Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Chesterfield, VA

"I hope to create a safe space for clients to be themselves and explore their inner experiences."

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.

"With personal and professional experience in family transitions, spirituality, conflict, and trauma, I am passionate about journeying with my clients through difficult phases of life with hope for health, growth, and peace in the future. "

Joy Daigle Book is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who provides individual, couples, and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. Joy treats children as young as 6 years of age. Joy has experience working with children diagnosed with anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Her clinical work includes issues relevant to women, such as balancing career and parenting expectations, managing workplace prejudice and inequities, recovering from sexual assault, healing from childhood trauma, developing assertive and confident communication patterns, and managing anxiety. Additionally, Joy collaborates with parents and guardians to develop parenting strategies and approaches that cultivate a healthy, empowering family atmosphere. She has also worked with many families navigating the challenges of divorce and custody issues by providing counseling to the children.

Joy completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Cross-cultural Studies, her Master of Divinity with a specialization in Cross-cultural Studies, and an Educational Specialist degree in Mental Health Counseling. Outside of work, Joy enjoys spending time with her family, singing and playing with her children, attending and participating in community events, reading a lot of fiction, baking, crafting, and attending cultural events.

Joy provides an individualized approach to each person and family that works within each unique situation, utilizes strengths within that system, and raises awareness to specific hurdles that may be hindering wellness. Utilizing play and art therapies, Joy seeks to create a safe, welcoming environment for children that empowers them with social skills, coping strategies for managing emotions, and behavioral training that builds personal responsibility. She utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches targeted to specific client needs. Joy strongly believes in celebrating strengths and past victories in establishing treatment plans for current challenges. As such, she incorporates many different techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative and solution-focused therapies, mindfulness and spiritual practices, play and art therapies, and career construction theory.

"I am passionate about helping people become the best version of themselves."

Alexis Wooden is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 4 years of experience. She specializes in accommodating and supporting children, teenagers, and adults with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, addiction, life adjustments, grief, coping skills, and career challenges. Alexis also enjoys working with pre-teens who are affected by behavioral problems and oppositional defiant disorder. She has spent time in various clinical environments including educational and virtual.

Alexis received her Master's in Community Mental Health Counseling at Hampton University. She uses modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, motivational interviewing, and multicultural and mindfulness-based methods while tailoring care to each client’s needs.

Alexis believes empathy and connection have great power and is looking forward to assisting you in realizing your advantages and highlighting the good things in your life. Book an appointment with her today!

"As a Licensed Clinician with over 15 years experience working with children, adolescents, and families, I understand the unique challenges facing our youth today and how to utilize a variety of platforms that encourage engagement in the therapeutic process."

Ashely Ryan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has over 15 years of experience providing therapeutic treatment services to children, adolescents, young adults, and families. Throughout her career, she has helped individuals in the areas of mood management, anger management, substance use/abuse, trauma, self-esteem, grief/loss, anxiety, stress management, and interpersonal skills.

Ashely completed her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University and her Master in Education (M.Ed) in Community Counseling from the College of William & Mary. Ashely feels that in order for therapy to be successful, it needs to occur in a safe and comfortable environment where individuals and families feel listened to, validated, and supported. Ashely believes that the client is their own expert as well and that collaboration is key.

Ashely believes in providing high quality, person-centered treatment that focuses on your goals and what you want to accomplish throughout the therapeutic process. She will create a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), art/play therapy, and solution-focused therapy. Ashely focuses on strengths, on developing a solid therapeutic alliance, and on empowering individuals and families while providing support and guidance on their treatment needs.

"By providing a person-centered, strengths-based, holistic therapeutic experience, I hope to help you make positive, long-lasting changes for a happy and fulfilling life."

Valerie Fowlkes is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 3 years of experience serving clients in various settings including public schools, therapeutic day treatment facilities, substance abuse treatment programs, and mental health agencies. She specializes in assisting adults and adolescents who have a range of concerns such as relationship issues, childhood trauma, depression, anxiety, anger, women's issues, parenting challenges, and behavioral problems. Additionally, Valerie is skilled in providing premarital, marital, and couple counseling to her clients.

Valerie has a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling from Liberty University. She addresses client-specific needs using therapeutic modalities including person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness-based methods, the Gottman method, and many more.

Valerie believes that therapy should be goal-oriented. She helps clients better understand themselves and apply skills to ensure healing continues long after treatment ends. Valerie provides a secure environment where a cooperative, trustworthy, and nonjudgmental relationship can flourish. Schedule a session with her now!

"Life can be difficult and feel unbearable at times. Let me help you navigate the tough stuff to find the peace, harmony, and satisfaction you want and deserve."

Armond Leake is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience in the mental health and rehabilitation fields. He supports individuals navigating loss, career changes, divorce, aging, chronic illness, disability, or other major life changes. They might be experiencing depression or anxiety due to their circumstances and need strategies and guidance to help them cope more effectively. Armond enjoys helping clients identify barriers to successfully work through their difficulties and gain the skills to get where they want to be.

Armond received his Master’s in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. He utilizes approaches including existential therapy, emotionally focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness techniques.

Armond knows how hard this journey can be and has likely experienced some of the same challenges you are going through. As someone who has received support in the past, Armond encourages you to reach out today!

"As an LPC-Resident with 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I would like to help you move past barriers that keep you from being the best you can be, through our work together you will be empowered to make the changes needed to live a more satisfying and fulfilling life."

Carl Brown is a Resident in Counseling who has been working in the mental health field for over 20 years. Mr. Brown has experience working with seriously mentally ill population (SMI) adults, children, and families who have experienced trauma, varied mental health diagnoses, and legal and socioeconomic concerns. His professional career began with District 19 Community Services Board (CSB) as a qualified mental health professional working in the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Day Program. There he was primarily responsible for training and developing individuals with a serious mental illness on independent living skills.

Mr. Brown worked at District 19 CSB for 13 years as a Mental Health Support Provider and then as a Mental Health Case Manager before joining the private mental health sector. He was the Lead Clinical Supervisor with L.I.F.E. Youth and Adult Services for 9 years. Mr. Brown started his private sector career overseeing intensive in-home services, mental health skill building services and the psycho-social rehabilitation (PSR) day program. In addition, he also managed the day-to-day operations of L.I.F.E. Youth and Adult Services and worked with local community mental health agencies to coordinate and collaborate services as needed. Mr. Brown completed his Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Ferrum College and his Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University.

Mr. Brown’s focus is to empower and help you develop strength and mastery over life challenges to help you find your way to healing. Healing is a process that involves appropriate strategies and skills, life changes, insight, self-awareness, and support to get to a place of clarity, self-discovery, and stability. Life often hands us unforeseen challenges and obstacles, but that doesn't have to break us or keep us from the healing we all deserve. There are benefits to seeking help and having a safe space to process. Mr. Brown is here to work with you on your healing journey. He utilizes evidence-based treatments, including person-centered therapy, behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness, to help individuals achieve improved emotional and behavioral functioning.

"It takes a lot of courage to take the first step toward seeking support."

Director of the Year Southside Regional Medical Center, 2019 West Oaks Hospital Pace Setter Award, 2012 United Behavioral Health Employee of the Year, 2009 Payne Whitney Westchester CARE Award, Outstanding Performance and Lasting Contribution 2006 Poster Presentations

"As an EMDR-certified clinician, I use a mindful, client-centered approach and prioritize meeting clients where they are. I am committed to providing a supportive and safe environment that fosters healing and growth."

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 13 years of experience providing therapy to individuals navigating life’s challenges. I am EMDR certified and specialize in trauma-focused work, supporting clients as they heal from difficult experiences at their own pace. My approach is grounded in mindfulness and meeting clients where they are, honoring each person’s unique story, strengths, and goals. I strive to create a supportive, safe, and compassionate environment where clients feel understood and empowered throughout their therapeutic journey.

"As a woman of color, I am able to relate to many issues as well as the many positives and strengths that come along with being a part of such a unique troop."

Aundruletta McCullough is a Resident in Licensed Professional Counseling with 8 years of experience in mental health care. In that time, she has worked with students who have struggled with behavioral issues and emotional disabilities across various age groups. Along with providing assistance for younger individuals, she has also helped adults cope and navigate through mental health issues including anxiety, anger, and social connections.

Aundruletta received her Bachelor's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and later attended Liberty University where she received her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She utilizes solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), among other approaches, to treat her clients.

Aundruletta is interested in helping individuals reach their full potential by working through lifeblocks that are a hindrance toward becoming their better selves. Aundruletta believes that, through teamwork, steps can be taken to achieve goals that may seem hard to achieve alone.

"I am a trauma-informed and trained therapist who treats individuals with anxiety and depression resulting from their trauma experience."

Melissa Moore is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and board-approved Supervisor who has a wealth of information and experience with most mental health disorders. Melissa has provided treatment to individuals from as young as 3 years old, to 65 years old. She works with Residents who want to improve their delivery of clinical treatment, and expand their skill set. Melissa offers support and education, and helps Residents establish their professional identity, their career goals, and their style of clinical delivery.

Melissa completed her Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling and Human Development at Walsh University. She has 10 years of experience in the mental health field. Melissa welcomes working with all Residents, regardless of race, gender, orientation, or lifestyle. She seeks to help Residents improve this field by giving back her expertise, and learning from her Residents.