Online Trauma Therapy for Virginia Residents

If you're carrying the impact of trauma—especially sexual assault, childhood abuse, or relationship violence—you may feel on edge, numb, ashamed, or disconnected from yourself. You might also struggle with self-esteem: second-guessing yourself, feeling “not enough,” or living with a harsh inner critic that won't let up.

You don't have to have the perfect words to begin. Therapy can offer a steady, respectful space to rebuild safety, self-trust, and self-worth—at a pace that feels manageable.

What to expect:

  • Telehealth only - anywhere in Virginia
  • Weekday and evening appointments
  • Individuals, couples, and families
  • Specialized support for survivors of sexual abuse and intimate partner violence
  • In-network with Aetna, Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield, CareFirst, Cigna/Evernorth, and Sentara Health Plans; Superbill available for out-of-network benefits
Reach Out Privately

No pressure. You can ask a question or request a consultation.

Does Any of This Feel Familiar?

People come to therapy for different reasons. If you're noticing any of the following behaviors, you may be a good candidate for theraputic support.

  • overthinking, chronic worry, or a mind that won't “turn off”
  • feeling numb, disconnected, or not like yourself
  • sleep issues, tension in your body, or being easily startled
  • people-pleasing, difficulty with boundaries, or fear of disappointing others
  • self-criticism that's harsh—even when you're doing your best

If any of this resonates, therapy with Lisa can help.

Request A Free 15-Minute Consultation

How Lisa Can Help

With Lisa, you'll learn practical, evidence-based techniques that help you feel more grounded and in control — especially when symptoms arise in your mind, body, or relationships. Areas where she can help include:

  • Anxiety and panic: chronic worry, racing thoughts, and fear-based spirals
  • Depression and shutdown: emotional numbness, low motivation, and feeling disconnected from yourself
  • Shame and self-criticism: harsh inner dialogue, low self-worth, and difficulty setting or holding boundaries
  • Relationship patterns shaped by past experiences: people-pleasing, conflict avoidance, and difficulty trusting or feeling safe with others
  • Trauma and PTSD/complex trauma: triggers, hypervigilance, intrusive memories, and stress-related reactions

What Therapy with Lisa Is Like

Warm, Active, and Collaborative

Therapy isn't about pushing you to talk before you're ready. It's about creating safety, building skills, and gently working toward change—so you can feel more grounded and more confident in your daily life.

Lisa's work is grounded in:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - to identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors
  • Trauma-informed care - with an emphasis on safety, pacing, and collaboration
  • Attachment theory and relational work - to explore how early experiences shape current relationships and self-worth

Sessions are a mix of reflection, skill-building, and gentle challenge. Lisa tailors her approach to your pace and your goals, checking in often to make sure therapy feels useful and safe for you.

A Clear, Supportive Process

  1. Free 15-Minute Consultation

    A brief phone or video call to talk about what you're looking for, answer questions about therapy with Lisa, and decide together whether it's a good fit.

  2. First Few Sessions: Understanding Your Story

    You'll explore your history, current concerns, and goals for therapy. Lisa will work with you to prioritize what to focus on first and outline how you'll track progress together.

  3. Ongoing Work: Skills, Insight, and Healing

    As therapy continues, you'll practice new coping strategies, challenge shame- and fear-based beliefs, and build more stable, satisfying relationships with yourself and others.

  4. Review & Next Steps

    Periodically, you and Lisa will review what's working, celebrate progress, and adjust focus as needed—whether that means continuing, shifting goals, or gradually wrapping up.


Take The First Step

Who Lisa Works With

Lisa offers individual telehealth therapy for clients located anywhere in Virginia.

She works with:

  • Adults and teens who are navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges
  • Survivors of sexual abuse and interpersonal violence
  • People working to rebuild self-esteem, boundaries, and self-trust after difficult experiences

Whether you're new to therapy or returning after previous experiences, Lisa aims to provide a grounded, nonjudgmental space where you can show up as you are and work toward the life you want.

Portrait of Lisa Whitten, Resident in Counseling

Meet Lisa Whitten, MS


Lisa has spent more than a decade supporting people in a range of settings, including correctional environments, foster care, substance use treatment programs, and services for survivors of sexual abuse. This breadth of experience has given her a deep appreciation for resilience and the many ways people learn to survive difficult circumstances.

She is particularly passionate about walking alongside clients who feel weighed down by shame, self-criticism, or the sense that they always have to be “the strong one.” In therapy, Lisa combines evidence-based approaches—such as CBT, attachment-based work, and trauma-focused interventions—with a grounded, compassionate presence.

Outside of her work as a therapist, Lisa enjoys refinishing furniture, reading, exploring new places, visiting yard sales, and spending time with her family.

Credentials & Supervision

Lisa is a Resident in Counseling (VA License #0704018155) practicing under licensed supervision by Kathleen A. Otero, M.A.Ed, LPC/LCPC (VA License #0701011336). This means your care includes regular clinical consultation and oversight—supporting ethical, high-quality therapy.


Reach Out When You're Ready

Fees & Insurance

Session fee with Lisa

  • Out-Of-Pocket Session fees vary by clinician and your insurance coverage.
  • Our 45 minute sessions are typically $150 without insurance.

Insurance

Lisa is in-network with:

  • Aetna
  • Anthem / Blue Cross / Blue Shield / BlueCross BlueShield
  • CareFirst
  • Cigna / Evernorth
  • Sentara Health Plans

Cedar Spring Counseling as a practice is contracted with additional commercial plans, including Optum, United Healthcare, and GEHA, and can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement where applicable.

Insurance benefits and copays vary by plan. When you reach out, our admin team can help you understand what your out-of-pocket costs are likely to be before you schedule.

Common Questions About Starting Therapy with Lisa


Q1: Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes. Lisa offers a free 15-minute phone or video consultation so you can ask questions, share what you're looking for, and get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit. There is no pressure to commit.

Q2: Is therapy with Lisa online only?

Yes. Lisa provides telehealth sessions only, for clients located anywhere in Virginia. You can join sessions from your home, office, or another private space.

Q3: What issues do you not treat?

Lisa may refer out if you're in immediate crisis, have active safety concerns that need higher levels of care, or are seeking specialized services outside her scope. If you're unsure, the consultation call is a good place to talk about what you need and whether she's the right therapist for you.

Q4: What does “Resident in Counseling” mean?

In Virginia, it means Lisa is practicing as a pre-licensed clinician while completing required supervised hours. Your therapy includes structured oversight and consultation with a licensed supervisor.

Q5: How soon can I start?

Cedar Spring Counseling currently has immediate openings for telehealth sessions with Lisa, with weekday and evening appointments available.


Get Answers To Your Other Questions