Find a Therapist in Charlottesville, VA

Jewel Lee Munford is a compassionate resident in counseling who understands the myriad challenges that children and adolescents face today. Her philosophy centers around the belief that a strong, supportive family environment is essential for promoting the health and well-being of young people. With a focus on providing guidance, Jewel helps ease the journey for families dealing with difficult issues. Specializing in trauma and behavioral problems, she offers a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals and families to express themselves freely. Jewel employs play therapy techniques, which are particularly effective for addressing behavioral issues in children. Additionally, as a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider (CSOTP), she provides critical support for sexually reactive children. By encouraging individuals to adopt new perspectives, Jewel aims to positively influence their emotional outcomes and navigate through life's challenges. As a devoted advocate for fostering healthier lifestyles, she recognizes the detrimental effects of toxic environments and stands ready to assist families in overcoming their struggles.

Tracey Mallard is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who proudly holds degrees from Arkansas State University, where she graduated with honors in Social Work, alongside a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Having recently made her home in Charlottesville, Tracey is passionate about supporting adolescents, adults, and families in their journey towards meaningful change. Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Reality Therapy, she empowers clients to overcome barriers to satisfaction in life by challenging unhelpful thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, ultimately enhancing emotional regulation and personal coping strategies. With a belief that individuals are shaped by significant past experiences, she recognizes the potential for change and growth beyond one's history. Tracey's expertise extends to guiding individuals through the complexities of grief and loss, and as a certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TF-CBT), she provides compassionate care to children and adolescents dealing with trauma-related challenges.

Cynthia Miller is a Licensed Professional Counselor, holding a PhD and graduating from the University of Virginia in 2010. She understands that everyone faces struggles at various points in their life, and she emphasizes the importance of how individuals respond to these challenges. Cynthia believes that suffering arises when people resist accepting what they cannot change or when they passively accept circumstances that can be transformed. In her practice, she guides adults through the process of minimizing suffering by learning to change what they can and accepting what they cannot. With expertise in mindfulness-based practices, trauma-focused therapy, humanistic, existential, and cognitive-behavioral approaches, Cynthia helps individuals thrive amidst their struggles while nurturing authenticity and effectiveness in their interactions. She has a particular focus on supporting graduate students and young adults, addressing women's issues, complex trauma, and self-destructive behaviors, particularly those stemming from emotional dysregulation. With a practical approach to therapy, she stays informed about the latest research while tailoring her methods to suit each individual's needs. Cynthia consistently evaluates her clients' progress, making necessary adjustments to ensure they are on track to achieve their therapeutic goals.

Eric Mount, LCSW, is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist specializing in helping adults navigate the complexities of anxiety, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Understanding that anxiety can feel overwhelming, Eric recognizes that common advice from well-meaning friends and family, such as 'don’t worry' or 'just try to relax,' often falls short. He believes that managing anxiety is not only possible but that it often requires counterintuitive strategies. In his sessions, Eric collaborates closely with clients, working at their pace to uncover the values that matter most to them. Together, they develop achievable goals and identify effective strategies tailored to their unique needs. Eric emphasizes that anxiety is a common experience, and no one needs to face it alone. For those struggling with anxiety's impact on their lives, Eric is committed to providing the support and guidance needed to regain control and find peace.

Stacia Reinhardt is a dedicated licensed professional counselor and registered art therapist who is passionate about assisting children, families, and individuals in building healthier relationships, managing their mental health effectively, and fostering personal growth. Her practice emphasizes the transformation of relational patterns and a deep understanding of one’s inner experiences to promote positive development. Stacia believes in the power of a collaborative approach, utilizing creativity and play as essential tools in the healing of attachment and trauma issues. With a wealth of experience addressing serious relational and mental health challenges, she is also currently pursuing certification as an ITR specialist in trauma work. Stacia is committed to exploring root causes to enable lasting change both on an individual level and within family dynamics. She offers consultative sessions to ensure a good fit for clients seeking therapeutic support. Stacia looks forward to welcoming new clients into her practice.

Lori Richards, a compassionate Marriage & Family Therapist and licensed professional counselor, understands the profound struggles individuals face when feeling disconnected from themselves and their lives. Many may experience panic, anxiety, depression, confusion, loss, and numbness, creating barriers to the vibrant and fulfilling life they envision. In her therapeutic practice, Lori guides clients toward emotional balance, cognitive clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose. She approaches each session as a collaborative journey, where clients are met with empathy and non-judgmental support. With expertise in Depth Psychology, Psychodynamic methods, and the mind-body somatic process of Hakomi, Lori helps clients navigate life's startling events, transitions, and trauma with grace. Her eclectic approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of preteens, teens, adults, and elders, allowing each individual to progress at their own pace as they learn to face their emotions and embrace personal growth.

Lee Ruckman is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and therapist specializing in individual therapy for adults. With a focus on clients experiencing depression and anxiety, Lee addresses a wide range of clinical interests, including trauma, transitions, parenting, and relationship challenges. Utilizing psychodynamic and trauma-informed approaches, Lee is trained in EMDR and Internal Family Systems therapies, as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Therapy is viewed as a deeply collaborative practice, where together, clients and Lee explore patterns of behavior that may hinder their pursuit of a more authentic, creative, and joyful life.

Dr. Carrie Schaffer is a dedicated psychologist who excels in guiding individuals grappling with a variety of challenges. She specializes in assisting those at pivotal crossroads, helping them explore the effects of significant changes on their sense of self and relationships. With expertise in working with clients from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, as well as LGBTQ individuals and couples, Dr. Schaffer is known for her compassionate, non-judgmental approach tailored to each client's needs. She earned her PhD from Yale University and has extensive experience in community clinics and hospitals, including significant work with students and faculty from the University of Virginia. Dr. Schaffer addresses a wide array of concerns such as depression, relationship issues, women's issues, sexuality, gender identity, loss and grief, self-esteem challenges, life transitions, aging, and identity exploration. She provides a safe space for clients to share their stories, often making it easier for them to discuss previously uncomfortable topics. Through her empathetic guidance, clients are encouraged to release their protective defenses, confront their pain, and cultivate healthier coping strategies.

Wesley Shelley, EdS, is a dedicated therapist specializing in supporting individuals across a wide age range, including preteens, children, teens, and adults. With a deep understanding of ADHD and learning disabilities, Wesley is committed to creating a nurturing environment where clients feel empowered to explore their challenges and triumphs. He has a keen eye for assessing educational and developmental needs, ensuring that every individual receives tailored guidance. Wesley's approachable demeanor and insightful approach make him an invaluable ally in the journey toward personal growth and academic success.

Jennifer Shenk is a compassionate counselor, LPC, whose therapeutic practice is grounded in psychodynamic theory, allowing for a flexible approach tailored to the unique needs of each individual. She fosters a nurturing environment where clients feel safe to speak openly and are deeply understood and respected. Utilizing tools such as memories, metaphors, symbols, contextual dream analysis, and creative discovery, Jennifer helps her clients gain insights into their motivations and emotional triggers. Her aim is not merely to alleviate symptoms but to explore the essence of who her clients are, understand how their experiences have shaped them, and unearth emotional blind spots. Through this collaborative journey, opportunities for growth are identified, enabling clients to better manage suffering and cultivate more fulfilling relationships and a deeper sense of belonging in the world. Jennifer graduated with honors, earning her BS in Psychology and MA in Counseling from Eastern Mennonite University. Committed to the ongoing study of the human condition and the psychoanalytically-oriented theoretical perspective, she continuously hones her clinical skills to provide informed and effective services that empower her clients.

Lynessa Sheppard Plotnick is a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist with credentials including LPC and LMFT. With a rich educational background from Lynchburg College, where she graduated in 1994, Lynessa embodies a deep belief in the power of the human spirit and the potential for positive change in all aspects of life, even amidst adversity. By helping clients explore their thought patterns, she guides them in identifying feelings that influence their daily actions, enabling effective changes to enhance their quality of life. This approach aims to alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression, fostering a more peaceful and joyful existence. Lynessa also values the importance of human interaction, often introducing her charming Yorkie-Poo therapy partner, Mojo, who is adored by both children and adults alike. Her practice focuses on a diverse clientele ranging from children as young as 18 months to elders, particularly specializing in those affected by the challenges of chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Moreover, her expertise extends to coaching couples and entire families, as well as offering life coaching and consultation services tailored for small and large businesses. Unique to Lynessa’s practice is her collaboration with Mojo, making sessions not only therapeutic but also warm and engaging. With her leadership experience, including two terms as President of the Virginia Association of Clinical Counselors (VACC), Lynessa exemplifies commitment and dedication to mental health advocacy while providing flexible evening and weekend hours for her clients.

Cynthia Sherman is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist with a passion for supporting individuals, groups, and their support systems in the journey towards healthier living. She believes that building a strong, consistent support team is essential for success in counseling. With extensive experience working within the community and various human service organizations, Cynthia has gained invaluable insights into helping clients overcome a wide array of challenges, including Borderline Personality, family conflict, and coping skills. Her person-centered approach empowers individuals to create healthier life choices, while she also aims to assist families in navigating their unique challenges to better support their loved ones. In individual therapy, Cynthia skillfully integrates healthy coping techniques, effective communication, and EMDR to enhance her clients' therapeutic experience. At Lifebulb, Cynthia is part of a committed team focused on providing the highest quality therapy services, fostering an environment where therapists can truly enjoy their work. Offering flexible hours through both in-person and telehealth options, they prioritize client well-being and are dedicated to helping them thrive.

Jennifer Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over thirteen years of experience in the mental health field. She possesses a solid foundation in various therapeutic techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Schema-Focused Cognitive Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Known for her warm, relaxed, and empathetic approach, Jennifer helps clients explore transformative ways to embrace the future with hope. Her strength-based, positive, and affirming methodology resonates with those seeking meaningful change. Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from York College of Pennsylvania and her Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from Springfield College in Massachusetts. She addresses a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, unresolved emotional challenges, grief and loss, relational and family concerns, and substance abuse. Additionally, Jennifer offers faith-based counseling for individuals wishing to integrate this aspect into their therapeutic journey.