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.

"As we all face life challenges often consisting of anxiety, poor time management, lack of self-care and stress, I understand the components of anxiety, isolation, and depression that have impacted one's mental health."

Jennifer Dishner is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has worked with a wide variety of populations in many different settings including public schools, inpatient hospital units, and community work. Helping individuals and families find their strengths and self-worth is a major role of Jennifer's clinical work. It is through this clinical work that she believes clients are best able to realize their potential growth and maintain positive change.  

Jennifer received her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia, and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lynchburg College. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and solution-focused therapy treatment modalities. Jennifer teaches mindfulness practices to help bring compassion and awareness to feelings and moments.

Jennifer's personal interests include traveling, organizing, reading, trying new recipes in the kitchen, and spending time with family and friends.

"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.

"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 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.

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

Alexis Wooden is a Resident in Counseling 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!

"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 Resident in Counseling 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!

"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.

Hui-Chen Wong is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 10 years of experience providing individual counseling for children, adolescents and adults across the lifespan. She specializes in treating 

mood disorders, trauma, PTSD, acute stress, anxiety, depression, oppositional (ODD), conduct disorders, behavioral issues, family challenges, grief, loss, and life balance. 

Ms. Wong received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Welfare and a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. Ms. Wong has over 10 years experience working with individuals across the lifespan. This has included work with the Severely Mentally Ill (SMI) population. Her work draws upon crisis intervention, trauma informed care, mindfulness, and meditation.

Ms. Wong utilizes evidence-based treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based approaches to help individuals achieve improved emotional and behavioral functioning. Ms. Wong's goal is to provide a comfortable, supportive environment upon which a strong clinical relationship can be built. It is her belief that through this partnership clients are best able to draw on their individual strengths and capabilities.

"As a psychotherapist, pastor, mother and wife, I have a wide breadth of experience and knowledge that helps me identify and relate to clients on multiple levels. "

Cheryl Colt is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who specializes in anxiety, depression, grief, anger management, and domestic abuse. Cheryl has 12+ years of experience as an LPC working with individuals, couples, and families. Her pastoral background also enables her to support clients using their spiritual resources.

"'I want to feel better. I want a better relationship with my partner or children. I need someone to really listen to me.' These are some of the comments I hear when someone comes to counseling for the first time," says Cheryl. "Often, the clients I see have struggled with depression, anxiety, conflict, or trauma for years before they seek help from a therapist. What if counseling could improve your quality of life and lessen your negative symptoms? In my work as a psychotherapist, I have had the joy of seeing these very goals accomplished." 

Cheryl uses numerous interventions, strength based, emotionally focused, CBT, family systems and is a certified clinical trauma professional as well as a VCA registered supervisor. Her years of experience highlight what a wonderful clinician she is to work with and she supports any goals you identify in treatment.

"Hello, I'm Shelby Pearce, a compassionate ally on your journey dedicated to providing a safe and understanding space where, together, we can navigate life's challenges with empathy and perseverance."

Shelby Pearce is a dedicated mental health professional with 5 years of experience in community mental health for adults and adolescents. Shelby specializes in a range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, postpartum challenges, LGBTQIA+ matters, bipolar disorder, substance use, trauma, relationship and familial challenges, grief, and work-life balance. Shelby is passionate about providing individualized therapy tailored to everyone’s unique challenges and creating an open and empathetic space. Shelby holds a Master of Science in Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Utilizing person-centered therapeutic approaches including CBT, motivational interviewing, DBT, family-focused therapy, trauma-focused CBT, mindfulness, existential therapy, and ACT - Shelby's superpower lies in her cultural competency, ensuring a personalized, supportive, and inclusive therapeutic experience for every individual she works with.

In the intricate journey of life, challenges often feel relentless. Shelby understands the weight of your unique experiences and is here as a compassionate ally, ready to listen and support you. Reach out to Shelby to explore how you can develop techniques and skill sets to navigate and overcome life's hurdles.

"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.

"I am here to listen, validate, and support you in using the gifts you already have to tackle the challenges, hurts, and disappointments that life unexpectedly brings. As someone who is queer-identifying and neurodivergent-affirming, I understand how our differences are our superpowers and our identities and values are our ultimate tools for problem-solving."

Benjii Maust is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of experience working with children, teens, and adults in intensive in-home, community, outpatient, and residential settings. Benjii specializes in LGBTQIA affirmation, anger management, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and managing trauma-based behaviors. His ideal client struggles with acceptance, coping mechanisms, and expressing feelings healthily. Benjii has also supported clients living with chronic illnesses who require emotional support in managing their medical needs.

Benjii received his Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. He draws on techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, compassion-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. Benjii utilizes art and play-based interventions with younger clients.

Benjii is committed to meeting you where you are in your journey and engaging with you to identify thoughts, patterns, and narratives working against you. If you are feeling stuck and looking for a change, reach out to Benjii today.