Donatella Hill
MS, RMHCI, Certified Play Therapist & EMDR Trained Therapist
About
Donatella Hill is a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping children build resilience and navigate life’s challenges. Donatella earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Waldorf University in 2021. Donatella went on to earn her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Jacksonville University, along with a Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy. As a lifelong military dependent, Donatella has lived across the United States.
Drawn to play therapy for its power to foster acceptance and emotional growth, Donatella believes the playroom is a unique space where children are embraced fully for who they are. She sees the therapeutic relationship as a rare, gentle bond where the child is met right where they are, without pressure to conform to adult expectations. In the playroom, children are free to express themselves and develop at their own pace.
Donatella has previous experience serving children ages 3-5 in Duval County Head Start programs with social and emotional difficulties as well as trauma.
Donatella is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and has advanced training in implementing EMDR in play therapy settings. Donatella especially enjoys treating childhood anxiety and OCD, offering children the tools they need to thrive.
Currently, Donatella is practicing under supervision as she works toward full licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and EMDR Certified Therapist.
Spends her free playtime reading, painting, building dollhouses, and enjoying family time
Donatella is available at our Neptune Beach location
EMDR for Children & Adults
Meet Your Therapist:
Donatella Hill MS, RMHCI
Certified Play Therapist
EMDR Trained Therapist
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a gentle, research-backed therapy that helps clients heal from overwhelming or traumatic experiences. Through guided left–right eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps the brain “unstick” painful memories so they feel less intense and less emotionally charged
What makes EMDR different from other therapies?
EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing event or completing homework between sessions. Instead of focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, EMDR helps the brain resume its natural healing process.
Who can Benefit From EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy helps children and adults of all ages. Donatella uses EMDR therapy to address a wide range of challenges such as: Anxiety and phobias, Depression, Grief and loss, Childhood trauma, Post-traumatic stress disorder.
How is EMDR adapted for Children?
Big feelings and hard experiences can sometimes get “stuck” in a child’s brain and body. EMDR helps children safely process those memories so they can think, feel, and play more freely again. Donatella uses gentle, developmentally appropriate methods—combining storytelling, play, and creative tools—to help children reprocess difficult experiences in a way that feels safe and empowering. Whether your child has experienced a stressful event, ongoing anxiety, or struggles with self-esteem, EMDR can help their brain build new connections for calm, confidence, and resilience.
Meet the Team
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Anna L. Farrin
LCSW, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor & Practice Owner
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Tayler Raftis
LCSW, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor & Clinical Director
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Beth Collins Himes
LCSW, Operations & Outreach
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Erica Mitchell
LCSW, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor
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Jessica Soto
LMHC, Registered Play Therapist & TraumaPlay Certified Therapist
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Kelly McCandless
LCSW, Registered Play Therapist
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Laura Halloran
LCSW
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Tracey Errico
LCSW, Registered Play Therapist
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Shawna Rohrer
LMHC
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Molly Mesiano
LMHC
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Kourtney Baker
LMHC, Registered Play Therapist
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Chandré Pryor
MSW, RCSWI, Certified Play Therapist
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Donatella Hill
MS, RMHCI, Certified Play Therapist & EMDR Trained Therapist
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Trishana Sheffield
LHMC, NCC, Certified Play Therapist
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Maddy Rosenau
MSW, RCSWI
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Kelly Paterno, MS
Graduate Student Intern