Hey there! I'm an LCSW based in VA, originally from the PNW. I'm a military spouse, proud dog mom, and queer identified. My presentation is warm, laid-back, and open-minded with some appropriately sprinkled humor. I am human, as are you. Therefore my therapeutic style tends to be conversational, curious and collaborative as I seek to meet you where you are for us to co-create a healing space that is conducive to addressing your needs.
Beginning your therapeutic journey may feel intimidating and vulnerable, so I like to spend time cultivating our professional relationship in the first session by exploring your unique experience of the world and its complex challenges. As we begin to identify your specific needs, we will work together to co-create a plan for treatment that best supports your goals.
At times, therapy requires you to get creative in finding what exactly is going to work best for YOU. I am prepared to sit beside you as we pivot this confusing landscape of "life," together. Whether it be digging up extremely niche resources, or trying a variety of regulation techniques until we get it right- we will be in this process together!
Laryssa Carden offers therapy covered by Kaiser Permanente - Medicaid and UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Virginia.
Using an integrative approach allows me to tailor my therapeutic process to your specific needs, pulling from various modalities as we will navigate your unique experience of the world and its complex challenges. Identifying unhelpful patterns, and learning new ways of coping or responding.
As a queer identified therapist, I hold a strong dedication to the LGBTQIA+ community and utilize a social justice lens within my approach. My commitment is to provide affirming care that promotes self-acceptance and self-determination in individuals in order for them to thrive in their fullest state of being.
I lean upon attachment theory to partner with my clients as we embark on a journey of deepening self awareness as it relates to interpersonal relationships, particularly-romantic partnerships. This framework enables individuals to develop greater insight into their attachment wounds, needs for security, and maladaptive responses/coping strategies. With this gained information, we can work together to promote a sense of security in self by reframing unhelpful perceptions, deepening emotional awareness and developing more helpful coping strategies.