Ruth Ann Talley, LCSW

Ruth Ann Talley is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in Virginia. She brings 12 years of experience working across medical and geriatric settings and with military members. Ruth Ann focuses on practical support for problems like anxiety, depression, sleep trouble, and chronic stress. She invites people to take an active role in sessions so they can work toward clearer coping and better daily functioning.

Before her current practice she worked as a medical social worker and a geriatric social worker. For the past six years she has worked directly with military members addressing depression, anxiety, long-term stress, insomnia, and trauma. That background gives her experience with both medical contexts and life-stage concerns such as aging and caregiver stress.

Her approach centers on the person in front of her. She uses client-centered methods to follow what matters most to each person. She also draws on cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thinking and build new coping skills.

Sessions typically involve clear, practical steps and collaborative goal-setting. Ruth Ann helps people break big problems into smaller tasks and practices they can try between visits. She also supports conversations about life changes, midlife concerns, career stress, and relationship challenges.

Ruth Ann works with issues including grief, trauma and abuse, ADHD, panic, social anxiety, workplace stress, and women's issues. She also focuses on aging and geriatric issues and caregiver stress, helping people manage role changes and practical strains that come with those phases of life.

How her approaches guide online therapy

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to what matters most to each person. The therapist follows the client's lead, reflects concerns, and helps prioritize what to work on next. This approach is useful for people who want a supportive, collaborative space to talk through life changes and caregiving stress.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches practical steps to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It often includes specific exercises and homework to practice new skills between sessions. CBT is commonly used for anxiety, depression, insomnia, panic, and stress-related problems.

Deciding which approach or mix to use is part of the work together. The therapist will help figure out the best fit based on goals, symptoms, and personal preferences. That collaboration means strategies can be adjusted as progress is made.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm current session options before booking since formats are not specified here. Many people find remote work makes it easier to fit therapy around caregiving tasks, medical appointments, or work breaks. Online sessions can also reduce travel time and allow for shorter check-ins when needed, helping therapy fit into a busy routine.