Our therapists offer grief & loss counseling in Charlottesville, VA

Nessalyn Dearce is a Resident in Counseling who has experience providing mental health services to children and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, chronic illness, and stress management. Nessalyn is LGBTQIA+ affirming and works to maintain multicultural awareness in session. She completed her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology at Christopher Newport University and her Master of Science (MS) in Education in Counseling at Old Dominion University. 

Nessalyn utilizes person-centered, mindfulness-based, cognitive-behavioral, strengths-based, solution focused, and emotionally focused approaches to therapy. She encourages individuals to acknowledge their inner experiences in healthy ways and assists them in aligning with their goals and ideals. Nessalyn aims to meet the individual needs of each person by exploring the qualities and experiences that make them unique.

Nessalyn understands that getting help can be difficult and intimidating, so she aims to make the office a safe space for clients to be themselves and hopes to establish a therapeutic relationship that makes room for growth and healing.

I am a Resident in Counseling with 4 years of experience supporting adults and teenagers with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, parenting struggles, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Being bilingual in Spanish and English allows me to serve the Spanish-speaking community and welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds. I also have experience working with the immigrant population and strive to provide compassionate, culturally responsive care that meets clients where they are.

I earned my Master’s in Counseling and Human Development and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Radford University. My approach is holistic and includes person-centered, multicultural, cognitive behavioral therapy, expressive arts, solution-focused, and supportive-directive methods, tailored to each client’s needs.

I understand that life can feel difficult and overwhelming at times. I believe healing and growth are possible when trust and rapport are built, and I will walk alongside you at your own pace in the journey toward well-being. Together, we can create space for hope, resilience, and meaningful change.

Dee Jacobi-Edwards is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia and a Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) in South Carolina who has helped individuals, couples, and families for over 20 years. Dee works with clients 18 to 99 years old. Her clients have presented with issues including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and relationship difficulties. Dee has also helped clients who have experienced fear or isolation caused by COVID-19. She understands that grief, loss, and bereavement do not only occur when someone dies, but also when a job is lost, or poor health occurs. Having been a hospice social worker, Dee has also counseled individuals and family members after a loved one has been given a terminal diagnosis.

Dee completed her Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) at the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master of Education (MEd) in Rehabilitation Counseling at Springfield College. Utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, clients develop an understanding of the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and are encouraged to cultivate flexibility in the process, leading to change in automatic problem-solving responses. Other techniques used include mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation techniques. Dee is also an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider.

Using a conversational style, Dee collaborates with her clients, whether an individual, a couple, or family members, to identify areas of concern. Together, she and her client analyze what the perceived difficulties are and identify achievable goals. In a supportive and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship, Dee encourages open communication to resolve conflicts from misunderstandings.

Lindsey is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, with 26 years of experience helping teens, adults, and couples find an optimal way to navigate life's issues. Lindsey specializes in depression, anxiety, LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma, grief, substance use issues, managing anger or stress, unproductive communication patterns, phase of life issues, and more.

Lindsey completed her undergraduate degree in Speech (Radio and TV track) from Radford University. She worked in the Broadcast Marketing Industry for 11 years before returning to Radford to complete her Master of Science degree in Community Agency Counseling. Her broadcast marketing skills enabled her to effectively communicate with a wide variety of audiences. Her experience in this area developed the skills necessary to collaboratively define, plan, and implement creative solutions to a wide variety of challenges. In the 24 years since earning her Master's in Counseling, Lindsey has acquired a complementary set of skills, also used to assist her clients in defining and proactively exploring thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to optimize an individual's (or couple's) sense of satisfaction and happiness in their daily lives. Lindsey uses an eclectic approach to therapy, employing techniques from a broad range of theories. Most important to her is a "person-centered" approach which allows one to feel heard and respected. Lindsey also utilizes skills from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and more, tailoring intentional interventions to the unique needs of her clients. Lindsey strongly believes in using a collaborative approach to therapy, knowing her clients know themselves and their issues better than anyone.

All of us experience challenges during our lives. Lindsey is committed to supporting you through this part of your journey to acquire the support, skills, and confidence to work through whatever your challenges may be. Sometimes, reaching out is some of the hardest work you'll do in therapy. If you are ready to reach out and begin (or continue) the work, schedule an appointment with Lindsey today!

I am a Resident in Counseling with 3 years of experience, supporting women and children navigating anxiety, intrusive thoughts, depression, and major life transitions. Whether adjusting to motherhood, shifting roles, or emotional overwhelm, I help clients feel grounded, confident, and connected to themselves again. My approach centers on creating a safe, compassionate space where healing feels manageable and growth feels possible, allowing clients to reconnect with clarity and balance in their everyday lives.

I have a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and integrate evidence-based modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and behavioral activation. These approaches help me tailor support to each client’s unique experiences and goals, fostering emotional awareness, self-compassion, and lasting resilience.

I know how overwhelming life’s changes can feel, and I strive to help clients discover strength and confidence through practical coping tools and self-discovery. You don’t have to have everything figured out to begin therapy, just a willingness to start. I’m here to walk alongside you as you take that first step toward healing, growth, and renewed hope.