Lisa McCarton, LCSW

Lisa McCarton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - a clinician with a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University who has practiced in Virginia for 20 years. She has built a practice focused on psychotherapy and social work for children, adolescents, and families, bringing decades of direct experience with behavioral concerns, trauma, family dynamics, mood disorders, school-related challenges, and sexual abuse issues.

Following graduate training, she began post-masters clinical work in a residential treatment setting serving emotionally and physically abused children. In that role she provided both psychotherapy and case management for young people and their families, developing a hands-on approach to care that integrates practical problem solving with emotional support.

Her clinical style is goal-oriented and client-centered, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Problem-Solving Therapy, and a Strength-Based Approach to help people change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT work typically focuses on identifying faulty or unhelpful thoughts and learning alternative coping strategies to improve everyday functioning. She emphasizes establishing a trusting, emotionally supportive relationship as the foundation for healing and growth, and she approaches change as achievable through collaboration and steady effort.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Lisa McCarton integrates several evidence-informed approaches into her online practice, tailoring methods to each person's needs. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, acceptance, and listening - it helps people explore their values and build self-direction while working through relationship or life-purpose concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns; it is practical and goal oriented, often used for anxiety, mood challenges, and stress management. Attachment-Based Therapy attends to how early relationships shape emotional responses and interpersonal patterns, and it can be especially helpful for family concerns, trauma, and relationship difficulties.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. She works collaboratively with clients to consider goals, preferences, and life circumstances, and she adapts techniques so therapy fits each person. Licensed professionals guide this exploration so clients feel supported in choosing what will help them most.

Online therapy with Lisa McCarton is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, making it easier to fit care into busy schedules and to connect from home. These options increase flexibility and accessibility, allowing consistent, ongoing work on coping skills, relationships, and personal growth.