Annisha Dunaway

Empowering practical change through collaborative care

LCSW Virginia

Experience: 6 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Depression
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Annisha

Annisha Dunaway is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who brings six years of practice to adults and teens navigating depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, trauma, and empowerment.

Background and approach

She frames therapy as a collaborative process, working with each client to set goals that reflect their priorities and strengths. Drawing on multiple therapeutic methods rather than a single formula, she adapts interventions to fit the person and the situation.

Clients can expect a warm, candid style that balances encouragement with direct feedback. Annisha emphasizes creating a nonjudgmental environment where people can explore difficult emotions and practice new ways of coping.

She supports clients in identifying values and inner resources, and in using those discoveries to move toward meaningful change. Practical strategies and reflective work are combined to address symptoms and build resilience.

Licensed in Virginia as VA LCSW 0904011770, Annisha integrates approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy alongside client-centered and mindfulness-informed techniques. Her background includes service in the Army and roles supporting victims within law enforcement, experiences that inform a strengths-based, grounded approach to care.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Annisha uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and learn practical skills to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning; this approach is often helpful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which focuses on clarifying personal values, increasing psychological flexibility, and practicing mindful acceptance of difficult emotions to support meaningful change.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with the client to explore goals, preferences, and the presenting concerns, then tailor techniques from these models to fit the person's needs rather than applying one fixed method. Clients and clinician adjust the plan over time based on what is most effective.

Online sessions are offered through video calls, phone appointments, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexibility for varying schedules and communication styles. These formats make it easier to maintain consistency in treatment, access support from different locations within Virginia, and use a mix of real-time conversations and brief check-ins between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Annisha address?

She works with stress, anxiety, self-esteem, depression, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related concerns, parenting challenges, anger, career questions, and coaching needs.

What therapeutic style can I expect in sessions?

The approach is collaborative and tailored, blending practical strategies with reflective work; she describes her manner as warm, open, encouraging, and direct.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Annisha has six years of clinical experience working with adults and teens on a range of mental health and life transition concerns.

Where is Annisha licensed and practicing?

She is licensed in Virginia with the credential VA LCSW 0904011770 and practices with clients located in Virginia.

Are sessions offered in other languages or to international clients?

Sessions are conducted in English, and she is not accepting international clients at this time.

Which session formats are available for online work?

She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different communication preferences.

How is cost determined for therapy with her?

Cost varies based on location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to begin working together?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Self esteem Depression Coping with life changes Compassion fatigue

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse GriefIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoaching

Additional focus areas

Blended family issuesBody imageCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImmigration issuesInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMulticultural concernsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

6+ years

Licensed

Virginia

Languages

English