Our therapists offer dependent personality disorder therapy in Newport News, VA

I am a Resident in Counseling with 1 year of experience supporting clients through life’s challenges. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults, with a particular focus on military-connected individuals, including service members, veterans, and their families. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and rooted in respect for each client’s lived experience. I am dedicated to creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel understood and empowered to grow.

I hold a Master’s in Education from the College of William and Mary. I integrate evidence-based strategies with a flexible, person-centered approach to help clients build insight, regulate more effectively, and move forward with clarity and resilience.

Whether you’re adjusting to post-military life, experiencing anxiety or burnout, or carrying the impact of past trauma, I will meet you where you are. My goal is to provide the support, tools, and encouragement you need to navigate challenges and build a stronger sense of balance and well-being.

Jessica White is a Resident in Counseling with 1 year of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in providing trauma therapy, anger management, career counseling, and grief support, as well as addressing mood disorders, anxiety, depression, stress management, and client advocacy. Jessica takes a holistic approach to wellness through a trauma-informed lens, understanding that each person’s journey is unique. with over 10 years of experience in education, Jessica has developed a strong understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that both adolescents and adults encounter.

Jessica has a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for any client, Jessica primarily utilizes trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and psychoeducation to guide clients toward healing and resilience.

Jessica understands that life can bring overwhelming challenges. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, or past trauma, she creates a compassionate, non-judgmental space to work toward healing and growth. If you're looking for a therapist who listens and understands, don’t hesitate to reach out to her—she’s ready to walk alongside you.

Lauren Green is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia who has over 7 years of experience providing therapeutic care and clinical assessment to youth and adults seeking assistance with trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, and other life transitions. Lauren also has experience working with children and adolescents who display severe behavioral concerns as well as young and middle-aged adults with serious mental illnesses.

Lauren completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Old Dominion University and received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. She utilizes cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and mindfulness approaches to therapy. Lauren focuses on empowering clients by building on their strengths and finding evidence-based solutions. Lauren values collaborating with the client to develop a treatment plan that best addresses the client’s needs. 

Lauren looks forward to cultivating and maintaining an inviting and supportive relationship with you in order to assist with fostering positive change, and long-term growth and healing.

Emma Dowman is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has served clients at child advocacy centers, public schools, a university counseling center, and a psychiatric hospital. Emma has experience working with individuals with depression, anxiety, foster/adoption issues, trauma, and religious/spiritual issues. She enjoys working with clients of all ages: children, adolescents, and adults. 

Emma completed both her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Human Services with a concentration in Counseling and her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling at Johnson University. She has a passion for collaborating with each individual to meet their needs while using a cognitive-behavioral, narrative, and solution-focused approach to counseling.

Emma seeks to create an empathetic relationship with individuals to build upon their coping skills and strengths so they can reach the goals they set for themselves and live the life they desire. She hopes to provide each individual with a grace-filled holistic healing opportunity and feels honored at the prospect of doing so.

Brenda Naftel is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience. Brenda is passionate about helping young and older adults along their life journey. She has experience in anxiety, depression, domestic violence, couples, and grief.

Brenda completed her Master of Education (MEd) at Auburn Montgomery. She uses cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, and sometimes dialectical behavior techniques as the basis for most sessions. 

Along life’s journey there are times we need someone to be there. Brenda would be honored if you would allow her to be with you on life’s challenging journey. She will be your sounding board and offer you coping techniques to help you along the way.

Tierra Parris, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is a compassionate therapist with 6 years of experience helping adults navigate ADHD, anxiety, and trauma. She creates a safe and supportive space for those struggling with burnout, self-doubt, or people-pleasing. Tierra blends therapy and coaching to help clients rewrite old patterns, set healthy boundaries, and build self-trust, guiding them toward a grounded, fulfilling life with clarity and confidence.

Tierra earned her Master’s in Social Work from Widener University. She helps by using evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and coaching. Tierra supports clients in emotional regulation, communication, and boundary setting to promote lasting change.

Tierra understands how heavy life can feel. She offers a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can feel seen, heard, and empowered to heal. If you're ready to let go of old patterns and reclaim the life you deserve, Tierra is ready to walk alongside you.

Pennie Hurta is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 17 years of experience in the mental health field. She is invested in assisting children, adolescents, adults, and couples to address a wide range of presenting issues and lead lives filled with hope and happiness. Pennie specializes in trauma, borderline personality disorder (BPD), major life transitions, anxiety, behavioral issues in children and adolescents, depression, and relationship issues

Pennie completed her Master's degree in Community Agency Counseling at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. Pennie uses multiple treatment modalities including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solutions-focused therapy (SFT), motivational interviewing (MI), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), among others.

Pennie is confident that she would be able to support you on your journey to living your best life. She's eager to teach you new perspectives, new thought patterns, and new skills that allow you to manage everyday struggles and mental health symptoms. If you are ready to live your best life, schedule an appointment with Pennie today.

Melinda Staton is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 6 years of experience. She provides support to individuals of all ages dealing with concerns including mental stress, behavioral issues, anger, depression, life transitions, anxiety, grief, and family conflict. Melinda strongly believes in the power within each client to heal, transform, and experience strength and hope. She is committed to providing quality, person-centered, evidence-based counseling to help clients achieve their therapeutic goals.

Melinda received her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from the Nyack College Alliance Graduate School of Counseling. She uses approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, somatic mindfulness, brainspotting, memory reconsolidation, and career counseling.

Melinda encourages you to reach out to schedule an appointment and leaves you with a favorite anonymous quote. “To that one soul reading this. I know you’re tired. You’re fed up. You’re so close to breaking but there’s strength within you even when you feel weak. Keep fighting.”

 I believe that every individual can get through difficulties that arise in life and sometimes we need some help. I am passionate about providing a safe space for you to talk about your story.

Whether you are grieving the loss of a relationship, struggling to communicate to the important people in your life more effectively or you are unsure about how to build a stronger relationship with your child. With compassion and respect we will unearth what is getting in the way of what you want.

I use a personable and direct approach to provide solution focused counseling.

Tiffany Brown is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) who has been in the field for about 9 years. Tiffany has experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and serious mental illness, among other things. She specializes in LGBT/sexuality and crisis intervention.

Tiffany completed her master’s degree in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling at South University in Virginia Beach. She uses a person-centered, holistic approach, giving the person the lead to discuss and express themselves however they see fit. 

Searching for a counselor can be stressful. Will this person be the right fit? Will they understand me? Will they judge me? It is Tiffany's passion to help people to understand and navigate the world of counseling and get to the point where they can ultimately understand and navigate their own lives.

So, let’s get started!

Kathleyn Kornheisl is a Resident Licensed Professional Counselor with 4 years of experience and a diverse clinical background in community mental health settings. She specializes in supporting teens, adults, and seniors through anxiety, depression, anger, OCD, women’s issues, postpartum/pregnancy/postpartum, stress, coping skills, behavioral concerns, family conflict, grief, and life transitions. Kathleyn also has experience facilitating group counseling for substance use and dialectical behavioral therapy.

Kathleyn has her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire University. She utilizes a variety of clinical approaches that target client needs including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and person-centered methods.

Kathleyn understands many factors contribute to overall wellness and is passionate about creating a holistic plan of care for her clients. She promises to meet you where you are to identify strengths, overcome challenges, and promote your greatest success. Schedule an appointment today!

Kimberly Green is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (LPC, CSAC) in the state of Virginia with over 18 years of experience working in a variety of settings with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and veterans. 

Kimberly earned her Master's degree in Counseling from Norfolk State University and specializes in cognitive behavioral (CBT), behavior modification, client-centered, rational-emotive, family systems (FST), and brief solution-focused therapies (BSFT). She is a strong advocate of empowering her clients to be the best version of who they are in order to succeed and go far physically and mentally. Kimberly is also dedicated to instilling in her clients the need to be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem. 

Kimberly strongly believes in treating her clients with respect, fairness, and compassion. She'll help you learn to live your life as though it’s golden, making the rest of your life the best part of your life—and only comparing yourself to the person you were yesterday.