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“It’s not where you look that matters, it’s what you see.”

Henry David Thoreau

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"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside"

 

-Maya Angelou

Donna Graf, MSW, LCSW

Therapist

(Pronouns: She/her)

Hello, I’m Donna Graf — a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and proud veteran of the United States Air Force, where I served in Security Forces. During my service, I had the honor of guarding two American presidents, assisting in the closure of Clark Air Base after the Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991, and supporting missions in Europe protecting military and royal personnel.

My time in uniform shaped how I see the world — and how I show up for the people I serve today. I understand, firsthand, the demands and sacrifices that come with a life of service — not just for veterans, but for their families too. That shared understanding drives my passion for supporting veterans and first responders who are navigating the challenges of work, home, and healing.

In my work, I partner with clients who are ready to reconnect with themselves — to move through the impact of past and present experiences and rebuild a balanced, healthy mindset. Together, we work toward finding calm in the chaos and rediscovering purpose, peace, and personal strength.

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NJ Lic #: 44SC05788800 ┃ PA Lic #: CW026824┃ NPI #: 1083966550

MY SPECIALTIES

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Addiction

Healing Cycles

I support adults in understanding and healing from the impact of addiction. Together, we explore how substance use and compulsive patterns develop, how they function as coping strategies, and how they affect identity, connection, and self-trust. Our work focuses on building insight, strengthening regulation and boundaries, and developing sustainable ways to respond to life with clarity, accountability, and compassion.

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Professional Trauma

Exposure & Stress Recovery

I guide military and first responders in recovering from their professional experiences and critical incidents. As a battle buddy in the mission to restore their mental health, I help them to mitigate re-experiencing, avoidance and reactivity responses that are still impacting their lives. Learn how to take leave of the past and look forward to a healthier future.

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Indirect Trauma Exposure

Living Beside Trauma

I assist individuals who are affected by the trauma of others, such as living with or caring for someone with PTSD, by supporting them in understanding the parts of themselves that carry stress. We'll explore how trauma ripples through relationships, nurture the nervous system, and cultivate self-leadership, empowering you to advocate for your needs and make intentional, confident choices.

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Health Adversity

The Mind-Body Connection

I help individuals navigate the emotional and mental strain that can come from living with chronic or ongoing health conditions, supporting them in coping, building resilience, and finding balance between body and mind. Together, we address how physical health challenges impact emotional well-being and develop strategies to manage stress and regain a sense of control.

MY APPROACH

Working Remotely
Person-Centered Care

Non-judgmental Support

I help clients feel accepted and supprted by fostering acamraderie and trust, while gently guiding them towards self-discovery. My approach emphasizes understanding each client's unique experiences, allowing them to explore their identities in a safe and nurturing space. This helps clients develop a stronger self of self and authenticity, cultivating the confitions for more robust interpersonal relationships.

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Attachement-Based Therapy

Healing Patterns in Relationship

I use an attachment-informed, trauma-sensitive approach, helping clients understand how early relationships influence current patterns. I integrate recovery-focused strategies and skills-building to support emotional regulation, strengthen resilience and foster healthier connections. This approach helps clients develop practical tools for navigating stress and maintaining emotional balance in daily life.

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EMDR

Premier Treatment For Trauma

As an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) practitioner, I know this modality can be especially useful in reprocessing events and memories that stick with us and impact our ability to live a peaceful and healthy life. It is helpful in relieving the effects of traumatic events by easing unwanted behaviors and intrusive thoughts.

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© 2019-2026 Heather McPaul ┃ Symmetry of Self Counseling Center, LLC

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