Meet Lindsey

pictured: therapist and practice owner Lindsey Bat (with longer hair than is current)

(she/they)

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional specializing in complex trauma and the neurodivergent experience. My most meaningful work has been with clients who identify as Deeply Feeling/HSP, C-PTSD, Autistic, and/or ADHD—basically, fellow “black sheep.” I began this little practice to offer affirming, intentional, safe, and accessible services to our shared community.

Since graduating with my MSW in 2020, my experience as a therapist has encompassed work with the queer, trans, and neurodivergent community, people of all ages with a history of complex trauma, and those experiencing burnout, depression, anxiety, “never enough-ness,” overwhelm, and relationship concerns. I am a late-identified multiply neurodivergent, queer person. As a white therapist, I am deeply committed to practicing from a place of cultural humility and anti-racism.

My style is open, authentic, non-judgmental, curious, engaged, and compassionate. All of your parts are welcome in the therapeutic space, and I will work with you to create a sense of safety there. I wholeheartedly believe that my clients are the experts in their experiences and have the innate ability to move towards healing and growth. I have learned that a trusted therapeutic relationship can greatly enhance the healing process. I will join with you to tell your story, identify effective methods of coping, deepen self-awareness, unmask, and unearth your inherent strengths.

I believe in offering an integrative and holistic approach to therapy which considers each person’s unique needs. I use techniques based in Relational, Person-Centered, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) therapy. Because emotions and trauma are stored in the body, many find it helpful to incorporate somatic-based exercises in session. I am also trained in Brainspotting, a powerful trauma-processing modality. Most importantly, I will work with you to find what works for you.

I work with Virginia residents via a convenient, HIPAA-secure telehealth platform. For those in Richmond, I also offer a limited number of in-person appointments at my Lakeside office, or a nearby park perfect for nature-based sessions.

I am committed to learning & growing personally & professionally.

portrait by @drawingablank_illustration

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia - #0904014540

Education:

Master of Social Work – Virginia Commonwealth University
Bachelor of Science, Psychology – University of Central Florida

A few of the trainings I have completed :

Brainspotting Phase 1 Training – October 2023
IFS Online Circle, Foundations of the IFS Model – March 2023
Treating Complex Trauma with Internal Family Systems (IFS) – June 2022
Symposium on Autistic Relationships: Communication, Community, Connection, Reframing Autism – June 2022
Using the MIGDAS-2 Sensory-Based Diagnostic Interview – January 2022, April 2022
Understanding Autism through the Actually Autistic Lens, Penn State University – October 2021
Treating Complex Trauma: Beyond Competency, Evergreen Certifications – October 2021

I value lived and living experience and aim to learn first and foremost from community voices.

Learning about Autism and the Neurodiversity Paradigm?

Neurodiversity : Some Basic Terms & Definitions, by Nick Walker, PhD

How To Talk About Autism Respectfully, by Mykola Bilokonsky

My Brain is Autistic, by Terra Vance

Meme Gallery, by Matt Lowry

Actually Autistic Accounts to Follow, by Sonny Jane Wise

How To ADHD YouTube Channel

A Guide for Queer Folks Who Just Learned They Have ADHD, by Sarah Dopp

Neuro-Affirming Autism/ADHD Resources, compiled by Rachel Boggan, LCSW

lindsey's booklist