Verna Tickle

Verna Tickle is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in Washington with 20 years of practice. She helps people who are anxious, stressed, struggling with addictions, or feeling isolated and alone. She also supports those facing relationship strains, self-esteem questions, and the fallout of separation and divorce. Her manner is calm and down-to-earth, and she focuses on practical steps people can use right away.

Verna treats sessions as a partnership where the client is the expert on their life. She listens first, then offers straightforward strategies and tools that match each person's goals. Sessions often focus on clearer communication, setting healthy boundaries, and reducing overwhelm through small, steady changes.

Her background includes many years working with adults from varied backgrounds. She draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques and adapts them to fit each person’s situation. That can mean using thought-focused work to reduce anxiety or strength-based methods to build confidence and self-love.

People who feel stuck or lonely can expect practical guidance alongside emotional support. Verna helps clients identify patterns like codependency, control issues, or harmful substances and then plan manageable steps forward. The focus is on improving day-to-day life rather than on quick fixes.

To begin, Verna asks questions to understand immediate concerns and long-term aims. From there she and the client create a plan that feels realistic and workable for their schedule and needs.

Evidence-based techniques that translate to online work

Verna uses a few core evidence-based approaches in her practice. Cognitive-behavioral strategies look at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions, helping people challenge unhelpful thinking and try new behaviors to lower anxiety and improve mood. Strengths-based work focuses on identifying a person's existing skills and using them to solve problems, build self-esteem, and support recovery from addiction or codependent patterns.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Verna listens to each person's goals and preferences, then suggests methods to test together. She adjusts techniques over time so the work stays useful and aligned with what the client wants to accomplish.

Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, such as shorter commutes and more flexible scheduling. If you are interested in remote sessions, confirm the specific session options before booking so you know what formats are available. Verna will help match the approach and format to your needs so therapy can be practical and work around everyday responsibilities.