Amelia (Markert) Shaw , LCSW

Amelia (Markert) Shaw is a Virginia-licensed LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) with 12 years of clinical experience supporting people through a wide range of life transitions and mental health concerns. She works collaboratively to meet individuals where they are, helping them explore new perspectives that can reveal opportunities for growth and improved day-to-day coping. Her practice addresses common struggles such as stress, anxiety, relationship tension, trauma and abuse, depression, self-esteem challenges, addictions, grief, parenting and career concerns, among other areas.

Amelia emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental approach that encourages clients to acknowledge feelings that may have been avoided and to learn skills for managing emotions and reactions. She blends evidence-informed methods with a client-centered stance, aiming to help people recognize how patterns of thinking influence mood and behavior and to develop practical strategies for change. Beginning therapy is often a courageous step, and Amelia frames the process as an opportunity to gain clearer self-understanding and actionable steps toward a more fulfilling life.

Known for being approachable and understanding, she partners with clients to set specific goals and create plans that align with individual values and priorities. Her work supports people navigating both sudden life changes and ongoing challenges, with attention to personal strengths, resilience, and realistic pathways to improvement.

Therapeutic Approaches for Flexible Online Care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients clarify what matters most to them and develop actions that align with those values. It emphasizes accepting difficult thoughts and emotions while building purposeful behavior, which can aid with stress, anxiety, and life transitions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and adjusting unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. It teaches practical skills for managing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and mood-related concerns by introducing tools for problem solving, emotion regulation, and behavior change.

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a warm, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship where the therapist listens closely and supports the client’s own capacity for growth. This approach can be especially helpful for building self-understanding, improving self-esteem, and working through relational or identity-related issues.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and the therapist will work collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their goals, preferences, and needs. That collaboration helps tailor sessions and evolves over time as progress is made.

Offering video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging makes therapy more accessible and adaptable to different schedules and comfort levels. These options allow licensed professionals to meet clients where they are, support continuity of care during life changes, and provide flexibility for people balancing work, family, and other commitments.