Discover how starting emotional abuse counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
13 therapists available in Richmond
Hi! I am dedicated to assisting you in navigating life’s many ups and downs with compassion and confidence....
About
Hi! I am dedicated to assisting you in navigating life’s many ups and downs with compassion and confidence.
I am a Licensed Master Social Work Supervisee with 28 years of experience supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. I have worked with people facing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relationship issues, and I provide compassionate, client-centered care. My focus is on helping you rediscover your strengths, build resilience, and move toward healing. I am committed to creating a safe, supportive space where you feel understood, valued, and empowered to grow.
I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Springfield College. My therapeutic style includes cognitive behavioral techniques, strengths-based strategies, and mindfulness practices. I strive to provide a supportive environment where you can explore challenges, uncover your inner strengths, and take steps toward meaningful change.
My goal is to help you feel supported, understood, and empowered as you work toward healing. I tailor my care to your unique needs, ensuring you feel heard and respected. Together, we will collaborate to build resilience, foster growth, and create positive steps toward the life you want to live.
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As a queer person who has experienced mental health issues in the past, I strive to provide an affirming, safe environment to work...
As a queer person who has experienced mental health issues in the past, I strive to provide an affirming, safe environment to work through mental health struggles.
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker with over 2 years of direct clinical experience. I specialize in mental health treatment, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, panic disorders, and child behavioral challenges. I also have experience providing crisis support and stabilization for children, adolescents, and adults. I strive to create a safe and affirming space where clients feel supported as they work toward their goals.
I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. My background includes crisis intervention, stabilization, and long-term support for depression and anxiety. I use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, and I strive to offer affirming, queer-friendly care tailored to each client.
I welcome the opportunity to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth. Whether you are seeking tools to manage daily stressors or support through life’s challenges, I am here to provide compassionate, collaborative care. I encourage you to reach out so we can begin building a plan that feels supportive and meaningful to you.
Growing up in a working-class, single-parent home shaped my empathy, and I bring personal and professional experience to meet each...
Growing up in a working-class, single-parent home shaped my empathy, and I bring personal and professional experience to meet each client with authenticity and care.
I am William Watson, a Licensed Social Worker Supervisee with 2 years of experience. Shaped by a working-class, single-parent upbringing, I bring lived experiences and strong clinical training to my work. I support adolescents and adults facing depression, anxiety, ADHD, stress, and life transitions. My goal is to provide steady guidance and practical support as a respectful partner who values honesty, feedback, and collaboration.
I hold a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Arkansas and blend evidence-informed care with lived experience. My sessions emphasize practical tools, steady structure, and clear goals to help clients build confidence and skills between visits.
I know that starting therapy can feel overwhelming. That’s why I focus on creating a safe, respectful space where you can move at your own pace. If you are looking for practical strategies and a collaborative therapist who meets you where you are, I welcome you to reach out because you don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.
As a young professional woman, I understand the challenges of navigating through life's stressors, transitions, and relationships....
As a young professional woman, I understand the challenges of navigating through life's stressors, transitions, and relationships.
Brittany Spak is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 4 years of experience helping children, adolescents, and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, stress, eating disorders, and relationship issues.
Brittany completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from King’s College, PA, and received her Master's degree in Counselor Education from East Carolina University. She utilizes a combination of dialectical behavior, person-centered, strengths-based, and collaborative approaches to therapy while finding creative ways to meet an individual’s unique needs.
Brittany seeks to create a caring and validating relationship with you to help assist you in fostering a relationship with yourself and others, building upon your strengths and coping skills, to help you reach your goals while living a fulfilled and meaningful life.
I collaborate with my clients to promote healing in a safe and affirming space....
I collaborate with my clients to promote healing in a safe and affirming space.
Sharon Looney is a Supervisee in Social Work with 1 year of experience in in-home, outpatient, and clinical care. They specialize in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders, depression, neurodivergence (including OCD, ADHD, and ASD), and PTSD/trauma. Sharon also provides care for major life stressors including domestic and relationship issues, gender dysphoria/transition, and grief. Sharon has experience with behavioral interventions, crisis stabilization, case management, and individual psychotherapy.
Sharon received their Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. They utilize strategies from dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based practices to create a personalized experience.
Beginning therapy may not be an instant fix for life’s challenges, but it is the last step you’ll have to take alone. Sharon is ready to walk with you in this next stage of your recovery. Schedule your initial appointment today!
Meredith Golob is a Licensed Professional Counselor with an extensive history working with children, adults, and families dealing...
Meredith Golob is a Licensed Professional Counselor with an extensive history working with children, adults, and families dealing with depression, anxiety, crises, life challenges, and trauma. She is a firm believer in creating a mutually respectful and trusting therapeutic relationship in order to support clients in reaching their goals.
Meredith graduated from James Madison University as a "double duke," receiving her Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology and her MA, Ed.S in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a strength-based counselor, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, and person-centered approaches. Meredith has completed the Level 1 Training in Gottman Method couples therapy.
Meredith is originally from New Jersey. She came to Virginia for school and never went back! In her spare time, Meredith enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, listening to music, and spending time with her pet.
As someone who has worked on understanding my own identity and personal challenges with mental health, I understand the importance...
As someone who has worked on understanding my own identity and personal challenges with mental health, I understand the importance of seeking support to help better one's quality of life.
During his professional years as a clinical social work therapist, Graeme Biddle has had the privilege of working with several populations, including clients with terminal illnesses and their family members, as well as children and adolescents experiencing emotional and behavioral instability. Graeme enjoys helping clients identify tools to cope with anxiety, depression, and anger. He also has experience helping clients understand life transitions, as well as better understand periods of grief and loss.
Graeme completed his Master of Social Work (MSW) from Virginia Commonwealth University, as well as his Bachelor of Arts from Randolph-Macon College. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) through the state of Virginia. Graeme provides a calm, validating approach to therapy, while also remaining direct, and encouraging self-accountability. While using a strengths-based perspective, Graeme utilizes several clinical modalities including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
The process of beginning therapy can be scary and overwhelming. Graeme will strive at helping provide a safe space and facilitate a collaborative approach to help you feel valued and in control of your treatment. Schedule an appointment with Graeme to begin the steps of accomplishing your personal goals.
Through many years of experience as a medical and mental health social worker, and many years of pain and growth in my own life, I...
Through many years of experience as a medical and mental health social worker, and many years of pain and growth in my own life, I have become passionate about helping others struggling at various ages and stages of life.
Annette Young is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 34 years of experience helping individuals, couples, families, and seniors navigate life’s challenges. She specializes in supporting those facing grief, end-of-life issues, chronic medical conditions, and mental health concerns. With decades of professional and personal experience, Annette offers compassionate guidance and a safe space for growth, healing, and hope.
Annette earned her Master’s in Social Work from Florida State University. She integrates her clinical expertise with empathy, focusing on client-centered approaches that foster resilience, reflection, and meaningful connections. Her background equips her to guide clients through change with clarity and care.
Annette believes every person deserves support during life’s transitions. Her passion lies in helping clients find strength through struggle and rediscover purpose. Whether you are coping with pain, seeking clarity, or ready to fine-tune your life and relationships, Annette is here to walk alongside you on your journey.
As a therapist who has worked extensively with clients experiencing stress related to depression, anxiety, and trauma, I recognize...
As a therapist who has worked extensively with clients experiencing stress related to depression, anxiety, and trauma, I recognize the need for person-centered, solution-focused treatment that will help people deal with life's stressors and lead a life worth living.
Tameka Boone is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field and has worked extensively with people diagnosed with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, and disorders on the schizophrenia and personality disorder spectrums.
Tameka received her Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. She utilizes various treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and existential therapy.
Tameka is a strong advocate and assists individuals in her care with learning the skills necessary to lead productive lives using goal-oriented, person-centered, and solution-focused interventions. Schedule with Tameka today!
As a clinician, I understand that individuals have different backgrounds and experiences that make them unique....
As a clinician, I understand that individuals have different backgrounds and experiences that make them unique.
Marissa Bell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and families address their unique challenges and needs. Marissa has a diverse professional background working with individuals of different ages and needs. She specializes in treating individuals with depression, anxiety, grief, adjustment disorder, trauma, and major life transitions. Marissa completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Marissa is very passionate about supporting and guiding others in finding solutions and overcoming challenges. Marissa utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, person-centered therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
Despite the challenges and situations that happen in life, Marissa is confident that she can support and empower individuals through navigating life challenges. Marissa can support others in developing coping skills and establishing goals. If you are ready to start therapy, schedule an appointment with her today.
As a clinician, I strive to cultivate a comfortable, empowering therapeutic relationship that recognizes the client as a whole per...
As a clinician, I strive to cultivate a comfortable, empowering therapeutic relationship that recognizes the client as a whole person while highlighting their inner strengths.
Allie Wright is a Resident in Counseling with 1 year of experience helping teens and adults from diverse backgrounds. Allie specializes in treating clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and life adjustments. She is passionate about working with individuals from marginalized backgrounds, survivors of trauma and abuse, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Allie individualizes her treatment methods to meet each client's needs.
Allie has a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Arts in Psychological Counseling from Teachers College at Columbia University. Her therapeutic approach is collaborative, affirming, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. Allie uses cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and narrative therapy.
Allie cultivates a compassionate, accepting, and empowering therapeutic space where she strives to meet clients where they are and work together to reach their personal goals. Schedule an appointment with Allie today!
As someone who has experienced the impact of mental health challenges, I provide a unique perspective, level of understanding, and...
As someone who has experienced the impact of mental health challenges, I provide a unique perspective, level of understanding, and empathy towards others.
Victoria Staten is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with years of experience. She has experience practicing in a variety of clinical settings providing both inpatient and outpatient mental health services to both adolescents and adults. Victoria focuses on helping. She has experience treating individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, traumatic experiences, adjusting to life changes, challenges within relationships, and low self-esteem.
Victoria received her Master's degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Radford University. Victoria utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), and more.
Victoria wants you to know that even though you are the only one who can take steps towards taking back control over your mental health, you do not have to take those steps alone. Schedule your session today.
Paula O’Leary is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has worked in the mental health field for 15 years in a variety of ...
Paula O’Leary is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has worked in the mental health field for 15 years in a variety of settings, including outpatient, school, community-based, residential, hospital, and correctional settings. Paula specializes in treating depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, substance use, and other issues. She completed her master's degree at Cardinal Stritch University. Paula has also completed additional training in trauma and has obtained certification as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP).
Paula uses an integrated approach, which may incorporate the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, person-centered, solution-focused, and mindfulness, with a focus on each individual’s specific needs and goals. She believes in creating a safe, supportive space for individuals to express themselves without fear of judgment. Paula will assist individuals in building insight, in exploring past experiences and the impact they may be having on their current functioning, and in developing healthy ways to manage stressors. She recognizes that seeking services can feel overwhelming, but welcomes the opportunity to support you in this process.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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Emotional abuse counseling helps victims heal from abusive relationships. Examples of emotional abuse may include:
Emotional abuse counseling with our Thriveworks therapists in Richmond gives people the safe space they need to identify and understand the harm they’ve experienced and move forward. Through therapy, many victims have rebuilt their self-esteem and self-worth; recognized that they did not cause the abuse, but their perpetrator is responsible for the choice to harm; identified their wounds and found the treatment they need; healed from trauma; re-established their personal safety; grieved their losses; formed new, loving relationships; and learned to trust their experiences and emotions.
Emotional abuse counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
Emotional abuse counseling with one of our Thriveworks therapists in Richmond, VA can last for a few weeks, months, or longer, depending on the individual’s exact needs and preferences.
A spouse, a friend, a co-worker, a parent, a religious authority…any relationship can be emotionally abusive. The red-flag for emotional abuse is control. Relationships are healthy when both parties are free to be themselves, to disagree, and to make their own choices. Emotional abuse occurs when one person tries to control the other through emotional manipulation.
If you are in a relationship where someone pulls at your emotions to try and control you, then know that help is available. There are many accessible resources, and one of the most effective is counseling. Many victims re-establish their safety with the help of a skilled therapist.
Thriveworks Richmond offers emotional abuse counseling. We understand the wounds emotional abuse inflicts, and we have walked with many clients as they heal. Reach out today if you think you could benefit from our help.
In healthy relationships, there is freedom for disagreements and unique choices. People are distinct beings, and those distinctions should be respected. Emotional abuse, in contrast, is about controlling what another person feels, thinks, and does through emotional manipulation. When there is a pattern of emotional domination, then the relationship is most likely emotionally abusive.
The pattern of emotional abuse is often subtle and harder to identify than other forms of abuse. The following behavior illustrate that pattern:
The common thread among these actions is that emotions are used to control another person. Emotional abuse undermines another person’s sense of self and security so that a perpetrator can overshadow their autonomy.
When someone is a victim of emotional abuse, their wounds are very real even though they are not visible. Such wounds may include psychosomatic pain, hyper-vigilance, fear, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide idealization. Victims often feel…
The counselors at Thriveworks Richmond want anyone who has experienced emotional abuse to know:
Our therapists understand that you have survived a personal nightmare. You do not have to recover from emotional abuse alone. If you call Thriveworks Richmond today, you may be meeting with your counselor tomorrow. Many new clients have their first appointment within the same week. We offer weekend and evening appointments. We also work with many insurance providers.
If you think you are being controlled or emotionally manipulated by someone in your life, know that Thriveworks Richmond is ready to help. Call today.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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