Dr. Rita J. Donley, Ph.D., HSPP,
a licensed psychologist with over 30 years of clinical experience, has worked with college students and South Bend residents ages 18 to 80.
Dr. Donley received a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Pennsylvania State University and her Masters (Counseling Psychology and Student Personnel Work) and
Bachelors (Social Work) degrees from The Ohio State University. Dr. Donley’s professional journey has included stints at the University of Delaware, Penn State University, Allegheny College, The Ohio State University, and most recently she served as Associate Director and Coordinator of Clinical Services of the University Counseling Center at University of Notre Dame.
As a first-generation college student who put herself through school, Dr. Donley is committed to helping others grow and change. It only took one quarter working at McDonalds at Ohio State to motivate her to see the true value of a college
education and a lifelong commitment to learning. She loves to guide clients on their journey to discover and become their best selves, and not let mental health concerns derail goals, dreams and relationships.
Dr. Donley believes counseling should be individualized and focused on enhancing positive thinking, increasing self-understanding and problem resolution. Counseling should celebrate and build on successes while tackling challenges directly with sensitivity and respect. Dr. Donley prides herself on “eventually getting fired” because the client has made progress, is thinking, feeling and relating better, and feels the time in counseling was well-spent.
Dr. Donley has had experience with and enjoys working with individuals who need assistance with:
• family of origin issues
• relationship concerns
• life transitions
• enhancing executive functioning
• self-confidence
• grief and loss
• work/life balance
• depression and anxiety