Andrew Leonard, LCSW

Andrew Leonard is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Virginia with 26 years of professional experience addressing stress, anxiety, relationship and family conflicts, depression, trauma, and addictions. As an LCSW he is trained to provide clinical assessment and psychotherapy, working with people through a range of life challenges including grief, parenting difficulties, intimacy-related issues, sleeping problems, career concerns, and mood disorders.

He integrates client-centered principles with evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and EMDR when appropriate, tailoring his approach to each person rather than using a single technique for everyone. Andrew places emphasis on forming a collaborative therapeutic relationship as the essential first step toward meaningful change, helping clients set practical goals and develop skills for coping with anger, compassion fatigue, self-harm urges, substance use, and other struggles. He also supports work on forgiveness, self-love, life purpose, and financial or career transitions.

Andrew provides services in English and does not currently work with international clients. Those seeking a steady, experienced clinical social worker in Virginia can consider Andrew as a resource for navigating complex emotional and relational concerns.

Approaches That Translate Well to Online Therapy

Andrew uses client-centered therapy to build a respectful, collaborative relationship that honors each person's experience and priorities - this approach focuses on empathy, active listening, and working at the client’s pace to explore concerns and goals. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is used to identify unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and to teach practical skills for managing anxiety, depression, and stress-related symptoms. For clients affected by trauma, Andrew may incorporate EMDR, a structured method aimed at reducing the distress associated with traumatic memories and improving emotional processing.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process; Andrew works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds. Clients are encouraged to discuss what feels most helpful so therapy remains a shared effort.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility by allowing work to continue through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule regular sessions, maintain momentum between appointments, and access licensed professionals from varied locations, while supporting consistent progress toward personal and relational goals.