Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Chesapeake, VA

"As a counselor of many years and experiences, I understand the conflicting emotions of wanting to be more successful in balancing life with work when it seems that every day brings on another 'thing' we need to handle. "

Sarah-Kate Hawkins is a highly motivated, creative and versatile Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 30 years of experience working successfully with teens, adults, families, and couples. She specializes in assisting those with anxiety, behavioral issues, attachment-based issues, low self-esteem, parenting difficulties, academic issues, chronic stress, sexuality-based concerns, family conflict, and much more.  

Sarah-Kate earned her Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University, and in sessions, she uses combination of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and supportive family therapy. Sarah-Kate joined the Peace Corps and served as a volunteer in Nepal, and after 3 years, she left to explore Southeast Asia and the Middle East. 

Sarah-Kate understands that life is challenging; that everyone needs a wee bit of reassurance and care. By building a trusting relationship; one built on mindful listening, she allows feelings and thoughts to be voiced, understood and cherished. With her support, you will find your voice and your path. Sarah-Kate helps her clients make thoughtful yet tough decisions that impact their lives. 

"With life transitions of moving several states away and changing career paths, I have the ability to connect with those who are making similar life changes."

Jerusha McClendon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has worked with many people experiencing mental health and addiction personally or in their family. Jerusha has 8 years of experience in the mental health field. She completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Ohio State University.

Jerusha believes there is a need to identify and understand where the seeds of doubt and fear come from, as well as how to connect with the seeds of hope and purpose in the present and the future. Her job is to facilitate the conversation and allow clients to gain insight into their condition and develop an action plan to change their lives.

Jerusha’s superpowers include listening empathetically, relating easily to others, and critical thinking. She believes that all people have purpose in life, and she wants to explore that purpose with clients. Additionally, she strives to create a safe place in therapy so vulnerability can be examined and gains made. Therapy is a change process. Join Jerusha in this change process so that you can be a changemaker in your life and spread that change to others in your inner circle.

"As a black woman with many roles and responsibilities in my own life, I understand how to help meet your personal needs and accomplish your goals."

Alise Stults is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has been providing therapy services for more than 4 years. She is passionate about helping children, adolescents, adults, and families address challenges, overcome barriers to success and improve their well-being. Alise specializes in identity exploration, depression, anxiety, trauma, relational issues, and emotional regulation.

Alise utilizes a variety of approaches to assist clients in reaching their full potential and leading more fulfilling lives. Alise completed her Master's degree in Social Work at Rutgers University. She is a former military spouse and Residential Therapist with ample experience working with a variety of needs, life stressors, and diagnoses. Her eclectic approach to therapy offers a truly individualized experience to provide clients with the support and guidance they are seeking. Alise utilizes multiple treatment approaches including dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), bibliotherapy, mindfulness, positive psychology, solution-focused therapy (SFT), and more.

We all experience challenges and difficulties in life. Whether issues have been experienced for years, or have suddenly begun, Alise is confident that she can support you on your journey to your best self. She would like to offer you new perspectives, techniques, and skills to assist in navigating whatever challenges you are facing. If you are ready to tackle your problems, or just need help figuring things out, schedule an appointment with her today. 

"As a compassionate counselor, I understand the unique impacts of trauma and grief and the daily challenges they can leave you experiencing."

Madeline Garrett is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Virginia and Florida who has over 9 years of experience providing clinical assessments and therapeutic care to teens and adults seeking help with anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, addiction, co-dependency, grief and loss, parenting assistance, and sexuality issues. She identifies as an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and affirms all spiritual beliefs.

Madeline completed her Bachelor of Psychology from Florida State University, Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California, and her Master of Leadership from Grand Canyon University. She is a compassionate counselor who utilizes strength-based, collaborative, relational, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, motivational, solution focused approaches to therapy. She strives to remain current on creative interventions, flexible, and in tune to best meet the needs of every unique challenge and individual.

Madeline understands that it takes a lot of courage to reach out for help. She looks forward to getting to know you and is so glad you're here. She will meet you where you are to empower you to make lasting changes. Bring whatever you are carrying, and together you can begin to sort through it to get some well-deserved relief.

"As a seasoned therapist, I have come to understand that people need to feel heard in order to heal. In addition, the most important aspect in therapy is the relationship between the therapist and client. Connecting with my clients and their individual narrative is key to successful outcomes."

Valerie Proctor Greene is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), life coach, and group facilitator with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. Previously, Ms. Proctor has been employed by Morehouse College, Simmons College, Harvard University, and has had a private practice in Boston and Atlanta. In addition, she is a facilitator for Team Building, Conflict Resolution, and Diversity/Cross-Cultural trainings. Ms. Proctor's areas of interest include personal growth through self-reflection, mental health and wellness in marginalized populations, treating trauma, and advocacy for women and children.

Ms. Proctor completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology at Spelman College and her Master of Social Work (MSW) in Clinical Social Work at Smith College. In addition, she has a post-graduate certificate in Addictions Treatment from Boston University. Ms. Proctor has been Program Director for a Department of Justice grant on violence against women. The grant focused on outreach and education as well as policy development on dating violence and sexual assault on college campuses. She has presented numerous keynotes and talks on African American Women and Self-care, Trauma and African Americans, Media Images and Stereotypes of African American Women, Cross Cultural Clinical Practice, Considering Culture When Treating Addictions, and Racial Identity Development.

"As someone who has felt unheard, I recognize the importance of listening; we start healing when we feel heard."

Baylea Grimes is a Resident in Counseling who has had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients, from children, adolescents, young adults, and middle-aged to Seniors. She has the most experience working with children to young adults but always appreciates the opportunity to connect with each unique client. Helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, and life adjustments is one of her favorite parts of counseling!

Baylea enjoys helping her clients navigate whatever they need at the moment. She will get to know you as a person and seek to build strong rapport so the session is a comfortable place for you. She offers a holistic approach but enjoys focusing on helping you identify more positive thinking so your improved behaviors can lead to healthier and happier living!

Baylea builds empathy by remembering the fact that her clients don’t care how much she knows until they know how much she cares! Counseling is a collaborative process and she will travel through the journey with you, one step at a time.

"When "all the things" seem to cloud the way forward, help me help you make it make sense!"

Ja'Lesa Pierce is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. She has provided mental health support, counseling, and therapy in a variety of settings including residential, classroom, community, and office. Ja'Lesa has worked with children, families, couples, adolescents, and adults, but she found her niche in assisting teens through middle-aged women with finding their voice, recovery, and resting in a place of purpose. Ja'Lesa is passionate about helping others live their best life—healthy, fulfilled, and whole. Ja'Lesa specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, women's issues, and major life transitions.

Ja'Lesa completed her Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling from Norfolk State University in 2013. After working in the mental health field for a few years, she realized her desire to help others on a deeper level and went back to school at Virginia Commonwealth University. There, she obtained a Post-Master's Certificate in Professional Counseling in pursuit of LPC licensure. Ja'Lesa's varied experience across a myriad of cultures, backgrounds, dynamics, and diagnoses allows her to bring a unique perspective to the counseling session. Ja'Lesa's charismatic and non-judgmental approach helps her clients feel welcome and free to just be. Ja'Lesa utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, radical acceptance, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness.

Ja'Lesa understands the nuances of life's stressors, pressures, and upsets. We all go through challenges, and some seasons are more difficult than others to journey through alone. Maybe something has come up in your life that you thought you were over, or maybe imposter syndrome is crippling you where you stand. Maybe grief has been lingering longer than expected, or maybe unhealthy patterns of behavior are starting to impact multiple areas of your life. Whatever "it" is for you, Ja'Lesa is confident that she can support you with gaining new perspectives, reaching a place of acceptance, improving self-esteem and confidence, healing, and developing relevant coping skills that you can utilize for the rest of your life. If you are committed to doing the work, schedule an appointment with her today!

"As an African-American women, I understand the challenges of balancing family issues, career, and racial inequalities."

Andrea Stephen is a Resident in Counseling in the State of Virginia who specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma, sexual abuse, relationship issues, grief, stress management, PTSD, Christian counseling, and academic/work issues. She is passionate about meeting others where they are and helping them to navigate through the challenges of life. 

Andrea is a graduate of Old Dominion University with an Ed. S in Counseling. She also holds a master’s degree in Human Services Counseling certified in Psychological First Aid and Collaborative Assessment Management of Suicidality (CAMS), Life Coaching, and Wellness Coaching.

Andrea has over 27 years of experience in a university setting where she had the opportunity to develop and provide Wellness Check-Ins sessions for undergraduate students during COVID-19. She has experience working on an interprofessional team, hospital setting, in-home counseling, crisis counseling, group, and individual counseling sessions. She was also a part of a team that launched an effort to decrease instances of violent episodes in a hospital setting utilizing a reliable assessment tool.

Andrea believes in utilizing a holistic approach incorporating techniques from person-centered therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), solution-focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness exercises, and faith-based counseling.

"Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by the weight of past trauma, suffocated by the grip of anxiety, or dulled by the clutches of depression? You're not alone. My name is Enid, and I'm here to guide you on a journey of healing, growth, and resilience, where wounds transform into wisdom."

As an EMDR therapist, I specialize in helping individuals to unlock their natural ability to heal. Using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, I facilitate a gentle yet powerful process that it's not about erasing the past, but allowing you to finally reclaim your present and future.

My clinical experience includes over 18 years working across telehealth, short and long-term treatment, intensive in-home counseling, psychiatric hospitals, law enforcement, community-based settings, military and multicultural communities. I earned a bachelor's in Social Work from Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico and a master's in both Mental Health Counseling and Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

We all go through life changes and challenges — bright days and dark days, ups and downs. I understand that taking the first step toward healing can be daunting, but it's a step worth taking. Together, we'll create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can express your deepest emotions and confront your innermost fears. By working collaboratively, we'll unlock the strength and resilience that lies within you, allowing you to rewrite your story and pave a path toward lasting peace and fulfillment. You deserve to live a life free from the shadows of trauma and anxiety. It's time to embrace a future filled with hope, purpose, and joy. Schedule a session today, and let's walk the path of healing together.

"I believe that mental health services should be individualized and truly speak to each person’s, couple’s, and family’s preference and need."

Elana Sowers is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has over 10 years of experience working with a diverse range of clients from children (ages birth to 12), adults, couples, families, and people who identify as LGBTQ+. She specializes in treating concerns or conditions related to difficult life transitions, domestic violence, parenting difficulties, family conflict, sexual assault, grief, stress, loss, low self-esteem, depression, and more. 

Elana earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the State University of New York College-Brockport and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the State University of New York-Albany. Elana has worked in a variety of settings that include outpatient services with children and families in foster care and with service members, their spouses, and their families on military bases in the US and abroad.

Elana’s experiences have assisted her in becoming a culturally competent, trauma-informed, and strengths-based clinician. She uses an integrative, multi-disciplinary approach that includes being solution focused and person-centered to best help her clients meet their goals. Elana believes that mental health services should be individualized and truly speak to each person’s, couple’s, and family’s preference and need.