Our therapists provide life coaching in Virginia Beach, VA

Abel Juarez is a Resident in Counseling who specializes in depression, anger, anxiety, relationships, and addiction. In life, there will be obstacles and complications that can interrupt and affect how individuals cope with negative as well as positive outcomes. These outcomes can influence a person's thought process and have the ability to make them feel overwhelmed, powerless, and anxious. In counseling, these challenges can be handled in a manner in which individuals, couples, and families can address and begin to understand how such difficulties can result in the present situations.

"I am passionate about aiding those in difficult situations to focus on their strengths and build on them," says Abel. "In this, the counseling process becomes an understanding of several issues instead of focusing on the negative aspects that people find themselves in. Therefore, progress can move forward and the client and I can begin to address the issues at heart.

Furthermore, counseling sessions are a nonjudgmental arena in which the client is not thought of in a negative light. Being that, everyone experiences life and reacts to circumstances both negatively and positively. The extent of this reaction is where counseling starts to help those in need of a better understanding of how they conduct themselves."

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 12 years of experience helping adults, adolescents, and children navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in supporting individuals who want to strengthen relationships, overcome trauma, or find peace while managing depression, anxiety, or fears. I have worked in community mental health and with faith-based organizations. My approach is compassionate, goal-focused, and rooted in building healthier connections so clients can enjoy life more fully.

I earned my Master’s in Counseling from Liberty University, where I gained a strong foundation in evidence-based practices. I integrate communication skills training, cognitive behavioral therapy, Christian interventions, and trauma reprocessing into my work. Upon request, I also provide faith-based counseling to support spiritual growth.

I believe in meeting clients with patience and understanding while creating a safe space for growth. Whether you are seeking peace, stronger relationships, or healing from trauma, I am here to walk alongside you. If you are unsure that things can improve, let’s talk, and I will hold hope for you until you are ready to believe in it yourself.

Mariellen Blanton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) who has 30 years of experience working with adults seeking assistance with life stressors, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), grief, loss, substance abuse, and restoring balance in life. 

Mariellen completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology at St. Leo University and her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Norfolk State University. She utilizes solution focused, cognitive behavioral, supportive, mindfulness-based approaches to therapy while offering a safe, accepting forum in meeting each individual’s needs to empower all to flourish. Mariellen presents flexibility along with being attentive to what will work best for each individual’s distinctive needs and concerns.

Mariellen strives to create a calming and helpful relationship with you as a way to work together with you in building upon your existing coping strategies and achieving your goals while living a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle.

Karen Todaro is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Virginia who has 41 years of experience working with adults, couples, teens, and children experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, unwanted behavior, and relationship issues. 

Karen completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from the University of South Florida and her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She utilizes cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, relational, emotionally focused, and life coaching approaches to therapy while maintaining the flexibility, awareness, and creativity to best meet the unique needs of each client. Her focus is to be mindful of your prior life experiences, individual skillset, and timeframe in setting and reaching your goals in order to live your best life.

Karen is non-judgmental, warm, and caring and seeks to build a relationship with you based on mutual trust and respect through open communication. She will assist you with identifying your strengths and building on them so that you can reach your goals efficiently and move forward towards a more optimistic, productive, and rewarding future.

Ruby Adjei is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas who has over 6 years of experience partnering with children, adults, and families who are seeking help with addiction, anger, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and trauma. She completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Texas-Tyler and received her Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University.

Ruby utilizes a variety of treatment modalities that include cognitive-behavioral (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), strengths-based approaches, and trauma-informed care. All of her therapy modalities will be designed to meet the unique and individual needs of the client and/or family.

Ruby seeks to establish a partnership with every client. She will assist each client in creating more meaningful experiences that will generate success in every area of life. Ruby's empathic and compassionate approach allows every client to experience, develop and gain strategies for better living.

Karen Johnston is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience. She specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and life transitions, empowering clients to overcome barriers such as unresolved childhood wounds, parental challenges, and other traumas. Karen is passionate about working with diverse populations, including military and multicultural clients, as well as those seeking support that aligns with their faith, guiding them toward healing, growth, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Karen earned her Master’s in Counseling from Regent University. She uses eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, person-centered therapy, and trauma-informed care.

As a former military spouse, Karen understands life transitions and multicultural challenges. She is here to partner with you and offer support, new perspectives, and practical strategies to help you navigate whatever you’re facing. With compassion and expertise, she will guide you toward healing, growth, and self-discovery.

James Martin is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 15 years of experience. He specializes in anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, anger/stress management, grief/loss, and major life transitions.

James obtained his Master's degree in Counseling and Human Development from Radford University. He utilizes an eclectic approach to therapy, including person-centered therapy (PCT), REBT, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and more.

If you're ready to work with James, he is dedicated to helping individuals set and achieve their therapeutic goals, empowering them to lead more fulfilling lives. Schedule today.

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