Anne Shields
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Virginia with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals navigate life’s emotional challenges. My approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based therapeutic practices. I believe therapy is a partnership, and I work with each client to develop practical, meaningful strategies tailored to their unique needs and goals. Whether you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, life transitions, or simply feeling ready for personal growth, I offer a safe, compassionate, and supportive space where you can feel heard and understood. Together, we can explore your experiences, build on your strengths, and develop tools to help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity.
I have over 20 years of experience supporting individuals through emotional experiences using empathic approaches and personalized tools and techniques.
Healing and growth are possible, and you don’t have to navigate the journey alone. I would be honored to walk alongside you as you take the next step toward meaningful change.
First session
Feeling comfortable and understood in therapy is essential. It is completely normal for the first few sessions to feel new or a bit uncertain. I encourage you to give yourself two or three sessions to settle in, get a feel for our connection, and find a rhythm that feels right for you. Early on, we will talk about what brought you here—whether it is something painful, overwhelming, or just not working well anymore. You can share your story at your own pace. Together, we will spot the changes you want to make and the goals you want to hit. My priority is to keep you supported, respected, and grounded every step of the way.
Strengths
I combine warm empathy with proven strategies to help you build emotional strength and practical coping skills and. Together, we will work toward a greater sense of balance and fulfillment. My goal is for you to leave every session feeling heard, grounded, and fully capable of creating the life you want.
Ideal clients
I’m especially passionate about supporting individuals who are seeking meaningful emotional and mental health support. Whether you’re navigating depression, anxiety, chronic illness, or the complexities of everyday stress, I strive to offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment where you can feel safe to explore and grow. My approach blends empathy with evidence‑based strategies to help you develop coping skills, strengthen emotional resilience, and cultivate a greater sense of balance and fulfillment. My hope is that you leave each session feeling more grounded, more understood, and more capable of creating the life you want.
Origin story
I was drawn to this profession because I’ve always been deeply interested in people—their stories, their resilience, and the experiences that shape who they become. Over the years, I’ve found great meaning in helping people navigate difficult seasons of life, gain a deeper understanding of themselves, and recognize their own strengths. I value the trust clients place in me and feel privileged to provide a supportive space where they can feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change.
Ongoing work together
Once we find our rhythm, our sessions will become a collaborative workspace. We will check in on your week, tackle current challenges together, and equip you with practical tools you can actually use in your daily life. Therapy with me isn't just about venting; it is about taking active, manageable steps toward change between our appointments. We will also pause regularly to review your goals, making sure our time together always feels useful, focused, and tailored to what you need most. As we work together, you will start to notice meaningful shifts in your everyday life. Progress often looks like catching a negative thought loop in the moment, rather than hours later, and bouncing back from stress much faster. You will find yourself choosing new, healthier responses to old triggers instead of falling into automatic habits. Over time, the heavy burdens you carried into our first session will begin to feel lighter, replaced by a quiet confidence in your ability to handle whatever life throws your way.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps people develop psychological flexibility and adapt to challenges by accepting their thoughts and feelings, and committing to actions that improve their lives. This can be a very helpful, supportive type of psychotherapy for individuals experiencing a new diagnosis, long term health concerns, and/or adjusting to a new role in your life.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps people manage mental and physical health problems by changing the way they think and behave. This is a structured, short term treatment focused reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression related to one's current problems.
Supportive
Supportive psychotherapy is a type of therapy that primarily focuses on providing emotional support, encouragement, and validation during difficult life circumstances or psychological challenges
Grief Therapy
Grief therapy, also known as grief counseling, is a type of psychotherapy that helps people cope with the emotional, physical, social, spiritual, and cognitive responses to loss. It can help people deal with a greater than normal reaction to a loss and anticipatory loss.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Serves
Licensed in
- VirginiaLicense 0904017039