Hi! I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2019, and a practicing social worker in the field since 2016, having graduated from the College of William and Mary and Virginia Commonwealth University. My passion lies with helping those who serve others from Veterans and other first responders, to mothers, fathers, and everyone in between. I believe everyone in the world deserves, and needs, support from time to time. I am honored to be able to go on that journey with you.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I know that first session can be the scariest. I try to make it easy and many have told me it is a relief after the first session to finally discuss what has been on your mind - perhaps for the first time. It is a completely judgement free space where you can say those things that you have perhaps been ashamed to admit even to yourself. I ask gentle questions that help me understand what you are going through and how best to support you, then provide the different options for treatment that are available to you - together we choose the course of action. This is your journey - I am here to support you!
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I use a mix of research based therapies and humor to create a warm environment for you to be vulnerable. I pride myself in providing a space where people who perhaps have never felt able to be vulnerable, can be. I have had the privilege of assisting clients overcome caregiving burden, decide if they are ready to embrace their gender or sexuality publicly, work through the decision to live alternative lifestyles, prevail over combat stress or domestic violence. Each client has given me the experience that I believe will help me help you.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I have worked in a wide array of settings from inpatient psychiatric hospitals (both federal and state), as well as outpatient practice with clients from all backgrounds. With my extensive background, I am best able to serve a wide variety of clients, with a specific specialty in overcoming trauma, anxiety, and assisting individuals through major life transitions. I also personally understand the stressors of being a federal employee and want to assist you in remaining strong as a civil servant in this time.
About Morgan Whittaker
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Specializes in
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Accepts cash
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I’ve been using CPT in my practice for 5 years with Combat Veterans, First Responders, other Therapists and Medical Professionals, as well as civilians. It’s helped my clients with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and/or trauma enter recovery. We’ll use CPT to recognize how your trauma has led you to develop "stuck points" - thoughts that are inducing your trauma related symptoms. With interventions from CPT, you will learn to control these thoughts and replace them or even let them go so that you can heal from your trauma.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I’ve been using CBT in my practice for 8 years. It’s helped dozens of clients challenge reoccurring thoughts and manage their mental health. We’ll use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a healthier, more balanced life.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I’ve been using DBT in my practice for 8 years. I use it with patients that would benefit from more hands on "doing" interventions - something patients can really use in their day to day lives to improve distress tolerance, improve relationships, and have sustained recovery.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I have been using ACT since I began my journey as a therapist in Graduate School. I use ACT to enhance "psychological flexibility," allowing you to accept your thoughts and feelings without being overwhelmed by them, enabling you to actively pursue value driven goals. This therapy is particularly beneficial for a wide range of mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and chronic pain where avoidance strategies might not be effective.