Hello! Welcome to the BetterHelp community! My name is Lisa McCarton and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, practicing in Virginia for 20 years. I have specialized in psychotherapy and social work with children, adolescents and families. I have been providing psychotherapy for a wide variety of issues and populations, to include: behavioral problems; trauma issues; family relationships; mood disorders; school issues; and sexual abuse issues, among other areas. I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2000 with a Masters in Social Work. I began my post-masters clinical work in a residential treatment facility for emotionally and physically abused children. I provided therapy, as well as case management, for children and families. I would describe my approach as goal oriented, and client centered. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Problem-Solving Therapy and Strength-Based Approach. All of these modalities are hands-on, practical approaches to problem-solving. CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns and/or behaviors. The goals are to change patterns of maladaptive or unhealthy thinking in order to improve behavior and life situations. This helps people identify faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking and learn better ways of coping with life’s full variety of stressors. Difficult and painful times are part of the human experience. I understand seeking help can be a vulnerable step to take. Exploring the healing process or enriching one’s personal growth, first and foremost, requires establishing a trusting and an emotional supportive relationship. Change is not easy, but it is possible.