Whitney Leininger , LMSW

Whitney Leininger is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW) based in Southwestern Michigan who provides direct mental health and behavioral services to children and adults. She works with people experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, personality and mood disorders, stress related to sexual orientation and gender identity, employment-related stress, grief and loss, challenges with motivation and self-esteem, cultivating self-compassion, and coping with both expected and unexpected life changes. Her background includes delivering care in a variety of settings such as community programs, schools, in-home services, and residential treatment facilities.

Whitney views the therapeutic relationship as a partnership built on mutual respect between equals and centers collaboration in the helping process. Her practice draws from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Supportive Therapy, Solution-Based Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, and she often incorporates mindfulness practices, journaling, worksheets, and reflective exercises to support progress. Together with each client she develops goals aimed at increased insight, symptom relief, problem-solving, stronger coping skills, or other outcomes the client identifies.

She believes each person is the expert of their own story and that existing strengths play a central role in moving through challenges. Whitney emphasizes courage and purposeful steps toward a more fulfilling life and aims to support and empower clients throughout that journey.

Evidence-Based Approaches for Online Care

Whitney commonly uses Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful patterns of thought and behavior to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. This approach often includes practical exercises and skills that clients can apply between sessions.

She also draws on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy techniques to help clients improve emotion regulation, stress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness through structured skills practice. Motivational Interviewing is another method she employs - this collaborative style helps clarify personal values and strengthen motivation for change when clients face difficult decisions or transitions.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Whitney works collaboratively with each person to determine which techniques best match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with Whitney is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to connect from home, work, or while caring for others, and allow ongoing access to a licensed professional even when in-person meetings are not feasible.