Our therapists in Henrico, VA offer counseling for loneliness

Patricia "Tricia" McCarty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who enjoys helping people work through life transitions, addiction, grief/loss, chronic illness/pain, anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem. Tricia uses a humanistic approach and a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, strength-based, narrative, acceptance and commitment, expressive art as therapy, and positive psychotherapy. 

Tricia completed her Master of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. She will actively listen, help you gain perspective, explore with you what is keeping you from becoming the best version of yourself, and make a plan that will empower you to reach your goals.

“In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety” (Abraham Maslow). Sometimes what feels safe, comfortable, and familiar, is actually unhealthy; change can be hard and the unknown scary. Do you feel stuck, repeating toxic patterns or negative thinking? Have life events or stress become overwhelming or seem unmanageable? Maybe you just need a supportive space to talk about what you’re going through and how you are feeling.

Wendy Wasserstrom is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 9 years of social work experience. She has provided mental health services to children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, and she has experience providing individual and group therapy. She has worked with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, substance abuse, and family conflict. 

Wendy earned her undergraduate degree in Social Work from Florida State University and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. She has worked in a variety of settings, providing services in the community, outpatient settings, and public schools. An area of particular passion includes working with young adults with a wide variety of presenting concerns including depression, anxiety, substance use, self-injury, trauma, and sexual assault recovery. 

Wendy utilizes a wide range of therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, strength-based, solution-focused, and motivational interviewing. Wendy realizes that each person is unique and tailors her therapeutic approach to each client. Her approach to therapy is person-centered and involves meeting her clients where they are. She approaches clients with compassion and acceptance. Wendy believes that therapy requires vulnerability and courage and works to create a safe setting for that work to occur.

Renea Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over a year of supervised clinical counseling experience, working with seniors, adults, adolescents, families, and couples in private practice settings. Renea also has over 14 years of experience in school counseling. Having grown up in a multi-generational home during her adolescent years and having served both the comprehensive and exceptional education school settings, she has a deep-rooted admiration and respect for the older population, parents, educators, caregivers of children with unique needs and abilities. She seeks to provide support to those in need of an extra dose of reassurance, unconditional positive regard, and relevant coping skills to take care of themselves as they take care of others around them.

As a former Peace Corps Volunteer (South Africa 1999-2001) who earned her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University, Renea believes it is paramount to show honor to all people and the history we each bring into this world we share. She has clinical experience working with a diverse array of individuals. Each individual, as well as their personal struggles and resources of strength, insight, and rich experience are warmly welcomed into her counseling room.

Renea welcomes this awesome opportunity to not only educate, guide, and empower, but also to learn, grow, and even play---together!

Renea believes one of the most effective ways of forming meaningful interpersonal connectivity is by being intentional in one’s effort in “seeing” the individuals she is privileged to “share space” with.