About Me

Hi, I’m Shelly Donovan, LMFTA

I support people as they rediscover themselves and one another, work through old pain, and build relationships grounded in safety, depth, and authenticity.

My approach is grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy, an attachment-based model that helps people understand their core emotional needs and build secure, lasting bonds. I also integrate the Gottman Method and other experiential, person-centered approaches to support meaningful and practical growth, especially in how we relate to ourselves and those we love.

I don’t see therapy as a process of fixing what’s broken. I see it as a journey of remembering and reclaiming who you’ve always been beneath the pain, protective strategies, and disconnection. Whether you’re an individual longing to reconnect with yourself or someone navigating stress, grief, or anxiety, I offer a space of compassion, curiosity, and care.

I currently practice in Spokane, Washington as part of the Life Directions Counseling group. I offer therapy sessions in person at
25 S Ferrall St, as well as secure virtual sessions for adults and couples throughout Washington State.

Values

Compassion, Connection, Growth

At Pursuing Connections Counseling, I offer a warm and attuned space where healing begins through connection, with yourself and with others.

Together, we’ll explore the emotions and patterns that shape your inner world, uncover your authentic self, and nurture the secure, meaningful relationships you long for.

My personal journey deepens the empathy and presence I bring to this work.

Like many of you, I wear many hats. I’m a partner, a mother, a friend, a colleague, and a therapist. I know the weight of showing up for others while navigating your own emotions and responsibilities. It’s easy to feel pulled in different directions, overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or unsure where your needs fit in.

Earlier in my life, I struggled with anxiety, depression, and a deep sense of disconnection. I carried emotions I didn’t yet know how to process and felt stuck in patterns I couldn’t explain. Therapy became a turning point for me. With compassionate support, I began to feel more grounded, more connected to myself, and clearer about what I needed to thrive. This healing journey continues to shape how I show up in the therapy room today.

When we work together, you’ll have more than a trained therapist. You’ll have someone who understands the weight of being human and who brings warmth, empathy, and deep respect as you move toward healing, clarity, and wholeness.

My Guiding Values

My practice is grounded in four core values: compassion, attunement, authenticity, and hope. Compassion moves me to create a warm and welcoming space where you feel seen, supported, and never alone in what you’re carrying. Attunement allows me to listen deeply and respond to your emotional needs with care, building a foundation of trust and connection. Authenticity guides our work, inviting you to show up just as you are and reconnect with your true self. Hope is the thread that carries us forward—an active belief in your capacity for healing, growth, and meaningful change.

These values are woven into every session so you feel safe, empowered, and deeply cared for.