Trauma and PTSD Therapists in Richmond, VA
I am considered an expert witness in the State of Michigan on both " trauma assessment" and "childhood trauma".
People enter into a counseling relationship when nothing else seems to be working. Although most people soon make comments such as, “(Counseling) was a lot better than I thought it would be”, few people seek counseling as a first option. More often we seek out techniques that either help us to temporarily avoid (e.g., media, social networking) our anxiety, or we seek temporary shots of pleasure (e.g., alcohol, food, pornography) that make us feel good for a short time. Soon enough we realize that all of these things leave us feeling more hollow and lonely, and that is when we start thinking about counseling.
I am considered an expert witness in the State of Michigan on both " trauma assessment" and "childhood trauma".
People enter into a counseling relationship when nothing else seems to be working. Although most people soon make comments such as, “(Counseling) was a lot better than I thought it would be”, few people seek counseling as a first option. More often we seek out techniques that either help us to temporarily avoid (e.g., media, social networking) our anxiety, or we seek temporary shots of pleasure (e.g., alcohol, food, pornography) that make us feel good for a short time. Soon enough we realize that all of these things leave us feeling more hollow and lonely, and that is when we start thinking about counseling.
I'm glad you are here! I am a Queer-identifying therapist with experience in both private practice and community mental health settings. I am passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate stress, trauma, and life’s many transitions. Drawing from a compassionate, client-centered approach, I strive to create a space where people feel seen, respected, and empowered to explore their experiences at their own pace. In my work, I focus on helping clients build insight, strengthen coping skills, and reconnect with their resilience.
I'm glad you are here! I am a Queer-identifying therapist with experience in both private practice and community mental health settings. I am passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate stress, trauma, and life’s many transitions. Drawing from a compassionate, client-centered approach, I strive to create a space where people feel seen, respected, and empowered to explore their experiences at their own pace. In my work, I focus on helping clients build insight, strengthen coping skills, and reconnect with their resilience.
Jessica Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LAC, PMH-C
4 Endorsed
Richmond, VA 23229
Waitlist for new clients
Whether you’re navigating infertility, pregnancy after loss, postpartum struggles, birth trauma, parenting stress, relationship changes, caregiver fatigue, or a major life transition, therapy can offer a space to slow down, breathe, process, and reconnect with yourself with compassion instead of shame.
I specialize in perinatal and maternal mental health and have advanced training in trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, attachment, nervous system regulation, and holistic approaches to emotional healing. My style is warm, collaborative, grounded, and deeply human. I strive to create a space where all parts of your experience are welcome.
Whether you’re navigating infertility, pregnancy after loss, postpartum struggles, birth trauma, parenting stress, relationship changes, caregiver fatigue, or a major life transition, therapy can offer a space to slow down, breathe, process, and reconnect with yourself with compassion instead of shame.
I specialize in perinatal and maternal mental health and have advanced training in trauma-informed therapy, EMDR, attachment, nervous system regulation, and holistic approaches to emotional healing. My style is warm, collaborative, grounded, and deeply human. I strive to create a space where all parts of your experience are welcome.
Trauma (including complex and developmental trauma), Grief and Loss (death and nondeath losses), Neurodiversity (including ADHD, autism, and related conditions), Life Transitions (academic, career, relationship, and personal)
I believe that healing is a holistic process, addressing not just the mind, but also the body and the relationships that shape us.
In our work together, I draw on depth-oriented techniques to explore the emotional and psychological underpinnings of your experiences, integrating body-based healing through sensorimotor and somatic methods. I use IFS to help you connect with different parts of yourself, fostering self-awareness and self-compassion. Additionally, my approach to Interpersonal Therapy focuses on understanding how relationships—past and present—shape your emotional world and sense of self.
Trauma (including complex and developmental trauma), Grief and Loss (death and nondeath losses), Neurodiversity (including ADHD, autism, and related conditions), Life Transitions (academic, career, relationship, and personal)
I believe that healing is a holistic process, addressing not just the mind, but also the body and the relationships that shape us.
In our work together, I draw on depth-oriented techniques to explore the emotional and psychological underpinnings of your experiences, integrating body-based healing through sensorimotor and somatic methods. I use IFS to help you connect with different parts of yourself, fostering self-awareness and self-compassion. Additionally, my approach to Interpersonal Therapy focuses on understanding how relationships—past and present—shape your emotional world and sense of self.
My work is centered on walking alongside individuals from underrepresented and historically marginalized backgrounds as they navigate the complexities of generational trauma, identity, and the pursuit of inner freedom.
Dr. Nickolas Spears Jr., Ph.D., LPC
Therapist Educator Advocate for Healing & Liberation
Based in Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Nickolas Spears Jr. is a licensed therapist with a deep commitment to serving individuals from underrepresented and historically marginalized communities. With a diverse background in counseling, teaching, and humanitarian advocacy, Dr. Spears brings a holistic and compassionate approach to mental health.
He holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health and Wellness Counseling from New York University and earned his Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Virginia Commonwealth University.
My work is centered on walking alongside individuals from underrepresented and historically marginalized backgrounds as they navigate the complexities of generational trauma, identity, and the pursuit of inner freedom.
Dr. Nickolas Spears Jr., Ph.D., LPC
Therapist Educator Advocate for Healing & Liberation
Based in Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Nickolas Spears Jr. is a licensed therapist with a deep commitment to serving individuals from underrepresented and historically marginalized communities. With a diverse background in counseling, teaching, and humanitarian advocacy, Dr. Spears brings a holistic and compassionate approach to mental health.
He holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health and Wellness Counseling from New York University and earned his Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Virginia Commonwealth University.
I often help individuals navigate trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, attachment challenges, and life transitions.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist, I facilitate the environment and trusting relationship where children can explore their big emotions, process difficult experiences, and experience healing through play.
I often help individuals navigate trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, attachment challenges, and life transitions.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist, I facilitate the environment and trusting relationship where children can explore their big emotions, process difficult experiences, and experience healing through play.
Are you struggling with relationship issues, PTSD/ trauma, depression, and/or anxiety?
I have personal experience with CBT, DBT, EMDR, and EFT. I have a person-centered and trauma-informed practice, and tailor my therapeutic style to best suit your needs. We will work together to find that healthy, balanced life you are looking for.
Are you struggling with relationship issues, PTSD/ trauma, depression, and/or anxiety?
I have personal experience with CBT, DBT, EMDR, and EFT. I have a person-centered and trauma-informed practice, and tailor my therapeutic style to best suit your needs. We will work together to find that healthy, balanced life you are looking for.
I work adults age 25+ who are navigating trauma, attachment wounds, identity shifts, and relationship patterns that are no longer working.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and nervous system-focused. I use EMDR, parts work, somatic and polyvagal-based practices to help you move beyond insight alone and actually feel more grounded, present, and at home in yourself. Expect a space where there is room for honesty, tenderness, and also humor—because sometimes healing comes with laughter too.
I work adults age 25+ who are navigating trauma, attachment wounds, identity shifts, and relationship patterns that are no longer working.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and nervous system-focused. I use EMDR, parts work, somatic and polyvagal-based practices to help you move beyond insight alone and actually feel more grounded, present, and at home in yourself. Expect a space where there is room for honesty, tenderness, and also humor—because sometimes healing comes with laughter too.
I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 4 years of experience partnering with adults, families, adolescents, and couples seeking help with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and trauma-related disorders.
I utilize relational, collaborative, strength-based, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness-based, person-centered, and emotionally-focused approaches to therapy, maintaining the creativity, flexibility, and awareness needed to best meet the unique needs of each client.
I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 4 years of experience partnering with adults, families, adolescents, and couples seeking help with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and trauma-related disorders.
I utilize relational, collaborative, strength-based, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness-based, person-centered, and emotionally-focused approaches to therapy, maintaining the creativity, flexibility, and awareness needed to best meet the unique needs of each client.
Clinical interests include supporting people with recovery from trauma exposure, people navigating life transitions, and populations experiencing culturally-based trauma and stress disorders.
I have advanced training and expertise in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, acculturation stress, and LGBTQIA+ care. I take an eclectic approach in my work. Based on your preferences & needs, I'll offer interventions that I think will help you meet your goals most effectively. Interventions that I use are informed by EMDR, IFS/Parts Work, CBT, ACT, & ERP.
Clinical interests include supporting people with recovery from trauma exposure, people navigating life transitions, and populations experiencing culturally-based trauma and stress disorders.
I have advanced training and expertise in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, acculturation stress, and LGBTQIA+ care. I take an eclectic approach in my work. Based on your preferences & needs, I'll offer interventions that I think will help you meet your goals most effectively. Interventions that I use are informed by EMDR, IFS/Parts Work, CBT, ACT, & ERP.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) with over eight years of experience supporting adults navigating addiction, trauma, grief, anger, codependency, and relationship challenges.
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 .
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) with over eight years of experience supporting adults navigating addiction, trauma, grief, anger, codependency, and relationship challenges.
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 .
I specialize in adults dealing with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, identity exploration, grief, and life transitions.
Exploring your experiences in the therapy process may bring multiple and conflicting emotions. It requires a space where you feel safe and feel unconditionally supported. I take an integrative approach founded in open communication, collaboration, authenticity, and mutual empathy. I rely on different evidence-based interventions to assist in session. I provide services in Spanish and English.
I specialize in adults dealing with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, identity exploration, grief, and life transitions.
Exploring your experiences in the therapy process may bring multiple and conflicting emotions. It requires a space where you feel safe and feel unconditionally supported. I take an integrative approach founded in open communication, collaboration, authenticity, and mutual empathy. I rely on different evidence-based interventions to assist in session. I provide services in Spanish and English.
Maybe past trauma makes intimacy feel overwhelming, or you’re navigating questions about sexuality, kink, or non-monogamy.
Together, we can address a broad spectrum of concerns—from shame around pleasure, low desire, and sexual dysfunction, to healing from sexual trauma or finding balance in monogamous, polyamorous, or kink relationships. My approach is sex-positive and compassionate, helping you reconnect with your body, your values, and the intimacy you deserve.
Maybe past trauma makes intimacy feel overwhelming, or you’re navigating questions about sexuality, kink, or non-monogamy.
Together, we can address a broad spectrum of concerns—from shame around pleasure, low desire, and sexual dysfunction, to healing from sexual trauma or finding balance in monogamous, polyamorous, or kink relationships. My approach is sex-positive and compassionate, helping you reconnect with your body, your values, and the intimacy you deserve.
I have worked with men's issues, marraige and relationship problems, adult depression and anxiety, and numerous PTSD/ trauma concerns
We all feel distressed at times. The time to call for help is when life gets to be more than you can handle and is stopping your growth. Intentions and desires go awry, and despite our best efforts, resolution eludes us. The goal is to help you reconnect with your original desires to live a meaningful and productive life, and do so in ways that best fit your life today. I am excited to announce that I am moving my practice to Summit Emotinal Health, effective October 27, 2021.
I have worked with men's issues, marraige and relationship problems, adult depression and anxiety, and numerous PTSD/ trauma concerns
We all feel distressed at times. The time to call for help is when life gets to be more than you can handle and is stopping your growth. Intentions and desires go awry, and despite our best efforts, resolution eludes us. The goal is to help you reconnect with your original desires to live a meaningful and productive life, and do so in ways that best fit your life today. I am excited to announce that I am moving my practice to Summit Emotinal Health, effective October 27, 2021.
My goal is to tailor therapy to meet your specific needs—whether you’re managing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship challenges, or the stress that comes with major life transitions.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with years of experience in the mental health field. I earned my master’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2011, and since then, I’ve dedicated my career to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges and find meaningful paths toward healing and growth.
My approach to therapy is client-centered and holistic. I believe that every person’s story is unique, and I work to create a safe, compassionate space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported. Together, we’ll explore not only the challenges you’re facing.
My goal is to tailor therapy to meet your specific needs—whether you’re managing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship challenges, or the stress that comes with major life transitions.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with years of experience in the mental health field. I earned my master’s degree in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2011, and since then, I’ve dedicated my career to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges and find meaningful paths toward healing and growth.
My approach to therapy is client-centered and holistic. I believe that every person’s story is unique, and I work to create a safe, compassionate space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported. Together, we’ll explore not only the challenges you’re facing.
I have worked extensively with Veterans and trauma during the 6 years I worked at the McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, VA
My passion is to see you living to your full potential through greater consciousness and self-awareness. Tackling difficult issues together can make them less daunting, while uncovering and understanding self-defeating patterns can facilitate lasting change. Using a Jungian/depth psychological approach, we will jointly identify opportunities to grow beyond these problematic areas, gain insight and explore techniques to move towards a more rewarding life. Learning to sit with suffering can liberate us from its bondage and promotes self-compassion, both essential for mental health. Imagine life being spacious enough for you.
I have worked extensively with Veterans and trauma during the 6 years I worked at the McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, VA
My passion is to see you living to your full potential through greater consciousness and self-awareness. Tackling difficult issues together can make them less daunting, while uncovering and understanding self-defeating patterns can facilitate lasting change. Using a Jungian/depth psychological approach, we will jointly identify opportunities to grow beyond these problematic areas, gain insight and explore techniques to move towards a more rewarding life. Learning to sit with suffering can liberate us from its bondage and promotes self-compassion, both essential for mental health. Imagine life being spacious enough for you.
My ideal client is someone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally dysregulated and is ready to pursue change, even if they are unsure where to start. They may struggle with anxiety, stress, relationships, or life transitions and want a supportive space to be honest and understood. They need both compassion and structure, along with practical tools and accountability. Their goals include improved emotional regulation, healthier relationships, increased self-awareness, and lasting skills that support confidence, clarity, and daily functioning.
My ideal client is someone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally dysregulated and is ready to pursue change, even if they are unsure where to start. They may struggle with anxiety, stress, relationships, or life transitions and want a supportive space to be honest and understood. They need both compassion and structure, along with practical tools and accountability. Their goals include improved emotional regulation, healthier relationships, increased self-awareness, and lasting skills that support confidence, clarity, and daily functioning.
As a provider and fellow human and seeker I specialize in working with individuals healing from trauma, anxiety, depression and addictions.
I am also a Yoga Asana Instructor and use Yoga in sessions.
As a provider and fellow human and seeker I specialize in working with individuals healing from trauma, anxiety, depression and addictions.
I am also a Yoga Asana Instructor and use Yoga in sessions.
I am certified by EMDRIA in EMDR therapy which I have used to treat PTSD along with many other presenting concerns.
Interested in a free 30–minute consultation? Are you feeling exhausted and burned out trying to find solutions? Have you seen countless different helping professionals but still can't seem to achieve your goals?
I am certified by EMDRIA in EMDR therapy which I have used to treat PTSD along with many other presenting concerns.
Interested in a free 30–minute consultation? Are you feeling exhausted and burned out trying to find solutions? Have you seen countless different helping professionals but still can't seem to achieve your goals?
Life can be overwhelming, especially when you're carrying the weight of depression, anxiety, trauma, or addiction.
I can help you speak your unspoken truth and help you gain insight into your enduring behavior patterns. I can help you process trauma and grief. I can be a safe person to guide you through your healing process.
Life can be overwhelming, especially when you're carrying the weight of depression, anxiety, trauma, or addiction.
I can help you speak your unspoken truth and help you gain insight into your enduring behavior patterns. I can help you process trauma and grief. I can be a safe person to guide you through your healing process.
See more therapy options for Richmond
Nearby Trauma and PTSD Therapists Searches for Richmond
- Ampthill
- Ashland
- Bellevue
- Bon Air
- Glen Allen
- Henrico
- Lakeside
- Mechanicsville
- North Chesterfield
- Sandston
- University Of Richmond
- West End
Trauma and PTSD Therapists
When should I seek treatment for trauma?
Not everyone who undergoes trauma needs therapy to heal, but many do. If, after experiencing a traumatic event, you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nightmares, dissociation, irritability, or emotional numbness—especially if these symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning—you may benefit from seeking out therapy with a trauma-informed provider.
How long does trauma therapy take?
Different types of therapy for trauma unfold on different timelines. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, for example, each take about three months, while trauma-informed CBT may last anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. Other approaches, especially those that are less structured or that incorporate elements from multiple modalities, may be more open-ended, though many patients report feeling better within the first few months of treatment.
What happens if trauma is left untreated?
Unaddressed trauma can have serious—even devastating—effects on relationships, career, and day-to-day functioning. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead people to distrust or lash out at others, making it difficult to maintain intimate relationships; it can also trigger symptoms such as flashbacks or hyperreactivity that can interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively, personally and/or professionally. Some sufferers turn to drugs to find relief. Symptoms may lessen on their own with time, but there is no guarantee that PTSD will resolve on its own.
Can PTSD come back after treatment?
It is possible for PTSD symptoms to recur months or years after successful treatment. This is because, like most mental health disorders, it is not possible to “cure” PTSD, and stressful life events may cause symptoms to recur in even the most resilient individuals. There is no shame in re-experiencing PTSD symptoms nor in returning to therapy when such relapses occur; indeed, many forms of trauma therapy explicitly encourage periodic “maintenance sessions” to reinforce coping skills and ensure that symptoms stay manageable.