Gita Donovan, Psychologist

Gita Donovan, Psychologist
We all have ideals– how we think we should feel, how we feel we should think, how we want others to behave towards us, how we want our life to unfold. When reality doesn’t match our ideals, it can bring confusion, frustration, even despair. We may feel trapped between our ideals and reality, leading us to believe we are spinning in circles. I see the therapeutic process as one that allows for an exploration of these ideals and an opportunity to understand how they play a role in one’s relationship with self and with others. My hope is that, through this process, you will find a deeper clarity of your values, wants, and needs. I aspire to help you cultivate personal strength, attune to your inner compass, and gain traction in reality, ultimately allowing you to walk in the direction of your ideals. I deeply respect the person who chooses to take these steps and would honor the chance to walk beside you through this process.
Education & Training
Gita Donovan earned her Bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and later received her Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from the APA-accredited California School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. Dr. Donovan has worked with individuals from ages 18-84 years old, as well as with couples and groups. Dr. Donovan’s pre-doctoral internship was at Cal State University Fullerton, where she became adept at the myriad of issues facing today’s college students, including those specific to first-generation and international students. She also trained as a therapist at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, working with clients across the spectrum of gender and sexual identity. Before that, Dr. Donovan served at a behavioral health pain management clinic, helping others tap into the connection between their bodies and their minds, and at a community mental health center in Santa Monica, working with more severe mental illness, trauma, and issues of addiction and abuse. Dr. Donovan has been trained in multiple therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic therapy. Dr. Donovan joined Downtown Mental Wellness in February of 2019.
 
Gita Donovan, Psy.D. is a Licensed Psychologist (PSY32109).