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Lisa  McCarton

Therapist · Virginia

Lisa McCarton

LCSW

Practical, goal-focused therapy for life challenges

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Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

  • Goal-oriented care
  • English and Spanish
  • 20 years experience

About Lisa

Lisa McCarton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Virginia with two decades of experience. She helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, and major life changes. Lisa also supports those coping with relationship strain, parenting challenges, grief, and career concerns. Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.

Lisa builds short-term, goal-focused plans aimed at practical change. She uses client-centered methods to listen and tailor work to each person’s needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is part of her approach when thinking or behavior patterns are getting in the way. Attachment-based ideas and motivational interviewing also shape how she helps people understand patterns and set realistic next steps.

Her background includes a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and twenty years of clinical practice. Early work in residential settings gave experience with trauma, abuse, and complex family situations. Over time she has continued to work with mood disorders, ADHD-related concerns, and challenging family dynamics.

In a typical session she focuses on clear goals and practical tools. That might mean identifying unhelpful thought patterns, practicing new ways of communicating, or developing steps to manage stress. Lisa emphasizes a respectful, collaborative relationship as the foundation for change.

People who want straightforward, skills-focused therapy and someone who listens in English or Spanish may find this style helpful. Before scheduling, confirm current session options and logistics to make sure they match your needs.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementADHD

Also works with

Relationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesFamily problemsImpulsivityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPost-traumatic stressSelf-harmSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

20+ years

Credentials

Virginia

Languages

English, Spanish

How her therapeutic approaches translate to online work

Attachment-based methods focus on how early bonds shape current relationships. In sessions this looks like noticing patterns in how a person connects and practicing different ways of relating that feel safer and more effective. Client-centered therapy centers on the person in front of the therapist, offering listening and reflection so clients can clarify their own goals and values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets specific thoughts and behaviors for change, using exercises and practical tools to reduce anxiety or shift unhelpful patterns.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Lisa will collaborate with each person to pick strategies that match their goals, preferences, and daily life. She talks through options and adjusts the plan as progress is made so the work stays relevant and doable.

Confirm session formats before booking to know what is currently offered. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules demand. It also lets people use tools and worksheets in real time during sessions. Licensed professionals can adapt attachment, client-centered, and CBT techniques to an online setting to keep therapy practical and action-oriented.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Lisa commonly address?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar symptoms, trauma and abuse, anger, and coping with life changes. She also helps with parenting, relationship strain, grief, self-esteem, career questions, and ADHD-related issues.

How would you describe her therapy style?

Her style is goal-focused and client-centered. Sessions emphasize practical steps, problem solving, and changing unhelpful thinking or behaviors when needed.

What is her clinical background?

She holds a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and has twenty years of clinical experience, including work in residential care for abused children and ongoing psychotherapy practice.

Where is she licensed and based?

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Virginia.

Which languages are supported in sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.

Can people outside the United States work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are costs and billing handled?

Session cost varies by location and therapist availability and uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Confirm current pricing details before starting.

What steps begin the process of working together?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

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