Leigh Ann Whitus

Compassionate social work with collaborative care

LCSW Tennessee

Experience: 6 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Trauma and abuse
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Leigh

Leigh Ann Whitus is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Tennessee who focuses on helping people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and family-related challenges. She brings six years of clinical experience to therapy and emphasizes a collaborative relationship where clients and therapist set goals together.

Background and approach

Leigh Ann aims to make beginning therapy less intimidating by offering a welcoming, supportive setting where clients can explore what brought them in and work toward meaningful change. Her approach draws on several evidence-based methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), client-centered techniques, and mindfulness practices.

She provides individualized care for concerns such as ADHD, bipolar disorder, grief, parenting and relationship strain, and addresses related issues like attachment, communication difficulties, caregiver stress, and coping with life transitions. Leigh Ann also notes that Christian counseling is available upon request and that she offers culturally sensitive care.

During initial sessions she helps clients identify priorities and begin shaping a plan to move toward their goals.

Therapeutic Approaches and How Online Sessions Work

Leigh Ann commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in her work. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and developing practical strategies to shift them, which can be helpful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. ACT emphasizes values-driven action and learning to make room for difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to behaviors that align with what matters most, which can aid in coping with life changes and persistent emotional pain.

Finding the right approach is treated as a collaborative process. The therapist and client explore needs, goals, and preferences together and may combine methods such as CBT, ACT, DBT skills, and mindfulness to tailor a plan that fits the individual’s circumstances and priorities.

Online therapy is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These formats allow scheduling that fits into busy lives, provide options for people who prefer shorter or more frequent check-ins, and support continuity of care when in-person meetings are impractical.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Leigh Ann address?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, family problems, relationship strain, grief, parenting challenges, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and related issues such as attachment, abandonment, and caregiver stress.

What is her therapeutic style and approach?

Her style is collaborative and client-centered, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, mindfulness techniques, and motivational interviewing as appropriate to the client’s goals.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Leigh Ann has six years of experience as a practicing clinician and applies that background to individualized treatment planning and support.

Where is she licensed and practicing?

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the credential TN LCSW 8001 and provides services while based in Tennessee.

Can she work with non-English speaking clients or international clients?

She provides services in English and is not currently accepting international clients.

What session formats are offered for therapy?

Sessions can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and needs.

How are costs and payment structured?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How does someone begin working with her?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse Self esteem Depression

Also works with

Relationship issuesGriefParenting issuesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes ADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCommunication problemsControl issuesDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shame Impulsivity Isolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disorders Panic disorder and panic attacks Post-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

6+ years

Licensed

Tennessee

Languages

English