Andrew Leonard, LCSW

Andrew Leonard is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia with decades of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, relationship strain, and depression. He frames therapy as a collaborative process where building a reliable working relationship comes first. He speaks English and brings a steady, practical approach to sessions.

Over 26 years in the field, Andrew has worked with people facing grief, trauma and abuse, compassion fatigue, addictions, and midlife transitions. He helps clients address problems with sleep, anger, parenting, and career direction. He also supports those dealing with mood disorders, bipolar concerns, and struggles around life purpose and self-worth.

Andrew uses a mix of methods to match each person’s needs. He draws on client-centered work to focus on the person’s goals and on cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thinking and build new habits. He also uses EMDR for trauma processing, Gottman Method ideas for relationship skill-building, and mindfulness practices for stress and grounding.

In sessions he emphasizes clear communication and practical steps. Clients can expect straightforward conversation, skill practice, and problem-solving between meetings. He often helps people set small goals so they can measure progress and feel less stuck.

Andrew encourages people to consider what they want from therapy before starting. He asks about daily routines, relationships, and what has been tried so far. That information guides session focus and the pace of work.

How therapeutic approaches inform online work

Client-Centered Therapy puts the person’s goals and experience at the center of sessions. It relies on listening, reflecting, and helping people name what matters most so work stays relevant to daily life. This approach can help with life transitions and relationship concerns.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying patterns of thought and behavior that keep problems going. It includes practical exercises and homework to build new habits for anxiety, depression, and stress. EMDR is a trauma-focused method that uses guided processing to reduce the intensity of painful memories and reactions; it is often used when trauma or abuse is part of the problem.

Choosing an approach is a team effort. The therapist will discuss different methods and help decide which fits a person’s needs, goals, and comfort level. That collaborative planning may change as work progresses and as more is learned about what helps.

Please confirm current session options before booking, as specific formats are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life - for example by avoiding travel, allowing shorter check-ins during work breaks, or offering an option when camera use is difficult. Licensed professionals adapt approaches so therapy remains practical and focused even when delivered remotely.