- Practical coping skills
- Person-centered support
- Mindfulness and ACT
About Monique
Monique Gardner is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Virginia who focuses on everyday thoughts and habits that shape mood and behavior. They aim to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and recover from trauma and abuse. Monique uses straightforward, practical strategies so people can feel steadier day to day.
Monique takes a person-centered approach that starts where each person is. Sessions tend to emphasize noticing patterns in thoughts and habits, building small coping skills, and using motivation to make change. Mindfulness, brief solution-focused work, and skill practice often show up in sessions.
They draw on a mix of approaches including acceptance and commitment ideas, cognitive behavioral tools, and dialectical behavior concepts to address emotional regulation and problem solving. Attachment-based perspectives inform work around relationships, abandonment, and adoption-related concerns. Monique also offers grief support and has experience with mood and behavioral disorders as well as dual diagnosis care.
Over five years of practice have included post-crisis care and support for LGBTQIA+ people. The focus is on practical steps people can use between sessions. Monique can coordinate referrals for in-person care through a local practice when needed and will help with next steps.
People who value a direct, collaborative style and an emphasis on daily habits and thoughts may find this approach helpful. Sessions aim to be clear, manageable, and focused on what actually changes life for the better.
Monique takes a person-centered approach that starts where each person is. Sessions tend to emphasize noticing patterns in thoughts and habits, building small coping skills, and using motivation to make change. Mindfulness, brief solution-focused work, and skill practice often show up in sessions.
They draw on a mix of approaches including acceptance and commitment ideas, cognitive behavioral tools, and dialectical behavior concepts to address emotional regulation and problem solving. Attachment-based perspectives inform work around relationships, abandonment, and adoption-related concerns. Monique also offers grief support and has experience with mood and behavioral disorders as well as dual diagnosis care.
Over five years of practice have included post-crisis care and support for LGBTQIA+ people. The focus is on practical steps people can use between sessions. Monique can coordinate referrals for in-person care through a local practice when needed and will help with next steps.
People who value a direct, collaborative style and an emphasis on daily habits and thoughts may find this approach helpful. Sessions aim to be clear, manageable, and focused on what actually changes life for the better.
Areas of expertise
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-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
5+ years
Credentials
Virginia
Languages
English
How therapeutic approaches guide online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, depression, and when daily habits get in the way of life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches practical skills to identify and change thought and behavior patterns that fuel stress and low mood. It often includes short exercises to practice between sessions. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationship patterns affect current connections and can help with attachment issues, abandonment concerns, and relationship-related anxiety.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with each person to test techniques and pick what fits their needs and goals. That means trying strategies, checking what helps, and adapting plans together rather than assuming one path will work for everyone.
Please confirm which session formats are offered before booking, because the biography does not list specific options here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, let people choose shorter check-ins when needed, or reduce travel time. It also supports working on thought habits and between-session exercises in a more flexible way. Licensed professionals can tailor pacing and homework to match everyday life and commitments.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does this therapist address?
Monique helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and recovery from trauma and abuse, along with related concerns like low self-esteem and caregiver stress.
What is the therapist's general approach in sessions?
Sessions are person-centered and practical, focusing on thoughts and everyday habits. Techniques include solution-focused work, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing to build coping skills.
How much clinical experience does this therapist have?
The clinician has five years of experience working in areas such as post-crisis care, dual diagnosis, grief, mood and behavioral disorders, and support for LGBTQIA+ people.
What credentials and location are listed?
This clinician holds a LCSW credential and practices in Virginia.
Are sessions available in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats here.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.