Donna Vinegar, PhD

Encouraging others is my purpose, and I’m beyond grateful for the many ways I get to live that out. I’m a wife to my dear husband of 10 years, a mom to four sweet little ones, and a girls’ girl through and through. As a therapist at heart, building a group practice where encouragement is at the core had always been a dream of mine and three years ago I started Encourage Counseling, PLLC and haven’t looked back.

I’m also an educator, and nothing lights me up more than pouring into the next generation of clinicians. I adjunct at a local college, and—no surprise—Family and Couple Counseling is my favorite course to teach!

I hold a Doctorate in Counselor Education & Supervision, and while I once considered running a nonprofit, I know my true passion lies in supporting relationships, mentoring future therapists, and creating spaces where people feel seen and supported.

Research Interests

• Resiliency factors for couples navigating infertility

• Sexual shame and its impact on young married couples

• Silos surrounding infidelity and relational healing

A Few Fun Things About Me

+ I love banana pudding.
+ A little reality TV never hurt anyone.
+ I’m a homebody—who also loves to travel.

Favorite Quote

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." – Maya Angelou

Favorite Scripture

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." – Romans 8:28

I work with couples who want to reconnect—for whatever reason, they’ve stopped understanding one another, and they’re ready for their next chapter to look and feel different. I support couples young and old, whether they’re newly married, have been together for decades, or are engaged and wanting to build a strong foundation before marriage. I help partners navigate communication challenges around any and everything—from intimacy and parenting to rebuilding trust and navigating life’s unexpected shifts.

I also work with individual men and women who are beginning to wonder if the common denominator in their relationships… is them. Maybe you’ve had a pattern of failed relationships and aren’t sure why. Maybe things aren’t going the way you expected in your current relationship, and you’re trying to figure out what’s not working. Or maybe your partner refuses to come to therapy, but you still want to do the inner work to gain clarity, break unhealthy cycles, and build stronger, more fulfilling connections.

I approach my work through a trauma-informed lens, recognizing how past experiences—and even generational patterns—shape the way we show up in relationships. I understand the plight of those who have felt unheard, unseen, or stuck in cycles they don’t know how to break. Maybe you’ve seen the same relationship struggles play out in your family for generations, and you’re ready to do the work to change the narrative. Whether it’s childhood wounds, past betrayals, or deep-seated fears about love and connection, I create a space where healing is possible. My goal is to help you untangle the patterns that no longer serve you, rebuild trust in yourself and others, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

• Communication Issues

• Trust Issues

• Intimacy Problems

• Pre-Marital Counseling

• Parenting Challenges

• Blending Families

• Adult Child & Parent Relationships

My path to therapy has been shaped by years of education, leadership, and hands-on clinical experience. I hold a Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision from Adler University and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Trinity Christian College, equipping me with a strong foundation in both research and clinical practice. Before pursuing graduate studies in mental health, I earned a B.S. in Economics and a B.A. in Family Science from the University of Maryland, College Park, where I developed a deep understanding of both relational dynamics and the larger societal systems that impact individuals and families.

Before transitioning into private practice, I served as the Director of Counseling at Youth Guidance, a large school-based counseling nonprofit in Chicago, and as a Program Manager for a school-based counseling program supporting youth in care. These roles deepened my understanding of the complex challenges individuals and families face, particularly those navigating trauma, adversity, and relational struggles.

With 7+ years of direct private practice experience, I have helped individuals and couples heal, grow, and strengthen their relationships. My approach is informed by training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), allowing me to integrate research-backed techniques to foster connection, communication, and emotional security.