Laura Leatherman, LCSW

Laura Leatherman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Virginia who brings a blend of clinical training and hands-on experience to her work with individuals and families. She holds a Master’s Degree from the University of South Carolina and has spent her career supporting people facing anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, anger management challenges, low self-esteem, and the effects of trauma or abuse. Her background includes roles in outpatient counseling clinics, hospital settings, residential programs, and emergency shelters, which contributes to a practical, flexible approach to care.

Laura frames therapy around respect, kindness, and nonjudgmental support, treating each person as an individual with unique needs and goals. She emphasizes the importance of a trusting therapeutic relationship and invests time in building a dependable connection that supports meaningful change. Her clinical work draws on cognitive-behavioral strategies, solution-focused methods, and dialectical behavioral techniques to help clients develop coping skills and pursue the changes they want to make in their lives. She is available to support clients in working toward their goals, though she is not available for live sessions at this time.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Options

Laura Leatherman integrates approaches that translate well to remote work while focusing on practical outcomes. Client-Centered Therapy centers on the client’s experience and priorities, offering a supportive space where the therapist follows the client’s lead to build insight and self-direction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and teaching concrete skills to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve daily functioning. Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes short-term, goal-oriented conversations that highlight strengths and small, achievable steps toward desired change.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapy process. Laura works collaboratively with clients and licensed professionals to determine which methods fit best based on individual needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts strategies as progress is made.

Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility that can help clients fit sessions into busy lives, maintain continuity during transitions, and access care from different locations. These options make it easier to connect with a therapist consistently, pursue treatment around work or family obligations, and use brief check-ins or longer sessions as needed.