- Client-centered approach
- Practical goal setting
- Trauma-informed care
About Lawrence
Lawrence Matheny is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in Virginia. He draws on decades of clinical work to offer steady, person-centered care that starts where each person is. His approach emphasizes listening, respect, and helping people use their strengths to move forward.
He brings 34 years of experience in psychiatric hospitals and community mental health and substance use settings. That background includes working through depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, grief, and relationship strains. He also has long experience in pastoral ministry and holds a master’s degree in Counseling and a master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry.
In sessions he focuses on clear, practical steps alongside careful listening. He uses client-centered techniques to build trust, and incorporates cognitive behavioral and solution-focused ideas to address thoughts, behaviors, and short-term goals. Trauma-focused approaches are available when past events are central to the concern.
People come to him for help with stress, addictions, relationship and family concerns, parenting strain, low self-esteem, mood disorders including bipolar and depression, and post-traumatic stress. He also supports people managing aging and geriatric questions, caregiving strain, autism-related concerns, and disaster-related coping.
Lawrence prefers to collaborate on goals and plans so therapy fits each person’s life. He invites people to identify strengths and practical changes they can try between sessions. To begin, clients follow the standard start process on the site and schedule sessions based on availability.
How client-centered and goal-focused therapy work online
Lawrence uses client-centered therapy as a foundation, which means sessions start by listening carefully and following each person's concerns. This approach helps people feel heard and able to point therapy toward what matters most to them.He also draws on cognitive behavioral therapy, which looks at how thoughts and behaviors affect mood and coping. CBT offers concrete strategies to change unhelpful thinking and build new skills. Solution-focused work concentrates on small, practical steps and short-term goals to create forward movement without getting stuck on the past.
Finding the best approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with the client to match methods to goals, needs, and preferences. Together they decide which ideas to try, how to measure progress, and when to adjust the plan.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - they can reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins during a break, and let clients join from quieter surroundings. These practical benefits often make it simpler to keep consistent appointments and practice new skills between sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
34+ years
Listed in
Virginia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What types of problems does this therapist help with?
He helps with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting strain, self-esteem issues, bipolar and depression, and related mood or post-traumatic stress concerns.
How would you describe the therapist's style and approach?
He uses a client-centered approach that prioritizes listening and collaboration, and also draws on cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and trauma-focused methods to set goals and address patterns.
What experience does he bring to sessions?
He has 34 years of clinical experience working in psychiatric hospitals and community mental health and substance use settings, plus many years in pastoral ministry.
What credentials and location should I know about?
He holds the LPC and LMFT credentials and practices in Virginia with the listed Virginia LPC and Virginia LMFT designations.
Can I work with him if I speak a language other than English?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not accepted at this time.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking to ensure they match your needs.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.