Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Abingdon, VA

"With over 30 years of counseling experience, I look forward to assisting you in working through your issues to achieve positive outcomes. "

Mary Alice Fields is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has 30 years of experience counseling couples, families, and individuals. Mary Alice completed her Master of Education (MEd) at Lindsey Wilson College.

Mary Alice believes most people do the best they can with the knowledge and experience they possess. At times in our lives, our knowledge and experience are not enough to solve problems and live our most productive life. At times like this, collaboration with a licensed professional counselor can help us discover ways to solve issues and achieve our full potential. Changing our perception of issues can be most helpful. By adjusting our thought process, we can begin to see our problems in a new light, and discover solutions to seemingly insurmountable issues. 

Again, collaboration with a counselor can assist in this process. Old thought patterns can be replaced with new, healthier thought patterns that help us live our best life. The most important thing necessary to get you on your way to a more productive life is an open mind and a willingness to change. As a counselor, Mary Alice is your partner in ushering in this change. She cannot solve your problems, but she can and will assist you in learning new ways to achieve your goals.

"As an African-American female, I understand the presenting issues of financial and racial disparity, cultural bias, and intergenerational issues."

 Vanessa Johnson is an LPC and Certified Substance Use Counselor for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Vanessa offers over 30 years of experience in helping individuals with physical, emotional, and mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, and substance use. She has worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and a Certified Substance Use Counselor with the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is also an Ordained Minister experienced in pastoral counseling.

Vanessa facilitates the growth experience for her clients using strength-based, cognitive-behavioral, and reality counseling to assist her clients with the issues they are presenting. She is compassionate and respects the individuality and cultural backgrounds of her clients. Vanessa has the ability to establish a healthy rapport with her clients, understanding it takes courage to ask for help.

“I believe counseling is a partnership with the counselor and client striving to achieve a healthy life purpose for self,” says Vanessa.

"With life transitions of moving several states away and changing career paths, I have the ability to connect with those who are making similar life changes."

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.

"Having 15 years of experience working in the field, I understand the need for others to improve the ability to cope and improve their overall quality of life. "

Christel Hammett is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience working with children from early childhood to adolescence and their families. She specializes in treating adjustment disorders, anxiety, attachment, autism spectrum-related issues, depression, low self-esteem, chronic stress, trauma, and more. 

She has her Bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology from the University of Georgia and a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She has experience in outpatient treatment, crisis counseling, and in-home behavioral treatment. Christel utilizes an eclectic approach with a primary approach in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) while also utilizing behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, psychoeducational, and attachment-based approaches. 

Christel enjoys working with individuals to realize their strengths and ability in treatment with the overall goal of working on healing. She encourages self-reflection so individuals can grow from their treatment and move forward with personal growth. Christel focuses on a person-centered approach to improve overall functioning.

"My philosophy is that the therapeutic relationship is critical; genuine interaction is the key to gaining trust and connection."

Teresa George is a Licensed Professional Counselor in both West Virginia and Virginia. She has 25+ years of experience, providing individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychological screening to adults, seniors, adolescents, and children. She’s worked with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other types of trauma as well as those with adjustment issues, parent-child relational issues, and mood disorders. She continues her education by attending cultural diversity, LGBTQ+, mindfulness techniques, autism, motivational interviewing, and trauma-focused CBT courses.

Teresa approaches clients without judgment, working at their pace and giving them space to explore their lives and improve areas of their lives that are unsatisfactory. Depending on the client, she will use CBT, CCPT, motivational interviewing, parenting skills, brief strategic family therapy, and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.

Teresa knows that seeking help can be challenging, even frightening. She recognizes that seeing a therapist is a vulnerable process. She will provide a safe place, free from judgment. She is confident that she has the skills, empathy, and experience to support and help you in your personal journey. Be good to yourself; please schedule an appointment today!

Krista Hale is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked in a variety of settings in the mental health field for 45 years. At the age of 54, she went back to school to earn her master's degree and became a licensed clinician. She is currently offering counseling to individuals, families, and couples via telehealth. Krista enjoys working with clients with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and major life transitions.

Krista Hale obtained her BSW in 1978, her MS in Mental Health Counseling in 2013, and became a licensed counselor in Virginia in 2016. She uses a person-centered approach, which involves being accepting, non-judgmental, and respectful of other worldviews.

A warm, intuitive, and empathetic counselor with a sense of humor, Krista helps her clients flourish despite life’s setbacks. Book your appointment today and start your journey to a better life.

"I meet my clients where they are and stay by their side through the challenges of a difficult time."

Daryia Biarozkina is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who specializes in anxiety therapy, stress counseling, depression counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and academic issues. Her goal is to help clients reach their best potential by exploring their abilities, strengths, and talents, which may be hidden or weakened during difficult times.

Daryia completed her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at South University. She believes that everyone is unique and therefore uses the wholistic approach, encouragement, and active listening to promote hope, growth, and harmony.

"I meet people where they are with an open heart without judgment and walk by their side through pain, grief, confusion, and frustration towards recovery with compassion, empathy, care, and support," says Daryia.