Our counselors offer grief counseling in Chesapeake, VA

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.

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***

Hey, my name is Dr. Kayla Thorne! I have received my Doctorate in Human Services, Master of Social Work, and Bachelor of Arts in sociology. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2025 and have provided therapy to children, adolescents, and teenagers since 2023 as a Supervisee in Social Work. I have also provided therapy to college-aged students and adults since 2025. I enjoy the wide variety of clients that I work with who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, and life changes. I work with the clients to set goals for therapy and help them achieve those goals throughout the therapy timeframe.

I use a cognitive-behavioral therapy approach and have specialized training in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress. I focus on active listening, cognitive restructuring, and assigning homework (as needed) between sessions to support continued growth.

Life can be challenging to navigate at times, especially when you feel anxious, stressed, or alone. I know it can be hard to find someone to trust to talk about your experiences when it seems impossible to deal with the life stressors. I'll be there to meet you where you are during those tough times, so feel free to book a session with me.