Kelley Arrowood
she/herCounselor (Resident In Counseling)
School Issues, Anxiety, Depression, Relationships, Parenting, Family Conflict, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress
Self pay costs
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
Hello, I am Kelley Arrowood, a Resident in Counseling and National Certified Counselor based in Virginia. I hold a Master’s in Education in CACREP-accredited School Counseling from Liberty University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology with minors in Human Development and Women’s Studies from UNC Greensboro. For the last year and a half, I have served as a Resident in Counseling in outpatient settings; prior to that, I served seven years as lead school counselor in an elementary school. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional regulation issues, grief, and family stress.
My therapeutic style is eclectic and person-centered. I draw from CBT, solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), DBT, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing (MI), exposure therapy, play therapy, trauma-focused, and strengths-based approaches. My approach is compassionate, warm, practical, with a healthy dose of humor.
Life can be difficult, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. I would feel privileged to hear your story and walk alongside you as you begin or continue your healing journey. Taking the first step can feel intimidating, but you deserve a space where you feel heard, supported, and understood. I invite you to schedule an initial appointment.
"As a former school counselor, wife and mother of adult children, I bring both professional experience and real-life perspective to my work, creating a warm, compassionate and judgement -free space where clients feel understood, build their strengths, and find meaningful ways to navigate life's challenges."
Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?
I have always been interested in working in the mental health field, getting my initial degree in Psychology, then a Masters in School Counseling and now as a Resident Licensed Professional Counselor. I have a desire to support individuals of all ages in various stages of life, it is extremely rewarding to watch my clients experience confidence and understanding of their mental health wellbeing.
What types of clients do you work best with?
I work well with clients of all ages, but I work best with children and adults.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?
I hope to share with clients that mental health is a part of their overall health and wellbeing. Additionally, it's helpful to understand that the therapeutic process can take time to build connection and rapport and if that connection is build, significant healing and self awareness can occur.
What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?
The first session is considered an intake where basic information is collected about what brings you to therapy. The client can share as little or as much as they feel comfortable with, understanding that they just met each other. Additionally, the therapist will share information about the policies and expectations of the therapy process as well as background information of the therapist that will help the client determine if the therapist will be a good fit for the client. The subsequent sessions will involve building rapport and connection as well as collaborating on the clients treatment goals and expectations.
What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?
The personal experiences that have shaped my therapeutic approach are being a wife, mother of adult children and having worked as a school counselor. Additionally, I was adopted as a young child, I lived overseas for many years during my childhood due to my father's occupation which has provided me with various cultural experiences.
How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?
I believe therapy should be as unique as the individual seeking support. I take a collaborative, strengthsbased approach, recognizing that each client brings their own experiences, perspectives, strengths, and challenges into the therapeutic relationship. I tailor treatment to each client’s developmental level, personal goals, learning style, and emotional needs, drawing from evidencebased practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play-based interventions, and psychoeducation. I also believe that helping clients understand their mental health empowers them to make meaningful changes. My experience as a school counselor has taught me the importance of meeting people where they are, building on their existing strengths, and creating a safe, supportive environment where they feel heard, understood, and valued. Together, we identify goals and strategies that are practical, meaningful, and suited to each client’s unique needs.
- Years in practice
- 14 years
- Graduating institute
- Liberty University
- Graduating degree
- Master of Education in School Counseling
