Therapists serving clients in Rural Retreat, VA

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (VA) and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (FL). I have over 3 years experience working in a non-profit setting, a residential crisis stabilization unit, a community mental health agency, and a private practice, along with nearly 20 years of experience in a variety of fields including marketing, higher education administration, and K-12 online education. I have worked with a wide range of clients dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, family and relationship issues, career challenges, and other various stage of life concerns. I also have extensive training and experience working with clients with body-focused repetitive behaviors such as trichotillomania and skin-picking. My counseling style is warm and non-judgmental and I believe in treating all people with respect and compassion. My counseling approach combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and solution-focused counseling. I am a collaborative and goal-focused clinician who understands that you are the expert in your own life and I will work with you to tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

I am an Education Specialist and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Ohio. I am also a Christian who believes that one of the greatest counseling verses in the Bible is found in Revelation 12:11: we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony. I believe talking things out is helpful for so many reasons, so I do my best to create a safe space to allow you to feel comfortable saying whatever you need to say. I have been in helping professions in some manner for over 20 years. I have experience with stress, depression, anxiety, postpartum depression/anxiety, and couples. I use Christian Counseling techniques, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, strengths-based, and mindfulness techniques. I believe awareness of our thoughts and how we choose to process them can change the trajectory of our outcomes. I would be honored to be a part of your journey as you work to achieve your goals.

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." ~ Anais Nin Hello. My name is Karen Gano, and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in New Mexico, Colorado, Maine, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Australia. I received my Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, and I have over 30 years of clinical counseling experience. My specialty is what I call Empowerment Counseling. I have a Motivational Interviewing style, and I use Compassion-Focused, Client-Centered, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Mindfulness, and Strength Based therapies to assist clients in improving their outlook and life. I have a holistic and goal oriented practice, working primarily with women who are going through some type of life transition whether it be separation, divorce, career changes, relocation, empty nest, illness, etc. I also provide counseling to healthcare workers as I have been a practicing medical social worker throughout my career, and I have worked in trauma, emergency medicine, critical care, oncology, palliative care, and domestic abuse. We can all benefit from talking to someone now and again. It is my primary goal to empower clients so that they can build and expand their "team," discover their voice, increase self-awareness and esteem, and make wanted changes in their life. My professional and personal mantra is "Self-Care + Time = Healing." I can help you with healthy coping strategies and tools to guide you from surviving to thriving. I very much look forward to working with you!

Dr. Colby has many years of experience in the field of psychotherapy. She has worked with individuals in acute in-patient, residential and out-patient treatment settings. Dr. Colby provides a supportive, non-judgmental space where one can share whatever stressors they are experiencing. She is a great listener. People often feel so comfortable in her presence that they share intimate details of painful experiences that they may have never felt comfortable sharing with any one previously. Dr. Colby completed a master’s degree in Community Clinical Psychology from Norfolk State University and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, with an emphasis on depth psychology, from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Additionally, she has completed a two year course as a healing prayer minister which blends the practice of psychology and spirituality.

Hello, I am a Licensed Therapist (LPC) in Virginia, USA with over 23 years of professional work experience. I have helped clients (both adults and children/adolescents) with various mental health and/or life struggles related to depression, anxiety, coping with trauma/abuse, stress, anger and impulse control problems, grief, aging, difficulties adjusting, low self-esteem, attention deficits, autism spectrum, relational/marital problems, substance abuse issues, parenting challenges, Military/ Veterans issues, care taker fatigue/burn out, Gender dysphoria and LGBTQ issues. Some of the therapeutic techniques I utilize include but are not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Client-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and some Attachment-Based Therapy skills as well as a strength and goal oriented approach. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. With my clients I strive to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Together we can focus on the goals you would like to achieve and collaborate to bring some relief to your stressors. I offer my therapy services in both English or German language and look forward to working with you.

Hello, INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES can be found on various dedicated Facebook pages based on the topic and on my own YouTube channel for access by clients. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: I am skilled at guiding individuals and couples through a review of • thoughts and behaviors, • history and anticipation, • beliefs and misconceptions, • values and choices, and • goals and objectives toward an increased awareness of options, needs, resources, and results. The application of such knowledge about oneself can lead to choices that are more likely to be experienced as effective, productive, healthier, and rewarding. To provide space for a more structured option I have removed other descriptive information on my profile. That information is readily shared once a client makes a commitment to explore my qualification, style, specializations, and approach before and during the first session, which in part is an interview by the client of myself as a professional of potential selection. PLEASE NOTE In addition to the next section of SPECIAL OFFERING - See the last portions of my profile > DIVERSITY OF EXPERIENCE, > PERSONAL POWER, and > THE PROCESS. A SPECIAL OFFERING of Structure and Focus for an eight-session intensive experience yielding optimized value for your investment of financial resources, of time, of energy, and of attention. Near the end of each month a different Special Offer program is highlighted. This one is offered this last week of September and during October. This program is called "I AM READY" for clients who want an infusion of information, activities, skills and tools, related to their given focus. One can choose to stop at the end of four sessions (Part 1) or sooner if the match of myself as a professional and with you does not feel like a good-enough fit. The goal of the eight-session infusion is to prepare you to move forward with or without a counselor. The infusion offers education, tools, techniques, for more effective coping skills and healthier self-care behaviors - while identifying and naming the critical issues that warrant attention as a pathway to: • increase and apply awareness, • reduce personal barriers or situational roadblocks, • enhance coping and action strategies, • broaden perspectives, • deepen understanding, • emphasize strengths and assets, • develop personal confidence and efficacy, • highlight existing assets and resources, toward the outcomes of • increased gratification, gratitude, desired results, • an orientation of where you are at this time in your life, or regarding certain issues, • a process of defining your goals and objectives, and • a measurable clarity of options related to self-care, coping, direction, and resources. You are not obligated to continue after the fourth session, or even the first session, if there does not seem to be a good fit of my professional style and methods with your expectations, needs and goals. Each client’s feedback is requested during or after each session to assure that I am on course with your goals and needs. Requirements: individuals and couples who can relate to the meaning and desire to improve or integrate the concepts listed below. The “I AM READY” timeframe of 8 weekly sessions (Parts 1 and 2) is designed for people who are ready to engage in the process and participate in what is needed for effective outcomes. Here are some concepts that represent the initials of I AM READY. I – Initiative, Intelligence, Insight, Intrinsic, Interpretation, Integrity, Innovative, Investment, Intention A – Ability, Acquisition, Attitude, Accurate, Action, Affirmation, Application M – Mindfulness, Meditation, Maturation, Meaning, Motivation, Mindset, Mentality, Method, Map R – Real-istic, Renew, Redefine, Relevant, Review, Replace, Rethink, Reason, Resourceful, Retain E – Education, Emotion, Energy, Enough, Expression, Experience, Explanation, Expectation, Evaluation A – Assessment, Access, Accentuate, Assess, Articulate, Attribute D – Determined, Dedicated, Decisive, Development, Daily, Dignity, Deliberation, Diverse, Depth, Durable Y – Why? YOUnique, Yield, YES!, YOU can DO this!, Your Goals. If you are ready to start and commit vs window shop or partially use your subscription due to missed or unscheduled appointments, then count to 10 as you assess your degree of readiness and motivation. Then decide if you are ready or not for the Part 1 - four sessions of assessment, support, and education as a foundation upon which the process will lead you through the subsequent four weeks and into the next chapter of your life. DIVERSITY OF EXPERIENCE and PERSPECTIVES • I have worked with people who struggled with an active addition or who were in recovery from one of the worst chapters of their lives. • I have listened to and supported clients who worked in blue-collar jobs and clients who worked in white-collar positions. • I have provided counsel and education to people who currently or had been employed on Capitol Hill, the Pentagon, and in The White House. • Clients have also included those who have worked at various federal agencies: FBI, NASA, US Border Patrol, and the Secret Service, and active military personnel. • I’ve served clients who were first-responders or first-time parents. • I have guided teens who were in high school or transitioning to the experience of college-related demands. • I have been a bereavement counselor to survivors who faced the death (of various causes, anticipated and unexpected, which can result in “complicated bereavement”) - of a partner or spouse, - a parent, a sibling, a grandparent, - a child or a grandchild – both under legal age and as an adult-child. • I have supported people who have contended with invisible, chronic illness or pain, or who have had deteriorating health, and across different points in the lifespan. • I have been a privileged witness to the sacred, private lives of many people who survived adverse childhood experiences, • trauma as an adult, (military, domestic, and circumstantial: victimization, accidents, work-related or other accidents, hospital experiences, the death of a loved-one, witness a situation involving someone else safety, etc.), • and persons who have contended with gradual or sudden heartbreak and grief, • debilitating and diminishing consequential aspects of an anxiety disorder, • the suffering inherent with mood disorders (episodic or chronic in nature), • and the universal issues of being human combined with the developmental tasks required of continued growth and adjustment. • During college I worked at two summer-camps for four years (in MA and NJ) with people who had developmental disabilities, the under-privileged, and the very privileged. • And I have presented workshops at professional conferences and for agency trainings. PERSONAL POWER includes: 1. an awareness of making a series of choices, 2. resulting in executing a decision, and a direction, and 3. the application of knowing what is required for a desired outcome, with 4. the creative process of exploring or creating options. The PROCESS 1. MAKING A DECISION, 2. CHOOSING A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER, 3. TAKING ACTION ON YOUR DECISION and CHOICE 4. ENGAGING IN THE PROCESS of • UNCERTAINTY, • STRUCTURE, • EDUCATION, • SUPPORT, and • ACTIVITIES for • Desired RESULTS. If you want to interview me during a first session, I can then send you more information about how I see my style and approach (eclectic with life-long learning). And if you decide to continue your search for a better fit with a therapist of your choosing, I genuinely endorse and support that path, by removing your connect to me if that be the case. If that would be your decision, I do ask that each client apply direct communication about intentions or needs so as to • “not fill a seat in my electronic waiting room” by clients who are undecided, • as evidenced by not making appointments, or not keeping appointments, • due to not being ready to start and follow-through, and thus, limiting access to my services of clients who are ready with a plan to begin the process. Please be aware that for each when a client who is passive, dormant, or • inconsistent in scheduling and keeping appointments, • there is a counter-productive influence on my availability to potential clients due to a place being taken on my roster of existing clients. You can choose to disconnect your affiliation with me in order to take action with another therapist and/or return when you are ready and able to engage consistently in the process and service for which you are paying a monthly subscription. Sincerely, Will Perks, MSW LICSW in West Virginia LCSW in Virginia LISW-CP in South Carolina Clinical Social Work licenses are pending in MD, CA and NY

I am licensed in Virginia with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am a counselor licensed in Louisiana with over 10 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, and rational-emotive counseling. We will work together to identify what your goals are for therapy, and your strengths and resources for achieving them. Together we can identify the impacts of stressors in your life, address the symptoms, and plan to avoid or cope with upcoming potentially stressful events. We will identify your needs and capabilities, affirm your resilience and strengths, and promote your self-expression and personal growth. I try to build relationships with my clients which foster collaboration, trust, and transparency. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you.

I am licensed in North Carolina with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & anger management. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I’m a licensed professional counselor in Virginia and DC with over 10 years of post masters experience. My therapeutic approach is rooted in humanistic principles and integrates short term-solution focused approaches to help people see their progress. Those who work with me typically leave with increased emotional intelligence, self-awareness and constructing meaning of changes they have experienced. Whether you’re facing career shifts, interpersonal difficulties, or personal growth hurdles, I believe compassion and intentionality can serve as tools to help you thrive. Let’s link and see how I can help you with your goals.