Leigh Ann Whitus, LCSW - Therapist in Tennessee

About Leigh

Leigh Ann Whitus is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who focuses on family and parenting concerns alongside anxiety, stress, trauma, and mood challenges. She aims to make the first step feel manageable by offering a warm, nonjudgmental space. Conversations are straightforward and centered on each family's real problems and goals.

Sessions are collaborative and practical, with attention to what will help at home and in daily life. Leigh Ann uses common, hands-on methods like cognitive behavioral techniques to change unhelpful thinking and dialectical behavior skills to manage intense emotions.

Background and approach

She also draws on acceptance and commitment ideas to help people clarify values and take small meaningful steps. Mindfulness tools are used to reduce reactivity and improve focus. Her work addresses a wide range of concerns including parenting stress, grief, relationship strain, self-esteem struggles, ADHD, bipolar mood patterns, and the effects of trauma or abuse.

She also pays attention to issues such as attachment and communication problems, abandonment, caregiver stress, impulsivity, isolation, and the complications that come with co-occurring conditions. Early sessions focus on identifying what matters most and setting realistic, measurable goals. Treatment blends skill building, problem solving, and supportive listening so families can try different strategies between sessions.

The pace and tools are adjusted to fit each family's needs and values. Leigh Ann practices in Tennessee as an LCSW. She offers multiple online session formats and aims to help clients find practical changes that improve family life over time.

Approaches that translate well to online family work

Leigh Ann commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy in sessions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying patterns of thought and behavior that get in the way and practicing new, more helpful responses; it is useful for anxiety, depression, and parenting challenges. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts without letting them drive actions and to take steps consistent with their values, which can be helpful when families face tough changes or chronic stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Leigh Ann collaborates with each client to determine which methods fit their goals, needs, and day-to-day realities. She adjusts techniques over time based on what is helpful and what families find practical to use between sessions.

Online sessions are offered by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility. These formats make it easier to schedule around family obligations and to practice skills in real-life moments. They also allow for brief check-ins and follow-ups when families need quick guidance between longer sessions.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

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.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Leigh Ann address?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, grief, relationship strain, ADHD, bipolar concerns, and coping with life changes, among other related issues.

What is her therapeutic style like?

The approach is collaborative and practical. Sessions blend teaching skills, problem solving, and supportive listening to help with everyday family challenges.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Leigh Ann has six years of professional experience as a clinician working with the listed concerns.

What credentials and location apply to this therapist?

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW - licensed in Tennessee under TN LCSW 8001 and practices in Tennessee.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats does she offer online?

She provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging as ways to meet remotely.

How are fees and payment handled?

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

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Abandonment
ADHD
Attachment issues
Bipolar disorder
Caregiver issues and stress
Co-morbidity
Communication problems
Control issues
Coping with life changes
Depression
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
Divorce and separation
Domestic violence
Emptiness
Family problems
Forgiveness
Grief
Guilt and shame
Impulsivity
Isolation / loneliness
Life purpose
Mood disorders
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Parenting issues
Post-traumatic stress
Relationship issues
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Self esteem
Self-love
Social anxiety and phobia
Young adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 6 years
Licensed: Tennessee
Languages: English

Next step

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