Schema Therapy in Charlottesville, VA

Photo of Thomas Harper, Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW
Thomas Harper
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMSW
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Waitlist for new clients
Your mental health gets in the way of the tasks you need to do to move your life forward; maybe you struggle with loneliness. Sometimes you feel overwhelmed by a monster to-do list that spans several areas of your life; you struggle to adopt positive habits or manage negative ones; you feel paralyzed by challenges like cleaning out a storage unit, finding a job, or negotiating a bill with a health insurance company. Sometimes you get stuck in patterns of procrastination and shame. Sometimes you don't know who to trust; sometimes you struggle to manage relationships in a healthy way.
Your mental health gets in the way of the tasks you need to do to move your life forward; maybe you struggle with loneliness. Sometimes you feel overwhelmed by a monster to-do list that spans several areas of your life; you struggle to adopt positive habits or manage negative ones; you feel paralyzed by challenges like cleaning out a storage unit, finding a job, or negotiating a bill with a health insurance company. Sometimes you get stuck in patterns of procrastination and shame. Sometimes you don't know who to trust; sometimes you struggle to manage relationships in a healthy way.
(434) 686-6989 View (434) 686-6989
Photo of John Robert Carpenter, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW
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. If you or a loved one experiences anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance abuse, strained relationships, or professional stress, I offer a supportive, non-judgmental space to discover recovery.
I help teens, young adults, and committed couples identify pathways toward relief from a number of personal and professional struggles. If you or a loved one experiences anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance abuse, strained relationships, or professional stress, I offer a supportive, non-judgmental space to discover recovery.
(434) 686-6770 View (434) 686-6770
Photo of Dr. Robin D. Usher, Psychologist, LCP, LPC
Dr. Robin D. Usher
Psychologist, LCP, LPC
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
As a researcher and clinician, I focus on the intersection of identity, trauma, and resilience. My work internationally investigating trauma, health systems, and suicide risk factors have shaped my understanding of community and recovery. In my clinical practice, I specialize in treating complex conditions like borderline personality disorder, chronic post traumatic stress reactions, obsessions, compulsion, relationship problems, and existential dread. My practice centers helping individuals, couples, and families in reclaiming their sense of self and community.
As a researcher and clinician, I focus on the intersection of identity, trauma, and resilience. My work internationally investigating trauma, health systems, and suicide risk factors have shaped my understanding of community and recovery. In my clinical practice, I specialize in treating complex conditions like borderline personality disorder, chronic post traumatic stress reactions, obsessions, compulsion, relationship problems, and existential dread. My practice centers helping individuals, couples, and families in reclaiming their sense of self and community.
(804) 554-5978 View (804) 554-5978
Photo of Jade Melito, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Jade Melito
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Serves Area
Early adulthood is a time of profound change and self-discovery. I specialize in working with young adults, college students, and professionals who are exploring their individuality, and place in the world. You may be navigating complex family issues, pursuing healthy friendships and relationships, and figuring out self-acceptance. This time period can bring about feelings of uncertainty and stress as you explore your values, how your experiences have shaped you, and how you want to experience the life ahead of you. I'm here to help you explore your feelings, experiences, and feel confident about your future.
Early adulthood is a time of profound change and self-discovery. I specialize in working with young adults, college students, and professionals who are exploring their individuality, and place in the world. You may be navigating complex family issues, pursuing healthy friendships and relationships, and figuring out self-acceptance. This time period can bring about feelings of uncertainty and stress as you explore your values, how your experiences have shaped you, and how you want to experience the life ahead of you. I'm here to help you explore your feelings, experiences, and feel confident about your future.
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Photo of Sara Loker, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Sara Loker
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you navigating the stress of college life, a demanding career, or the challenges of relationships and family transitions? Do you often feel weighed down by anxiety, self-doubt, or the pressure to ‘get it all right’? I specialize in working with women in life transitions, whether you’re balancing school, starting a career, managing ADHD, or moving through major changes like divorce. Together, we’ll focus on reducing overwhelm, understanding the patterns that hold you back, and building the tools you need to feel calmer, more confident, and more connected to yourself.
Are you navigating the stress of college life, a demanding career, or the challenges of relationships and family transitions? Do you often feel weighed down by anxiety, self-doubt, or the pressure to ‘get it all right’? I specialize in working with women in life transitions, whether you’re balancing school, starting a career, managing ADHD, or moving through major changes like divorce. Together, we’ll focus on reducing overwhelm, understanding the patterns that hold you back, and building the tools you need to feel calmer, more confident, and more connected to yourself.
(540) 235-5369 View (540) 235-5369
Photo of Matt Lusk, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Matt Lusk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
Whether you’ve tried therapy before or this is your first time, the process of choosing a therapist and getting started can feel overwhelming. It’s daunting, but important, as I believe the fit between client and therapist is one of the most important parts of treatment. I look at therapy as a partnership and try to adapt my therapeutic approach to each client’s unique needs. My goal is to create a safe space where you feel both validated and challenged. Everyone should have an environment where they feel comfortable discussing their thoughts and processing their emotions free of any judgment.
Whether you’ve tried therapy before or this is your first time, the process of choosing a therapist and getting started can feel overwhelming. It’s daunting, but important, as I believe the fit between client and therapist is one of the most important parts of treatment. I look at therapy as a partnership and try to adapt my therapeutic approach to each client’s unique needs. My goal is to create a safe space where you feel both validated and challenged. Everyone should have an environment where they feel comfortable discussing their thoughts and processing their emotions free of any judgment.
(804) 455-8928 View (804) 455-8928
Photo of Caourtney Weaver, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Caourtney Weaver
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Serves Area
I have provided individual, group, and family therapist since 2011. I earned my license as a Clinical Social Worker in Virginia in 2014. I started out studying Spanish and Latin American Studies at Georgetown University and am fluent in Spanish. After a few years working a desk job, I received a Master’s of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. In that time, I worked in intensive in-home therapy and residential treatment for children and adolescents, in community mental health, private practice, and a hospital setting.
I have provided individual, group, and family therapist since 2011. I earned my license as a Clinical Social Worker in Virginia in 2014. I started out studying Spanish and Latin American Studies at Georgetown University and am fluent in Spanish. After a few years working a desk job, I received a Master’s of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. In that time, I worked in intensive in-home therapy and residential treatment for children and adolescents, in community mental health, private practice, and a hospital setting.
(703) 997-2815 View (703) 997-2815
Photo of Amy Carter, Licensed Professional Counselor
Amy Carter
Licensed Professional Counselor
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
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 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.
(540) 452-9627 View (540) 452-9627

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Ronda L Weber, Psychologist, PhD, LCP, LCSW
Ronda L Weber
Psychologist, PhD, LCP, LCSW
Serves Area
I enjoy getting to know a wide variety of people of all ages and life experiences. The relationship of trust that develops provides a sacred and healing place in which growth and transformation can happen. It is my privilege to be present, actively supporting this process. I welcome clients that need professional assistance but are not in need of very intensive or crisis therapy. I have a particular interest in helping cancer survivors, due to my own experiences.
I enjoy getting to know a wide variety of people of all ages and life experiences. The relationship of trust that develops provides a sacred and healing place in which growth and transformation can happen. It is my privilege to be present, actively supporting this process. I welcome clients that need professional assistance but are not in need of very intensive or crisis therapy. I have a particular interest in helping cancer survivors, due to my own experiences.
(540) 426-3297 View (540) 426-3297
Photo of Dr. Brenda L Ridgeway, PhD/, LSATP, CCDVC, HS-BCP
Dr. Brenda L Ridgeway
Verified Verified
Online Only
I believe that healing is possible and that all of us have the answers and solutions to troubling personal circumstances in our lives, but sometimes we all need a bit of guidance to find those answers. Recovery is an amazing and sacred journey that leads to self-healing, self-fulfillment, and happiness. I am a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner, Professional Psychologist, Clinically Certified Domestic Violence Counselor, and a Human Serives-Board Certified Practitioner. I use empirically sound evidenced-based interventions to assist with your healing process. Call now for a session and see how wonderful life can be.
I believe that healing is possible and that all of us have the answers and solutions to troubling personal circumstances in our lives, but sometimes we all need a bit of guidance to find those answers. Recovery is an amazing and sacred journey that leads to self-healing, self-fulfillment, and happiness. I am a Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner, Professional Psychologist, Clinically Certified Domestic Violence Counselor, and a Human Serives-Board Certified Practitioner. I use empirically sound evidenced-based interventions to assist with your healing process. Call now for a session and see how wonderful life can be.
(540) 274-0635 View (540) 274-0635
Photo of Jennifer Smith Sims, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Jennifer Smith Sims
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Looking to create positive change in your life with guidance and support? I’m Jennifer Sims, LPC, with over 20 years of experience helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, grief, relational challenges, substance use, and more. I integrate techniques from CBT, Schema-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy, and I also provide faith-based counseling for those who wish to incorporate their Christian faith. Known for my warm, empathetic, and strength-based approach, I help clients—and couples—explore growth, build resilience, and move toward a hopeful, fulfilling future.
Looking to create positive change in your life with guidance and support? I’m Jennifer Sims, LPC, with over 20 years of experience helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, grief, relational challenges, substance use, and more. I integrate techniques from CBT, Schema-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy, and I also provide faith-based counseling for those who wish to incorporate their Christian faith. Known for my warm, empathetic, and strength-based approach, I help clients—and couples—explore growth, build resilience, and move toward a hopeful, fulfilling future.
(540) 712-6276 View (540) 712-6276
Photo of Luther Archer, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CPSC
Luther Archer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CPSC
Online Only
Searching for the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with stress, past trauma, relationship challenges, or emotional struggles that seem difficult to resolve on your own. You may be navigating depression, anxiety, life transitions, or patterns that continue to interfere with your well-being and relationships. At Hearts, Minds & Souls: Coaching, Counseling and Therapy Services, effective intervention can help you develop practical strategies, greater insight, and a clearer path forward. I work with adults, couples, families and age-appropriate adolescents who want to increase effective communication
Searching for the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with stress, past trauma, relationship challenges, or emotional struggles that seem difficult to resolve on your own. You may be navigating depression, anxiety, life transitions, or patterns that continue to interfere with your well-being and relationships. At Hearts, Minds & Souls: Coaching, Counseling and Therapy Services, effective intervention can help you develop practical strategies, greater insight, and a clearer path forward. I work with adults, couples, families and age-appropriate adolescents who want to increase effective communication
(804) 369-8595 View (804) 369-8595
Photo of Jimmy Hovermale, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Jimmy Hovermale
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
I work to help clients understand their emotions and values to deepen and strengthen relationships while responding to life's challenges in helpful and healthy ways. It is my goal to support them as they move through life’s stages and explore their own inner worlds during times of trouble and times of growth. My approach centers around the idea that the ways we connect to others and ourselves often shapes our mood and our actions.
I work to help clients understand their emotions and values to deepen and strengthen relationships while responding to life's challenges in helpful and healthy ways. It is my goal to support them as they move through life’s stages and explore their own inner worlds during times of trouble and times of growth. My approach centers around the idea that the ways we connect to others and ourselves often shapes our mood and our actions.
(434) 303-5853 View (434) 303-5853

Online Therapists

Photo of Phil Eiseman, Psychologist, PhD
Phil Eiseman
Psychologist, PhD
2 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of what direction your life is heading, you’re not alone. In a world that keeps shifting—personally, socially, and politically—it can be hard to build a life around what truly matters. Therapy can offer a space to slow down, make sense of your experiences, and reconnect with yourself. I’m a licensed psychologist with over ten years of clinical experience, and I work with adults and teens 14+ navigating anxiety, burnout, identity, life transitions, political change, and relationship challenges.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of what direction your life is heading, you’re not alone. In a world that keeps shifting—personally, socially, and politically—it can be hard to build a life around what truly matters. Therapy can offer a space to slow down, make sense of your experiences, and reconnect with yourself. I’m a licensed psychologist with over ten years of clinical experience, and I work with adults and teens 14+ navigating anxiety, burnout, identity, life transitions, political change, and relationship challenges.
(571) 503-6349 View (571) 503-6349
Photo of Mohsen Parvizi, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Mohsen Parvizi
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
1 Endorsed
Vienna, VA 22180
Hello, my name is Mohsen Parvizi, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion, understanding, and practical support. I work with adolescents, adults, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, co-occurring disorder, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. As a bilingual English- and Farsi/Persian-speaking therapist, I understand the importance of cultural identity, family dynamics, and the unique experiences that come with navigating multiple cultures or generational expectations.
Hello, my name is Mohsen Parvizi, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion, understanding, and practical support. I work with adolescents, adults, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, co-occurring disorder, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. As a bilingual English- and Farsi/Persian-speaking therapist, I understand the importance of cultural identity, family dynamics, and the unique experiences that come with navigating multiple cultures or generational expectations.
(571) 202-7532 View (571) 202-7532
Photo of Wendy Ong, Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, MSc, MSW
Wendy Ong
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, MSc, MSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My therapy style can be described as direct but kind. I do not subscribe to the notion of the therapist as a blank slate or that the client is always right. I believe it is important to be empathetic but also direct and honest about identifying and addressing problematic behaviors. I laugh a lot. I ask thought-provoking questions. I will gently push you while providing an empathic and non-judgmental space as we work towards your goals. No matter where a client is on their journey, I feel privileged to help them make sense of their own experiences, understand them as a source of strength, and to reimagine their future.
My therapy style can be described as direct but kind. I do not subscribe to the notion of the therapist as a blank slate or that the client is always right. I believe it is important to be empathetic but also direct and honest about identifying and addressing problematic behaviors. I laugh a lot. I ask thought-provoking questions. I will gently push you while providing an empathic and non-judgmental space as we work towards your goals. No matter where a client is on their journey, I feel privileged to help them make sense of their own experiences, understand them as a source of strength, and to reimagine their future.
(571) 620-3275 View (571) 620-3275
Photo of Keli Hemingway, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Keli Hemingway
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
Hi there, I'm Keli! Beginning therapy with someone new can feel a little scary, and I'm happy that you're here. I've walked beside teens and adults as they've worked through anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. I offer a space where you can exhale—where you can feel seen, accepted, and supported just as you are. I offer gentle, transformational therapy tailored to your needs. We'll uncover the thought patterns that cause unhelpful emotions and behaviors that keep you stuck. We'll help you to heal and move toward a more peaceful life. Together, we'll take things one step at a time, creating real and lasting change.
Hi there, I'm Keli! Beginning therapy with someone new can feel a little scary, and I'm happy that you're here. I've walked beside teens and adults as they've worked through anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. I offer a space where you can exhale—where you can feel seen, accepted, and supported just as you are. I offer gentle, transformational therapy tailored to your needs. We'll uncover the thought patterns that cause unhelpful emotions and behaviors that keep you stuck. We'll help you to heal and move toward a more peaceful life. Together, we'll take things one step at a time, creating real and lasting change.
(804) 348-1839 View (804) 348-1839
Photo of James T McFeely, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CRC
James T McFeely
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CRC
Lynchburg, VA 24501
Using approaches like Gestalt Therapy, Schema Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I help clients build insight, heal underlying wounds, and create meaningful, lasting change.
My ideal client is someone who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, or stress and is open to using those challenges as an opportunity for growth and deeper self-understanding. They are interested in exploring what may lie beneath their current difficulties, whether that involves unresolved trauma, relationship patterns, substance use, low self-worth, personality traits, or life transitions.
Using approaches like Gestalt Therapy, Schema Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I help clients build insight, heal underlying wounds, and create meaningful, lasting change.
My ideal client is someone who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, or stress and is open to using those challenges as an opportunity for growth and deeper self-understanding. They are interested in exploring what may lie beneath their current difficulties, whether that involves unresolved trauma, relationship patterns, substance use, low self-worth, personality traits, or life transitions.
(434) 201-8073 View (434) 201-8073
Photo of Mackenzie Kost, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Mackenzie Kost
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Reston, VA 20190
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Virginia, dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion and clarity. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Old Dominion University and my Master’s degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. With over six years of experience, I worked in a variety of clinical settings, including outpatient care, in-home services, and partial hospitalization programs, supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Virginia, dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion and clarity. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Old Dominion University and my Master’s degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. With over six years of experience, I worked in a variety of clinical settings, including outpatient care, in-home services, and partial hospitalization programs, supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families.
(571) 581-6426 View (571) 581-6426
Photo of Esther Willette Green, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Esther Willette Green
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MA
Online Only
I welcome clients experiencing a range of concerns including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, frustration, trauma, abuse, grief, relationship challenges, and existential issues.
I welcome clients experiencing a range of concerns including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, frustration, trauma, abuse, grief, relationship challenges, and existential issues.
(571) 626-7527 View (571) 626-7527

See more therapy options for Charlottesville

Schema Therapy
How does schema therapy work?
Schema therapy is based on the idea that maladaptive thought patterns formed in childhood—that other people can never be relied on, for example—can interfere with healthy functioning in adulthood. Accordingly, schema therapy works by directly targeting such unhealthy schemas, identifying their consequences, and replacing them with more adaptive ways of thinking. To this end, schema therapists aim to “reparent” the client by offering what they didn’t get in childhood—validation, for instance, or compassion—to reorient their worldview.

Is schema therapy evidence-based?
Schema therapy is still considered relatively new, and research on its efficacy is still in progress. However, some studies have concluded that it can be effective at treating certain mental health conditions, most notably personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder. Evidence for its efficacy in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD is promising but less conclusive, and experts warn that much of the existing research is of low quality.

Is schema therapy a type of CBT?
Schema therapy is based on many principles of CBT, most notably the process of recognizing and challenging maladaptive thought patterns. But because schema therapy also draws from other approaches,including psychoanalysis and Gestalt therapy, it is not considered a form of CBT. It also typically delves deeper into the client’s childhood than does CBT.

How does schema therapy work?
Schema therapy does not call for a set number of sessions and is instead open-ended, with the treatment timeline depending on the client’s primary concern(s), progress, and preferences. Treatment that lasts between six months and two years is common, though many clients will start to see progress much earlier than that.