Monique Gardner, LCSW - Therapist in Virginia

Emotionally-Focused Therapy
ACT and CBT techniques
Motivational interviewing

About Monique

Monique Gardner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Virginia with five years of experience. Monique focuses on stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, depression, and ADHD, and speaks English.

Monique draws on Emotionally-Focused Therapy as one of several ways to help people name hard emotions and notice patterns in relationships and attachment. She also uses cognitive behavioral strategies and acceptance-based methods to address unhelpful thinking and build practical coping skills. Sessions tend to mix listening, gentle reflection, and steps you can try between meetings.

Her background includes work with people facing dual diagnosis, grief, behavioral and mood disorders, eating disorders, OCD, psychosis, and post-crisis care. She has experience supporting those connected to LGBTQIA+ communities and people managing chronic health concerns or caregiver stress.

Monique emphasizes motivational interviewing techniques and a solution-focused stance to guide decision-making and healthy coping. She also draws on mindfulness and meditation practices when useful to reduce reactivity and improve focus.

If you prefer in-person care, Monique coordinates with CapitolHill Consortium for Counseling & Consultation LLC and can provide information to connect with that practice. For people exploring a first session, she asks clients to complete a short questionnaire and schedule an initial meeting to discuss goals and next steps.

How her approaches fit with online work

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps people notice and name their feelings and the patterns that keep repeating in close relationships. EFT can be useful when someone wants to understand attachment needs and change hurtful interaction loops. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying values and taking small committed actions, and it is often used to reduce avoidance and increase meaningful activity. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect and offers practical techniques to test thinking and build new habits.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Monique will work together with each person to see which methods match their needs, goals, and preferences. She may blend elements from different approaches and adjust them as the work progresses.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit meetings around work, caregiving, or medical appointments and can reduce travel time. They also allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and for using audio-only or lower-bandwidth options if that helps with concentration or comfort. Licensed professionals aim to make scheduling and session length suit a client's everyday life.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Self esteem DepressionADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependency Commitment issues Communication problems Control issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separation Domestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issues Fertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelity Isolation / loneliness Life purpose Mood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depression Post-traumatic stress Pregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobia Women's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems

Experience

5+ years

Listed in

Virginia

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Monique work with?

She focuses on stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, depression, and ADHD, and also lists many additional focus areas such as attachment issues, grief, and caregiver stress.

What style of therapy does she use?

Monique uses Emotionally-Focused Therapy among other approaches, and combines client-centered listening with solution-focused and motivational interviewing techniques.

How much experience does she have?

She has five years of clinical experience as an LCSW working in settings that include post-crisis care and dual diagnosis support.

What credential does she hold and where does she practice?

Monique is an LCSW licensed in Virginia and provides services based in that state.

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does she take clients from other countries?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are sessions scheduled and paid for?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a first session.

Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.