- CBT methods
- DBT skills
- Mindfulness tools
About Poythress
Poythress Mitchell is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia with 27 years of experience in the mental health field. She works with adults on stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, self-esteem, depression, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting concerns, career issues, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. Sessions are conducted in English and designed to be straightforward and practical.
Over nearly three decades Poythress has worked in residential settings, case management, outpatient care, in-home services, and addiction treatment. That range of settings informs how she assesses problems and plans next steps. She looks at what causes strain in daily life and what small changes could make a difference.
Her approach blends client-centered methods with cognitive and behavioral techniques. She uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills and mindfulness exercises to help regulate emotions. For trauma-related concerns she includes elements of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing when appropriate.
Poythress focuses on clear goal-setting and practical coping strategies. Typical sessions involve reviewing current stressors, setting short-term goals, and practicing skills like grounding or thought-challenging. She also addresses substance use and develops plans to reduce harm and improve functioning.
People who work with her can expect direct feedback and structured steps to try between sessions. She supports work on grief, family transitions such as adoption or blended households, caregiver stress, and issues common to veterans and armed forces members. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule an initial session.
Approaches used in online sessions
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and helping people set their own goals. The therapist follows the client's lead, reflects what is said, and helps clarify priorities. This approach helps when someone wants practical support to handle anger and relationship stress.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches ways to change unhelpful patterns. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and anger by practicing new thinking and behavior experiments between sessions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, contributes specific skills for regulating strong emotions and improving interpersonal effectiveness. DBT skills can be useful for people who notice heated reactions, persistent resentment, or repeated conflicts.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. They will suggest one or more methods and adjust them as the client tries things and reports what helps.
Session format options are not specified in the biography, so confirm current session types before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time. The therapist will help choose a session rhythm and length that fits day-to-day life without promising a particular format.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
27+ years
Listed in
Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
Poythress works with stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, self-esteem, depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting and career concerns, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.
What is her therapy style like?
She uses a practical, direct approach that combines client-centered work with cognitive behavioral techniques and skills practice.
How much experience does she have?
She has 27 years of experience working in residential care, case management, outpatient, in-home services, and addiction treatment.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia and provides services from that state.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions billed and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.