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145 licensed therapists & providers in Virginia—3 in Virginia Beach. Available as soon as today, in person and online
Our providers work with individuals, couples, families, & teens for anxiety, depression, grief, & more
We accept UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, BCBS Plans, Humana, Aetna, & many more. Self-pay options available, no membership fees
94% of patients feel truly understood by their provider. 3 out of 4 see improvement in depression & anxiety symptoms within 3 months
Discover how starting eating disorders therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
I look forward to meeting you where you are and walking alongside you to help create your most authentic and whole self....
About
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.
Education and training
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"For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers." –Proverbs 11:14...
"For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers." –Proverbs 11:14
Blakely Baker is a Resident in Social Work with 2 years of experience helping children, youth, adolescents, adults, and seniors with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, trauma, and substance use. Blakely has spent time working in crisis stabilization and school counseling.
Blakely received her Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She uses a variety of clinical approaches that are targeted to client needs such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectic behavioral therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
Blakely strives to meet her clients' needs by providing a welcoming, safe, and brave space to process emotions and experiences. She cares deeply about each client's success and works to highlight strengths to overcome challenges. Blakely is ready to help you achieve your goals and conquer your battles.
I can't fix your problems, but I can help you develop the tools you need to find a solution that works for you....
I can't fix your problems, but I can help you develop the tools you need to find a solution that works for you.
Kayla Norris is a Licensed Resident in Counseling with 1 year of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in helping adults and seniors manage anxiety and heal from parental trauma. Kayla also has experience in supporting individuals as they manage depression, adjust to life changes, and recover from traumatic situations.
Kayla received her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in 2024. She integrates a faith-based approach into cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapies to help clients achieve their goals.
Kayla believes that healing looks different for everyone, and collaborates with her clients to help them find solutions for their unique needs. She encourages you to reach out to schedule an initial appointment today!
As a Black Christian woman, I understand the challenges of breaking through cognitive barriers to embrace your worth and feel empo...
As a Black Christian woman, I understand the challenges of breaking through cognitive barriers to embrace your worth and feel empowered to create the life you deserve.
Shakarla Brown is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 7 years of experience. She works with young adults and adults to manage issues like depression, anxiety, ADHD, stress, life transitions, emotional dysregulation, and self-esteem. Shakarla focuses on improving clients' self-worth by challenging negative core beliefs and collaboratively understanding how other contributing factors impact their behaviors and intrapersonal relationships. She emphasizes that the progress made outside sessions is just as vital as the work done during them, empowering clients to take control of their healing journey.
Sharkla received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health from Regent University. She uses treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, internal family systems, reality therapy, motivational interviewing, and Christian counseling.
Shakarla believes in celebrating daily victories as important steps toward achieving larger life goals. Seeking therapy can be tough but also the start of a transformative journey worth the time and effort. Shakarla looks forward to meeting you and helping you reach your treatment goals.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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Eating disorder therapy is a specialized approach aimed at assisting those who are grappling with a range of eating disorders. These disorders are significant mental health conditions characterized by irregular or unhealthy eating patterns and an intense focus on body weight and shape. Common conditions addressed in Eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID).
At Thriveworks, Eating disorders begins with a thorough assessment and personalized treatment plan. Central to eating disorder therapy is psychotherapy, often employing cognitive behavioral therapy and other specialized techniques to target negative thought patterns.
The signs of an eating disorder can include:
CBT’s remission rate, according to some research, is generally between 50-30% for those seeking assistance for eating disorder symptoms.
The recovery rate for those seeking assistance with eating disorders depends entirely on the individual’s involvement in sessions, the severity of their symptoms, and their willingness to change their eating habits and relationship with food.
Eating disorder therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The length of Eating disorders will vary from one person to the next, dependent on their specific needs. Your therapist can help to determine what might be most beneficial for you.
Around 30 million cases of anorexia and bulimia are reported in US alone. This data is highly alarming because eating disorders have serious consequences to the person’s health. However, these disorders can be treated. Virginia Beach counseling on anorexia and bulimia will be very helpful in the treatment plan.
Despite the available treatment plans for people with anorexia and bulimia, the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders reports that only a small 10 percent of the total affected population are able to get the treatment needed. This leaves those who are untreated still at risk to the perils of suffering from eating disorders. So, if you’re struggling with an eating disorder, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Contact Thriveworks Virginia Beach today to schedule.
Both anorexia and bulimia seem like simple cases of people who are too afraid to gain body fats, but the truth is that these disorders can be caused by other factors as well:
1. Genetics plays an important role in the person’s likelihood to acquire eating disorders. When a family member is suffering from an eating disorder, the more likely the person can acquire the same. Genes can also affect the person’s behavior towards food and eating in general.
2. Other mental health issues such as depressions can also cause the person to suffer from anorexia or bulimia.
3. The person’s past experiences can affect his/her total self-confidence and perception. Any physical, emotional, or mental abuse can affect his/her over-all well-being.
4. One’s exposure to extreme diet and other weight-loss products can also affect his/her perception towards his self-image.
5. Peer pressure can also affect his/her body image.
The body needs a healthy balance of all the essential nutrients so it can function well. Once the body is unable to receive what it needs, it will suffer from serious health threats such as stroke or hypertension. The effects of eating disorders should not be taken for granted—they can put the person’s life at risk and urgent medical attention is needed.
One’s mental health is also affected by suffering from an eating disorder. People with anorexia and bulimia are more likely to suffer from depression as well. This can be caused by self-induced feeling of shame and guilt.
It is not too late to seek for help and guidance. Virginia Beach counseling for anorexia and bulimia offers a group of qualified, professional, and seasoned experts and counselors who can help you carry through on your journey towards a healthier, happier life outside any eating disorder.
We offer evening and weekend sessions, provide same-week appointments to new clients, and accept most major insurances.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Virginia Beach is located near S Independence Blvd and Edwin Dr, off I-264. It is near Lake Trashmore and a short distance from the Virginia Beach Central Library.
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