First Responders Therapists in Franklin, VA
Tired of talk therapy without real change? Experience the power of Somatic Psychotherapy and Hypno-Breathwork. I specialize in mind-body healing that goes beyond traditional methods. As a master practitioner in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), I help clients rapidly process trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress using eye movements and guided visualization. Sessions are often shorter in duration but deeper in impact. You don’t have to stay stuck—lasting transformation is possible. Let’s reconnect your mind and body so healing can begin.
Tired of talk therapy without real change? Experience the power of Somatic Psychotherapy and Hypno-Breathwork. I specialize in mind-body healing that goes beyond traditional methods. As a master practitioner in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), I help clients rapidly process trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress using eye movements and guided visualization. Sessions are often shorter in duration but deeper in impact. You don’t have to stay stuck—lasting transformation is possible. Let’s reconnect your mind and body so healing can begin.
Compassionate and caring with a side of humor, I take my role in your healing journey seriously. Together we will figure the best path for you.
Compassionate and caring with a side of humor, I take my role in your healing journey seriously. Together we will figure the best path for you.
Does your past still haunt you, affecting your relationships, work, or even your sense of self? Trauma doesn’t just stay in the past—it lingers in your thoughts, reactions, and the way you see the world. You might feel trapped in cycles of anxiety, guilt, or self-doubt, unsure how to move forward. The weight of it all can be exhausting, making it hard to see a way out. I help adults and teens gently unpack their trauma, process its impact, and rebuild their sense of safety, confidence, and inner peace. Healing is possible, and you deserve to feel whole again.
Does your past still haunt you, affecting your relationships, work, or even your sense of self? Trauma doesn’t just stay in the past—it lingers in your thoughts, reactions, and the way you see the world. You might feel trapped in cycles of anxiety, guilt, or self-doubt, unsure how to move forward. The weight of it all can be exhausting, making it hard to see a way out. I help adults and teens gently unpack their trauma, process its impact, and rebuild their sense of safety, confidence, and inner peace. Healing is possible, and you deserve to feel whole again.
At Wishing Well Counseling Center, my ideal client may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or burdened by anxiety, trauma, or life transitions. They’re seeking clarity, balance, and a safe space to heal. I work with all ages and often use play therapy with children to help them express and process emotions. Whether through talk, art, or play, my clients are ready to grow, reconnect with themselves, and make meaningful change.
At Wishing Well Counseling Center, my ideal client may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or burdened by anxiety, trauma, or life transitions. They’re seeking clarity, balance, and a safe space to heal. I work with all ages and often use play therapy with children to help them express and process emotions. Whether through talk, art, or play, my clients are ready to grow, reconnect with themselves, and make meaningful change.
More Therapists Nearby
I am a culturally competent first responder counselor. I approach treatment through a resilience-based perspective to address the compounding impact of frequent traumatic exposures and high-stress careers on emotional and mental wellbeing, as well as relationships. My approach is grounded in talk therapy techniques, and I integrate art therapy on a client-specific basis. I work collaboratively with clients to address immediate symptoms while simultaneously exploring and challenging maladaptive patterns of behavior, providing practical strategies for effective change.
I am a culturally competent first responder counselor. I approach treatment through a resilience-based perspective to address the compounding impact of frequent traumatic exposures and high-stress careers on emotional and mental wellbeing, as well as relationships. My approach is grounded in talk therapy techniques, and I integrate art therapy on a client-specific basis. I work collaboratively with clients to address immediate symptoms while simultaneously exploring and challenging maladaptive patterns of behavior, providing practical strategies for effective change.
I accept self-pay & offer discounts for military and spouses, teachers, healthcare workers, & first responders.
Imagine this...
You’re sitting in a murky pond that is grimy, still, and lifeless. The water is thick with mud. There’s no wildlife around. It feels quiet… but not peaceful.
This pond represents life after difficult seasons: trauma, painful relationships, overwhelming stress, or a tough childhood.
The grime is hopelessness. The isolation is heavy. The murky water clouds your clarity and keeps you stuck.
I accept self-pay & offer discounts for military and spouses, teachers, healthcare workers, & first responders.
Imagine this...
You’re sitting in a murky pond that is grimy, still, and lifeless. The water is thick with mud. There’s no wildlife around. It feels quiet… but not peaceful.
This pond represents life after difficult seasons: trauma, painful relationships, overwhelming stress, or a tough childhood.
The grime is hopelessness. The isolation is heavy. The murky water clouds your clarity and keeps you stuck.
My passion as an art therapist and counselor lies in helping people find their way through tough times. Whether you're grappling with trauma, navigating addiction, facing a major life transition, or struggling with the loss of a loved one, I'm here to offer a path towards healing and self-discovery. I believe in your inherent strengths, and I use a humanistic approach, integrating art-making (or not your choice), to empower you to create positive change in your life.
My passion as an art therapist and counselor lies in helping people find their way through tough times. Whether you're grappling with trauma, navigating addiction, facing a major life transition, or struggling with the loss of a loved one, I'm here to offer a path towards healing and self-discovery. I believe in your inherent strengths, and I use a humanistic approach, integrating art-making (or not your choice), to empower you to create positive change in your life.
I’ve had the privilege of working with adolescents, adults, and military-affiliated individuals in a variety of settings such as detox/residential, PHP, IOP, and private practice.
My goal is to help you feel seen, heard, and empowered as you work toward a healthier and more fulfilling life. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. I tailor my approach to meet your unique needs and goals by using: CBT, DBT, ACT, MI, Trauma-Focused Therapy, EMDR, Strengths-Based and Person-Centered Therapy.
I’ve had the privilege of working with adolescents, adults, and military-affiliated individuals in a variety of settings such as detox/residential, PHP, IOP, and private practice.
My goal is to help you feel seen, heard, and empowered as you work toward a healthier and more fulfilling life. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. I tailor my approach to meet your unique needs and goals by using: CBT, DBT, ACT, MI, Trauma-Focused Therapy, EMDR, Strengths-Based and Person-Centered Therapy.
I have a particular heart for addiction/recovery, codependency, military families, and relational shame.
You may be the person everyone relies on — the steady one, the responsible one, the one who keeps going — while privately feeling exhausted, anxious, resentful, disconnected, or unsure who you are outside of what others need from you. Many of the people I work with are trying to understand painful relationship patterns, codependency, addiction or recovery, family stress, trauma, grief, or the quiet ache of realizing life does not look the way they hoped it would.
I have a particular heart for addiction/recovery, codependency, military families, and relational shame.
You may be the person everyone relies on — the steady one, the responsible one, the one who keeps going — while privately feeling exhausted, anxious, resentful, disconnected, or unsure who you are outside of what others need from you. Many of the people I work with are trying to understand painful relationship patterns, codependency, addiction or recovery, family stress, trauma, grief, or the quiet ache of realizing life does not look the way they hoped it would.
Welcome! My name is Dr. Sherika Hairston Scales, and I am passionate about helping individuals navigate
life’s challenges, develop resilience, and unlock their full potential. With over a decade of experience in
counseling, ministry, and coaching, I provide a holistic approach to personal and spiritual development,
drawing on my diverse professional background and extensive training.
Welcome! My name is Dr. Sherika Hairston Scales, and I am passionate about helping individuals navigate
life’s challenges, develop resilience, and unlock their full potential. With over a decade of experience in
counseling, ministry, and coaching, I provide a holistic approach to personal and spiritual development,
drawing on my diverse professional background and extensive training.
You deserve a space where you can be fully yourself—without judgment, pressure, or the need to have everything figured out. Seeking therapy can feel intimidating, especially when you're carrying the weight of anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, or major life transitions. My goal is to create a supportive, affirming environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. I work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, stress, self-esteem concerns, and life changes, with a special passion for supporting minority and underserved communities.
You deserve a space where you can be fully yourself—without judgment, pressure, or the need to have everything figured out. Seeking therapy can feel intimidating, especially when you're carrying the weight of anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, or major life transitions. My goal is to create a supportive, affirming environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. I work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, stress, self-esteem concerns, and life changes, with a special passion for supporting minority and underserved communities.
Starting therapy can feel daunting, especially when you’re not sure where to begin or who will truly understand you. You deserve a therapist who meets you with warmth, curiosity, and respect. I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, grounded, and empowered to create meaningful change. I also bring a thoughtful mix of humor and creativity into my work, because healing doesn’t have to feel rigid or clinical to be effective .
Starting therapy can feel daunting, especially when you’re not sure where to begin or who will truly understand you. You deserve a therapist who meets you with warmth, curiosity, and respect. I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, grounded, and empowered to create meaningful change. I also bring a thoughtful mix of humor and creativity into my work, because healing doesn’t have to feel rigid or clinical to be effective .
Military life brings both strength and strain—for service members, veterans, and the people who love them.
I work with adults, couples, and families, specializing in trauma, PTSD, relationship dynamics, and military mental health. My approach is warm, conversational, and nonjudgmental—I believe therapy should feel like a genuine human connection. I offer an approach that is person-centered, trauma-informed, and solution-focused.
Military life brings both strength and strain—for service members, veterans, and the people who love them.
I work with adults, couples, and families, specializing in trauma, PTSD, relationship dynamics, and military mental health. My approach is warm, conversational, and nonjudgmental—I believe therapy should feel like a genuine human connection. I offer an approach that is person-centered, trauma-informed, and solution-focused.
I have worked with clients in a variety of settings with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, personality disorders, relationship issues, phases of life issues, grief, and trauma. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I implement an integrative approach that utilizes a variety of techniques. I recognize that there is no "one size fits all" approach to one's mental health journey. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will encourage an open dialogue and transparency during sessions so we can work together to help you become the best version of yourself.
I have worked with clients in a variety of settings with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, personality disorders, relationship issues, phases of life issues, grief, and trauma. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I implement an integrative approach that utilizes a variety of techniques. I recognize that there is no "one size fits all" approach to one's mental health journey. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will encourage an open dialogue and transparency during sessions so we can work together to help you become the best version of yourself.
If you’ve experienced trauma or distressing events, whether in relationships, childhood, or high-stress environments like the military, it can still shape how you show up today.
I help military members, veterans, and high-functioning individuals break repeating relationship patterns. Together, we explore how trauma drives cycles like codependency, burnout, boundary struggles, and safely process those experiences so you can understand what’s underneath and begin changing it.
If you’ve experienced trauma or distressing events, whether in relationships, childhood, or high-stress environments like the military, it can still shape how you show up today.
I help military members, veterans, and high-functioning individuals break repeating relationship patterns. Together, we explore how trauma drives cycles like codependency, burnout, boundary struggles, and safely process those experiences so you can understand what’s underneath and begin changing it.
I love working with military, veterans, and military-related population because of their unique sense of life.
I have a master's in education in clinical mental Health counseling with a concentration on military and veterans. I also have experience as an active-duty hospital corpsman in the US Navy. This experience and being a veteran led to my passion and career as a therapist.
I love working with military, veterans, and military-related population because of their unique sense of life.
I have a master's in education in clinical mental Health counseling with a concentration on military and veterans. I also have experience as an active-duty hospital corpsman in the US Navy. This experience and being a veteran led to my passion and career as a therapist.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with over 10 years of experience assisting individuals, couples, and families in healing from complex and cumulative microtrauma. Many of my clients have experienced cumulative trauma, not always one single event, but ongoing repeated microstressors that quietly shape how they think, feel, and relate to others. I work with individuals who feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from themselves. My trauma-informed approach offers a supportive space to move beyond just surviving, to reconnect with your authentic self
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with over 10 years of experience assisting individuals, couples, and families in healing from complex and cumulative microtrauma. Many of my clients have experienced cumulative trauma, not always one single event, but ongoing repeated microstressors that quietly shape how they think, feel, and relate to others. I work with individuals who feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from themselves. My trauma-informed approach offers a supportive space to move beyond just surviving, to reconnect with your authentic self
Artisan Counseling | Michele Haynam,
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CSAC, CSOTP, NCC
7 Endorsed
Serves Area
Artisan matches clients to counselor based on each individuals' wants and needs. We believe that everyone deserves to find their PEACE and we are committed to You. Artisan has counselors who have gained additional expertise in:
Trauma, Religious Trauma, Infertility/Post Partum, Addiction, Trans/Non-Binary Gender Affirming & Launching into Adulting.
Artisan matches clients to counselor based on each individuals' wants and needs. We believe that everyone deserves to find their PEACE and we are committed to You. Artisan has counselors who have gained additional expertise in:
Trauma, Religious Trauma, Infertility/Post Partum, Addiction, Trans/Non-Binary Gender Affirming & Launching into Adulting.
She has a special interest in supporting first responders and public safety professionals as they navigate the unique stressors associated with their professions.
Briana uses Solution-Focused Therapy and CBT to help clients reframe negative thoughts, build resilience, and improve their overall wellbeing. She provides a compassionate, judgment-free space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered.
She has a special interest in supporting first responders and public safety professionals as they navigate the unique stressors associated with their professions.
Briana uses Solution-Focused Therapy and CBT to help clients reframe negative thoughts, build resilience, and improve their overall wellbeing. She provides a compassionate, judgment-free space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered.
My ideal client is someone who feels stuck in the patterns of their life and is ready to make a change, even if they’re unsure how to begin. They may be struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, or the lingering effects of past trauma that make everyday life feel overwhelming. They are often high-achieving, empathetic individuals who carry the weight of their responsibilities but feel disconnected from their own needs and desires. They long for a space where they can be heard, validated, and understood without judgment.
My ideal client is someone who feels stuck in the patterns of their life and is ready to make a change, even if they’re unsure how to begin. They may be struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, or the lingering effects of past trauma that make everyday life feel overwhelming. They are often high-achieving, empathetic individuals who carry the weight of their responsibilities but feel disconnected from their own needs and desires. They long for a space where they can be heard, validated, and understood without judgment.
See more therapy options for Franklin
Nearby First Responders Therapists Searches for Franklin
See More First Responders TherapistsNearby Searches for Franklin
- Carrollton
- Chesapeake
- Emporia
- Fleet
- Hampton
- Jamestown
- Jarratt
- Newport News
- Norfolk
- Portsmouth
- Smithfield
- Suffolk
First Responders Therapists
Why is mental health important for first responders?
As part of their work, first responders are often exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and physical injury that can put them at a greater risk for serious mental health conditions than the general population. Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, substance use, and depression are more common in first responders, which can greatly reduce quality of life and lead to burnout, sleep disruption, and even suicidal thoughts. Therapy can offer an opportunity for first responders to process difficult on-the-job experiences and develop coping skills to better manage any mental health symptoms they may experience.
How can first responders get access to mental health support?
Many first responders can access therapy for free or at a very low cost through their employer, such as through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Workplaces may also offer or have referral recommendations for support groups, where first responders can meet with others in their profession to receive support. Individuals who would like to access mental health services outside of their employer may use their insurance benefits to see a therapist, which they can find by searching for therapists online or asking for recommendations from their primary care physician.
What type of therapy is best for first responders?
The best therapy approach depends on the mental health concerns of the client. Since many first responders struggle with trauma or PTSD, they may benefit from trauma-specific therapeutic approaches, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Exposure Therapy, or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Individuals with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress may alternatively benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches, which can help clients develop coping skills to manage distressing thoughts.
Can therapy for first responders help with trauma and PTSD?
Therapy can be highly effective in both treating and preventing trauma and PTSD in first responders. Typically, therapy for trauma and PTSD focuses on developing stress management skills and managing intrusive or unwanted thoughts. Therapists working with first responders often help clients strengthen their relationships and reduce harmful coping mechanisms, such as excessive substance use. Additionally, therapists assist first responders in establishing daily habits that support overall mental and physical health and enhance resilience to future stress, such as regular physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and improved eating habits.