perspective, Attachment Theory, Neuroscience, and Interpersonal Psychotherapy to practice. 

Donalee has postgraduate training in Perinatal Mood Disorders, Attachment Theory, Adolescent Development, Neuroscience, Mindful-CBT, Gottman Couples Counseling and Interpersonal Psychotherapy.

Donalee's clinical experience includes being the Director of the FBCA Counseling Center, INOVA Behavioral Health, Augusta Behavioral Health, and Arlington Public Schools.

Donalee is a licensed therapist with over 25 years of experience. 

She received her Master's in Clinical Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. 

Donalee has presented to groups on Managing Depression and Anxiety, Parenting Without Fear, Healing from Marital Betrayal, and Building Resilience and Hope Through Life's Challenges. 

Donalee grew up in Santa Barbara, California, and now lives in Charlottesville, Virginia. She has been married to Mark for thirty-five years and has four adult children. She loves horseback riding, hiking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. 

Donalee provides in-person or Telehealth services.

Certifications: 

• Symbis Premarital/Marital facilitator
• Perinatal Mood Disorder
• Child and Adolescent Counseling
• Crisis and Trauma-Informed Counseling
• EAGALA Equestrian therapy 

Pre-Licensed Professional 

Elise is a pre-licensed professional, holding a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from George Mason University, and has a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University.

In Elise's approach to counseling, there is a firm belief that clients are the experts in their own lives. She believes the counseling relationship is a sacred path toward healing. Professional interests include walking alongside clients dealing with challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and life transitions.

Elise is dedicated to creating a safe and empathetic space where individuals can explore their unique journeys, fostering growth and resilience. She looks forward to the opportunity to contribute to the well-being and personal development of clients.

Elise provides in-person services upon request.