Therapists in Virginia Beach, VA

Congratulations You have taken the first step to recovery! Taking that step to ask for support to help when you are dealing with difficulties is a brave one. I am an North Carolina-based, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Supervisor, Certified Clinical Supervisor for Substance Abuse with nearly 20 years’ experience working with trauma, substance abuse, and addiction. Often, co-occurring issues include: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, bi-polar disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive behaviors, and, of course, relationship challenges. My experience includes individual, couples and group therapy in residential and outpatient settings of a Community Mental Health Center and a private addiction mental health and substance abuse treatment facility. I would describe my approach to therapy as eclectic, as it depends on the client's needs and goal for treatment .The modalities that have proven and I have the most experience in are : Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy , Mindfulness-based Therapy, Motivational , and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I believe in a strong therapeutic relationship to support the client to facilitate the change they are looking for. I hope I can help you with this journey.

I am licensed in Virginia with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with LGBT-related issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling life requires immense courage, and I am honored to support you in that process. With 14 years of experience as a licensed clinician in Virginia, I specialize in helping individuals navigate depression, anxiety, grief, and the complexities of life transitions. My approach is rooted in respect, sensitivity, and deep compassion. Because no two journeys are the same, I tailor our dialogue and your treatment plan to meet your unique needs and goals.

I have 30 years experience as a counselor. I have worked in many different environments including, private practice, local mental health clinics, inpatient mental health and substance abuse clinics. I work with people to help them be the person they are and become the person they want to be. I am a real bearded Santa but am not religious. I related to the natural world in a way that I describe as spiritual, although it may not be what most people consider to be spiritual I served in the US Army both active duty and National Guard. I am a Vietnam Veteran with a total of 23 years service. I was a MFLC and worked with active duty soldiers and airmen for several years mostly at Fort Bragg but other facilities as well. I am married, have four children and eight grandchildren.

My name is Josie Olson and I am a counselor with over 15 years of experience and am privileged to offer quality care to diverse children and families representing communities across Virginia. As a Registered Play Therapy- Supervisor, EMDRIA level 2 trained professional, and a Nationally Certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapist, I have the opportunity to employ evidence-based intervention skills to foster lasting change in children, adolescents, young adults, and their families promoting wellness and optimal functioning. I also treat many generational trauma related disorders and difficulties; my training as a Certified Traumatologist has inspired me to infuse trauma-sensitive principles into my interventions, promoting healing and resilience in my counseling. As a Christian counselor, I also integrate biblical principles to foster grace and truth into my practice.

As a licensed therapist with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and personal growth. I bring a deep understanding of multicultural experiences and offer compassionate support for diverse populations, including veterans, first responders, and aging adults. My therapeutic approach is rooted in empowerment and holistic healing. I focus on building communication skills, addressing family dynamics, workplace challenges, and supporting individuals through significant life transitions. With expertise in trauma-informed care, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilience, and cultivate self-love. I am committed to walking alongside my clients, honoring their unique stories and strengths. Whether you're dealing with posttraumatic stress, caregiver burnout, or seeking to improve personal relationships, I offer a warm, culturally responsive approach to healing and personal transformation.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience in clinical settings, dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and discover their personal strengths. My practice is rooted in compassion, respect, and a deep understanding of the unique journeys we all face. My areas of clinical expertise include aging and geriatric concerns, anxiety, anger management, abuse recovery, caregiver stress, chronic and terminal illness, oncology, visual impairment, and special needs planning. I also support individuals and families through couples therapy, career transitions, retirement planning and adjustment, end-of-life care, financial management, and work-life balance. My approach to therapy is warm, empathetic, and collaborative. I meet you where you are, offering a safe, supportive space where you can explore your experiences and work toward meaningful goals. I believe in treating every person with dignity and compassion, and I tailor my approach to fit your unique needs and circumstances. Taking the step to seek help takes strength and courage. I’m here to listen, support, and walk alongside you as you work toward healing, growth, and empowerment. I look forward to being part of your journey.

I am licensed in Virginia with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 licensed in Virginia with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 am licensed in Michigan, Illinois, and Missouri with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, problem-solving, conflict-resolution, marital and couples therapy, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Tennessee and Virginia with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Hello, I have organized INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES on various online platforms based on a topic of interest, a common need, or related to various lessons, challenges, and experiences during a lifetime. I also manage a YouTube channel for access by clients - "journey associates" with a red sunset background. The content is not my own, but a collection from various sources related to the mind for you to find. Go to the Playlist tab, the tap "View ALL" to look around at the many folders and thousands of links. These resources can be found at - https://www.youtube.com/@findingyourwaytoday I also manage several groups or pages on Facebook related to navigating through the challenges of life, enjoyment, leisure, learning, and cool stuff. One such group to provide information related to coping, caring, and community is "Outside of the Box: Coping Creatively with Whatever" found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2589259251341840 . Several sub-groups on topics can be found via a request for a menu of titles. Subgroups and pages on Facebook include the following topics: > support for men, > support for women, > support for teens, (as of 07/02/25 I am not accepting teen clients) > guidance for people in their 20s, > adults who contend with ADHD + > the process of bereavement, > recovery from loss and trauma, > relationship dynamics, > parenting and family issues, > individual development by age-groups through the decades, > pretirement (preparation) and retirement (action and execution), > neurological aspects of causation and behavior, > creativity and perception, > community, coping, and self-care, > the loss of precious pets, > the need for maintaining a sense of humor, > photography and sharing videos as a hobby, > self-development and insight via writing and art, > appreciation of nature, and > inclusive spirituality and ethics. If you'd like to learn more, you can send a specific request regarding your interests, curiosities, and related topics to: findingyourwaytoday@gmail.com. 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 limited other descriptive information on my profile. That information is readily shared once a client makes a decision to explore my qualifications, 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 effort, of energy, and of attention. One program is called "I AM READY" for clients who want an infusion of information, activities, skills, and tools related to their given focus and needs. One can choose to stop at the end of four sessions (Part 1), or sooner if the match of myself as a professional with a client 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 after an introduction of structured information, practiced skills, and wisdom-tips as a foundation for healthier self-care and more effective coping. One aspect of this process is to learn how concepts and behaviors are tools to enhance a sense of self and to apply principles for change, maintenance, recovery, and gratification. Another aspect of the process is to identify and name 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. I suggest rituals that reinforce life-long learning and personal growth. 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 acronym 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 engage and commit and follow-through vs window shop or partially use your subscription with missed or non-scheduled 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, at 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, law enforcement, clergy, active military personnel and veterans. • 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 (humanistic, educational, and 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

As a licensed therapist in Virginia, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on helping clients develop self-compassion, improve communication skills, and find meaningful connections during life's challenging transitions. I have extensive experience supporting individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem challenges. My therapeutic work focuses on addressing isolation, life purpose exploration, and healing from significant life changes such as divorce or trauma. My practice is deeply rooted in creating a compassionate, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences and develop resilient coping strategies. I understand that each person's journey is unique, and I'm committed to walking alongside you as you rediscover your inner strength and build a more fulfilling life. Whether you're experiencing panic attacks, processing past trauma, or seeking to understand yourself more deeply, I'm here to provide thoughtful, personalized support that honors your individual path and potential for growth.

As a licensed therapist serving clients in Virginia, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on helping people develop resilience, self-compassion, and meaningful strategies for personal growth. I have expertise in addressing stress, anxiety, addiction challenges, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions. I serve my clients with unconditional positive regard because we can all benefit from grace. My therapeutic practice focuses on creating a compassionate, affirming space where clients can explore sensitive topics like social anxiety, body image, trauma recovery, and personal identity. I'm particularly committed to supporting individuals working through feelings of guilt, shame, and abandonment while helping them rediscover their inherent worth and life purpose. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I collaborate with clients to develop personalized healing strategies that honor their unique experiences and cultural backgrounds. My goal is to empower individuals to cultivate self-love, build emotional strength, and create transformative pathways toward holistic well-being.