- CBT methods
- Solution-focused work
- Sleep and anger tools
About Laura
Laura Leatherman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia with 12 years of clinical experience. She works with adults on stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, anger, self-esteem, and life changes including career and parenting questions. She also helps people coping with trauma or abuse and addresses issues such as sleep problems and ADHD.
Before moving into private practice she worked in outpatient counseling, hospitals, a residential program, and an emergency shelter. Those settings shaped a practical style that focuses on clear goals and usable skills. Her Masters degree is from the University of South Carolina and she holds the Virginia LCSW credential.
Her approach blends Client-Centered Therapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy. In sessions she listens for what matters most, helps people test different ways of thinking, and works toward concrete next steps. She may introduce behavioral tools for sleep, thought records for anxiety, or short experiments to try between appointments.
Laura emphasizes building a trusting working relationship first. She asks direct questions about what’s not working and what the person wants to change. From there she helps set practical, measurable goals and reviews progress regularly.
She supports adults navigating midlife concerns, life purpose questions, blended family strains, caregiving stress, pregnancy and childbirth adjustments, and social anxiety. Sessions are conducted in English and she does not take international clients.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on understanding a person’s concerns and priorities. Online sessions using this approach involve a lot of listening and reflective questions to clarify what matters and where to start. It helps when someone needs a respectful listener and guidance to set goals.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. In an online setting this often means practicing thought records, behavioral experiments, and concrete strategies for sleep, anxiety, and mood. CBT is useful for people who want hands-on tools to try between sessions.
Solution-Focused Therapy concentrates on small, achievable changes. Online meetings can be used to set short-term goals, track progress, and plan straightforward next steps that fit daily life.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has helped or not helped in the past. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust them as needed.
The original biography did not list specific session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a workday, reduce travel time, or allow for shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. They can also accommodate people who prefer not to be on camera or who need sessions that better match their daily routine.
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 help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family problems, parenting, anger, sleep issues, trauma and abuse, ADHD, and related life changes.
How does she approach someone feeling stuck?
She uses Client-Centered listening, Cognitive Behavioral techniques, and Solution-Focused strategies to identify small, practical steps toward change.
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 Virginia and earned a Master's degree from the University of South Carolina.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the US work with her?
She does not accept international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees handled and how do I begin?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To get started, use the See online therapy options button, complete the matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.