SM Portrait of Sherry  McClanahan

Sherry McClanahan, LPC

Compassionate practical support for anxiety and trauma

3 years in practice · based in Virginia · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Sherry

Sherry McClanahan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Virginia with three years of experience on this platform. She takes a straightforward and compassionate approach. She focuses on identifying strengths and helping people see their potential.

Sessions aim to be collaborative and practical so clients can move toward the changes they want. Sherry uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors. She also includes Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills and mindfulness techniques to support emotion regulation and stress management.

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Background and approach

Solution-focused and narrative ideas are used to set concrete goals and reframe difficult stories. Her practice welcomes LGBTQ people and supports issues often tied to relationships and identity. Common concerns she addresses include anxiety, stress, trauma and abuse, depression, and relationship difficulties.

She also works with topics such as attachment, abandonment, body image, codependency, jealousy, and gender dysphoria. Sessions may include skill practice, focused problem solving, and gentle tracking of progress between meetings. Sherry aims for clear steps each week so clients can try new ways of coping.

Communication is direct but empathetic, with attention to what fits each person’s life. People choosing to work together start by identifying immediate goals and manageable steps. Over time the focus can shift from symptom relief to broader changes in relationships, self-image, and daily routines.

How her approaches translate to online therapy

Sherry commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot unhelpful thoughts and try practical behavior changes. CBT works well for anxiety, stress, and mood shifts by breaking problems into small, manageable steps.

She also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills and mindfulness practices to support managing intense emotions and staying present. DBT skills help with emotion regulation and distress tolerance, while mindfulness exercises teach simple ways to reduce reactivity and increase focus.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. She will collaborate with each person to choose methods that match goals, needs, and personal preferences. That plan can change as goals evolve.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs. Video sessions allow more face-to-face interaction for skill coaching. Phone sessions can be a good option when bandwidth or comfort with video is limited. Live chat and messaging offer shorter check-ins and the ability to share updates between sessions. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent around work, school, and daily life.
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Questions people ask

What concerns does Sherry commonly address?
She works with anxiety, stress, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship issues, and LGBTQ-related concerns. Additional focuses include attachment, abandonment, body image, codependency, and gender dysphoria.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is straightforward and compassionate. Sessions combine skill teaching, goal setting, and collaborative problem solving.
What is her professional background?
She holds a Licensed Professional Counselor credential and has three years of experience in this practice setting.
Where is she located and licensed?
She is located in Virginia and holds a VA LPC license.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are offered?
Sessions are available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule based on therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
3 years
Licensed
Virginia
Languages
English

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