Monique Gardner, LCSW

Monique Gardner is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and low self-esteem. Monique writes in a direct, calm way and focuses on practical steps people can use between sessions. She offers a straightforward, person-centered style that suits someone who wants clear tools and steady support.

Monique blends cognitive behavioral techniques with acceptance and commitment ideas to help people notice thoughts and choose actions that match their values. She also uses attachment-based strategies to look at how relationships shape feelings and behavior. Sessions often include short, doable exercises and homework so progress carries into daily life.

With five years of clinical practice, Monique has worked with people facing grief, mood and behavioral concerns, dual diagnosis, trauma, and eating and obsessive-compulsive challenges. She also has experience with post-crisis care and supporting people exploring gender and sexual identity. That background informs a flexible approach that adjusts to each person's needs.

Monique offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to keep therapy practical for busy lives. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time, and cost varies by location and therapist availability. Sessions are conducted in English and are located in Virginia.

To begin, a person selects the Start Therapy button and completes a short matching questionnaire. Scheduling is arranged according to therapist availability and Monique will coordinate next steps once matched.

Practical approaches for online therapy

Monique uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts, test them, and build different behavior patterns. CBT tends to focus on clear problems and step-by-step changes that can reduce anxiety, low mood, and unhelpful habits.

She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which helps people clarify personal values and commit to actions that matter despite difficult feelings. ACT is useful when someone wants a way to act that fits their life, even while uncomfortable emotions remain. Attachment-Based Therapy is used to look at how early relationship patterns influence current reactions and connection, which can help with trust and relationship-related distress.

Choosing the right approach is collaborative. Monique will discuss goals and preferences, try techniques together, and adjust the plan based on what works. Clients help set priorities and she checks in on progress so the work stays focused on real-life improvements.

Online sessions can include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video is good for face-to-face conversation and practicing skills together. Phone calls work when bandwidth is limited or a conversational check-in is needed. Live chat and text let people use brief check-ins, get reminders, or share short updates between sessions. These options make therapy easier to fit into busy schedules and varied daily demands.