I am licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia with 6 years of professional experience. I am a mother to three adult children and a Mimi to my two young granddaughters. As a child, I always wanted to be a therapist and have always held a deep love for people. I love nothing more than to help people to process their lives and make changes that lead to peace and happiness. I see therapy as a way to encourage you to invest in yourself and I work as a cheerleader/guide in your life. I feel that it is a gift to walk through the darkest days of people's lives and to have the honor of watching them walk out the other side, stronger and more resilient.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our first appointment, I will want to hear your story. I will work to get to know you and ascertain how I can help. We will work together to create a plan that centers around YOUR wants and needs. For my couples, I will want to hear the story of your romance, how did it start and what now stands in the way. As we progress in therapy, we will find new areas of strength and those of weakness. We will find the "why" in your behaviors and work to develop coping skills. We will find ways to utilize your strengths to help you walk through the hard seasons of your life. For some, long term therapy will be needed. For others, it may be a short term process. My goal will always be to help you to get to a place where you no longer need me.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My biggest strength is often my ability to help you feel comfortable in the therapy setting. Therapy needs to be a place that allows you to feel free to be completely honest and to feel that you are perceived in a non-judgmental way. I work hard to validate your feelings and to encourage you in your goals. I know it takes a lot of courage to request therapy and I work hard to ensure that you not only feel that it is beneficial, but also that it is a appointment that you look forward to. I work to encourage you, challenge you and to support you in any way I can.
About Crystal Linkous
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Attachment-based
As a therapist, I integrate attachment-based approaches to help clients understand how early relationships shape their emotions, behaviors, and connections with others. I work with clients to identify attachment patterns—whether secure, anxious, avoidant, or disorganized—and explore how these patterns influence their relationships, self-worth, and emotional regulation. In my practice, I create a safe and supportive environment where clients can process past relational wounds and develop healthier, more secure connections. I help individuals recognize how early experiences impact their current struggles, whether in relationships, self-esteem, or emotional regulation. Through this work, clients learn to build trust, set boundaries, and develop a stronger sense of self.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and reframe negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. I guide clients in recognizing unhelpful beliefs, challenging them with evidence-based techniques, and replacing them with healthier, more constructive perspectives. I incorporate practical strategies such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and coping skills training to help clients manage stress, build confidence, and create meaningful change. By breaking down overwhelming challenges into manageable steps, clients gain a sense of control and empowerment over their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. My goal is to provide a supportive space where clients can develop lasting skills to navigate life’s difficulties with resilience and clarity.
Couples Counseling
In my practice, I help couples navigate challenges by improving communication, rebuilding trust, and fostering emotional connection. I work with partners to identify unhealthy patterns, address underlying wounds, and develop healthier ways to express needs and resolve conflicts. I integrate evidence-based approaches to help couples break cycles of miscommunication, strengthen intimacy, and create a more secure and fulfilling relationship. Whether working through conflict, recovering from past hurts, or simply wanting to deepen connection, I provide a safe and supportive space for both partners to be heard and understood.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
In my practice, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help couples break negative cycles, strengthen emotional bonds, and create deeper, more secure connections. I guide partners in identifying and understanding their attachment needs, allowing them to express emotions in a way that fosters closeness rather than conflict. By exploring underlying fears and unmet needs, I help couples move away from blame and defensiveness toward empathy, vulnerability, and trust. Through structured conversations, partners learn to shift from patterns of disconnection to feeling seen, valued, and supported in their relationship. My goal is to provide a safe space where both partners can heal past wounds, develop deeper emotional intimacy, and build a lasting, fulfilling relationship.
Grief Therapy
In my practice, I help individuals navigate the complex emotions of grief, whether from the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or a significant life change. Grief can manifest in many forms—sadness, anger, confusion, or even numbness—and I work with clients to honor their unique process while providing support during this challenging time. I create a compassionate and non-judgmental space where clients can express their feelings and memories without fear of being rushed through the grieving process. Using a combination of reflective listening, mindfulness, and coping strategies, I help clients process their grief at their own pace, understanding that healing isn’t linear. I also assist individuals in finding meaning and hope moving forward, helping them to integrate their loss into their lives while honoring their own needs for self-care. The goal is not to move on but to move forward, finding ways to live with the grief while still embracing joy, connection, and purpose.