Counselors and Coaches

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

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.

Jeanie Felty, LPC

Jeanie Felty is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Virginia and a member of the Virginia Counselors Association.

Jeanie obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology at Frostburg State University in 2012 along with certification of leadership in psychology. Jeanie completed her Master of Arts in professional counseling with Liberty University in 2015.

Jeanie has over five years’ experience working in the mental health field. Her experience includes outpatient community mental health centers, partial hospitalization/intensive outpatient mental health programs, and private practice agencies. She uses an eclectic approach to counseling including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, family-systems therapy, and person-centered therapy. Every client and family is treated with respect to the unique needs and goals of their counseling experience. Jeanie also offers Christian counseling for individuals who desire to include faith-based elements in therapy. Jeanie is also currently pursuing certification in training for adoption competent counseling.

Jeanie enjoys working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults in the areas of:

• Adjustment and Stress-related Disorders
• Grief and Loss Issues
• Foster and Adoption Issues
• Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Disorders
• Trauma and Abuse Issues
• Parenting and Family Issues
• Personality Disorders