Couples Therapists in Charlottesville, VA
Emma Reilly
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Waitlist for new clients
We will work together as a team to address the problems and issues that are important in helping you move forward, heal and improve your relationship with yourself and others.
I work with the aim of increasing personal safety and awareness and to support healthy expression of difficult emotion. I graduated from EVMS with my degree in Art Therapy and Counseling; my interventions are shaped by an adaptive approach to problem solving and can include the expressive arts when appropriate.
We will work together as a team to address the problems and issues that are important in helping you move forward, heal and improve your relationship with yourself and others.
I work with the aim of increasing personal safety and awareness and to support healthy expression of difficult emotion. I graduated from EVMS with my degree in Art Therapy and Counseling; my interventions are shaped by an adaptive approach to problem solving and can include the expressive arts when appropriate.
As a therapist I work with you to find a clear path and better sense of self whether you have experienced depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship troubles, trauma, and/or attachment injuries.
My focus is to help you connect and reconnect with yourself as well as the most important people in your life in a sometimes challenging and disconnected world. One of my specialties is working with adolescents, couples, and/or parents to understand how to improve those relationships.
As a therapist I work with you to find a clear path and better sense of self whether you have experienced depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship troubles, trauma, and/or attachment injuries.
My focus is to help you connect and reconnect with yourself as well as the most important people in your life in a sometimes challenging and disconnected world. One of my specialties is working with adolescents, couples, and/or parents to understand how to improve those relationships.
I help clients manage anxiety, lift the weight of depression, and navigate relationship challenges.
Looking for support navigating life’s challenges? Alison Smoke is a seasoned social worker with 17+ years of experience helping adults manage anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. Using evidence-based, strength-focused approaches like Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, and ACT, she empowers clients to explore solutions, build resilience, and live more fulfilling lives in a safe, compassionate space tailored to their unique goals.
I help clients manage anxiety, lift the weight of depression, and navigate relationship challenges.
Looking for support navigating life’s challenges? Alison Smoke is a seasoned social worker with 17+ years of experience helping adults manage anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. Using evidence-based, strength-focused approaches like Mindfulness, Solution-Focused Therapy, and ACT, she empowers clients to explore solutions, build resilience, and live more fulfilling lives in a safe, compassionate space tailored to their unique goals.
Whether you are struggling alone or as part of a couple, life doesn’t have to be this hard.
I have advanced training in Dr. Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, a proven approach that helps couples resolve issues and restore feelings of love, safety, and security. I will help you regain a positive sense of self. You deserve to feel relief from the consuming stress of feeling inadequate and/or stuck, and I am here to help you!
Whether you are struggling alone or as part of a couple, life doesn’t have to be this hard.
I have advanced training in Dr. Sue Johnson's Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, a proven approach that helps couples resolve issues and restore feelings of love, safety, and security. I will help you regain a positive sense of self. You deserve to feel relief from the consuming stress of feeling inadequate and/or stuck, and I am here to help you!
John Robert Carpenter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Waitlist for new clients
I help teens, young adults, and committed couples identify pathways toward relief from a number of personal and professional struggles.
My approach is guided by advanced training in Narrative Therapy, but I utilize a range of models, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and more.
I help teens, young adults, and committed couples identify pathways toward relief from a number of personal and professional struggles.
My approach is guided by advanced training in Narrative Therapy, but I utilize a range of models, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and more.
I provide evidence-based care for individuals navigating anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, trauma, and major life transitions.
I have led workshops and presentations on parenting without fear, managing anxiety, and overcoming depression. I have advanced training in perinatal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal health, as well as in attachment theory and couples counseling, allowing me to offer specialized support across important stages of life and relationships.
I provide evidence-based care for individuals navigating anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, trauma, and major life transitions.
I have led workshops and presentations on parenting without fear, managing anxiety, and overcoming depression. I have advanced training in perinatal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal health, as well as in attachment theory and couples counseling, allowing me to offer specialized support across important stages of life and relationships.
My goal is to partner with teens, adults, or couples to help them find relief from current distress and begin healing from the past, creating a more secure, content, and meaningful life.
My approach is integrative, blending humanistic philosophy with practical tools. Using deep listening and experiential exercises, I draw from models like AEDP to help clients heal emotional wounds, TCT to build stronger relationships, IFS to understand the many parts of the self, and coaching to activate creativity to move toward a fulfilling future.
My goal is to partner with teens, adults, or couples to help them find relief from current distress and begin healing from the past, creating a more secure, content, and meaningful life.
My approach is integrative, blending humanistic philosophy with practical tools. Using deep listening and experiential exercises, I draw from models like AEDP to help clients heal emotional wounds, TCT to build stronger relationships, IFS to understand the many parts of the self, and coaching to activate creativity to move toward a fulfilling future.
One of my specialities is on intimacy and relationship counseling, as we often do not have a safe place to explore, process, and expand our sexual self.
You deserve support that brings peace and comfort to your mind, body, and heart. You and your story deserve to be heard and held as you heal. No matter what part of life you are currently in, you deserve a therapist that you connect with. I help clients in all stages of life process feelings of anxiety, depression, loss, and post-traumatic stress. I offer a holistic method through a combination of mindfulness, movement, spirituality, and psychotherapy. My goal is for you to gain helpful coping skills, emotional processing, and a deeper sense of self. All parts of you are welcome and honored!
One of my specialities is on intimacy and relationship counseling, as we often do not have a safe place to explore, process, and expand our sexual self.
You deserve support that brings peace and comfort to your mind, body, and heart. You and your story deserve to be heard and held as you heal. No matter what part of life you are currently in, you deserve a therapist that you connect with. I help clients in all stages of life process feelings of anxiety, depression, loss, and post-traumatic stress. I offer a holistic method through a combination of mindfulness, movement, spirituality, and psychotherapy. My goal is for you to gain helpful coping skills, emotional processing, and a deeper sense of self. All parts of you are welcome and honored!
At Lifebulb, we provide flexible schedules, virtual and in-office options, and partner with most major insurance plans.
Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? I’m Kara Tracy, a Licensed Professional Counselor with 5+ years helping teens and adults navigate trauma, life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief, infertility, and substance challenges. As an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, I provide compassionate, tailored support. Together, we’ll work at your pace to build coping skills, process experiences, and create a path toward healing and growth.
At Lifebulb, we provide flexible schedules, virtual and in-office options, and partner with most major insurance plans.
Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? I’m Kara Tracy, a Licensed Professional Counselor with 5+ years helping teens and adults navigate trauma, life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief, infertility, and substance challenges. As an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, I provide compassionate, tailored support. Together, we’ll work at your pace to build coping skills, process experiences, and create a path toward healing and growth.
Life doesn’t come with a roadmap, and when anxiety, self-doubt, relationship stress, or past experiences start to weigh on you, it can feel overwhelming.
I specialize in helping individuals and couples work through anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, and major life transitions. Through virtual therapy across Virginia, I use evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), humanistic therapy, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
Life doesn’t come with a roadmap, and when anxiety, self-doubt, relationship stress, or past experiences start to weigh on you, it can feel overwhelming.
I specialize in helping individuals and couples work through anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, and major life transitions. Through virtual therapy across Virginia, I use evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), humanistic therapy, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
As your guide, I can help you shine a light on emotions, experiences, and relationships that you may be afraid to touch due to fear, shame, or uncertainty of how to process them.
I believe the therapeutic process is meant to instill hope and help clients to discover a new understanding of themselves, their relationships, and the world around them. I structure my therapy sessions as a collaborative process that should work to diminish anxiety and unlearn self-deprecating patterns, guided by the client’s personal story and experiences.
As your guide, I can help you shine a light on emotions, experiences, and relationships that you may be afraid to touch due to fear, shame, or uncertainty of how to process them.
I believe the therapeutic process is meant to instill hope and help clients to discover a new understanding of themselves, their relationships, and the world around them. I structure my therapy sessions as a collaborative process that should work to diminish anxiety and unlearn self-deprecating patterns, guided by the client’s personal story and experiences.
It can be nerve-racking and scary to begin the journey of self-reflection, growth and development but John believes in the healing and restoration of individuals, couples, and families!
Each person has a unique and valuable story. Unraveling this story in depth, within a safe and vivid environment, is part of the process to healthy personal growth and a better future. Keeping a holistic, larger view is key, as people’s worth and change possibilities extend far beyond their issues or problems. John is an expert marriage counselor.
It can be nerve-racking and scary to begin the journey of self-reflection, growth and development but John believes in the healing and restoration of individuals, couples, and families!
Each person has a unique and valuable story. Unraveling this story in depth, within a safe and vivid environment, is part of the process to healthy personal growth and a better future. Keeping a holistic, larger view is key, as people’s worth and change possibilities extend far beyond their issues or problems. John is an expert marriage counselor.
I help clients manage anxiety, lift the weight of depression, and navigate relationship challenges.
I find particular fulfillment in working with clients who are facing substance use challenges and have not yet engaged in recovery or explored treatment options. These individuals often bring a raw honesty and openness that allows for meaningful exploration and growth.
With approximately 35 years of experience, I’ve worked with a wide range of clients—including teens, adults, and older adults.
I genuinely enjoy meeting new people and getting to know their stories. I offer a warm, welcoming presence and strive to be a thoughtful listener. I believe in the resilience of the human spirit and the power of connection in fostering change
I help clients manage anxiety, lift the weight of depression, and navigate relationship challenges.
I find particular fulfillment in working with clients who are facing substance use challenges and have not yet engaged in recovery or explored treatment options. These individuals often bring a raw honesty and openness that allows for meaningful exploration and growth.
With approximately 35 years of experience, I’ve worked with a wide range of clients—including teens, adults, and older adults.
I genuinely enjoy meeting new people and getting to know their stories. I offer a warm, welcoming presence and strive to be a thoughtful listener. I believe in the resilience of the human spirit and the power of connection in fostering change
Over 40 years I've been dealing with family, career, and relationship issues or the deeper unsettling part of each of us.
It's hard for anyone to talk about personal issues. Anyone brave enough to do this launches themselves into a life giving process that increases the possibilities of their lives forever. It brings about unbelievable changes opening possibilities never thought of. It's hard work. It's scary. But it teaches one to live effectively with what life has brought and create changes that enhance the life that is. It's a journey into the good and the bad that takes a person to new heights. It's an exploration that creates love and light in a life.
Over 40 years I've been dealing with family, career, and relationship issues or the deeper unsettling part of each of us.
It's hard for anyone to talk about personal issues. Anyone brave enough to do this launches themselves into a life giving process that increases the possibilities of their lives forever. It brings about unbelievable changes opening possibilities never thought of. It's hard work. It's scary. But it teaches one to live effectively with what life has brought and create changes that enhance the life that is. It's a journey into the good and the bad that takes a person to new heights. It's an exploration that creates love and light in a life.
Dr. Kacey Wilson is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Charlottesville, VA. Dr. Wilson integrates therapeutic modalities across somatic, trauma-informed, relational, and psychodynamic approaches. She offers EMDR, somatic, and mindfulness techniques for individuals seeking recovery from traumatic experiences. Specialty areas include developmental trauma, interpersonal challenges, grief and loss, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, cross-cultural integration, and existential inquiries. Her approach encourages self-discovery, compassionate inquiry, growth, and integration.
Dr. Kacey Wilson is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Charlottesville, VA. Dr. Wilson integrates therapeutic modalities across somatic, trauma-informed, relational, and psychodynamic approaches. She offers EMDR, somatic, and mindfulness techniques for individuals seeking recovery from traumatic experiences. Specialty areas include developmental trauma, interpersonal challenges, grief and loss, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, cross-cultural integration, and existential inquiries. Her approach encourages self-discovery, compassionate inquiry, growth, and integration.
The trauma you thought you had moved past still shows up in your relationships, your body, and your ability to be present.
I am a clinical psychologist trained in neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. I understand how your brain, nervous system, and life history create the patterns keeping you stuck. I developed the Thrive Model, a trauma recovery framework grounded in clinical science, mindfulness, and experiential healing. My approach is thorough, built for lasting change.
The trauma you thought you had moved past still shows up in your relationships, your body, and your ability to be present.
I am a clinical psychologist trained in neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. I understand how your brain, nervous system, and life history create the patterns keeping you stuck. I developed the Thrive Model, a trauma recovery framework grounded in clinical science, mindfulness, and experiential healing. My approach is thorough, built for lasting change.
I use an approach based in kindness, compassion, mindfulness and strength to help you find a way to be better everyday in your life and your relationships.
I offer individualized EMDR, DBT,CBT and person centered therapy for individuals and couples and structured family therapy for parenting and family issues.
I use an approach based in kindness, compassion, mindfulness and strength to help you find a way to be better everyday in your life and your relationships.
I offer individualized EMDR, DBT,CBT and person centered therapy for individuals and couples and structured family therapy for parenting and family issues.
I also work with couples who are committed but feel caught in painful patterns they can't break on their own.
I am grounded in the belief that humans are fundamentally wired for healing and growth. I specialize in experiential approaches for individuals and for couples. I believe we can do more than just manage the challenges you are facing. Real movement is possible, from a place of suffering toward a life that genuinely feels good.
I also work with couples who are committed but feel caught in painful patterns they can't break on their own.
I am grounded in the belief that humans are fundamentally wired for healing and growth. I specialize in experiential approaches for individuals and for couples. I believe we can do more than just manage the challenges you are facing. Real movement is possible, from a place of suffering toward a life that genuinely feels good.
No matter your difficulty, no matter your challenge, through our work together, you can begin to take control. In a validating, safe, and accepting space, we challenge your old thinking patterns in order to create new ones; gain insight into the past to better understand behavior and decisions in the present; and allow you to take control of your life so you can have a more fulfilling future.
No matter your difficulty, no matter your challenge, through our work together, you can begin to take control. In a validating, safe, and accepting space, we challenge your old thinking patterns in order to create new ones; gain insight into the past to better understand behavior and decisions in the present; and allow you to take control of your life so you can have a more fulfilling future.
But this is an important relationship, so take your time and look for that "goodness-of-fit" that will enable you to find your comfort.
Since I have been practicing for over 30 years, I have worked in a variety of settings, with a variety of people, who have all contributed to a wide array of experiences. My orientation is as eclectic and diverse as my clients and their issues. I believe that therapy is most effective when client and therapist work together to develop clear priorities.
But this is an important relationship, so take your time and look for that "goodness-of-fit" that will enable you to find your comfort.
Since I have been practicing for over 30 years, I have worked in a variety of settings, with a variety of people, who have all contributed to a wide array of experiences. My orientation is as eclectic and diverse as my clients and their issues. I believe that therapy is most effective when client and therapist work together to develop clear priorities.
See more therapy options for Charlottesville
Nearby Couples Therapy Searches for Charlottesville
- Crozet
- Earlysville
- Goochland
- Harrisonburg
- Keswick
- Louisa
- Orange
- Palmyra
- Ruckersville
- Staunton
- University
- Waynesboro
FAQ - About Couples Therapy
Does couples counseling work?
Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.
When should a couple seek counseling?
Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.
How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?
The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.
How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?
The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.