Our therapists offer EMDR 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.

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!

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!

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.

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 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!

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!

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.

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.

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.