Counselors and Coaches

Elizabeth Custodero, LCSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker originally from Southern California and moved to Virginia Beach 13 years ago. I am a graduate of Strayer University with a degree in Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, as well as a Masters degree in Social work from the University of Southern California. I am also a Certified Case Manager, with four years of experience in Managed Care. I am a former military spouse with a lot of experience navigating the stressors and joys of military life in Hampton Roads. I started my career  8 years ago working at the community services board as a crisis counselor for adults diagnosed with severe mental illness and substance use disorders. I have a passion for treating anxiety disorders, anger management, depression,  and PTSD to help people live their best lives.

I have experience working with older adults, adults, and adolescents. I use a variety of treatment approaches to include: mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing and solutions focused therapy. I specialize in crisis management and treating traumas and post traumatic stress disorder. My therapeutic technique can be considered “out of the box” at times, by using non traditional activities such as art, music, and writing to make the therapeutic process fun!

Juan Turon, PhD. LMFT

It's great to be back home. When I first came from Argentina, at 16 years of age, Virginia Beach was my first destination. I graduated high school at Bishop Sullivan Catholic High. Immediately after that, I moved to Florida where I earned my Bachelor's degree in General Psychology and my Master's Degree and PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy. In 2005 I participated in the studies abroad international summer program at Cambridge University in England where I took courses on anthropology and the rise of civilizations. While studying family therapy I was blessed to work with and learn from Salvador Minuchin, one of the founding fathers of the craft. I was also a presenter at the 2015 International Family Therapy Conference. My work with one family was selected to be shown by Minuchin himself in Rome, Italy in 2016.

After many years of coming back to Virginia to visit, my wife and daughter decided to move here in July of 2018. I look forward to working with couples and families and to giving back to this community that gave me so much.

I specialize in the treatment of individuals, couples and families who are dealing with:

• Anxiety
• Marriage/Relationship issues
• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Trauma
• Divorce
• Stress

Shaun Salzman, LPC

Have you been struggling to cope with difficulties in life and unsure how to bring about a resolution? Have you been experiencing anxiety, depression, confusion, or anger in regards to an area of your life? My goal is to work collaboratively with you to help you take steps towards reaching your desired level of peace and understanding. I would like to provide a nurturing place for you to explore your struggles, ideas, and feelings. I utilize an integrated approach using cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, mindfulness, and humanistic to help you journey through your experiences in a healthy manner. I have several years of experience in the mental health profession, and have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I have a Master’s degree in counseling and my LPC. I look forward to working with you on your journey to thrive and grow in life!

Some of my specialties include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress
• PTSD
• Trauma
• Behavioral Issues
• Anger Management
• Family Therapy
• Relationship & Couples Counseling

Brenda Cahill, LCSW

I was raised in New England but am a southern girl in my heart. My mother was born in Hampton and I spent many summers enjoying the Virginia beaches and hospitality. I am the eldest of 6, we are scattered from Arizona to New Jersey but remain close. I attended undergraduate school at Elon College in North Carolina and obtained my Masters from Southern Connecticut State University. I am a widow and was married for over 30 years. I love to travel and have lived in England, and Morocco. I have traveled to more recently to China and Tibet.

I have over 20 years of experience as a clinical social worker/therapist. providing individual and family therapy. I have experience with diverse populations and have worked both as a private therapist and a therapist for patients with both psychiatric and substance abuse issues. I use an approach that includes working with a persons strengths and their capacity for change. I assist clients in developing treatment goals to improve their quality of life and developing a more positive self image with more effective ways of coping and decreasing stress.

I am currently working with individuals who are struggling with:

• Anxiety
• Coping skills
• Career counseling
• Depression
• Family conflict
• Grief
• Relationship issues
• Self esteem
• Women's issues
• Life coaching
• Peer relationships
• Life transitions
• Parenting issues

Darren Love, Psy.D

Dr. Love is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the State of Virginia. He has been providing clinical services to late adolescents (above age 14), adults, and older adults for 10 years. He utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help individuals and couples reach their desired goal in life. He utilizes a variety of relaxation techniques including hypnosis to help patients manage their overall symptoms. Dr. Love has a passion for helping patients living with chronic medical diseases and pain, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders and stress management. He has experience working with individuals and groups. Dr. Love has extensive experience in performing psychological testing for pre-surgical evaluation (spinal cord stimulators and bariatric), ADHD, IQ, personality and emotional functioning.

Dr. Love has a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ. He completed a behavioral medicine internship from Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-All Saints in Racine, WI before completing a post-doctoral residency in Health Psychology with an emphasis in Pain Management and Gero-psychology from Psychology Specialists in Decatur, IL. Dr. Love also holds a Masters in Biomedical Sciences from Midwestern University-Glendale and is in the process of completing a Masters in Psychopharmacology from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

**Saturday sessions are available.

“If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Donna Sotolongo, Psy.D

Donna Sotolongo is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 30 years' experience working with children, families, teens and adults in a variety of settings. A mother and grandmother, she has dedicated her life to helping her clients achieve their goals and deal with life's challenges.

After graduating from Princeton University, Donna pursued graduate study in School and Child Psychology and eventually went on to earn a Psy D from Rutgers University's Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology in Clinical Psychology.

Donna has worked in community mental health, residential treatment and school settings to provide clinical treatment as well as consult, train and design programs that promote healthy lifestyles and choices.

Donna has worked with children and families, on a number of issues including academic success, social adjustment, family relationships and workplace stress. A resident of both NY and NJ, she has been involved in helping schools and nonprofit organizations to provide preventive interventions within communities across the Tri State region as well as educate parents, counselors and teachers to better advocate for children. She believes wholeheartedly that mental health starts at the family and community level and we must all must be empowered to play a primary role in providing the support and nurt urance. needed in a changing and often unstable world. Most recently, Donna moved to VA Beach to continue her work and is looking forward to getting involved in this exciting, diverse community.

Donna strives to bring her passion and caring to all of the communities and populations she has served and is excited to bring that same energy and passion to her patients at Thriveworks.

Treatment modalities include: Family Therapy, Individual Therapy, Marital and Couples Counseling, Executive Coaching, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client Centered Treatment Approaches. Donna has significant experience working with adolescents, adults and families, and has more recently focused much of her practice on working with senior citizens who struggle with the challenges of maintaining health and well being following life altering changes in health, employment and family relationships.

Donna has also worked with individuals with life threatening illness and loss and believes that every person deserves the respect and dignity needed to navigate what can be a tough and challenging loss.

Pete Salant, LCSW

Pete Salant, LCSW is originally from New Jersey, and returned to Hampton Roads to live several years ago. A mid-life career changer who formerly worked in the radio broadcasting field, he earned a Masters in Social Work from Fordham University in New York City, and is licensed in Virginia as a Clinical Social Worker.

While Pete specializes in older adults as well as veterans and their families, he also works with individuals with anxiety, depression, and other behavioral health and substance-related issues, as well as with couples experiencing communication or other relationship problems.

Pete Salant's primary therapeutic technique is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a practical, action-oriented approach that focuses on rapid solutions to your problems. Pete's approach to counseling is eclectic, employing research-proven methods which are always customized to your specific needs.

No practice of mental health and life counseling in Virginia Beach would be complete without a specialized focus on the high concentration of Navy and other Armed Forces personnel living in and stationed in this area. Pete Salant, LCSW, received special training at Fordham Univeristy School of Social Work in clinical mental health counselnig with veterans, military members and their families. His graduate internship work with military members and veterans took place at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in the New Haven, Connecticut area.

Pete's work with couples includes extensive experience and familiarity with current LGBTQ issues. At Thriveworks in Virginia Beach, Pete's therapy practice embraces issues which may be of concern to you, such as:

• Aging/Geriatric Issues
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Adjusting to Change
• Anxiety Issues
• Body Image
• Career Choice
• Caregiver Issues
• Communication Problems
• Control Issues
• Depression
• Divorce
• Emotional Abuse
• Food Issues
• Feeling Overwhelmed
• Grief and Loss
• Infidelity
• Irritability
• Life Transitions
• Loneliness
• Midlife Crisis
• Mens' Issues
• Mood Disturbances
• Panic
• Perfectionism
• Relationships
• Self-Care
• Sensitivity
• Sexuality
• Shame
• Sleep Problems
• Social Anxiety
• Stress
• Trauma
• Trust
• Weight Problems

James Martin, LPC

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia with over ten years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. I began my career working for the community services board providing counseling and assessment for individuals experiencing severe mental illness and/or substance abuse issues. In 2015 I relocated to Hampton Roads from Radford, VA and since that time I have worked for private community-based programs providing intensive in-home services to at risk adolescents and adults diagnosed with severe mental illness. My goal is to utilize my collective life experiences and knowledge to assist you in achieving a well-balanced life.

My counseling approach is eclectic in nature. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the foundation of my approach and I utilize other elements that include, but are not limited to: mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), solution-focused, motivational interviewing, crisis/trauma, and existential/spiritual therapy. As your therapist I will be an empathetic listener and voice on your path to improvement and provide therapy sessions in a safe, non-judgmental, and accepting environment.

I look forward to helping you on your path to personal growth and enlightenment. Jon Kabat-Zinn wrote, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” I provide individual, group, couples, and family counseling. My areas of expertise include, but are not limited to:

• Anxiety/Panic
• Depression
• Mood Disorders / Bipolar Disorder
• ADHD
• Personality Disorders
• Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders
• Substance Abuse
• Trauma and Stress Related Disorders (PTSD/Acute Stress)
• Anger management
• Academic / Occupational / Work Issues / Career
• Divorce / Custody Disputes
• Grief / Loss / Bereavement
• Chronic Health / Medical Problems
• Self-Injurious Behaviors / Self-harm
• Co-dependency
• Crisis / trauma
• Anger management
• Relationships
• Men’s Issues
• LGBTQ issues
• Adjustment Disorders

Jeanie Felty, LPC

Life can be challenging. Unexpected and even expected life changes can push anyone off balance. Being off balance can lead to problems in our family, school, occupational, social, personal, and spiritual functioning. Whether a problem comes from our environment or from within, the support of a mental health professional may be helpful in restoring that much desired balance.

My name is Jeanie Felty and I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Virginia. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Frostburg State University and completed my Master of Arts in professional counseling with Liberty University.

I have formal training in Christian Counseling and Crisis Response & Trauma. I am also a certified Adoption Competent Counselor and I am pursuing certification in Perinatal Mental Health. I have worked in outpatient community mental health centers, partial hospitalization/intensive outpatient mental health programs, and private practice settings. I typically use an eclectic approach to counseling including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, narrative therapy, family-systems therapy, and person-centered therapy. I respect every client’s unique needs and goals as the foundation of a successful counseling experience.

I often work with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults in the areas of:

• General Adjustment and Stress-related Disorders
• Post-Partum Disorders
• Foster and Adoption Issues
• Grief and Loss Issues
• Trauma and Abuse Issues
• Life Changes and Occupational Issues
• Depression and Bipolar Mood Disorders
• Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
• Personality Disorders

Jasen Eberz, LCSW

My name is Jasen Eberz, LCSW and a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University where I earned my Master of Social Work degree. I have been providing clinical services to individuals, families and groups for 6 years with a multitude of populations. I specialize in taking a Neuro-Psychoanalytic approach towards assisting individuals with addressing their symptoms related to previous traumatic events, depression and anxiety. I take pride in my ability to establish a strong therapeutic alliance with the individuals I serve as I assist them down the path towards improving their overall wellbeing.

Don Costigan, LCSW

Don Costigan received his Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work at Norfolk State University in 1983. He received his LCSW in 1992 and specializes in treating substance use disorders and domestic violence. Don is a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers, and a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). In this role, he evaluates employees for substance abuse disorders when they work in an occupation coming under the Department of Transportation (DOT). Don opened Virginia SAP Referral Options in 2014.

He worked extensively in the addictions field including inpatient, residential treatment, and intensive outpatient programs. Additionally, he was co-owner and clinical director of New Bridges Outpatient Rehabilitation Centers in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Suffolk from 1993 to 2011. Don specializes in traditional twelve-step recovery using various treatment modalities to break denial and enable recovery. For several years while at New Bridges, Don coordinated and facilitated treatment in the men’s domestic violence program.

Don’s areas of expertise include therapeutic services for:

• Alcohol Abuse & Addictions
• Substance Abuse & Addictions
• Codependency
• Domestic violence.

I am very excited to join the team at Thriveworks Counseling Virginia Beach, VA. Please consider one of my favorite quotes:

"I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine - Bruce Lee"