Virginia Ballantyne

Virginia Ballantyne is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who uses a client-centered, strengths-based approach. She focuses on helping people manage anger, stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. Virginia aims to help people find practical ways to cope and make changes that fit their life.

She brings 12 years of experience working in nonprofit and county settings. That background includes work with people affected by intimate partner violence, trauma and PTSD, and families impacted by substance use or mental illness. Her perspective emphasizes social justice and respect for each person’s choices.

Virginia uses tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to teach skills for emotion regulation and coping. She also draws on motivational interviewing and narrative therapy techniques to help people explore goals and reshape unhelpful stories about themselves.

Her style is nonjudgmental and sex positive, so topics like sexual identity, intimacy, and kink can be discussed openly. She identifies as an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist and an ally for sexual and gender minorities.

Sessions are offered to people who live in California. Virginia works with each person to set clear goals, practice new skills between meetings, and track progress over time. She encourages a collaborative process where the client’s values and preferences guide the work.

How her approaches fit into online therapy

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and supporting each person’s goals and values. In practice this means the therapist follows the client’s lead, reflects what they hear, and helps people build on their strengths to manage anger and stress.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT helps people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and practice different responses, which can reduce anger and anxiety over time.

Dialectical behavior therapy, DBT, teaches concrete skills for managing intense emotions and improving communication. DBT skills can be useful for people who want tools for emotional regulation and relationship challenges.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. The therapist will work together with the client to choose techniques that match their needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative planning can be adjusted as progress is made.

Session formats were listed in the original biography as phone, video, and live chat. If you want to confirm current session options, please check before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or remove the need to travel to an appointment.