Lori Wilson , LCSW

Lori Wilson is a clinical social worker with licensure in both Arizona and Tennessee and a background in substance use counseling in Arizona. She holds the LCSW credential - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - and has been working in the helping professions since 2004, building extensive experience across clinical and residential settings.

Since May 2022 she has provided remote therapy as a contracted therapist, appreciating the flexibility of meeting clients in a variety of virtual formats. Her earlier work has included services for veterans facing mental health and substance use challenges, residential treatment for pregnant and postpartum women, and care for men and women in both inpatient and outpatient programs. Across these roles she has delivered individual therapy and led groups addressing trauma, anxiety, depression, and substance use.

Her academic training includes a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in social work with a specialty in substance use disorder treatment and clinical services. Lori integrates that clinical foundation with practical experience to support people coping with stress, addiction, trauma, mood concerns, relationship and family issues, and related struggles. She emphasizes approachable, evidence-informed care tailored to each person’s needs and life circumstances.

Combining Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Lori uses client-centered therapy to build a collaborative, respectful relationship that prioritizes a person’s own goals and perspectives. This approach helps people who need a supportive space to explore feelings, identity, relationships, and self-worth.

She also applies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. CBT is commonly used for anxiety, depression, stress, and mood-related challenges and can be adapted to address addictive behaviors and sleep or eating concerns.

Motivational Interviewing is another tool she draws on when change feels difficult or ambivalent. That approach focuses on strengthening motivation and commitment to change, which can be helpful for substance use, health behavior changes, and stages of recovery.

Finding the right mix of methods is part of the therapeutic process. Lori works collaboratively with each person to determine which approaches best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers practical benefits for this work. Video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging provide flexible ways to fit therapy into daily life, reduce travel time, and maintain continuity during transitions. Licensed professionals and therapists can deliver meaningful support through these modalities while tailoring pacing and tools to each individual.