- CBT techniques
- Client-centered care
- Solution-focused goals
About Laura
Laura Leatherman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia with 12 years of experience. She works with people dealing with anxiety, depression, anger, relationship conflict, and self-esteem struggles. She also supports those coping with trauma or abuse and life transitions such as parenting and career changes.
She draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to help identify unhelpful thinking and try different behaviors. She uses client-centered methods to listen and build a trusting working relationship. Solution-focused strategies help set small, practical goals and track progress.
Laura has worked in outpatient counseling clinics, hospitals, a residential program, and an emergency shelter. That variety means she is used to different situations and stressors people bring to therapy. She approaches each person as an individual and avoids judgment while figuring out concrete next steps.
Sessions are aimed at clear, manageable goals such as reducing angry outbursts, improving communication, sleeping better, or handling stressful life changes. The focus is on skills people can practice between meetings and on making measurable changes over time.
She encourages clients to talk through real-life problems and to try small experiments between sessions. If someone wants to work on anger, she helps them learn what triggers their reactions and practice alternative responses. The work is practical and direct, with attention to everyday challenges.
How her approaches translate to online work
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening, reflecting, and building a trusting working relationship. It helps people feel heard and clarifies what they want to change. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and actions connect. It teaches straightforward skills for managing anger, anxiety, and sleep problems. Solution-focused therapy emphasizes small, practical steps and measurable progress toward specific goals.Choosing the best approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, try methods, and adjust as needed. That means sessions are collaborative and change when the client's needs or preferences change.
The practical upside of online work is fitting meetings into a busy life. Confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are available. Many people find online sessions easier to schedule around work, child care, or medical appointments, or useful for shorter check-ins when needed. The therapist will help plan the pacing and homework so sessions fit into daily routines rather than creating extra strain.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
12+ years
Listed in
Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address related to anger?
She works with anger that shows up in relationships, at work, and in everyday life. Other related concerns include stress, anxiety, and self-esteem.
What is her general therapy style?
She combines client-centered listening with cognitive behavioral and solution-focused techniques. Sessions emphasize practical skills and clear goals.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 12 years of experience working in outpatient clinics, hospitals, a residential program, and an emergency shelter.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in the state of Virginia and practices from that location.
Does she offer sessions in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.