Our therapists provide life coaching in Chesterfield, 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.

Brittany Brown is a Resident in Counseling with 7 years of experience. She specializes in helping adults and seniors dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. She genuinely loves to see others do well in life and is passionate about developing a toolkit to assist clients in reaching their full potential.

Brittany graduated from Lipscomb University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She utilizes person-centered therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, expressive arts, and faith-based counseling to adapt a plan of care to each of her clients.

Congratulations! Being here means you have made a pivotal move in bettering your life and are actively looking for a teammate to assist you on this journey to healing or finding a solution. Brittany encourages you to walk with her as you explore your challenges, emotions, and goals. Please reach out to schedule your first appointment today!

Hui-Chen Wong is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). 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 of experience providing individual counseling for children, adolescents and adults across the lifespan. Her work draws upon crisis intervention, trauma informed care, mindfulness, and meditation. She specializes in treating acute stress, anxiety, depression, family challenges, grief, loss, life balance, trauma, PTSD, mood disorders, and behavioral issues. 

Ms. Wong utilizes evidence-based treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy, self-compassion treatment, behavioral modification therapy, trauma-informed 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.

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.

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!

Shelby Pearce is a dedicated mental health professional with 6 years of experience in community mental health for adults and adolescents. Shelby specializes in a range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, LGBTQIA+ matters, trauma/PTSD, stress, 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.

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!

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 (CCTP) 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.

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.