Find a Therapist in Williamsburg, VA

Mackenzie Reed is a dedicated pre-licensed professional therapist who recognizes the challenges of living in a busy, ever-changing world. She understands that many may feel overwhelmed, as if they are struggling to keep their heads above water, unsure of how to navigate through life's complexities. Mackenzie believes in the importance of taking a step back to breathe, reassess what isn’t working, and implement positive changes to truly embrace life. For those who seek to simplify their lives and find effective solutions, Mackenzie is committed to walking alongside them on this transformative journey. With a rich personal background in adoption-related issues, complemented by extensive research, she possesses a unique perspective that informs her practice. In addition to her work with children through engaging play therapy methods when traditional conversations may fall short, Mackenzie is particularly passionate about supporting military families facing the unique challenges of deployments and relationship dynamics. She sees and hears the struggles of her clients, and her goal is to provide meaningful support and guidance through their journeys.

Rachel Richardson is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College, graduating in 2016. She is dedicated to guiding adolescents and young adults through life's challenges, especially in addressing eating disorders. Rachel utilizes a blend of culturally sensitive approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Person-Centered Therapy, Feminist Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Strength-Based modalities. As a compassionate ally to the LGBTQ+ community, she creates a welcoming, non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore their emotions, enhance their coping skills, and ultimately rediscover their strengths. Whether dealing with anxiety, depression, perfectionism, or self-esteem issues, Rachel is committed to empowering her clients to thrive in their lives.

Ashley Ruggerio is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Board Certified Registered Art Therapist dedicated to supporting individuals in their healing journeys. With expertise in working with children aged 3 and up, teens, and young adult women, she specializes in managing challenges related to domestic violence, sexual assault, childhood trauma, and grief and loss. Ashley employs a Person-Centered therapeutic approach, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Art Therapy, Play Therapy techniques, and Narrative therapy to foster a safe and nurturing environment for her clients. Her practice of Art Therapy allows clients to express themselves creatively, combining traditional verbal therapy methods to promote personal growth and wholeness. Ashley places strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship, ensuring a supportive and welcoming atmosphere where individuals can feel empowered, empathized with, and encouraged as they navigate their paths toward healing.

Frederick Ruzanski is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in helping adults navigate life’s challenges, including depression, anxiety, and addiction. With a career focused on facilitating recovery, he has a profound understanding of the complexities that surface during the healing journey. Frederick is particularly skilled at assisting those in recovery from substance use, as he guides them to confront and resolve long-standing issues that may have contributed to their struggles. His approach is pragmatic, client-centered, and collaborative, allowing clients to recognize their strengths rather than weaknesses throughout the counseling process. Having worked in both community mental health centers and substance abuse facilities, Frederick’s expertise is complemented by his credentials as a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor. His commitment to fostering a supportive environment helps individuals and groups alike in finding their path to wellness and growth.

Julius Smith, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), congratulates individuals for considering the transformative journey toward bettering themselves. Understanding that this decision can evoke both fear and excitement, he is committed to supporting clients throughout this path. Embracing a Person-Centered Approach during therapy, Julius ensures that the experience revolves around the client, viewing himself as a guide along their unique journey. His philosophy of care is deeply rooted in a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy framework, acknowledging the significant influence of core beliefs and thoughts on emotional well-being. Additionally, he employs a Solution Focused Therapy approach to help clients articulate their specific goals and objectives, fostering a clear roadmap to progress. By assisting individuals in recognizing their personal values, thinking patterns, and behavioral habits, Julius believes that facilitating necessary changes is essential to achieving emotional wellness. For clients wishing to incorporate their Christian faith into therapy, Julius, equipped with a degree in Biblical Studies and as a Licensed Minister, offers perspectives aligned with their values. Regardless of background, Julius is dedicated to guiding individuals on their journey toward wellness.

Pamela Thompson, LPC, is a dedicated licensed professional counselor and psychotherapist who specializes in working with children, young adults, and families. She effectively collaborates with her clients to identify dysfunctional patterns in their relationships and develop effective coping strategies. Through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy, Pamela assists clients in reaching their therapy goals. Over the past four years, she has gained extensive experience supporting clients grappling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma in both outpatient clinic and school settings.

Lauren Tomasino, LMFT, is a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist whose clinical journey began in 2012 as an intensive in-home therapist specializing in children and adolescents facing mental health challenges. She has significant experience working with military members and their families, providing essential short-term counseling to address the complexities of multiple deployments, reintegration, parenting, and marital issues, as well as child behavioral concerns. Lauren previously worked at the Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center for two years and joined Abundant Life Partners in Williamsburg in November of 2019. With a philosophy that positions clients as the experts of their own lives, she sees her role as a process consultant who helps individuals and families achieve their goals. Her passion for enhancing relationships stems from the belief that meaningful connections with others—and oneself—are fundamental to a fulfilling life. In her work with couples, she employs the Gottman Method, developed by John Gottman, Ph.D., based on over 30 years of extensive research. Lauren is also Level II trained in this therapeutic approach, which allows her to guide couples toward stronger, healthier relationships.

Madeline Vann is a compassionate and highly skilled Licensed Professional Counselor who understands the challenges faced by those who have achieved much in life yet find themselves grappling with trauma, grief, addiction, or interpersonal conflicts. She believes that every individual and relationship has the capacity to heal, and creates a safe and confidential space for this journey. Utilizing her extensive experience in addiction treatment, EMDR, and trauma therapy, along with techniques from the Gottman Method for couples, Madeline employs an integrative approach that assists her clients in understanding their past experiences, the effects those experiences have had on their lives, and the path to healing. With specialized training in working with SOF, veteran populations, and high-performing professionals—including first responders and healthcare providers—she is adept at addressing the unique needs of various individuals. In moments of feeling stuck or frightened, clients can find solace in speaking with Madeline, who is dedicated to facilitating their healing and empowering them to live a life they truly desire.

Dr. Victoria McLaughlin, a licensed professional counselor with a PhD and extensive credentials including LPC, CSAC, NCC, and ACS, believes that when winds do not blow in our favor, we must adjust our sails. Recognizing that even the strongest and smartest individuals sometimes need support navigating their next steps, her practice is positioned as a safe and judgment-free space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. With over a decade of experience since the start of her career in 2010, Dr. McLaughlin emphasizes the development of resilience as a key to mental well-being. Alongside her, she supervises Stephen Barlow, a gifted intern who shares her dedication to creating a nurturing environment. Together, they utilize Cognitive Behavioral approaches to foster healthier thoughts, feelings, and actions in everyday life. Committed to inclusivity, Dr. McLaughlin values diverse experiences and ensures her practice remains a welcoming haven for all individuals seeking growth and understanding.

Angela Von Hayek is a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist with a PhD, LMFT, and LPC credentials. A graduate of the College of William and Mary in 1999, she brings years of experience to her practice, working with preteens, teens, and adults to navigate a wide range of challenges. Angela specializes in addressing mood disorders, anxiety, and relationship issues, employing a variety of therapeutic modalities including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy. Her culturally sensitive approach is complemented by skills in solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) and family systems therapy. Whether through individual sessions, couples counseling, or family therapy, Angela is committed to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for her clients, helping them explore their narratives and embrace change.

Emily Wade, a resident in counseling with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Old Dominion University, represents a compassionate and dedicated guide for those navigating life’s challenges. She recognizes that engaging in a therapeutic relationship is a profound gift often overlooked. Emily believes that therapy can illuminate pathways to peace, support, and balance, helping clients discover their true potential. Her approach integrates honesty, accountability, humor, and unconditional love, fostering a nurturing environment where clients can find comfort and stability. This pivotal connection in the client-counselor relationship serves as a foundation for growth and success in the areas that need support. Emily emphasizes the importance of motivation and rigorous honesty in constructing effective healing plans. With experience helping clients resolve discomfort, establish healthy boundaries, and find joy while addressing past pain, she is dedicated to facilitating meaningful transformations in their lives.

Stephanie White is a dedicated resident in counseling, specializing in supporting adolescents, young adults, and families facing crises. With a strong background in managing addictions and severe mental health diagnoses, she fosters a safe space for all of her clients, ensuring that every voice is heard. Through her work, Stephanie aims to stimulate meaningful dialogue that promotes awareness and insight, which are essential for healing and change. Her collaborative and integrative approach is particularly effective for those dealing with mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, as well as families navigating crises. Holding a Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling, her dissertation focused on the transformative effects of mindfulness in relation to depression, self-forgiveness, and the stages of change for individuals in recovery. Stephanie is committed to empowering individuals and families on their journey to improved mental health and well-being.

Nancy Wiseman is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than fifteen years of experience in private practice. Her extensive background includes directing a university-based family counseling program, where she worked with referrals from public school systems, assisting children and families at risk. Nancy has a deep commitment to helping adults and children who have endured abusive family situations, and she has served as the primary inpatient psychiatric therapist for children, teens, and families in a metropolitan hospital. Her practice encompasses a range of therapy types, including culturally sensitive approaches, family and marital counseling, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). With a focus on person-centered therapy, solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), and structural family therapy, Nancy is dedicated to supporting her clients through their unique challenges.