Wendie Vanderwater, LCSW

Wendie Vanderwater is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief, and identity questions. She writes plainly and meets each person where they are. Sessions aim to be practical and straightforward so parents and busy adults can use what they learn quickly.

Wendie draws from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and client-centered approaches. She adjusts tools to fit each person's needs and preferences. That can mean learning coping skills, practicing mindfulness, keeping a short journal, or doing brief homework between sessions.

Her manner is direct and down-to-earth. She asks questions to discover what helps and avoids judgment. People decide how active they want therapy to be, including whether to try homework or focus only on in-session work.

Wendie encourages clients to combine skill-building with real-life activity. She may suggest volunteering, joining a group, or other ways to stay engaged. The goal is steady, practical progress rather than quick fixes.

Wendie holds an LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) and brings more than two decades of experience. She practices in Montana and conducts sessions in English. Online formats include video calls, phone, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.

How therapy approaches work online

Wendie commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy and brings a client-centered attitude to sessions. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and trying new behaviors to reduce anxiety and depression. It is practical and skill-focused, often helpful for stress, mood, and coping with life changes. Dialectical behavior therapy emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving communication. It can be useful for strong emotions, relationship difficulties, and developing steady coping strategies.

Finding the right approach is a team effort. Wendie listens to each person's goals and preferences and suggests methods that fit. Together they review what is working and adjust the plan, combining techniques like mindfulness, brief homework, or motivational interviewing when helpful.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and skill practice. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging suit quick updates, between-session coaching, or times when typing feels simpler. These options help people fit therapy into work, school, or busy family schedules while keeping the focus on usable strategies.