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Donatella Hill

MS, RMHCI, & EMDR Trained Therapist

About

Donatella Hill is a compassionate therapist dedicated to helping children and adolescents 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 and adolescents 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.

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Spends her free playtime reading, painting, building dollhouses, and enjoying family time

Donatella is available at our Neptune Beach location

EMDR for Children & Adults

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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

  • A woman with long, wavy brown hair and light skin, smiling, wearing a black sleeveless top, colorful earrings, and necklaces, standing against a plain white background.

    Anna L. Farrin

    LCSW, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor™ & Practice Owner

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  • A woman with blonde hair wearing a black V-neck shirt and blue jeans, sitting against a plain light background, smiling at the camera.

    Tayler Raftis

    LCSW, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor™ & Clinical Director

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  • A smiling middle-aged woman with short light brown hair, wearing a light blue top with decorative stitching at the neckline, and earrings, standing against a plain white background.

    Beth Collins Himes

    LCSW, Director of Operations and Outreach

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  • A woman with long, wavy brown hair and light skin, smiling, wearing a patterned blouse and a gold pendant necklace, standing against a plain white wall.

    Erica Mitchell

    LCSW, Director of Training and Supervision

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  • A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, tan skin, and wearing an orange top with ruffled sleeves, smiling against a plain white background.

    Kelly McCandless

    LCSW, Registered Play Therapist™

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  • A smiling young woman with curly blonde hair wearing a green dress with a colorful floral pattern, standing against a plain white background.

    Tracey Errico

    LCSW, Registered Play Therapist™

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  • A young woman with blonde hair, wearing a pink dress with puffed sleeves, smiling in front of a plain white background.

    Kourtney Baker

    LMHC, Registered Play Therapist™

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  • A woman with light brown wavy hair, freckles, and a friendly smile, wearing a white blouse with blue floral print, standing against a white background.

    Laura Halloran

    LCSW

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  • A smiling woman with long brown hair and bangs, wearing a pink top, standing against a plain white background.

    Shawna Rohrer

    LMHC

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  • Portrait of an African American woman with curly hair, smiling, wearing a beige blouse, against a plain white background.

    Chandré Pryor

    LCSW

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  • A young woman with long, wavy black hair, smiling, wearing a cream-colored dress with teal and beige floral patterns and a gold necklace with a pearl pendant, standing against a white background.

    Donatella Hill

    MS, RMHCI, & EMDR Trained Therapist

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  • A young woman with long blonde hair, smiling, wearing a white short-sleeve button-up shirt.

    Maddy Rosenau

    MSW, RCSWI

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  • A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, smiling, wearing a denim jacket, white shirt, and a small necklace, standing against a plain white background.

    Kelly Paterno

    MS, Graduate Student Intern

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