Laura Leatherman, LCSW - Therapist in Virginia

About Laura

Laura Leatherman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who brings 12 years of clinical experience to her practice. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, anger, and self-esteem struggles. She also supports those dealing with trauma or abuse and helps clients navigate challenges around parenting and family concerns.

She practices in Virginia and conducts sessions in English. Her approach is practical and person-focused. She prioritizes building trust and listens to each person’s specific needs before suggesting tools.

Background and approach

Cognitive-behavioral techniques are used to identify unhelpful thinking and to develop new skills. Solution-focused methods help set clear, achievable goals and track progress over time. Laura has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient clinics, hospitals, a residential program, and an emergency shelter.

That range gives her experience with different life stressors and stages. She adapts strategies to match what feels realistic for each person’s situation. In sessions she combines short-term problem solving with skill-building for longer-term change.

Practical exercises, clear goal-setting, and steady check-ins are common parts of her work. She aims to treat people with respect and without judgment while helping them move toward their goals. Laura helps clients consider what small steps could make daily life easier.

She focuses on improving communication, coping with life transitions, and managing symptoms that interfere with work and relationships. The emphasis is on useful, straightforward tools that can be applied between sessions.

Using practical approaches in online therapy

Client-centered therapy puts the person’s experience first and focuses on listening, empathy, and collaborating on goals. It helps when someone needs a supportive space to sort through emotions and priorities.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at patterns of thinking and behavior. It teaches concrete skills to manage anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and unhelpful reactions to stress.

Solution-focused therapy zeroes in on small, achievable steps toward improvement. It is useful for parents and adults who want clear goals and quick, practical changes.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will help identify which methods fit a person’s needs and preferences, and adjust the plan as progress is made. Clients can expect discussion about goals, trying different strategies, and reviewing what helps.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit counseling around busy schedules and to access support from home or work. For many people the range of formats helps maintain continuity of care while they work on skills between sessions.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Solution-Focused Therapy

Rather than examining the problem at length, this looks at what is already working and builds on it. Sessions tend to be practical and forward-looking, with small achievable steps, which translates readily to shorter online conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she address?

Common areas include stress, anxiety, depression, anger, and self-esteem. She also works with trauma, parenting challenges, sleep problems, ADHD, and relationship or family issues.

What is her overall therapy style?

She uses a client-centered style, focusing on listening and building trust first. Then she adds practical tools from cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused approaches.

How long has she practiced?

She has 12 years of clinical experience working in settings such as 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 with licence number VA LCSW 0904009335.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are offered?

Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin the process?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Family conflicts

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 12 years
Licensed: Virginia
Languages: English

Next step

Talk to Laura

Takes a few minutes
Nothing to set up just to look
Stop at any point

Book with Laura