Find a Therapist in Virginia Beach, VA

Dr. Fonya Lord Helm is a highly experienced clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst, having received her education from esteemed institutions such as Harvard and George Washington University. With over 30 years of experience, she specializes in supporting adults and elders in navigating challenges related to anxiety, relationship issues, and self-esteem. Dr. Lord Helm is adept at providing a variety of therapeutic modalities, including brief therapy, couple psychotherapy, and longer-term psychoanalytic therapy tailored to individual needs. She understands the importance of fostering creativity and personal growth, guiding clients in utilizing their strengths more effectively to achieve their personal and professional goals. Whether through teletherapy options like Zoom and FaceTime or traditional in-person sessions, she is committed to personalized care and remains dedicated to assisting clients throughout their therapeutic journey.

Dr. Albert Louis Brewster is a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist, holding credentials as an LCSW-C, PhD, BCD, and ACSW. He specializes in supporting highly stressed young to middle-aged adults who are grappling with challenges such as post-traumatic stress, addiction, anxiety, depression, weight loss, smoking cessation, and chronic pain. With a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, he provides a safe space for individuals seeking relief and understanding.

Sarah Heidel, a deeply compassionate psychologist with a PsyD and LCP credential, is dedicated to offering a nurturing space for individuals to explore their authentic selves. Her clients often express that feeling truly understood and accepted plays a vital role in their healing process. Sarah cultivates a collaborative and trusting therapeutic relationship, providing holistic care tailored to the unique needs and goals of each person. With experience in addressing a range of concerns, including depression, mood disorders, anxiety, life transitions, and identity challenges, she helps clients navigate their journeys towards a fulfilling life. Her therapeutic approach is integrative, drawing upon psychodynamic and interpersonal theories that underscore the significance of relationships in shaping thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through the use of diverse techniques—such as behavior observation, mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and exploration of relationship patterns—Sarah guides individuals and couples toward their personal aspirations, fostering meaningful lives and connections.

Miriam Matthews, LCSW, is a compassionate therapist dedicated to empowering and supporting individuals on their journey to healing. Recognizing the strength it takes to seek help, Miriam welcomes a diverse range of clients, particularly young to middle-aged adult women, who face unique backgrounds and challenges. Her approach centers on fostering self-compassion, confidence, and empowerment. Clients working with Miriam often find themselves amazed at how their focus on self-love positively influences every area of their lives. Known for her organized yet flexible style, she enables a safe and solution-focused collaborative environment where clients feel comforted. With extensive experience addressing family conflict, cultural and racial identity issues, and recovery from sexual abuse, Miriam employs evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to help individuals enhance their self-esteem and cultivate identity autonomy. She recognizes the emotional pain her clients may be experiencing and acknowledges the courage it takes to begin therapy. Miriam appreciates each client's willingness to embark on this transformative journey, assuring them that they are not alone. With her guidance, clients can develop effective strategies and ultimately change their mindset and lives.

Life can be very challenging, and at times, individuals may feel overwhelmed or lose their way. Betsy Murdock, a licensed professional counselor with 20 years of experience, acts as a strong support for those seeking balance, mood improvement, relief from anxiety or depression, and healthier relationships with partners, family, and coworkers. She helps clients explore their desires and works alongside them to achieve their personal goals. Betsy understands the importance of clearing negative thoughts and self-defeating beliefs that no longer serve individuals. Her private practice allows her to connect with a diverse population from all walks of life, as she firmly believes in the capacity of her clients to make their own choices in a safe, confidential, and supportive therapeutic environment. Reaching out for help is a courageous step that signifies a desire for change, and Betsy would be honored to assist anyone on their journey. She currently offers virtual appointments via video or phone for individuals (18+) and couples.

Samantha Newton is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and therapist, known for her expertise in assisting teens and adults facing challenges such as anxiety, life transitions, and self-esteem issues. With a commitment to fostering personal growth, Samantha utilizes a diverse range of therapeutic modalities including Brainspotting, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and a Person-Centered approach. Her strength-based perspective encourages clients to harness their inner resilience, making their journey towards emotional well-being both empowering and transformative. Samantha's warm demeanor and dedication to individualized care ensure that each client feels supported on their path to healing.

Lisa Obryan, a licensed professional counselor (LPC), offers tele-health sessions designed to support individuals as they navigate their emotional landscapes. With a firm belief in the potential for healing, she recognizes that it is normal to experience conflict, sadness, anger, or distress. Lisa understands that when these emotions start to adversely affect one’s life, seeking additional support becomes vital. Her counseling approach is centered on collaboration, as she partners with clients in a journey of self-discovery rather than dictating solutions. She fosters a judgment-free environment where clients can explore their true selves. Lisa primarily focuses on working with couples to enhance communication and resolve conflicts. She also provides specialized support for individuals grappling with anxiety, depression, and other challenges, including stress, suicidal ideation, bullying, and self-esteem issues. Lisa is particularly passionate about assisting teens and their parents in addressing current struggles while developing coping skills that have lasting benefits. Believing in the significance of personal narratives, she helps clients understand their past to shape a positive future. Lisa is dedicated to guiding her clients every step of the way, emphasizing that today is an ideal time to invest in their emotional well-being and future happiness.

Lindsay Pyatt is a licensed professional counselor with specialized credentials (MS, LPC, NCC) dedicated to guiding individuals who are struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety, or anger. She creates a nurturing and secure environment for her clients to explore their emotions and work through various challenges including anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem, ADHD, and trauma. Understanding that each individual is unique, Lindsay collaboratively develops personalized plans that empower her clients to reach their goals. Recognizing the difficulties many face, she is qualified to provide telehealth services to residents of Virginia and Florida, ensuring accessible support during this challenging time.

Hayley Scanlin is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) dedicated to supporting young adults as they navigate significant life transitions such as graduation, independence, and evolving relationships. With over 8 years of experience, she specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma, helping clients address the stressors that accompany the journey into adulthood. Hayley employs a supportive and empathic approach, utilizing trauma-informed practices that include EMDR, person-centered techniques, and strength-based methods. She is committed to creating a nonjudgmental and empowering therapeutic environment that fosters safety and encourages long-term, meaningful change. In addition, Hayley has received specialized training in EMDR, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, demonstrating her depth of expertise. She offers flexible appointment options, including in-person and Telehealth sessions, ensuring that clients receive care in a manner that suits their comfort and needs.

Nicole Sirko is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Master of Education in Counseling from Old Dominion University, graduating in 2005. With a passion for supporting adults through life's complexities, she specializes in addressing challenges such as depression, anxiety, and life transitions. Nicole employs a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Compassion Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Her culturally sensitive and strength-based practices create a safe, welcoming environment for personal growth and healing. Committed to fostering resilience and well-being, Nicole is dedicated to guiding clients through their journeys with compassion and understanding.

Ashton Smith-Ralston, a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist, understands that we are currently navigating a landscape filled with uncertainty and transformation. Many individuals find themselves grappling with fear and instability, while others experience a growing sense of connection, tranquility, and hope. Ashton believes that one’s inner world does not have to mirror the chaos of the external environment; rather, the external world indeed reflects the essence of the inner world. This unique period presents a significant opportunity for personal growth and consciousness expansion. Ashton empowers clients to embrace the unknown, utilizing it as a catalyst to manifest their true desires. Through a cognitive approach, Ashton investigates limiting beliefs—often subconscious—and behaviors that no longer serve the individual. By combining this with mindfulness practice and energy psychology techniques, Ashton provides a profoundly effective therapeutic experience. The way clients perceive life is shaped by their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. When limiting beliefs are transformed, it leads to transformative thoughts and feelings, shaping a more enriching life experience. Ashton invites individuals to cleanse their inner worlds, paving the way for the realization of their dreams.

Keri Willis-Higgons is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor with a passion for supporting individuals through pivotal moments in life. With expertise addressing women's issues, pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum challenges, she is committed to empowering her clients through their unique journeys. Keri caters to a diverse clientele, including teens, adults, and elders, emphasizing culturally sensitive approaches in her practice. Her therapeutic repertoire includes techniques such as trauma-focused therapy, attachment-based methods, and the Gottman Method, allowing her to provide tailored support in couples, individual, and family settings. Keri’s warm, person-centered approach fosters an environment of trust, encouraging clients to explore and grow while navigating their life transitions with confidence and resilience.

Heather Woods, a dedicated Resident in Counseling, is passionate about tailoring her therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of each client. She believes that individuals engage in therapy for various reasons and deserves a personalized approach. With a wealth of experience across multiple areas of mental health, including substance abuse, depression, trauma, anxiety, children, and intellectual disabilities, she excels in meeting clients where they are at. Heather emphasizes the importance of being present and employs techniques to help clients navigate their emotions as they arise. She skillfully utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, allowing clients to explore their feelings at their own pace, and encourages them to practice self-compassion to foster acceptance and personal growth. Through her commitment to empowering clients to be authentic and create balance in their lives, Heather Woods embodies a genuine and supportive presence in the therapeutic journey.