Our therapists offer EMDR therapy in Ashburn, VA

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.

Lindsey is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, with 26 years of experience helping teens, adults, and couples find an optimal way to navigate life's issues. Lindsey specializes in depression, anxiety, LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma, grief, substance use issues, managing anger or stress, unproductive communication patterns, phase of life issues, and more.

Lindsey completed her undergraduate degree in Speech (Radio and TV track) from Radford University. She worked in the Broadcast Marketing Industry for 11 years before returning to Radford to complete her Master of Science degree in Community Agency Counseling. Her broadcast marketing skills enabled her to effectively communicate with a wide variety of audiences. Her experience in this area developed the skills necessary to collaboratively define, plan, and implement creative solutions to a wide variety of challenges. In the 24 years since earning her Master's in Counseling, Lindsey has acquired a complementary set of skills, also used to assist her clients in defining and proactively exploring thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to optimize an individual's (or couple's) sense of satisfaction and happiness in their daily lives. Lindsey uses an eclectic approach to therapy, employing techniques from a broad range of theories. Most important to her is a "person-centered" approach which allows one to feel heard and respected. Lindsey also utilizes skills from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and more, tailoring intentional interventions to the unique needs of her clients. Lindsey strongly believes in using a collaborative approach to therapy, knowing her clients know themselves and their issues better than anyone.

All of us experience challenges during our lives. Lindsey is committed to supporting you through this part of your journey to acquire the support, skills, and confidence to work through whatever your challenges may be. Sometimes, reaching out is some of the hardest work you'll do in therapy. If you are ready to reach out and begin (or continue) the work, schedule an appointment with Lindsey today!

I am a Resident in Counseling with 3 years of experience, supporting women and children navigating anxiety, intrusive thoughts, depression, and major life transitions. Whether adjusting to motherhood, shifting roles, or emotional overwhelm, I help clients feel grounded, confident, and connected to themselves again. My approach centers on creating a safe, compassionate space where healing feels manageable and growth feels possible, allowing clients to reconnect with clarity and balance in their everyday lives.

I have a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University and integrate evidence-based modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and behavioral activation. These approaches help me tailor support to each client’s unique experiences and goals, fostering emotional awareness, self-compassion, and lasting resilience.

I know how overwhelming life’s changes can feel, and I strive to help clients discover strength and confidence through practical coping tools and self-discovery. You don’t have to have everything figured out to begin therapy, just a willingness to start. I’m here to walk alongside you as you take that first step toward healing, growth, and renewed hope.

Dena Wentz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 17 years of social work experience where she has helped individuals with coping and adjustment to chronic and acute illnesses and barriers to overall health and wellness. Areas of focus in other areas of clinical practice include anxiety, stress management, self-esteem, life transitions, relationship issues, parenting, grief and loss, depression, and coping with chronic illness. 

Dena applies techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, humanistic modalities, acceptance and commitment theories, person-centered, and strength-based approaches to therapy. She uses solution-focused and mindfulness-based methods to help her clients meet their therapy goals. Because of her experience in the health care setting, she meets clients where they are at and is able to build rapport quickly with genuine concern. She helps clients to look at patterns of behaviors and increase awareness of emotions and stressors. She will help you explore barriers to connection in relationships. 

Dena completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Millersville University and received her Master of Social Work from Temple University, both from Council of Social Work Education accredited programs. Dena is passionate about helping to provide individuals with tools for coping with life’s transitions and challenges, all the while helping you to grow so that you can live your best life today.

Hi, I'm Kayla, a Resident in Counseling and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor Supervisee. I earned an M.S. in Education, concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, from Old Dominion University, and a B.S. in Psychological Science, minor in Kinesiology in Health Science, from William and Mary. I work with adolescents and adults with minority cultural identities on depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, adjustment, self-esteem, relationship concerns, anger management, substance abuse, and stress, plus military clients, spouses, and families. My clients often look for a clinician who resonates with their racial identity.

I use a person-centered approach to start every relationship, giving clients space to discuss culture and how they'd like our work together to look. I also collaborate with them on goals tailored to their needs. I incorporate CBT, DBT, and solution-focused therapy to help clients learn, grow, and heal. Sessions are collaborative, honest, and open.

Progress is tangible, and it's essential to remember this process is about the client. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Therapy is a journey where individuals often review their lives from beginning, middle, and end. I aim to be a liaison throughout the process of healing, self-discovery, and growth. I invite clients to schedule an appointment.