Acquanita Pettis

Acquanita Pettis, LCSW, LISW-CP, helps people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, trauma, anger, or low self-esteem. She offers a calm, direct approach that aims to make emotional problems easier to understand. Her style is warm and affirming for LGBTQ+ individuals and others navigating identity and discrimination concerns.

With 12 years of experience, she focuses on practical tools people can use between sessions. She listens for patterns that keep problems repeating and works with clients to try different ways of responding. That often means learning skills for managing strong emotions, improving communication, and reducing self-blame.

Pettis uses a mix of approaches to match each person's needs. She draws on attachment work to look at how early relationships shape current reactions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. Dialectical Behavior Therapy offers concrete skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance.

Her work also covers issues such as abandonment, codependency, caregiver stress, substance concerns, and forgiveness. She supports people exploring life purpose or dealing with relationship endings and family of origin difficulties. Sessions aim to be practical and focused on small, manageable changes.

Located in South Carolina, she holds licenses in both North Carolina and South Carolina: Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice. Sessions are conducted in English and international clients are not accepted. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule based on therapist availability.

How her approaches translate to online therapy

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships affect current emotions and reactions. Online sessions using this lens focus on understanding patterns that trigger anger, anxiety, or avoidance, and on trying new ways of connecting in everyday life.

Client-Centered Therapy centers the person's experience and values. In sessions the therapist listens without judgment and helps clients name their priorities and goals, which can guide practical next steps between meetings.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks down problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Online work with CBT often includes identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavior changes to reduce anxiety or anger responses.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will review your needs, goals, and preferences and suggest options. Together, you can try different techniques and adjust the plan over time to find what fits best.

The original biography does not list specific online session formats, so please confirm available options before booking. Many people find that remote sessions make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Online work can still include skill practice, role play, and homework between sessions to support progress.