Theresa Gachuna, LICSW

Theresa Gachuna helps people navigate loss, major life changes, and the emotional challenges that often follow. She recognizes that loss takes many forms - not only the death of a loved one but also loss of roles, loss of self, changes in relationships, chronic illness, and other transitions that can stir up grief, past hurts, and unhelpful coping patterns. Theresa also works with symptoms of anxiety, depression, and behaviors that feel addictive or otherwise harmful, offering a steady presence while clients explore why these patterns developed and how to move forward.

Theresa has been in the helping field since 1996 and earned her LICSW in 2008. LICSW stands for Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, a credential indicating advanced training in clinical social work. Her experience across multiple settings and populations gives her a broad perspective she uses to tailor care to each person. She draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques and adapts her approach to meet an individual’s needs.

Theresa focuses on identifying clients’ goals and building insight to support positive change. She assists people in shifting unwanted behaviors, improving how they relate to others, and finding ways to cope with stress, grief, and life transitions so they can move toward greater well-being.

Evidence-Based Approaches and Virtual Access

Theresa uses evidence-informed, practical methods to address grief, anxiety, and life transitions. One focus is grief-centered work that helps people name and process different kinds of loss - including loss of roles, relationships, and aspects of self - so they can find meaning and adapt to change. Another emphasis is on skills-based strategies to manage anxiety and mood; these approaches involve learning practical tools for coping, emotion regulation, and shifting unhelpful patterns that interfere with daily functioning.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is a collaborative process. Theresa works with each person to clarify goals, assess what feels most helpful, and then adjusts techniques over time so the treatment matches the client’s needs, strengths, and preferences. She emphasizes partnership and gradual progress rather than a one-size-fits-all plan.

Online therapy makes these approaches more accessible by offering flexible ways to connect - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options allow clients to receive consistent support from licensed professionals while fitting sessions into busy schedules, reducing travel time, and helping maintain continuity of care during transitions or times of increased stress.