Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Chesapeake, VA

"As an African American woman with a PhD who was raised by two parents in the military, I understand diverse cultures and extreme pressures that individuals experience. "

Bertresh London-Nunez is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of Virginia. She has over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, families, and couples helping them build communication skills, anger management skills, assertiveness, social skills, impulse control, and positive self-talk. She is upbeat, flexible, and creative.  

Bertresh completed her Bachelor of Science in General Psychology at the University of Tampa, her Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Liberty University, and her Ph.D. in Human Services at Capella University.

Bertresh implements counseling from a person-centered, strength-based approach which is geared towards looking at the whole person to identify minor adjustments (i.e. cognitively, socially, behaviorally, psychologically, biologically, etc.) that could help the individual live a more fulfilling, happier life.

Bertresh was raised in a military family and has enjoyed living in a variety of places from Alaska to Florida. Bertresh can understand some Spanish, French, and sign language, although she is not fluent. She wants to help individuals learn and identify tools to improve their quality of life.

"Thank you for taking the first step! Now, let me share with you the gift of therapy."

Brittney Juanita Pearson is a Licensed Psychologist who has worked with clients varying in ages from 7 to 65 years old. Brittney’s clients include those with severe and persistent mental illnesses, severe emotional disturbances, and individuals struggling with major life adjustments. She has found success working with clients who struggle with daily living due to anxiety, mood disturbances, psychosis, or behavioral issues. Brittney is committed to creating a therapeutic environment that is both welcoming and comfortable for the client.

Brittney completed her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Psychology at Virginia State University in 2017. In the same year she completed her clinical internship at an APA-accredited community mental health center in Leavenworth, Kansas. In 2021 Brittney became licensed to practice clinical psychology in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Brittney is committed to providing effective, evidence-based care and mental health education. Her approach to therapy is best summarized as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-focused, client-centered, and strength-based. Brittney provides a collaborative and supportive space where she challenges each client to discover their personal strengths. These strengths set the foundation for further skill building based on the client’s needs. Each therapy session encourages client participation in both the initial treatment planning and throughout the course of ongoing sessions. Establishing genuine rapport with clients while maintaining appropriate boundaries is essential for a comfortable, therapeutic environment.

It can be a daunting task to open yourself up to someone you’ve just met. The right therapist can help make this process as comfortable as possible. Brittney’s approach to therapy is adapted to fit the needs of the client. Sessions may involve practicing assertive language, learning healthy coping skills, processing difficult life events, challenging unhealthy thoughts, or exploring triggers for anxiety. The foundation of each approach is built on the client’s personal strengths. Brittney believes that every client possesses at least three strengths that can be used as assets within therapy. Through a collaborative effort these strengths can be used to help build a more fulfilling and healthy quality of life.

***DOES NOT DO PSYCH EVALUATIONS***

"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.

"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. 

"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.

"As a woman of color, I understand issues related to gender and race."

Ife Milligan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Holistic Life Coach (CHLC) with over 10 years of professional experience working with clients of all ages with issues related to grief, loss, depression, ADHD, anxiety, oppositional defiance disorder (ODD), low self-esteem, family conflict, and more. 

She received her Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University and earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Morgan State University. She received her Holistic Life Coach certification from the University of Wellness. Ife has worked in a variety of settings and populations, including outpatient mental health, school-based therapy, medical social work, residential care, geriatric care management, and managed care.

She employs cognitive behavioral techniques (CBT), dialectal behavioral therapy (DBT), humanistic approaches, motivational interviewing, and more. Ife truly enjoys assisting others on the journey of healing and growth. She'll partner with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your needs and helps you achieve your goals in and outside of sessions. 

"Hi! I’m a dedicated and compassionate Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, and I’m truly honored to support you on your mental health journey."

Shauna Polen is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 1 year of clinical experience. She is committed to delivering evidence-based, personalized care. Shauna has experience supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Her approach is rooted in clinical expertise and genuine compassion for each person’s mental health journey.

Shauna earned her Master’s in Nursing from Norfolk State University with a focus on psychiatric mental health. She brings a background in clinical and theoretical care and tailors treatment using medication management, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Her approach is client-centered and collaborative.

Shauna is passionate about education and advocacy in mental health care. She stays up to date on current research to ensure high-quality treatment. Known for her empathy and dedication, Shauna builds strong, trusting relationships with her clients and provides care that supports healing and long-term wellness.

"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.