Linda Blackburn , LCSW

Linda Blackburn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) whose career blends nursing and social work to support people through anxiety, grief, depression, and life transitions. She earned a Bachelor of Science from East Carolina University in 1993 and completed an Advanced Standing Master of Social Work at East Carolina University in 1994. Before moving into social work, she worked as a Registered Nurse in psychiatric nursing with adolescents and adults for eleven years, and she received her clinical social work license in 1995.

Over the years she has built extensive outpatient counseling experience, including more than ten years as the owner of a private practice and additional roles in outpatient settings. Her primary clinical focus has been the treatment of anxiety and depression, and she is a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), reflecting specialized training in anxiety care. For twelve years she taught day-long seminars across the United States on grief, bereavement, and loss therapy, covering both death-related and non-death-related loss. She also spent a decade as an adjunct professor in social work at Shaw University, teaching entry-level courses.

Her approach to therapy is eclectic and tailored to each person’s needs, emphasizing respect, sensitivity, compassion, and a nonjudgmental stance. In recent years she has incorporated neuroscience-informed strategies into treatment planning to better address mental health concerns. She values building trusting, collaborative relationships that support personal growth and more effective outcomes.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Linda Blackburn

Linda Blackburn draws from several established approaches to guide online therapy. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then clarify personal values and take small, meaningful steps - it is often helpful for anxiety, avoidance, and coping with life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; by identifying and testing unhelpful thinking patterns and adjusting behavioral routines, CBT can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and sleep difficulties. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, respect, and a nonjudgmental presence to strengthen self-understanding and self-worth, which supports work on grief, self-esteem, relationships, and life transitions.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic journey, and Linda works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits best based on their needs, goals, and preferences. Sessions evolve as progress is made and as circumstances change.

Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for busy schedules and for those who live far from local providers. These options make it easier for individuals to maintain consistent care, access licensed professionals from different locations, and choose the format that feels most comfortable for them.