Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Newport News, VA

"I look forward to meeting you where you are and walking alongside you to help create your most authentic and whole self."

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.

"As one who lives life through the lens of neurodivergence, I understand the challenges of adapting and adjusting to life's pushes and pulls."

I am a Resident in Counseling with 2 years of experience in the mental health field. I work with children, adolescents, and adults who are navigating depression, anxiety, grief and loss, addiction, anger, and other emotional and behavioral challenges. I believe every client has the capacity for growth and healing, and I approach therapy with respect, curiosity, and encouragement.

I earned my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Liberty University. I completed my practicum and internship at Thomas Road Baptist Church, where I gained hands-on experience using cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients identify unhelpful patterns and build healthier thoughts and behaviors through goal-focused treatment.

If you are ready to make meaningful changes in your life, I will work alongside you to create achievable goals and practical strategies for growth. Therapy requires effort, but you do not have to do it alone. I strive to provide a supportive space where you can build insight, resilience, and lasting change.

"As a woman with varied life experience, I understand the need to have a listening ear."

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.

 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.

"I am committed to providing a positive, empowering, and safe place that allows you to express and explore your thoughts and feelings."

Shanita King-Miller is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisee passionate about promoting self-efficacy, resilience, and positive change. She was inspired to study social work after working in hospital settings with clients from various backgrounds. Shanita specializes in anxiety, stress, depression, anger, and coping skills.

Shanita received her Master of Social Work from Capella University. Her favorite intervention strategies used to address client needs are motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, art and play therapy, strengths-based approach, and narrative therapy.

Shanita believes in creating safe spaces for clients to share their experiences and foster and reach their maximum potential. Her goal is to support you on your journey to live a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle while recognizing the unique needs of each client. If you’re ready to take the next steps in your journey, schedule an appointment with her today.

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.

"I believe you are the expert on your story, and our collaborative partnership will find effective ways to improve your quality of life so that you can go from surviving to thriving."

Sophia Strydom is a Supervisee in Clinical Social Work and has over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She supports adults and families dealing with depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, ADHD, loss and grief, stress, relationship stress, coping skills, life changes, PTSD, abuse, and trauma.

Sophia has a Master's in Social Work from Salisbury University. She utilizes evidence-based techniques such as person-centered therapy, positive psychology therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, psychodynamic therapy, internal family systems, mindfulness, and psychoeducation.

Opening yourself up in therapy can feel vulnerable and unnerving, but it is a great place to find more adaptive ways of living and thriving. She is committed to creating a safe, compassionate, collaborative therapeutic environment to foster growth and healing, meet clients where they are, and empower them. Schedule your first appointment today!

"I look 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."

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.

"Believe you are not defined by what happened to you. Let's heal and grow together."

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.

"As a military spouse, mother, and first-generation college-educated individual, I understand what it is like to face unique challenges."

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!