Taylor Toothman
Hi! I’m Taylor, a licensed clinical social worker and trauma-informed therapist who provides virtual therapy. I work with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. My approach is warm, laid-back, and collaborative, incorporating DBT, ACT, and person-centered therapy to help clients feel supported while building practical skills for meaningful change.
First session
Your first therapy session is a chance to slow down, get comfortable, and start figuring out what you need. You don’t need to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say—I’ll help guide the conversation. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what you’re hoping to work on, and what has been going on in your life. We’ll also begin getting to know each other and explore what approach will be most helpful for you. My goal is for you to leave your first session feeling heard, understood, and with a clearer sense of where we can go from here. Therapy is a collaborative process, so we’ll work together to create goals and a plan that feels realistic and meaningful for you.
Strengths
I bring warmth, authenticity, and a judgment-free approach to my sessions. I want clients to feel like they can show up as their whole selves—not as the “perfect” version of themselves they think they’re supposed to be. My approach is collaborative and practical. I incorporate evidence-based strategies from DBT, ACT, CBT, and person-centered therapy while tailoring treatment to each client’s individual needs, goals, and personality. I believe therapy should be more than simply talking about problems; it should give you tools you can actually use in everyday life. I also bring a trauma-informed perspective and a genuine curiosity about each person’s story. My goal is to create a space that feels emotionally safe, relaxed, and supportive while still helping clients make meaningful progress.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients are adults and adolescents who are ready to better understand themselves and make meaningful changes in their lives. They may be navigating anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, chronic health concerns, or simply feeling overwhelmed by everything on their plate. I work especially well with clients who want therapy to feel comfortable, collaborative, and practical. You don’t have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. You just need to be open to exploring what’s going on and finding tools that work for you. Whether you’re looking to feel more confident, improve your relationships, manage difficult emotions, set healthier boundaries, or simply feel more like yourself again, I’m here to help you work toward those goals at your own pace.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients develop a healthier relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions rather than feeling like they have to eliminate or control them. We focus on noticing what is happening in the present moment, identifying personal values, and learning how to take meaningful action even when uncomfortable feelings are present. In practice, this might look like helping you step back from anxious or self-critical thoughts, clarify what truly matters to you, and build small, realistic steps toward the life and relationships you want. I use ACT in a flexible, practical way and tailor it to each client’s needs, with the goal of helping clients feel more empowered and able to respond to life with intention rather than simply reacting to difficult emotions.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients better understand and manage difficult emotions, navigate stressful situations, and build healthier relationships. DBT is especially helpful for learning practical skills that can be used in everyday life when emotions feel intense or overwhelming. In practice, we may work on skills related to emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. I focus on making these skills practical and easy to apply outside of therapy, whether that means managing a stressful situation, communicating your needs, setting boundaries, or responding to emotions without feeling controlled by them. My goal is to help clients build confidence in their ability to handle difficult moments while creating a life that feels more balanced, meaningful, and aligned with their values.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I use a person-centered approach to create a therapy space where clients feel heard, respected, and accepted without judgment. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to support you in exploring your experiences, understanding yourself more deeply, and identifying the changes that feel right for you. In practice, this means meeting you where you are and taking the time to understand your unique experiences, strengths, values, and goals. I provide empathy, genuine support, and thoughtful reflection while allowing you to guide the direction of our work. My goal is to create a comfortable, collaborative environment where you can be your authentic self, explore what you need, and feel empowered to make meaningful changes at your own pace.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Licensed in
- North CarolinaLicense C019012
- West VirginiaLicense DP00946032