Lawrence Matheny, LPC, LMFT

Lawrence Matheny is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in Virginia. He draws on more than three decades of clinical experience in psychiatric hospitals and community mental health and substance use settings. His approach centers on helping people move from struggle to clearer, more manageable daily life.

He uses straightforward conversation to identify strengths people already have. He helps clients apply those strengths to reduce anxiety, manage mood disorders, and address relationship and parenting concerns. He also works with grief, trauma, addiction, and issues related to aging and caregiving.

Lawrence has a background in pastoral ministry and holds a master’s degree in Counseling and a master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry. He is comfortable talking with people for whom faith has been important, and he treats spirituality as one of many possible resources to reach goals.

Sessions focus on practical steps and clear goals. Lawrence emphasizes small, achievable changes that add up over time. He invites clients to be active partners in shaping the work and deciding what feels most useful.

Across 34 years of practice, he has worked with people facing depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress, family of origin issues, codependency, and caregiving stress. He aims to help each person move toward better daily functioning and clearer relationships.

How different approaches guide online relationship work

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and understanding the person’s goals. The therapist follows the client’s lead, reflects concerns, and helps people notice strengths they already use. This approach is useful for relationship concerns and self-esteem work.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and replaces them with practical strategies. It is often used for anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and managing stress in daily life. Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes small, concrete steps and short-term goals to get measurable change in relationships and routines.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. The therapist will work collaboratively to pick methods that match the client’s needs, goals, and preferences. Clients are encouraged to give feedback so sessions can be adjusted over time.

Confirm the session formats offered before booking, as formats are not specified here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Discuss format options when scheduling so sessions match your everyday routine and technical comfort.