Monique Gardner, LCSW - Therapist in Virginia

Stress and anxiety
Trauma and abuse
CBT ACT DBT

About Monique

Monique Gardner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia with five years of clinical experience. Monique works with adults facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, depression, and ADHD. They also address concerns related to abandonment, adoption and foster care, attachment, and a wide range of related issues.

Monique uses clear, practical methods in sessions. They draw on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), attachment-based therapy, and client-centered work. Sessions focus on building coping skills, clarifying values, and practicing small changes that reduce distress.

In practice Monique often uses solution-focused techniques and motivational interviewing to guide decision-making and behavior change. They include mindfulness and grief support when relevant. The goal is to help people handle what feels overwhelming now and to try new ways of responding.

Monique has experience with dual diagnosis, post-crisis care, grief, behavioral and mood difficulties, eating disorders, OCD, psychosis, and trauma. They have worked with LGBTQIA+ clients and with people navigating caregiver stress, chronic illness, and life transitions.

Sessions are described plainly and directly, with a focus on skills you can use between meetings. To start, Monique asks about current struggles and what the person hopes to change, then chooses approaches that fit those goals.

How Monique uses evidence-based approaches online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on identifying personal values and taking committed action toward them, even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. It can help with anxiety, depression, and decisions about what matters next.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches concrete skills to change patterns that increase distress. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and behaviors tied to ADHD.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Monique treats approach selection as collaborative and will help figure out what fits a person’s needs, goals, and preferences. They often combine techniques from different methods so sessions focus on what helps most in daily life.

The therapist’s practice offers online care, but current session formats should be confirmed before booking. Ask about the specific options available when you complete the matching questionnaire. Online sessions can make it easier to fit meetings into a workday, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when that suits a schedule.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Self esteem Depression ADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issues Attachment issues Autism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issues Body imageCancerCaregiver issues and stress Chronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependency Commitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelity Isolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disorders Multicultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues Young adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

5+ years

Listed in

Virginia

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Monique help with?

Monique works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, depression, and ADHD. They also address related issues such as abandonment, attachment, grief, and caregiver stress.

How does Monique approach feeling stuck?

They use practical methods like CBT, ACT, and DBT alongside solution-focused techniques. Sessions often include motivational interviewing and skills practice to try new ways of coping.

What is Monique's clinical background?

Monique has five years of clinical experience and work with dual diagnosis, post-crisis care, mood and behavioral disorders, eating disorders, OCD, psychosis, and trauma.

What are Monique's credentials and where are they based?

They hold the LCSW credential and practice in Virginia as a VA LCSW.

Which languages are supported in sessions?

Sessions are offered in English only.

Does Monique work with international clients?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How are sessions paid for and what does cost look like?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing depends on where you are located.

How do I begin working with Monique?

To get started, select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.