I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Richmond, Virginia working with clients in Virginia via telehealth. I work with adults in all stages of life to achieve personal growth and emotional well-being. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused therapy. I am passionate about working with individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief, and life transitions.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, then dive into the specific challenges you're facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions. My communication style is warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental to create a safe and supportive environment for you.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I prioritize active listening and seek to foster a sense of trust and rapport. I value open, honest dialogue and adapt communication approaches based on individual needs, whether that means using clear, concise language for clients seeking structure or providing reflective feedback for those in need of deeper exploration. I seek to empower my clients and embrace a strengths-based approach to support them in their journey.
About Hillary Lebedun
Hillary Lebedun offers therapy covered by UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Virginia.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I help clients develop psychological flexibility by guiding them to accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment. I use mindfulness techniques to help clients stay present in the moment and reduce the impact of difficult emotions. I encourage them to clarify their core values and set goals aligned with those values, fostering a sense of purpose and motivation. My role is to create a supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore and engage with their experiences authentically.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I work with clients to identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and negative behaviors. I help them recognize the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and actions, and guide them in reframing distorted thoughts to promote healthier perspectives. Using practical tools and exercises, I support clients in developing more adaptive coping strategies, setting achievable goals, and engaging in behaviors that align with their values. My approach is collaborative, focusing on empowering clients to make lasting changes through self-awareness, problem-solving, and skill-building.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I help clients develop skills in four key areas: mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. I focus on creating a balance between acceptance and change, helping clients acknowledge and validate their current emotional experiences while also working toward meaningful behavioral changes. Through individual therapy and skills training, I assist clients in learning how to cope with intense emotions, improve relationships, and tolerate distress without resorting to harmful behaviors. My approach emphasizes a compassionate, nonjudgmental stance, fostering a supportive environment where clients feel understood and empowered to make positive changes.
Strength-Based
I focus on identifying and amplifying the inherent strengths and resources that clients already possess. I work collaboratively with clients to explore their past successes, personal qualities, and skills, helping them recognize how these strengths can be applied to overcome current challenges. By shifting the focus from deficits to capabilities, I empower clients to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of agency. My approach encourages clients to view themselves as resourceful and capable, fostering a more optimistic and solution-focused mindset as they navigate their struggles.
Trauma Informed Care
I prioritize creating a safe, trusting environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. I approach each session with sensitivity to the potential impact of trauma on a client’s emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being, recognizing that trauma can affect people in unique ways. I emphasize safety, choice, and collaboration, ensuring clients feel in control of their healing process. By integrating practices that reduce re-traumatization, I help clients process and heal from past trauma at their own pace, while focusing on building resilience and fostering self-compassion.