Our counselors offer grief counseling in Norfolk, VA

Dee Jacobi-Edwards is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia and a Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) in South Carolina who has helped individuals, couples, and families for over 20 years. Dee works with clients 18 to 99 years old. Her clients have presented with issues including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and relationship difficulties. Dee has also helped clients who have experienced fear or isolation caused by COVID-19. She understands that grief, loss, and bereavement do not only occur when someone dies, but also when a job is lost, or poor health occurs. Having been a hospice social worker, Dee has also counseled individuals and family members after a loved one has been given a terminal diagnosis.

Dee completed her Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) at the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master of Education (MEd) in Rehabilitation Counseling at Springfield College. Utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, clients develop an understanding of the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and are encouraged to cultivate flexibility in the process, leading to change in automatic problem-solving responses. Other techniques used include mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation techniques. Dee is also an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider.

Using a conversational style, Dee collaborates with her clients, whether an individual, a couple, or family members, to identify areas of concern. Together, she and her client analyze what the perceived difficulties are and identify achievable goals. In a supportive and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship, Dee encourages open communication to resolve conflicts from misunderstandings.

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.

Jacob Sitton is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has experience working with adults of all age groups and in individual, couple, and group contexts. Though Jacob has worked with clients experiencing a variety of issues and conditions, he most consistently finds himself counseling individuals struggling with chronic anxiety, depression and suicidality, low self-esteem, grief, relational difficulty, and both men's and women's issues. In addition, Jacob has had the privilege of working with clients who are overcoming trauma, battling addiction, or living with borderline personality disorder.

Jacob completed his master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. He adopts a collaborative approach to counseling, acknowledging the client as the expert on their experiences. Jacob's role is to help the client foster the awareness necessary to evaluate their experiences free from any unhealthy measures of worth, and to equip them with the tools to respond appropriately to those experiences.

Jacob holds a deep reverence for the resilience and perseverance his clients exhibit by pursuing mental health, and he regularly finds himself inspired by their progress. Even taking this first step toward wellbeing by exploring potential counselors deserves recognition. If you are willing, Jacob encourages you to take the next step as well and reach out.

Rebeccah McCully is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. She has spent time serving in school-based therapeutic programs, including group counseling, school-based outpatient services, and providing individual therapy. Rebeccah has a special heart for supporting women through life's toughest and most transformative moments. With extensive experience working with mothers facing postpartum depression, infertility, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), she offers empathetic care to help women navigate these challenges. Rebeccah is also skilled in addressing anxiety and depression, providing a safe and comforting space for individuals to explore their feelings and find effective coping strategies. She supports those experiencing infidelity and the pain of betrayal, helping them heal and move forward.

Rebeccah earned her Master’s in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She uses a holistic and personalized approach to therapy, integrating techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and faith-based counseling.

Rebeccah's counseling style is characterized by empathy, respect, and collaboration, creating a safe and inclusive space for clients to explore their emotions and experiences. She values cultural sensitivity and strives to ensure that everyone in her practice feels valued and understood. Rebeccah is dedicated to helping her clients find hope, healing, and resilience in their most challenging times.

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.