Greetings! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) based in Virginia. I received my Master's from Virginia Commonwealth University. Although I recently became an LPC this year, I was formally trained and have worked as a Functional Family Therapy Counselor and Qualified Mental Health Counselor (for Adults and Children) since 2017. I also hold a Master of Education in Special Education and have worked for over 15 years as a Special Educator and Administrator. I have been seeing clients from a variety of backgrounds, ages, and mental health needs as an outpatient therapy clinician since 2022.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Initial sessions together will begin our relationship-building journey, starting with brief introductions and then a gentle exploration of the specific challenges you're facing. This will help me collaborate with you to create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Having worked as a counselor, therapist, and special educator for over 20 years, I've developed an understanding of the unique needs of the individuals that I work with. I never prejudge or categorize people, and I've learned to listen to my clients. I am a client-centered therapist who celebrates my clients regardless of what they bring to the therapy room. These attributes have allowed me to create strategies that fit individuals, not a diagnosis. I go to great lengths to "think outside the box" to incorporate therapeutic interventions, with the client's collaboration, that will help us achieve our goals.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I love working with people. I enjoy working with children and adults alike who want to or at least have the desire to change the uncomfortable emotional place they find themselves, but don't quite know how. I am not the "fixer," but I enjoy working with people and watching the empowerment bud and grow within them.
About Mia Wooldridge
Mia Wooldridge offers therapy covered by Kaiser Permanente - Medicaid in Virginia.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I was introduced to ACT while studying to become an LPC. I was drawn to its simple yet profound nature: embracing difficult emotions, accepting the reality of challenging situations, and committing to actions based on one's values. I use this with children through adulthood, and I have seen people empowered by the sense of freedom they get from being psychologically flexible.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I have been using DBT-focused methods since my earlier days as a community-based counselor (QMHP). I completed my certification once I became licensed. I use it in my practice as a stabilizing intervention for those who struggle to make sense of intense emotions. DBT interventions promote an acceptance of circumstances that don't seem to "fit," and they allow the client to learn emotional regulation as a natural, non-judgmental alternative rather than more "should-do's."
Child Parent Psychotherapy
I have experience working with children and families as a licensed special educator (where I was trained in play-based interventions) and a counselor. I have been trained in family therapy interventions, behavioral modification approaches, and parenting interventions. I meet families where they are and collaboratively develop treatment interventions that match the family's needs. I utilize developmentally appropriate interventions that are relevant to the children, and I am currently preparing to be licensed in Play Therapy.