Laura Leatherman, LCSW

Laura Leatherman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who practices in Virginia. She brings 12 years of experience helping people cope with anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship conflicts. Laura focuses on practical strategies that people can use day to day to feel steadier and more in control.

She has worked in outpatient counseling, hospitals, residential programs, and an emergency shelter. Those settings gave her experience with people facing trauma, abuse, anger, and struggles with self-esteem. She also supports people dealing with parenting stress, blended family challenges, and career or life-purpose concerns.

Laura uses straightforward, goal-focused methods. Sessions often include identifying unhelpful thoughts, trying new behaviors, and setting small steps to build confidence. She also uses client-centered listening to make space for each person's story and priorities.

People commonly work with her on sleep problems, social anxiety, or managing strong emotions. She also helps with pregnancy and childbirth concerns, midlife transitions, and caregiver stress. Her approach is to tailor steps to each person's goals rather than using a one-size-fits-all plan.

Laura aims to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where people feel heard. She prioritizes building a trusting relationship and then focuses on clear, practical changes that fit everyday life.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and empathy. The therapist provides a supportive space and follows the client's pace to clarify goals and priorities. This approach helps when someone needs understanding and a chance to reflect on what matters most.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Sessions typically include identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and trying small behavior changes to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, or lift mood. CBT is useful for stress, panic, social anxiety, and many daily problems.

Solution-Focused Therapy zeroes in on strengths and small, practical steps. It helps people notice what already works and build from there to reach short-term goals like managing anger or improving communication.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That plan can change as new challenges or progress appear.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text messaging. Video sessions allow face-to-face conversation, phone calls can work with lower bandwidth, live chat fits quick check-ins, and text messaging supports ongoing reflection. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, school, caregiving, and busy days while still focusing on practical change.