Our therapists offer play therapy in Chesterfield, VA

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with 18 years of experience supporting adolescents, young adults, and families. I specialize in emotional dysregulation, anger management, trauma, anxiety, depression, and behavioral concerns, including aggression, treatment resistance, and risk-taking behaviors. Many clients seek therapy to reduce conflict, manage stress more effectively, and build resilience and hope for the future.

I earned my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Walden University. My clinical approach integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, person-centered therapy, and motivational interviewing to help clients understand patterns, strengthen coping skills, and create meaningful, sustainable change.

I strive to create a safe, supportive, and collaborative space where clients feel heard and empowered. Together, we work toward emotional regulation, self-awareness, and confidence in navigating life’s challenges. If you are ready to begin your healing journey, I welcome the opportunity to support you.

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.

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.

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!

Ashley Floyd is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisee with 2 years of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in supporting individuals through depression, anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, substance use, and life transitions. Ashley was inspired to return to school to study social work after spending 12 years in retail and meeting a wide variety of diverse people. She has worked with clients with intersectional identities including LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and those in recovery. As a believer in flexible treatment, Ashley tailors her approach to each individual.

Ashley received her Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her favorite therapeutic approaches are parts work and internal family systems techniques, dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and traditional talk therapy.

These are challenging times for everyone. Despite being increasingly electronically "connected,” people feel more isolated than ever, but Ashley believes change is always possible! Reach out and find a strategy to work toward being the best version of yourself in a life that honors your values.

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!

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.