Linda Varadachari MA, PLPC
Counselor

Linda is a therapist under the supervision of Derek Stricklin. Linda’s favorite populations to work with are children ages 3-12, but she also enjoys working with adolescents and parents. She is particularly interested in working with children and adolescents who are neurodivergent and have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or an intellectual disability. In terms of areas of focus, Linda specializes in trauma-informed care, attachment disorders, and challenges that may arise for individuals who are neurodivergent.
 
While Linda approaches each counseling session rooted in the beliefs of Client-Centered/Humanistic therapy, her overall counseling approach can best be described as eclectic or multi-modal. Linda uses techniques derived from multiple orientations such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients challenge negative thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors and learn skills and strategies to create positive change.
 
Linda loves using play therapy techniques with children and adolescents to help them explore and make sense of their feelings and experiences. When appropriate, she also incorporates Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) in counseling sessions with children, adolescents, and their parents. TF-CBT can help with regulating emotions and behaviors, processing traumatic events, family relationships and communication, and the development of feelings of safety and trust.
 
Linda believes that each person is the best expert in their own life and experiences and has the capacity for growth and therapeutic change within themselves. Linda says, “My role, as the counselor, is to create an open, accepting, caring, nonjudgmental, and safe environment for the client to explore their feelings, emotions, behaviors, values, strengths, weaknesses, and relationship patterns. This exploration can help the client have a deeper understanding about themselves, learn coping skills and strategies, and find positive solutions to life’s challenges.”
 
Linda has certification in mild to moderate behavior disorders from her educational background. She has taken multiple trainings in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
 
Linda has afternoon and evening availability in our Fenton office.
 
Education:
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Webster University
Bachelor of Arts in Special Education/Education (dual degree program) from University of Missouri-St. Louis
Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development from Missouri State University
 
Certifications:
Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor
 
Linda enjoys watching movies, reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two teenage children.