Amelia (Markert) Shaw , LCSW

Amelia (Markert) Shaw is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Virginia who brings a steady, empathetic presence to people navigating life transitions and emotional challenges. With a practical focus on meeting individuals where they are, she helps clients explore options, shift perspectives, and develop strategies to manage the everyday ups and downs that can feel overwhelming. Her training as an LCSW means she combines clinical knowledge with a focus on realistic, attainable change.

She works with common stressors such as difficult decisions, tension arising from work or relationship stress, sudden major life changes, and questions related to mental health treatment. Shaw believes that connecting with each person in the moment allows the therapeutic process to unfold naturally, revealing new ways to grow and cope. Therapy is presented as an opportunity to learn about oneself, notice avoided feelings, and open pathways to different responses and choices.

Shaw acknowledges the stigma that can surround asking for support and reframes counseling as a courageous step toward greater self-understanding. She emphasizes practical learning - new skills to manage stress, clearer recognition of how thoughts shape emotions, and concrete plans for change. Approachable and understanding, she partners with clients to create intentional goals for growth and a more fulfilling life, supporting them through wherever they are on that journey.

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online

Amelia (Markert) Shaw draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy in her online work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without letting them dictate behavior, supporting values-driven action even when emotions are uncomfortable. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing new ways of thinking and behaving to reduce distress and improve daily functioning. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and a nonjudgmental stance so clients can explore their experience and discover their own solutions.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Shaw works with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting strategies as the work evolves. The aim is to tailor the therapeutic approach so it feels useful and relevant to the individual.

Online therapy with Shaw is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. These options make it easier to attend sessions from familiar settings and to maintain continuity of care when life is busy or in flux, while still receiving support from a licensed professional.