- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- DBT skills
- Mindfulness practice
About Leigh
Leigh Ann Whitus is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Tennessee with six years of experience. She works with people who are managing stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar symptoms, grief, and family concerns. Leigh Ann also addresses parenting strain and relationship difficulties that come with life changes.
She earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and uses that clinical background to guide practical sessions. Meetings start by talking about what brought the person in and identifying short-term goals to focus on. Sessions are framed as collaborative, with the client and therapist deciding next steps together.
Leigh Ann draws on approaches such as cognitive behavioral work to spot unhelpful thinking patterns and dialectical behavior strategies for emotion regulation. She also uses mindfulness practices to help with grounding and present-moment focus, and client-centered methods to make space for each person's experience.
Christian counseling is available when requested, and Leigh Ann notes cultural sensitivity when working with people from diverse backgrounds. She offers support for trauma and abuse concerns and for situations involving abandonment or attachment struggles.
In early meetings she will listen for immediate priorities and practical coping options. Follow-up sessions typically build skills, track progress on goals, and adjust strategies as life changes happen. To begin, the process asks for a short matching questionnaire and scheduling of a first session.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Leigh Ann commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in sessions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and taking small actions toward them while accepting uncomfortable thoughts or feelings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying patterns of thinking that increase distress and practicing concrete strategies to shift those patterns.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. She will talk with each person about their goals and preferences and choose methods together. That collaborative decision guides whether more skills practice, values work, or mindfulness exercises become the focus.
The specific session formats for online work are not listed here, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments around work, school, or caregiving by removing travel time. They also allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and can support using in-session exercises such as mindfulness practice, thought records, or behavior experiments that transfer into daily life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
6+ years
Listed in
Tennessee
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
Leigh Ann works with stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar symptoms, grief, and family-related concerns including parenting and communication problems.
What is her therapy style like?
She uses collaborative sessions that focus on practical skills and goal setting, combining cognitive behavioral ideas, DBT strategies, mindfulness, and client-centered care.
How much experience does she have?
She has six years of clinical experience working as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Where is she licensed and practicing?
She is a Tennessee LCSW and practices in Tennessee.
Can I work with her if English is not my first language?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she see international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.