Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Chesapeake, VA

Jerusha McClendon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has worked with many people experiencing mental health and addiction personally or in their family. Jerusha has 8 years of experience in the mental health field. She completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Ohio State University.

Jerusha believes there is a need to identify and understand where the seeds of doubt and fear come from, as well as how to connect with the seeds of hope and purpose in the present and the future. Her job is to facilitate the conversation and allow clients to gain insight into their condition and develop an action plan to change their lives.

Jerusha’s superpowers include listening empathetically, relating easily to others, and critical thinking. She believes that all people have purpose in life, and she wants to explore that purpose with clients. Additionally, she strives to create a safe place in therapy so vulnerability can be examined and gains made. Therapy is a change process. Join Jerusha in this change process so that you can be a changemaker in your life and spread that change to others in your inner circle.

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with 12 years of experience supporting individuals navigating anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, and life transitions. I work with clients who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain and are seeking clarity, balance, and emotional stability. Many of the people I support are managing relationship challenges, parenting stress, or workplace pressures, and I focus on creating a safe, welcoming space for healing and personal growth.

I hold a master’s degree in professional counseling from Liberty University. I use an integrative, evidence-based approach tailored to each client’s needs, blending counseling techniques that support emotional regulation, insight-building, and practical skill development to promote resilience and lasting change.

You deserve a supportive space where you can feel heard and understood without judgment. Together, we will identify your strengths, develop effective coping tools, and work toward meaningful goals. If you are ready to take the next step in your healing journey, I would be honored to support you.

Brittney Juanita Pearson is a Licensed Psychologist who has worked with clients varying in ages from 7 to 65 years old. Brittney’s clients include those with severe and persistent mental illnesses, severe emotional disturbances, and individuals struggling with major life adjustments. She has found success working with clients who struggle with daily living due to anxiety, mood disturbances, psychosis, or behavioral issues. Brittney is committed to creating a therapeutic environment that is both welcoming and comfortable for the client.

Brittney completed her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Psychology at Virginia State University in 2017. In the same year she completed her clinical internship at an APA-accredited community mental health center in Leavenworth, Kansas. In 2021 Brittney became licensed to practice clinical psychology in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Brittney is committed to providing effective, evidence-based care and mental health education. Her approach to therapy is best summarized as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-focused, client-centered, and strength-based. Brittney provides a collaborative and supportive space where she challenges each client to discover their personal strengths. These strengths set the foundation for further skill building based on the client’s needs. Each therapy session encourages client participation in both the initial treatment planning and throughout the course of ongoing sessions. Establishing genuine rapport with clients while maintaining appropriate boundaries is essential for a comfortable, therapeutic environment.

It can be a daunting task to open yourself up to someone you’ve just met. The right therapist can help make this process as comfortable as possible. Brittney’s approach to therapy is adapted to fit the needs of the client. Sessions may involve practicing assertive language, learning healthy coping skills, processing difficult life events, challenging unhealthy thoughts, or exploring triggers for anxiety. The foundation of each approach is built on the client’s personal strengths. Brittney believes that every client possesses at least three strengths that can be used as assets within therapy. Through a collaborative effort these strengths can be used to help build a more fulfilling and healthy quality of life.

***DOES NOT DO PSYCH EVALUATIONS***

I am Dr. B, Dr. Bertresh, Dr. London or Dr. Nunez, and I have dual licenses as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Virginia. I have been working with children, families, couples, and individuals for over 30 years. In that time, I have found from working with couples that I help serve as their translator to increase communication, understanding, and connection. With individuals, I've helped them thrive by overcoming and significantly decreasing anxiety, anger, depression, lack of motivation, social anxiety, and difficulties communicating.

As your clinician, we will personalize your treatment and utilize your strengths, resources, and passions to help overcome struggles. This means that I will help you manage unwanted thoughts, implement coping skills, learn social skills, reframe triggers, become more assertive, and increase mindfulness resulting in less unwanted symptoms.

Saying life can be heavy, draining, discouraging, and challenging is an understatement, especially when trauma and life circumstances are present. Let's start identifying ways that you can get out of the deep hole that you may be in. I can help you get out of the rut with supportive, unbiased observations to navigate through life's many changes.