Find a Therapist in Staunton, VA

Michele Comer, a dedicated resident in counseling (MA, PLPC), understands the complexities that teens and young adults face in today's challenging environment. In times when their world may seem upside down, she recognizes the necessity of having a supportive figure to help process the myriad emotions and experiences that arise. Michele is well-versed in the struggles associated with depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and identity issues, all of which can lead to feelings of isolation and overwhelm. Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Core Model, and Narrative Therapy, she is committed to guiding her clients not only in addressing surface symptoms but also in uncovering the deeper sources of their discomfort. With over 15 years of experience working with this age group, first as a mentor and lay counselor, Michele is honored to provide a safe and trusting environment where individuals can share their innermost feelings, fears, and struggles. Through her compassionate approach, she strives to walk alongside her clients on their journey to healing and self-discovery.

Joshua Daniel Keene is a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist with an MS and LMFT credentials, specializing in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate their emotional landscapes. His ideal clients include those seeking to overcome trauma and individuals working to foster a strong, supportive marriage. In addition, Joshua is passionate about assisting parents who aim to enhance their relationships with their children and cultivate healthier family dynamics. Utilizing approaches such as Structural Family Therapy and Family Systems therapy, he expertly identifies key themes and patterns that may be disrupting family harmony, guiding his clients toward the establishment of healthier relational patterns. Joshua's overarching goal is to walk alongside those he serves, offering compassionate support as they strive to implement positive changes in their lives, heal from past hurts, and ultimately create a nurturing environment for their families.

Beth Kaufman is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's degree and extensive experience supporting adults through life's challenges. In a world that often feels overwhelming and disconnected, she understands the struggle to find meaning and purpose amid the chaos. Many individuals yearn for tranquility and a deeper understanding of themselves, yet often push forward without pausing to reflect on their true desires. Beth's compassionate approach encourages her clients to slow down, listen to their inner voices, and nurture a fulfilling connection with themselves and others. She works collaboratively to help clients clarify their deepest aspirations and discover what brings them happiness and fulfillment. Drawing from techniques like Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery & Music, Beth creates a supportive space for both individual and group sessions. Her dedication to understanding each person’s unique story enables her to provide tailored guidance and insightful questions. Whether in-person or online, Beth is committed to fostering personal growth and resilience, paving the way for a more peaceful and purpose-driven life.

Brian Ede, LCSW, is a compassionate clinical social worker and therapist who understands that life's journey can often be rough and challenging. Not every path is smooth or easy; many can be difficult and even perilous. He believes that there are times when individuals need someone to walk alongside them, helping them navigate towards new directions. Having experienced similar struggles himself, Brian empathizes deeply with his clients, which makes a significant difference in their therapeutic journey. Specializing in working with couples and families, he is particularly passionate about instilling hope in men who face unique struggles. He equips his clients with vital life and relational skills, focusing on areas such as problem-solving, overcoming depression, reducing anxiety, achieving victory over addiction, managing life development stages, and recovering from trauma. Brian Ede's warm approach and deep understanding create a safe environment for healing and growth.

Megan Kincheloe, a licensed professional counselor with an MA and LPC, embodies a deep passion for supporting those in distress, particularly children and adolescents who have faced the hardships of abuse, neglect, and experiences within the foster care system. With over 16 years of specialized experience in trauma, she utilizes an array of therapeutic modalities to effectively address issues of trauma, depression, anxiety, and family stress. Furthermore, her dedication extends to empowering women to recognize their intrinsic value, overcoming feelings of shame, and ultimately discovering forgiveness. With training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), and play therapy, Megan attained certification as a Certified Trauma Professional from the International Association of Trauma Professionals in 2018. In 2019, she also became a Certified Adoption Competent Therapist through the Center for Adoption Support & Education. Understanding that trusting a clinician can be a daunting step, Megan is honored to serve as a compassionate and safe space for individuals to explore their deepest feelings, struggles, and fears, guiding them through their journey of healing from pain, trauma, and life's unexpected challenges.

Jenna Cohen, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), is dedicated to helping adults navigate their emotional landscapes while addressing stress, anxiety, and self-esteem. She understands the common struggles of feeling overwhelmed by the past or future and strives to guide her clients toward focusing on what truly matters to them. In her therapeutic practice, Jenna creates a safe and supportive environment where healing and growth can flourish. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, meaningful connections, and emotional resilience as essential elements for personal development. With a diverse skill set in therapy types such as Compassion Focused, Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Positive Psychology, and more, Jenna tailors her approach to meet each client's unique needs. Specializing in phases of life transitions, she is committed to empowering her clients through encouragement and strength-building. Jenna's clients describe her as warm and empathetic, yet she also encourages accountability and reflection, ensuring they are on the path to change and reaching their goals. Through her engaging telehealth sessions, Jenna fosters a collaborative therapeutic relationship, working alongside her clients to navigate their journeys toward well-being.

Dr. Michele Kielty is a licensed professional counselor with a Ph.D. and over 20 years of experience dedicated to helping individuals who feel stuck move forward in their lives. She understands that even successful people encounter internal barriers and may be unsure about their next steps. Michele partners with clients to navigate these challenges, fostering tangible progress in their personal and professional lives. Her coaching sessions are personalized, incorporating regular check-ins to support ongoing development. By leveraging clients' strengths, clarifying crucial issues, and addressing longstanding emotional or behavioral patterns, she helps them clear the path to achieving their most important goals. Specializing in the use of present awareness to design a positive vision for the future, Michele employs a variety of tools, including positive psychology and mindfulness-based approaches, alongside frameworks for career success and leadership. If clients are ready for transformation, they can expect a supportive coach who is committed to their success.

Sarah Spence is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC, CFRC) who is passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families as they navigate their struggles and build resilience in their lives. With over 15 years of experience in various settings, she has provided therapy to children, adolescents, and adults, addressing issues such as trauma and PTSD, addiction, anxiety, and depression. As the wife of a first responder for more than 17 years, Sarah is particularly committed to assisting first responders and their families in managing the unique challenges that arise from these critical professions. She employs a range of therapeutic techniques, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and more, tailored to meet her clients' needs. Sarah believes that therapy is about the client directing their journey and setting their personal goals, with her role being to provide unwavering support and encouragement. She understands that everyone faces hardships and is eager to walk alongside her clients as they work through their difficulties. Sarah is driven by the belief that each individual has the potential to contribute their very best to the world, and through therapy, they can achieve this remarkable goal.

Janet Mizzi Balser, a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree in Counseling from Eastern Mennonite University, boasts over three decades of experience in assisting child abuse victims and others who have endured trauma. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Hollins University, which underpins her deep understanding of behavioral issues and anxiety. Janet embraces a variety of therapy types, including Expressive Arts, Play Therapy, and Trauma-Focused methods, ensuring a holistic approach tailored to individual needs. A unique aspect of her practice is her facility dog, Murph, a graduate of Canine Companions for Independence, who plays a pivotal role in creating a non-judgmental and comfortable atmosphere for clients, encouraging them to share their stories openly.

Dr. Thomas Paulus is a compassionate psychologist dedicated to aiding adults and elders in navigating their complex emotional landscapes. With a profound understanding that suffering is an inherent part of the human experience, he recognizes how unnecessary psychological pain can often stem from unconscious defenses. He observes that when individuals resist painful feelings and the truths they illuminate, they may become trapped in their own resistance, leading to emotional and physical distress. Through his expertise in various therapeutic modalities—such as Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), Trauma Focused Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy—Dr. Paulus collaborates with his patients to help them courageously confront, untangle, and accept those truths. He views each person as a unique mystery and strives to eliminate the complexities of therapy, establishing a clear understanding of the internal conflicts at play. By fostering an honest and compassionate relationship, Dr. Paulus enables individuals to recognize their anxiety and defenses while building their capacity to experience and embrace their hidden feelings. In his therapeutic practice, he works closely with clients to create an alliance focused on their goals and priorities, offering support for the healthier aspects of themselves and guiding them to navigate through resistance. Life may present daunting challenges, but with Dr. Paulus’s guidance, individuals can discover the strength to endure and thrive.