Female Therapists in Forest, VA
I believe it is crucial for those seeking counseling to encounter a safe and compassionate environment. My goal is to meet clients where they are with warmth, connection, faith in their ability to achieve the outcomes they desire, compassionate challenge, and even humor. I hope that clients leave their therapy experience with increased awareness and insight, new skills, a sense of relief, and expanded knowledge about themselves, others and the world around them.
I believe it is crucial for those seeking counseling to encounter a safe and compassionate environment. My goal is to meet clients where they are with warmth, connection, faith in their ability to achieve the outcomes they desire, compassionate challenge, and even humor. I hope that clients leave their therapy experience with increased awareness and insight, new skills, a sense of relief, and expanded knowledge about themselves, others and the world around them.
Michelle Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, PMH-C, RPT-S, ACS, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Forest, VA 24551
Waitlist for new clients
I think the first thing someone seeking help needs to release is a sense of wrongness - "I let this happen," "I'm no good," "If only I had..." These are all normal, human responses, but they are also hurtful and create a false sense of self. The reason I became a counselor was to help those individuals carrying around guilt and shame. It affects everything - your relationships, your work, everything! I want everyone to thrive and live their fullest life. Being able to see yourself clearly, not for what you've done or did not do, is a powerful healing agent.
I think the first thing someone seeking help needs to release is a sense of wrongness - "I let this happen," "I'm no good," "If only I had..." These are all normal, human responses, but they are also hurtful and create a false sense of self. The reason I became a counselor was to help those individuals carrying around guilt and shame. It affects everything - your relationships, your work, everything! I want everyone to thrive and live their fullest life. Being able to see yourself clearly, not for what you've done or did not do, is a powerful healing agent.
Education: BS in Psychology Pre-counseling from Oklahoma Baptist University Professional Experience: I have worked as a community advocate for Project:SAFE, a nonprofit that advocates for victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and have experience caring for victims in shelter and assisting them in court. Additionally, I have worked for many years as a nanny and house manager, which has allowed me to learn the many and complex needs that families can face. In my free time to love to travel, hike, and bake. I deeply value spending time with my family and friends and investing in those around me.
Education: BS in Psychology Pre-counseling from Oklahoma Baptist University Professional Experience: I have worked as a community advocate for Project:SAFE, a nonprofit that advocates for victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and have experience caring for victims in shelter and assisting them in court. Additionally, I have worked for many years as a nanny and house manager, which has allowed me to learn the many and complex needs that families can face. In my free time to love to travel, hike, and bake. I deeply value spending time with my family and friends and investing in those around me.
Do you ever feel like you are just putting band-aids on problems without really ever getting to the root of what is causing the pain? I am an outcomes oriented therapist with the skill set to help my clients achieve success. Some of the greatest client successes I have witnessed are clients who have experienced dramatic relief from debilitating depression and anxiety symptoms, through working through unresolved trauma.
Do you ever feel like you are just putting band-aids on problems without really ever getting to the root of what is causing the pain? I am an outcomes oriented therapist with the skill set to help my clients achieve success. Some of the greatest client successes I have witnessed are clients who have experienced dramatic relief from debilitating depression and anxiety symptoms, through working through unresolved trauma.
I have a special interest in working with individuals struggling with family relational issues, trauma/PTSD, body image/eating disorders, and anxiety/depression. I help clients overcome tough generational patterns that are hard to break and often stem from one's family of origin. Many of my clients have been through some form of trauma and are in need of a supportive presence to help them process their pain and validate their feelings. No matter your reason for counseling, my goal is to help you grow and restore a greater sense of empowerment and peace to your life.
I have a special interest in working with individuals struggling with family relational issues, trauma/PTSD, body image/eating disorders, and anxiety/depression. I help clients overcome tough generational patterns that are hard to break and often stem from one's family of origin. Many of my clients have been through some form of trauma and are in need of a supportive presence to help them process their pain and validate their feelings. No matter your reason for counseling, my goal is to help you grow and restore a greater sense of empowerment and peace to your life.
Life can throw you unexpected curve balls and sometimes knock the wind completely out of you. Whatever life has thrown at you, I am here to listen. Your story is unique, your life is your own, and thankfully no matter what has come your way, both are malleable. My heart is to come alongside you through this challenging time. To uplift and empower you as you make the hard changes.
Life can throw you unexpected curve balls and sometimes knock the wind completely out of you. Whatever life has thrown at you, I am here to listen. Your story is unique, your life is your own, and thankfully no matter what has come your way, both are malleable. My heart is to come alongside you through this challenging time. To uplift and empower you as you make the hard changes.
I feel clients grow through challenges best in a non-judgmental, nurturing atmosphere. This quote is so true: "To the world you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world." You matter. Your feelings matter. If you feel you need someone to talk to, don't hesitate to call me...
I feel clients grow through challenges best in a non-judgmental, nurturing atmosphere. This quote is so true: "To the world you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world." You matter. Your feelings matter. If you feel you need someone to talk to, don't hesitate to call me...
Hello! If you're seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, Marisa is here to help. Whether you're navigating challenges with children, adolescents, or family dynamics, you're looking for a therapist who understands the complexities of your experiences. You desire a collaborative approach to healing, where your unique life experiences, relationships, and beliefs are honored and explored. Your goal is to find healing and growth in a safe, accepting environment where you feel understood and supported.
Hello! If you're seeking support for yourself, your child, or your family, Marisa is here to help. Whether you're navigating challenges with children, adolescents, or family dynamics, you're looking for a therapist who understands the complexities of your experiences. You desire a collaborative approach to healing, where your unique life experiences, relationships, and beliefs are honored and explored. Your goal is to find healing and growth in a safe, accepting environment where you feel understood and supported.
I am a passionate Mental Health Life Coach committed to encouraging men and women of any age through difficulties they may face. Sometimes people need redirection and help in finding their best selves. I have been there and look forward to helping walk you through and help you achieve the next level, whether in your career or anxiety and depression, or if you need help with difficult people in your life. My work focuses on targeting irrational thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs that keep us discouraged and feeling stuck in life. At the end of our work together, I believe you will feel more empowered to take the next step.
I am a passionate Mental Health Life Coach committed to encouraging men and women of any age through difficulties they may face. Sometimes people need redirection and help in finding their best selves. I have been there and look forward to helping walk you through and help you achieve the next level, whether in your career or anxiety and depression, or if you need help with difficult people in your life. My work focuses on targeting irrational thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs that keep us discouraged and feeling stuck in life. At the end of our work together, I believe you will feel more empowered to take the next step.
Kathleen Van Allen
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Forest, VA 24551
I specialize in therapy for college students, young adults and women struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, motherhood/parenting, relationship issues, and interpersonal life skills. I also specialize in couples/marital counseling, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, and trauma training with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). I develop strong relationships with my clients and, together, we work towards finding their roadmaps in life, improving self-worth, identifying goals/objectives, reducing hard feelings and behaviors, and overall feeling better at managing daily life
I specialize in therapy for college students, young adults and women struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, motherhood/parenting, relationship issues, and interpersonal life skills. I also specialize in couples/marital counseling, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, and trauma training with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). I develop strong relationships with my clients and, together, we work towards finding their roadmaps in life, improving self-worth, identifying goals/objectives, reducing hard feelings and behaviors, and overall feeling better at managing daily life
Hello! I am a licensed Resident in Counseling in Virginia and am supervised by Kathleen Van Allen, LPC. I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults and adults struggling with a variety of concerns from difficulties with self-esteem and self-worth to processing the many different forms of stressors that life can bring. I have experience in working with addiction, anxiety, depression and mood disorders (including premenstrual dysphoric disorder), obsessive compulsive disorder and borderline personality disorder. Other specialties include working with moms, dads, military deployment and children of divorce.
Hello! I am a licensed Resident in Counseling in Virginia and am supervised by Kathleen Van Allen, LPC. I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults and adults struggling with a variety of concerns from difficulties with self-esteem and self-worth to processing the many different forms of stressors that life can bring. I have experience in working with addiction, anxiety, depression and mood disorders (including premenstrual dysphoric disorder), obsessive compulsive disorder and borderline personality disorder. Other specialties include working with moms, dads, military deployment and children of divorce.
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Welcome! So happy you are here! Imagine a peaceful space where you feel heard and your feelings are valid. Therapy is a space to be yourself and explore the most challenging aspects of your life. My goal is to help you find solutions and empower you to take control of your own story.
Welcome! So happy you are here! Imagine a peaceful space where you feel heard and your feelings are valid. Therapy is a space to be yourself and explore the most challenging aspects of your life. My goal is to help you find solutions and empower you to take control of your own story.
I hold a B.S. in Journalism and Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and an M.A in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. I am a Resident in Counseling with plans to obtain licensure as a Professional Counselor. I am passionate about equipping children, adolescents, and adults with the proper tools they need in order to live whole and fulfilled lives. I desire to provide a safe, non-judgmental, and warm environment for others to process their emotions, thoughts, and experiences.
I hold a B.S. in Journalism and Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and an M.A in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. I am a Resident in Counseling with plans to obtain licensure as a Professional Counselor. I am passionate about equipping children, adolescents, and adults with the proper tools they need in order to live whole and fulfilled lives. I desire to provide a safe, non-judgmental, and warm environment for others to process their emotions, thoughts, and experiences.
My goal is to strive to build relationships with clients and join them on their unique journey to wellness.
My goal is to strive to build relationships with clients and join them on their unique journey to wellness.
I enjoy working with clients who aim to improve their mental health and overall wellness. My three biggest priorities as a counselor are to ensure all of my clients feel safe, happy, and supported. It is my responsibility to meet the client where they are, then guide them through their mental health journey. If you want to grow and heal, I am here to help.
I enjoy working with clients who aim to improve their mental health and overall wellness. My three biggest priorities as a counselor are to ensure all of my clients feel safe, happy, and supported. It is my responsibility to meet the client where they are, then guide them through their mental health journey. If you want to grow and heal, I am here to help.
Emily Woody
Counselor, MEd , LPC , CEDS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Forest, VA 24551
Waitlist for new clients
Emily has a passion for working with individuals dealing with matters such as transition to adulthood, relationship issues, Eating Disorders, and trauma history. She uses a variety of techniques when developing rich relationships with her clients to help them overcome their challenges. Emily believes in all around wellness with the body and soul and incorporates this into her therapy sessions. She has training in Telehealth Services, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and Basic EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Emily is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist.
Emily has a passion for working with individuals dealing with matters such as transition to adulthood, relationship issues, Eating Disorders, and trauma history. She uses a variety of techniques when developing rich relationships with her clients to help them overcome their challenges. Emily believes in all around wellness with the body and soul and incorporates this into her therapy sessions. She has training in Telehealth Services, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and Basic EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Emily is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist.
I am licensed in Virginia with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with mindfulness and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with change.
I am licensed in Virginia with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with mindfulness and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with change.
Life throws us unexpected curves, hurdles, and struggles. In fact, life can be down right hard. How would life be different if you had an advocate on your side to empathetically and non-judgmentally walk alongside you in your journey to experience healing, growth, and a fulfilling life As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I provide counseling to individuals of all ages and families to address various issues such as trauma, anxiety, anger management, abuse, depression, life changes, parenting issues, grief, attention-deficit disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, and adjustment disorders.
Life throws us unexpected curves, hurdles, and struggles. In fact, life can be down right hard. How would life be different if you had an advocate on your side to empathetically and non-judgmentally walk alongside you in your journey to experience healing, growth, and a fulfilling life As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I provide counseling to individuals of all ages and families to address various issues such as trauma, anxiety, anger management, abuse, depression, life changes, parenting issues, grief, attention-deficit disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, and adjustment disorders.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia with over 15 years of experience working in various therapeutic settings. I take an individualized, person centered approach in working with adolescents and adults. I look forward to providing a healing environment to my clients to collaboratively address needs brought to each session. I have extensive training in working with trauma and addressing negative self-limiting beliefs as well as instilling more positive and adaptive methods of coping.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia with over 15 years of experience working in various therapeutic settings. I take an individualized, person centered approach in working with adolescents and adults. I look forward to providing a healing environment to my clients to collaboratively address needs brought to each session. I have extensive training in working with trauma and addressing negative self-limiting beliefs as well as instilling more positive and adaptive methods of coping.
Katelyn Childs
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Forest, VA 24551
Waitlist for new clients
Instead of asking "what's wrong" with someone, my approach is to ask "what happened." Getting to the root of a problem, seeing what’s behind it and what’s contributing to it, is more beneficial in the long term than solely viewing an issue as it presents today. While providing a safe and supportive environment, I work collaboratively with clients to learn ways to manage symptoms more effectively, keep the past from negatively affecting the present, and assist clients in moving forward with clarity and purpose.
Instead of asking "what's wrong" with someone, my approach is to ask "what happened." Getting to the root of a problem, seeing what’s behind it and what’s contributing to it, is more beneficial in the long term than solely viewing an issue as it presents today. While providing a safe and supportive environment, I work collaboratively with clients to learn ways to manage symptoms more effectively, keep the past from negatively affecting the present, and assist clients in moving forward with clarity and purpose.
See more therapy options for Forest
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Female Therapists
Does it matter what gender my therapist is?
In general, this is not an important factor, as there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or ingrained beliefs about how people of different genders think and behave. Exploring the roots of such preferences and considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender truly matters to them.
Should I see a female therapist?
Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist, either because they believe that a woman will be able to relate to their specific challenges (for example, sexism in the workplace) or because they imagine feeling more comfortable disclosing sensitive information to a woman. Such beliefs may not turn out to be accurate, however, and adhering too rigidly to a gender preference can at times hinder a client from finding the best therapeutic match.
Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?
Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists—both men and women—may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?
It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.