Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in Charlottesville, VA

Hi, I’m Madison Powell, Resident in Counseling, MSEd. I work with adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, stress, and major life transitions. Many of the clients I support feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Whether you're looking to heal from past experiences, build healthier coping skills, strengthen your relationships, or feel more confident in managing life's challenges, I aim to provide a supportive space where you can feel heard, understood, and respected. 

My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and tailored to your unique needs. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, person-centered, and narrative approaches, I help clients identify patterns, reframe unhelpful beliefs, build resilience, and develop practical tools for lasting change and personal growth. 

Seeking support takes courage, and you don't have to navigate life's challenges alone. My goal is to create a safe, compassionate environment where you feel empowered to grow, heal, and move forward with confidence. If you're ready to invest in yourself and your well-being, I would be honored to be part of your journey.

I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to delivering empathetic, research-driven care to individuals of all ages. I have worked with clients facing a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, PTSD, mood disorders, and other psychiatric conditions. Many individuals seek insight, emotional stability, and actionable strategies to navigate stressors, strengthen relationships, and regain a sense of control. I am particularly committed to empowering clients seeking deeper self-understanding, resilience, and working toward meaningful, lasting change.

My personality style is warm, empathetic, and approachable, creating a safe space where clients feel comfortable being open and honest. I help them feel heard, understood, and empowered. I value authenticity and maintain a nonjudgmental attitude, meeting each person where they are and helping clients build practical skills for lasting growth and healing.

Taking the first step toward mental wellness can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. I am here to support you with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to your growth and healing. I encourage you to take the next step and begin your journey toward meaningful change.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 7 years of experience supporting teens, adults, and veterans who are navigating PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship stress, life transitions, and the lasting impact of past experiences. Many of the people I work with are seeking understanding, emotional balance, and a steady, supportive space where they can explore what they have been carrying and begin to heal.

I earned my master’s in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University. My approach is warm, collaborative, and deeply trauma informed. I draw from internal family systems, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing to help clients process difficult experiences, and build grounding skills.

You deserve a place where you feel supported, understood, and able to move at a pace that feels right for you. Healing does not have to happen alone. I am here with care, curiosity, and respect as you take steps toward feeling more grounded and whole. When you are ready, I would be honored to walk with you on your path forward.

Nessalyn Dearce is a Resident in Counseling who has experience providing mental health services to children and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, chronic illness, and stress management. Nessalyn is LGBTQIA+ affirming and works to maintain multicultural awareness in session. She completed her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology at Christopher Newport University and her Master of Science (MS) in Education in Counseling at Old Dominion University. 

Nessalyn utilizes person-centered, mindfulness-based, cognitive-behavioral, strengths-based, solution focused, and emotionally focused approaches to therapy. She encourages individuals to acknowledge their inner experiences in healthy ways and assists them in aligning with their goals and ideals. Nessalyn aims to meet the individual needs of each person by exploring the qualities and experiences that make them unique.

Nessalyn understands that getting help can be difficult and intimidating, so she aims to make the office a safe space for clients to be themselves and hopes to establish a therapeutic relationship that makes room for growth and healing.

Christin A. Collier is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who specializes in supporting individuals with dual diagnoses or co-occurring disorders, addiction issues, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, career issues, and adjustment concerns. Christin has over 7 years of experience in the mental health field, counseling individuals who have experienced trauma, depression, family concerns, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and adjustment concerns. She has provided counseling in a variety of settings including inpatient detoxification, intensive outpatient (IOP), outpatient group therapy, family, and individual therapy. 

Christin completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. She completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Wheelock College, which is now part of Boston University. Christin is certified in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and is in the process of becoming trained in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy modalities. In 2015 she received an award for Outstanding Achievement and Service Excellence at Palmetto Summerville Behavioral Health. She is a military spouse.

Christin’s goal is to help you find ways to cope, learn to move on, and learn how you can feel better. Her practice centers around a person-centered approach utilizing a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) modality. What this means is the focus is on the individual’s goals, needs, and ways to help promote change. Christin empowers people to find their coping skills. She utilizes motivational interviewing to work on goals that sometimes feel overwhelming. You have taken the step to look for help and that is brave. Let Christin help you find your voice and focus on moving forward. She will work with you to be compassionate to yourself and heal.