Our counselors provide therapy in Chesapeake, VA

Matthew is a Licensed Resident in Counseling (RIC) with years of experience. He has experience working in various settings, from out-patient college clinics to in-patient hospitals and outpatient community centers. He works with children, adolescents, and adults to address their unique needs and live their lives on their terms.

Matthew completed his Master's degree at Old Dominion University in 2022, and Bachelor's degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology at the University of South Carolina Upstate in 2015 and 2016. He utilizes a person-centered and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach with his clients.

Life is a series of challenges and stresses. Matthew is confident that he can assist you in developing new ways of looking at and coping with the unique challenges that life gives you. If you are ready to get to work on changing you life, schedule an appointment today.

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***

Alise Stults is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has been providing therapy services for more than 4 years. She is passionate about helping children, adolescents, adults, and families address challenges, overcome barriers to success and improve their well-being. Alise specializes in identity exploration, depression, anxiety, trauma, relational issues, and emotional regulation.

Alise utilizes a variety of approaches to assist clients in reaching their full potential and leading more fulfilling lives. Alise completed her Master's degree in Social Work at Rutgers University. She is a former military spouse and Residential Therapist with ample experience working with a variety of needs, life stressors, and diagnoses. Her eclectic approach to therapy offers a truly individualized experience to provide clients with the support and guidance they are seeking. Alise utilizes multiple treatment approaches including dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), bibliotherapy, mindfulness, positive psychology, solution-focused therapy (SFT), and more.

We all experience challenges and difficulties in life. Whether issues have been experienced for years, or have suddenly begun, Alise is confident that she can support you on your journey to your best self. She would like to offer you new perspectives, techniques, and skills to assist in navigating whatever challenges you are facing. If you are ready to tackle your problems, or just need help figuring things out, schedule an appointment with her today. 

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 19 years working across short and long-term treatment, intensive in-home counseling, telehealth, 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.

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. 

Madeline Garrett is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Virginia and Florida who has over 9 years of experience providing clinical assessments and therapeutic care to teens and adults seeking help with anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, addiction, co-dependency, grief and loss, parenting assistance, and sexuality issues. She identifies as an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and affirms all spiritual beliefs.

Madeline completed her Bachelor of Psychology from Florida State University, Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California, and her Master of Leadership from Grand Canyon University. She is a compassionate counselor who utilizes strength-based, collaborative, relational, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, motivational, solution focused approaches to therapy. She strives to remain current on creative interventions, flexible, and in tune to best meet the needs of every unique challenge and individual.

Madeline understands that it takes a lot of courage to reach out for help. She looks forward to getting to know you and is so glad you're here. She will meet you where you are to empower you to make lasting changes. Bring whatever you are carrying, and together you can begin to sort through it to get some well-deserved relief.

“People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”- Theodore Roosevelt

Tammy has over 18 years of experience in mental health to include community based and outpatient therapy. The gamut of her experience includes treating children, individuals, couples, and families with a variety of treatment needs. She is further experienced in the treatment of marital relationships, parent child relationships, loss and grief, personality disorders, life transitions, adjustment disorders, stress management, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorders. Tammy’s approach to therapy is to simply meet her clients where they are on their respective journeys while offering unconditional positive regard, compassion, and authenticity. Tammy is committed to assisting every client she has the privilege of serving become their very best version of themselves through self discovery, introspection and eliminating self defeating narratives that are dishonoring and inhibiting progression.The focus of your treatment will always be to your strengths and how to better expand upon them to facilitate your evolvement into a healthy and happy person with a positive sense of self-worth, thus functioning at your highest and most authentic self. Her treatment will always be tailored to your cultural and social background, including ethnicity, race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation. Seeking therapy and actually following through with meeting a complete stranger and telling them your story can feel overwhelming, even though you want to feel better. Take the first step and be assured you will be validated, supported, seen and provided a safe and calming space where you will be accepted, regardless of the concerns you are experiencing. Together, we will work together to find real world answers to the issues you face and help bring the joy back to your life.

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!