Family Therapy in Ruckersville, VA

I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in treating children, young adults, and adults using an approach that integrates classic and modern psychodynamic theory with contemporary approaches including family systems, cognitive-behavioral, and mindfulness-based treatment. Therapy can be an invaluable part of helping individuals to overcome life's challenges. Whether our struggle is related to life transitions, loss, trauma or interpersonal difficulties, painful feelings commonly arise such as depression and anxiety. My goal is to provide a therapeutic environment and a collaborative partnership to individuals that seek relief from these painful symptoms and hope to achieve growth and positive change in their lives.

As both a therapist and a dog trainer, it would be my honor to guide you in your journey towards healing and self-discovery. I work with clients who feel lost and are unsure of who they really are. Many of dog lovers. Our journey together includes a focus on self-discovery and inner healing, incorporating the positive influence and unconditional love of the bond between humans and dogs. We'll explore your unique strengths, values, and aspirations, fostering a sense of self-love and authenticity with the support of this special connection.

At times life seems overwhelming and out of control. Do you feel stuck, unsure of yourself and/or your situation, do you wish to have your life be different, is this the vision you had for yourself, your relationship, or your family. I am here to help, you are not alone. Let’s work together to bring the change you desire. I believe that honesty, trust and respect are necessary to establish a strong therapeutic alliance. I am committed to facilitating an environment of acceptance, hope, and encouragement. I'm currently accepting new clients with limited availability to include evening hours.

We all have a lot going on in our lives, and are struggling with getting by. Whether you have experienced a trauma, struggle with anxiety or depression, or just feel like the world is a little overwhelming, I am here to help. I work within a person centered approach and try to help clients make and achieve their personal mental wellbeing goals.

I enjoy working with children, adolescents, young adults & families of many backgrounds. I work with those wanting to learn more about themselves, gain insight into their thinking patterns and behavior, and to build their own confidence. I work with folks to help them get in touch with their story- to help empower the ability to tell it, to share it, or to change it. If you have found yourself or your child lost, distracted, anxious, devastated, or angry, together we can connect to a sense of meaning and create a tailored therapeutic experience. Our work together is collaborative, empathetic, and integrative of best-fit approaches.

The decision to pursue therapy is an important step. Working with the right therapist can be a valuable investment in yourself, and your relationships. As a psychotherapist, I believe the best results come from establishing a therapeutic relationship by getting to know you as a person - not simply as a cluster of symptoms - then tailoring interventions to fit your unique needs & strengths. I've been in the mental health field 25 years, and have worked with individuals, couples & families, treating a wide variety of clinical issues. I invite you to contact me with any questions, or to discuss your specific needs for therapy.

I feel the client is the expert on themselves, thus, I believe in a client centered approach. My passion is guiding those with trauma to heal whether the trauma is a simple trauma or complex. I utilize various modalities depending on the individual and the circumstances. I have treated severe trauma, PTSD, mood disorders, dual diagnosed patients, families, couples, and other client centered issues.

"Are you in pain, at a crossroads, or facing obstacles you need help in overcoming? Are you looking for relief? I will work with you in a warm, collaborative environment, and together we will explore those areas that have kept you from being fulfilled and reaching your goals." Amy Kennel is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Art Therapy from Arcadia University and her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Longwood University. She has worked in the mental health field since 2005, gaining experience using various modalities, and providing kind and gentle care for a great variety of people.

Finding the right therapist is an essential step in your journey towards a happier, healthier, more successful you. I work collaboratively with patients to create treatment goals that are realistic and achievable, so they can make the positive changes necessary to become the person they intend to be. My therapeutic style is direct and solution-focused, while maintaining compassion and empathy for the challenges one must face to make long-lasting change. My approach is holistic and, often includes, interdisciplinary care and collaboration with medical professionals to provide the best possible care for my patients.

Are you struggling to manage your emotions or behavior? I can help you learn how to better regulate your emotions so that you can feel better and have healthier relationships. I offer in person sessions in Stanardsville, as well as teletherapy sessions. My schedule allows me to offer evening and weekend appointments, so you won’t need to miss work.

I welcome clients with a wide range of needs and goals. I can assist individuals and couples presenting with a variety of concerns, such as: ADHD, addiction, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, obsessive-compulsive disorder, personality disorders, relationship conflicts, and trauma related disorders. I offer services in the evenings and weekends to accommodate those needing a more flexible schedule.

I am passionate about helping individuals on their healing journey, and believe we all have the capacity to heal. My role is to be your guide, build on your strengths, and help you expand your self-compassion. I have experience working with individuals who are struggling with issues such as life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, disconnection, stress, trauma, and relationship issues.

I support a broad range of individuals, such as those with self regulation and impulse control, that impact their functioning and stability. I want to help you or your loved one in stabilization of mood, thinking, and behavior to live more freely without the burdens of past experiences. I believe strongly in one's motivation to change, and I will support you while you build belief in yourself and your goals. I can help you work through barriers that may inhibit your success or hold you back from taking the steps forward in your life. While the treatment journey can be a challenging one, I can help guide your path to stability.

Not accepting new clients at this time (Dec 2023). Everything seems complicated and difficult. You know what you “should” be feeling about your life, but you just can’t seem to get there. You can’t shake that feeling of not being good enough, and not being in control of yourself and your relationships. You’re using perfectionism to control your feelings of shame and fear.

What dreams will you make come true? What barriers exist, inside you or outside of you? For 30 years I've used drama therapy, music and art for personal healing and social change in PERSON or ONLINE. Through dialogue, gesture, image, rhythm, collage, diagrams, or enactments, we'll find ways to foster awareness, acceptance and action, to improve the WORLD you live in. I've worked with people in east Africa, Spain, Romania and Virginia. I'll help you grow the SOUL force needed to love even the shyest, shadowy-est elements of your personality.