Relationship Issues Therapists in Vinton, VA

Welcome. You have taken the first courageous step in seeking help. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over thirty years of clinical experience. I work with adults and couples who are dealing with: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, family of origin issues and codependency. I have a master's degree in Counseling from West Virginia University and am certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). Additionally, I am a certified Clinical Supervisor and am open to supervising counseling residents as well as licensed professionals.

My approach is both directive and accepting. I am a client-centered therapist. I can help solve problems that can take years to resolve on their own by teaching new skills and giving homework to practice in between sessions. At the same time I allow clients to dictate the goals, pace, and intensity of their counseling sessions. I don't fix people. I look for what is going right and help you or your relationship do more of it.

I will help you to improve communication skills, strengthen interpersonal relationships, lift depression, relieve anxiety, reduce an overload of accumulating stress, and eliminate self-sabotaging habits. I will encourage you to embrace a quality of life that includes joy, health, abundance and a LOVE for life. Individuals who acquire the skills necessary to experience personal transformation are catalysts of change for their family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and community. I will be your therapist, teacher, and inspirational guide. I provide quality counseling services to children and adults that promotes the health, vitality and well-being of the whole person.

Difficult life experiences often make us feel powerless, overwhelmed, and like our voice was taken from us. My goal is to help you find your voice and to empower you to make changes to reach your therapeutic goals as I support you with compassion, empathy, and non-judgment. First and foremost, I strive to make my clients feel seen, heard, and accepted.

It is one of my primary goals to create a safe, trusting, and non-judgmental environment that will allow you to explore difficult topics and gain greater knowledge of yourself, others, and your relationships. I'm a licensed professional counselor experienced in dealing with a range of life issues, including depression, anxiety, addictions, trauma, relationship issues, and identity concerns. The steps needed to make meaningful changes in our lives can be difficult. It is my passion to support others in making such meaningful changes. Change is a journey--you don't have to walk alone.

We are an outpatient mental health practice in Roanoke, Salem, Blacksburg, Daleville, and Floyd, Virginia, dedicated to helping patients overcome emotional problems using counseling techniques that promote more rapid recovery than traditional non-directive therapy. Everyone goes through challenging situations, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when needed. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

I believe the therapeutic process is a powerful tool for clients to grow and become healthier individuals and/or couples. My clinical experience settings include private practice, mental/behavioral health agencies, community college and medical social work services. Areas of experience include crisis work, substance use dependence, depression & anxiety, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, chronic illness, autism, and relationship issues. My therapeutic approach is eclectic, client centered, utilizing cognitive behavioral, solution focused, insight oriented, trauma informed and motivational interviewing and mindfulness.

I work with a broad clientele including children ages 10+, adults, families, and couples. Anxiety disorders are a strong interest of mine. I like to collaboratively identify multiple interventions with clients who have goals related to diminishing and managing anxious symptoms. Building a trusting relationship is also important. Ideally, clients will recognize that they have a strong ally in me. I appreciate working with clients interested in learning more about their diagnosis and related symptoms, exploring how they influence them personally and inter-personally, and generally educating themselves about their mental health.