Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Richmond, VA

Blakely Baker is a Resident in Social Work with 2 years of experience helping children, youth, adolescents, adults, and seniors with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, trauma, and substance use. Blakely has spent time working in crisis stabilization and school counseling.

Blakely received her Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She uses a variety of clinical approaches that are targeted to client needs such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectic behavioral therapy, and solution-focused therapy.

Blakely strives to meet her clients' needs by providing a welcoming, safe, and brave space to process emotions and experiences. She cares deeply about each client's success and works to highlight strengths to overcome challenges. Blakely is ready to help you achieve your goals and conquer your battles.

Kirstie James is a Supervisee in Social Work with 1 year of experience providing individual counseling to children, adolescents, and adults. She works with children through difficulties centered around behavior and emotional awareness, and with adults seeking grief support, stress management, and help adjusting to life transitions. Kirstie’s goal is to empower individuals to develop autonomy and self-reliance via an environment that provides safety and security. She offers active listening, reflection, and interactive feedback to her clients.

Kirstie received her Master of Social Work from Walden University. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, emotionally focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness techniques. Kirstie makes the therapeutic environment fun for children by incorporating games and offers a calm, relaxed, and open environment for adults.

Kirstie is a warm, vibrant, and understanding therapist willing and eager to assist clients through the triumphs and difficulties of daily life. She will help you break down goals into manageable steps and support you every step of the way. Reach out to Kirstie today!

Stephanie Tingler is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 7 years of experience in the counseling field. She is extremely passionate about walking alongside clients and providing the support and tools to help them reach their personal goals and live the life they desire.

Stephanie completed her Master's degree in Professional Counseling at Liberty University. She has experienced many different mental health challenges and knows what it’s like to work through them and experience true happiness through hardship. She utilizes a variety of therapy methods including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), attachment-based therapy (ABT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Stephanie wants to help you take the first step to healing and living your best life. She looks forward to helping you gain new insight about who you are and help you learn ways to use new tools to reach your goals and grow in your own strength. If you’re ready to begin your journey schedule an appointment with her today.

Kegan Anderson is a Supervisee in Social Work with 1 year of experience. His background is primarily working with children, adolescents, and parents using attachment-based, trauma-informed, and family therapy modalities in settings such as inpatient psychiatric units and intensive-in-home services. Now, Kegan is looking to expand his experience to work with adults and adolescents who experience depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, relationship challenges, and parenting challenges. Kegan would also like to work with the LGBTQ+ population to assist with barriers or challenges this population faces.

Kagan received his Master’s from Virginia Commonwealth University. He uses dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed practices, attachment-based practices, and motivational interviewing to help you discover your needs and how you would best like them met.

Kegan understands how beneficial the therapist-client relationship can be in reaching goals and discussing vulnerable topics. Together, you will identify strengths and address barriers to change while embracing passion and joy. Kegan knows that therapy is a unique experience for everyone, and looks forward to helping you create a life worth living.

Megan Essex is a Licensed Resident in Counseling with 2 years of experience. She specializes in helping individuals navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief, stress, and trauma. Megan has worked in a psychiatric treatment facility as well as outpatient settings and blends her education, life, and professional experience to aid clients in easing emotional pain and gaining perspective. She is passionate about helping others address their unique challenges and explore the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Megan completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Regent University. She utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and person-centered therapy.

Megan is committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel heard, respected, and supported. She will meet you where you are and build a strong therapeutic relationship to help you grow. It takes courage and humility to ask for help, and Megan is here when you are ready.

Lyn Ames is a Resident in Counseling with 2 years of experience. She specializes in helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate challenges related to depression, anxiety, oppositional defiant disorder, anger, relationship issues, parenting challenges, life transitions, behavioral problems, and mood disorders. Lyn has served clients in in-home therapeutic services, outpatient therapy, and family therapy. She views life's challenges as part of the human experiences that allow individuals to grow.

Lyn earned her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She uses a holistic, personalized approach that utilizes various clinical techniques, from cognitive behavior therapy to dialectical behavior therapy and person-centered techniques.

Lyn’s counseling style is characterized by collaboration, empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity within an inclusive space for clients to share their emotions and experiences. She strives to ensure that individuals feel valued and understood. Lyn is dedicated to helping her clients find hope and healing life's journey. Schedule an appointment today!

Shakarla Brown is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 7 years of experience. She works with young adults and adults to manage issues like depression, anxiety, ADHD, stress, life transitions, emotional dysregulation, and self-esteem. Shakarla focuses on improving clients' self-worth by challenging negative core beliefs and collaboratively understanding how other contributing factors impact their behaviors and intrapersonal relationships. She emphasizes that the progress made outside sessions is just as vital as the work done during them, empowering clients to take control of their healing journey.

Sharkla received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health from Regent University. She uses treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, internal family systems, reality therapy, motivational interviewing, and Christian counseling.

Shakarla believes in celebrating daily victories as important steps toward achieving larger life goals. Seeking therapy can be tough but also the start of a transformative journey worth the time and effort. Shakarla looks forward to meeting you and helping you reach your treatment goals.

Tammy Simms is a supervisor in Social Work who has worked in the mental health field for 10+ years, working with children as young as age 5 and adults up to age 99. She enjoys working in the mental health field assisting individuals in managing life issues including grief, anxiety, depression, anger, PTSD, and trauma.

Tammy completed her Master of Social Work at Our Lady of The Lake University. She is a widow and has experienced loss, and she understands the struggles of moving forward toward resilience. Tammy utilized various treatment approaches including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and family system therapy.

We all come from different walks of life and may have similar, yet different, challenges or struggles. Tammy is confident she can support you by meeting you where you are currently in your journey, and help you move forward toward growth. If you are ready to take this journey, please schedule an appointment with her today!

 Vanessa Johnson is an LPC and Certified Substance Use Counselor for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Vanessa offers over 30 years of experience in helping individuals with physical, emotional, and mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, and substance use. She has worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and a Certified Substance Use Counselor with the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is also an Ordained Minister experienced in pastoral counseling.

Vanessa facilitates the growth experience for her clients using strength-based, cognitive-behavioral, and reality counseling to assist her clients with the issues they are presenting. She is compassionate and respects the individuality and cultural backgrounds of her clients. Vanessa has the ability to establish a healthy rapport with her clients, understanding it takes courage to ask for help.

“I believe counseling is a partnership with the counselor and client striving to achieve a healthy life purpose for self,” says Vanessa.

Nicole King is a Supervisee in Social Work with 1 year of experience working with women and individuals who experience sexual abuse, human trafficking, domestic violence, postpartum depression, and childhood trauma. She specializes in depression, anxiety, life transitions, post-traumatic stress, and complex stress. Nicole also has experience working with the geriatric population and is committed to empowering her clients by helping them recognize the inner strength that has carried them through difficult times. She encourages them to harness this resilience, fostering a sense of agency and control as they navigate their challenges.

Nicole received her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California. She uses clinical approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, culturally sensitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and Christian counseling.

Nicole encourages anyone needing help to schedule an appointment. Together, you will create a safe space for exploration and growth, empowering you to reclaim agency over your life.