PLEASE NOTE: If this is an emergency, call 9-1-1. I generally check messages here a few times per day and will respond as quickly as I can. I am currently accepting new clients who RESIDE IN CALIFORNIA. I am available for sessions BY PHONE, VIDEO or LIVE CHAT.
Hello and Welcome! Let me introduce myself. I am Virginia A. Ballantyne, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #98267). I identify as a bi-racial woman and my pronouns are She/Her. My specialties include working with people who have experienced intimate partner violence, trauma/PTSD, anxiety and depression, or grew up in an environment where they were negatively impacted by a family member's substance use or mental illness.
I have received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, as well as Solution Focused Therapy. I practice from a strengths-based, client-centered approach that focuses on empowering each person to access their inner wisdom and move toward mental wellness. My counseling style is non-judgmental and my theoretical orientation is best described as humanistic/eclectic and unique to each person’s situation and background.
I provide a sex positive environment where issues around sexual intimacy, sexual identity, and sexual desires can be discussed without judgement. I consider myself to be an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist and an ally for LGBTQ+ individuals and sexual/gender minorities. I have many years of experience working with a variety of disadvantaged populations through work in both non-profit and county services. I value social justice, authenticity, and each person’s right to self-determination.
I will provide you with support, help you consider different perspectives, and we will work together as a team to help you develop new skills to help you manage stressors and live your best life! Are you ready to get started? Let’s connect. I look forward to working with you.
Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT, Family conflicts, Grief, Parenting issues, Anger management, Adoption and Foster Care, BDSM, Kink, Alternative Sex Culture, Blended Family Issues, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Communication problems, Control issues, Divorce and separation, Domestic Violence, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, First Responder Issues, Gender Dysphoria, HIV / AIDS, Jealousy, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders , Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships, Postpartum Depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexuality, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
CA LCSW 98267
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Virginia Ballantyne. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Virginia is an amazing therapist. I appreciate her knowledge, warmth, compassion, empathy, and thoughtful challenging. I am so thankful to have been matched with her. I highly recommend Virginia!
Written on May 16, 2022 after therapy with Virginia for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
Virginia has been helping me a great deal these past few months. She gives me a better perspective on what I’m presenting to her and offers solutions and compassionate feedback.
Written on Mar 26, 2022 after therapy with Virginia for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, anger management, and career difficulties
Virginia is an angel of a therapist. Her expertise shines through and she really makes you feel heard and understood. I would recommend her highly.
Written on Jan 13, 2022 after therapy with Virginia for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts
Virginia is thoughtful, understanding, and has a real knowledge of trauma and how it can affect you. After working through the initial crisis that brought me to therapy, we've been able to talk about setting up goals for ongoing therapy and I'm doing a lot better. I feel truly understood and heard when we speak and I'm able to express the things that are going on in my life without any judgment.
Written on Dec 27, 2021 after therapy with Virginia for 1 year on issues concerning family conflicts, and trauma and abuse
An amazing therapist. She is able to offer great advice and just wonderful support. I couldn’t recommend her enough.
Written on Jul 12, 2021 after therapy with Virginia for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
From a few sessions we have had I have feel like she understands my situation and has great recommendations. She also explains everything thoroughly and follows up every time. I really appreciate her tone when we speak and just makes our sessions as calm and comfortable space.
Written on Jun 08, 2021 after therapy with Virginia for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd