As a licensed psychologist with ample experience in different settings, Dr. Donovan brings a unique perspective to her practice. Read how she describes her approach to her practice below.
Why I love my work:
"As a psychologist I enjoy supporting people through whatever stage of life or difficulty they are going through, which often requires them to face their own shadows. It is fulfilling to offer the appropriate balance of challenge and support, assisting clients get to know themselves more honestly, intimately, and compassionately. I find meaning in helping them know and accept themselves more deeply, resulting in increased emotional freedom. Working with individuals with chronic and severe histories of trauma, I have learned this can be done by alchemizing trauma and emotional wounds to utilize them wisdom and fuel. I believe every experience, whether we categorize it as good or bad, is valuable. There is wisdom in pain and difficulty. We must only learn to utilize it. Helping people through that process gives my own experiences meaning, and in that way, it creates a full circle that I hope contributes to the healing of more individuals."
"I also love being a psychologist because it inspires me. It inspires me to be a better person. I know as a clinician supporting people through their inner work, I am the primary tool. I have knowledge, but the delivery matters. Having the ability to utilize knowledge effectively and efficiently is hard. It is an art, and at times, I believe a gift. I must remain aware of who I am and of my own strengths and limitations, doing the work to grow when necessary. I enjoy and fully embrace that challenge."
How that approach effects her work:
"I have a natural affinity to organically and authentically connect with people. This is a characteristic that I have always possessed; it was not learned. It is part of who I am. It led me to my purpose of supporting people in facing truths, overcoming fear, and ultimately embracing and respecting every part of who they are and the path that led them there."
"This ability serves as foundation to truly get to know clients and to inform my approach and interventions. It allows me to know when we need to focus on the big picture or individual aspects of the situation. It informs the balance between compassion, support, and empathy, while also promoting empowerment, accountability and taking on challenges." - Alba L. Donovan, Ph.D.
Education & Clinical Training
Academic Degrees
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology
Emphasis in Forensic Psychology
Palo Alto University (APA-Accredited Program)
Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Psychology
Palo Alto University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology
University of California, Berkeley
Postdoctoral Training
Forensic Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship
Patton State Hospital
Forensic Psychiatric Hospital
Predoctoral Training
Clinical Psychology Predoctoral Internship
Patton State Hospital
Forensic Psychiatric Hospital
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Certified
Dr. Donovan is EMDR certified and utilizes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals process and recover from distressing or traumatic experiences. She has completed EMDR certification through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).
EMDR can be particularly beneficial for individuals in high-stress professions, including first responders, attorneys, correctional professionals, and mental health providers who may experience direct or cumulative exposure to trauma. Treatment can help reduce trauma-related symptoms, process distressing memories, and support emotional well-being.
Learn more about Doctor Donovan's credentials, education and experience →