Wendie Vanderwater, LCSW

Wendie Vanderwater is a licensed clinical social worker with 22 years of experience. She works with people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship struggles, trauma, or questions about identity and sexuality. Wendie speaks plainly in sessions and aims to be straightforward and nonjudgmental so clients can talk honestly about what matters most.

Her approach is flexible and client-directed. She asks questions to learn what a person needs and then offers practical options. Some people prefer homework and structured tools; others want time to talk things through. Wendie blends methods like dialectical behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy when that best fits the situation.

Mindfulness and simple practices are part of her routine. She often uses mindfulness and journaling to help people get in touch with feelings and notice patterns. She also encourages everyday activities outside therapy, such as volunteering or joining a group, to support well-being.

Wendie works with a wide range of concerns, including ADHD, bipolar disorder, eating and intimacy-related issues, parenting and caregiver stress, and challenges linked to adoption or family of origin. She treats each concern as a problem to solve together rather than a label to carry.

Sessions focus on discovering what works for each person. Wendie aims for a collaborative process where clients set the pace, choose whether to use homework, and try practical steps to boost their happiness and coping skills.

How her approaches translate to online care

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and following the client's lead. In practice this means Wendie centers sessions on what the person wants to work on and adjusts pace and content to match their comfort. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on practical tools to change patterns of thinking and behavior. It can help with anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes by teaching simple skills and short exercises. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, brings skills for managing intense emotions and improving relationships. It often includes mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation techniques.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Wendie will talk with each person about goals, try methods that make sense, and change course when something does not help. That collaborative process helps identify which tools fit a client's needs and preferences.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm the exact session formats before booking so you know what is offered. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life by reducing travel time, allowing shorter check-ins when needed, and letting people join from quieter surroundings. Many clients find the flexibility helps them practice skills between meetings and keep momentum while managing day-to-day responsibilities.