Welcome!

I’m Vee Lamneck, and I use they/them pronouns. As a therapist specializing in child mental health and play therapy, I’m here to support children and adolescents as they navigate tough stuff and learn to love who they are.

To me, therapy isn’t about becoming perfect or fixing something that’s broken. Instead, I see it as an opportunity to explore and get curious about what’s getting in the way.

Or, in the famous words of Ms. Frizzle from that 90s classic The Magic School Bus, I see therapy as an invitation to “take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!”

My Story

I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2013, where I gained hands-on experience at Side by Side and Greater Richmond SCAN. This brought my academic learning to life and showed me the incredible strength within our communities. After graduation, I spent nearly 10 years advocating for LGBTQ+ equality across Virginia. In that time, I saw firsthand the mental health challenges facing queer and trans youth, which inspired me to shift my focus and become a therapist.

Since then, my professional training and experience has centered on supporting LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent youth. I provide support with challenges related to anxiety, depression, social and sensory differences, disordered eating, and minority stress.

I create space where kids and teens feel truly seen, heard, and free to explore what matters most to them. Therapy isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about discovering who you already are. What drives me is watching young people move from a place of self-criticism to self-compassion, because that’s when the real magic begins. It’s more than therapy—it’s a journey toward a more authentic, confident self.

Professional Background

  • Virginia Commonwealth University, MSW, 2013

  • Licensure #0904017655, Virginia

  • As a resident therapist, I worked at The Properties of Light and LaunchPad Counseling in Richmond, VA

  • I’m currently pursing Registered Play Therapist (RPT) certification under the supervision of Mary Beth Murray, LCSW, RPT-S

  • Member of the Association for Play Therapy

Publication

  • Wagaman, M. A., Watts, K. J., Lamneck, V., D’Souza, S.A., McInroy, L.B., Eaton, A.D., & Craig, S. (2020). Managing stressors online and offline: LGBTQ+ Youth in the Southern United States. Children and Youth Services Review, Volume 110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.104799

Fun Facts

  • I grew up in the Shenandoah Valley, where my high school was nestled among cattle pastures. And yes, we even had “Drive Your Tractor to School Day!”

  • I’m a beekeeper, and I’m constantly amazed by how bees work together to accomplish incredible things in their short but remarkable lives.

  • As you might’ve guessed from some of my photos, I’m a big Dolly Parton fan. With her warmth, talent, grit, and humor, what’s not to love? Plus, let’s be real, she’s a total queer icon.

Why work with me?

I believe the best therapy combines solid research with a playful spirit. I stay updated on the latest insights from child psychology to ensure your child receives evidence-based support tailored to their specific needs.

The fun part? Kids thrive when they’re engaged! That’s why I weave play and creativity into our sessions. Through games, art, and imaginative storytelling, I create a space where your child can explore their thoughts and feelings without the pressure of traditional talk therapy.

What is play therapy?

Play therapy is a powerful approach defined by the Association for Play Therapy as “the systematic use of a theoretical model to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties.” It’s not just fun; it’s an intentional process that requires specialized training.

I’m in the process of becoming a Registered Play Therapist, and plan to complete my certification by spring 2025. The skills and research I’m learning are already being applied to my practice, and enrich the work I do with my clients every day.