First Responders Therapists in Hedgesville, WV
Trauma specialized, first responder and military, EMDR Certified
Do things feel heavy? Are you numb, tired, not sure what you need or where to start? Our team is specifically equipped to provide effective counseling for public safety and high stress professionals. We are passionate about helping the helpers. Begin Counseling exists to expand trauma-specialized services in our community and surrounding areas. We welcome those in search of a competent, genuine, professional counseling experience. We value those who protect, serve, and care for our community.
Trauma specialized, first responder and military, EMDR Certified
Do things feel heavy? Are you numb, tired, not sure what you need or where to start? Our team is specifically equipped to provide effective counseling for public safety and high stress professionals. We are passionate about helping the helpers. Begin Counseling exists to expand trauma-specialized services in our community and surrounding areas. We welcome those in search of a competent, genuine, professional counseling experience. We value those who protect, serve, and care for our community.
I have particular experience supporting military members, veterans, and spouses, and I also work with clients navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and perinatal loss.
You may look “fine” on the outside, but inside your nervous system feels like it is always on duty. You might be carrying trauma from sexual abuse, feeling anxious, numb, on edge, or stuck in patterns you cannot explain. Maybe sleep is light, your patience is thin, and your mind will not shut off. You may be navigating pregnancy, postpartum, or grief after loss, or trying to support a partner while you are falling apart too. You want relief, steadiness, and practical tools, plus a safe place to rebuild boundaries, self-trust, and a life that feels like yours again.
I have particular experience supporting military members, veterans, and spouses, and I also work with clients navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and perinatal loss.
You may look “fine” on the outside, but inside your nervous system feels like it is always on duty. You might be carrying trauma from sexual abuse, feeling anxious, numb, on edge, or stuck in patterns you cannot explain. Maybe sleep is light, your patience is thin, and your mind will not shut off. You may be navigating pregnancy, postpartum, or grief after loss, or trying to support a partner while you are falling apart too. You want relief, steadiness, and practical tools, plus a safe place to rebuild boundaries, self-trust, and a life that feels like yours again.
More Therapists Nearby
Theannah Phillips
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MPA, MLS
1 Endorsed
Falling Waters, WV 25419
Through my partnership with Begin Counseling I love supporting first responders and their families.
Does therapy feel daunting? Let's collaborate to create an environment where you feel comfortable to share without judgment. Each session we will dive further into where you are and where you'd like to be. Treatment will begin with an introductory discussion, and we will decide together how to structure your sessions moving forward to fit your needs. While I have a special interest in trauma work, other areas of focus include life transitions, high stress, anxiety, substance abuse, relationship recovery, and mental performance in both career and athletic environments.
Through my partnership with Begin Counseling I love supporting first responders and their families.
Does therapy feel daunting? Let's collaborate to create an environment where you feel comfortable to share without judgment. Each session we will dive further into where you are and where you'd like to be. Treatment will begin with an introductory discussion, and we will decide together how to structure your sessions moving forward to fit your needs. While I have a special interest in trauma work, other areas of focus include life transitions, high stress, anxiety, substance abuse, relationship recovery, and mental performance in both career and athletic environments.
My clinical background includes working in emergency behavioral health settings, where I help individuals stabilize during some of life’s most challenging moments.
I strive to create a space where clients feel comfortable sharing openly while knowing they will be met with compassion and respect. Holding space for emotions and difficult experiences is important and my goal is for every client to feel safe processing their experiences while also finding validation and someone that wants to understand.
My clinical background includes working in emergency behavioral health settings, where I help individuals stabilize during some of life’s most challenging moments.
I strive to create a space where clients feel comfortable sharing openly while knowing they will be met with compassion and respect. Holding space for emotions and difficult experiences is important and my goal is for every client to feel safe processing their experiences while also finding validation and someone that wants to understand.
With over 20 years of experience, I have guided high performers, working professionals, active-duty military, families and couples through challenges related to family history, life events, stress, anxiety, mood, and interpersonal conflict.
You’re driven, capable, and used to figuring things out. But lately, even your usual strategies aren’t cutting it.
You’re feeling stuck in patterns—overthinking, overworking, overgiving—and despite your accomplishments, something still feels off. Maybe your relationships feel unbalanced, or you’re tired of holding everything together without space to actually feel your feelings.
Therapy isn’t about weakness—it’s about strength. It takes courage to pause, reflect, and intentionally shift long-standing patterns. It’s not just about coping—it’s about evolving.
With over 20 years of experience, I have guided high performers, working professionals, active-duty military, families and couples through challenges related to family history, life events, stress, anxiety, mood, and interpersonal conflict.
You’re driven, capable, and used to figuring things out. But lately, even your usual strategies aren’t cutting it.
You’re feeling stuck in patterns—overthinking, overworking, overgiving—and despite your accomplishments, something still feels off. Maybe your relationships feel unbalanced, or you’re tired of holding everything together without space to actually feel your feelings.
Therapy isn’t about weakness—it’s about strength. It takes courage to pause, reflect, and intentionally shift long-standing patterns. It’s not just about coping—it’s about evolving.
You may look like you’re holding it together on the outside, while internally feeling anxious, exhausted, emotionally overwhelmed, or stuck in the same painful patterns. I work with individuals who are ready understand the deeper roots of what they’re experiencing. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, trauma, relationship distress, perfectionism, or attachment wounds that affect their sense of safety, self-worth, and connection. My ideal clients are often thoughtful, self-aware, and motivated for change.
You may look like you’re holding it together on the outside, while internally feeling anxious, exhausted, emotionally overwhelmed, or stuck in the same painful patterns. I work with individuals who are ready understand the deeper roots of what they’re experiencing. Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, trauma, relationship distress, perfectionism, or attachment wounds that affect their sense of safety, self-worth, and connection. My ideal clients are often thoughtful, self-aware, and motivated for change.
Welcome! I'm Chris, a Licensed Clinical Therapist. I sincerely believe that we can develop a realistic solution for any reasonable challenge, and that our therapeutic healing process will require acceptance, self-awareness, and motivation for positive change. My hope is that you will allow me the opportunity to see the world from your perspective, and to discover evidence-based solutions in effort to encourage our daily routines to flow a bit more efficiently. Together, we will find our path forward!
Welcome! I'm Chris, a Licensed Clinical Therapist. I sincerely believe that we can develop a realistic solution for any reasonable challenge, and that our therapeutic healing process will require acceptance, self-awareness, and motivation for positive change. My hope is that you will allow me the opportunity to see the world from your perspective, and to discover evidence-based solutions in effort to encourage our daily routines to flow a bit more efficiently. Together, we will find our path forward!
I am a licensed social worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work from West Virginia University and over 25 years of experience supporting adolescents, adults, and veterans. Throughout my career, I have helped individuals navigate life transitions, trauma, and a wide range of personal challenges.
I am a licensed social worker with a Master’s degree in Social Work from West Virginia University and over 25 years of experience supporting adolescents, adults, and veterans. Throughout my career, I have helped individuals navigate life transitions, trauma, and a wide range of personal challenges.
My ideal client will want to grow from our time together. I will provide you with education and ideas as to how you can improve your mental health. What you do with that information outside of our sessions determines your success!
My ideal client will want to grow from our time together. I will provide you with education and ideas as to how you can improve your mental health. What you do with that information outside of our sessions determines your success!
Making the decision to enter into therapy is courageous as it is taking a step towards the unknown and infinite possibilities. I believe that healing & transformation come when we are empowered to access our own wisdom. We are all unique with every story being unique. I engage in holistic therapy utilizing techniques associated with approaches that integrate mind, body, spirit including Mindfulness; Somatic Therapies; Energy & Esoteric Arts; Holistic & Complementary Healing; Expressive Arts Therapies based in Compassion-Focused therapy, ACT, IFS, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Trauma-Informed Practice, & Integrative Mental Health.
Making the decision to enter into therapy is courageous as it is taking a step towards the unknown and infinite possibilities. I believe that healing & transformation come when we are empowered to access our own wisdom. We are all unique with every story being unique. I engage in holistic therapy utilizing techniques associated with approaches that integrate mind, body, spirit including Mindfulness; Somatic Therapies; Energy & Esoteric Arts; Holistic & Complementary Healing; Expressive Arts Therapies based in Compassion-Focused therapy, ACT, IFS, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Trauma-Informed Practice, & Integrative Mental Health.
Have you been "talking about your anxiety" in therapy for awhile, and there is little-to-no improvement? I help clients who found traditional supportive therapy to be ineffective. Leaning heavily into Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, I help clients build skills to manage generalized anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and a range of fears/phobias (needle, blood, heights, animals, etc.). I also have expertise working with clients who are experiencing depression, grief/loss, the unique challenges faced by the queer community, as well as distinct issues encountered by men in general.
Have you been "talking about your anxiety" in therapy for awhile, and there is little-to-no improvement? I help clients who found traditional supportive therapy to be ineffective. Leaning heavily into Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, I help clients build skills to manage generalized anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and a range of fears/phobias (needle, blood, heights, animals, etc.). I also have expertise working with clients who are experiencing depression, grief/loss, the unique challenges faced by the queer community, as well as distinct issues encountered by men in general.
Michelle L Tanner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, LPC, WV, MD, VA
3 Endorsed
Charles Town, WV 25414
Waitlist for new clients
In this life, we are all faced with struggles. Whether that is a stressful life transition, not feeling good enough, divorce, worry about the future, grief, feeling burnt out by the demands of work, school, relationships, or daily life or managing high sensitivity. We can overcome these struggles with non-judgmental support, coping tools, life strategies, and self-awareness. I believe that anyone can go on a journey of self-healing and discovery that will encourage growth and increase their quality of life. Taking the first step can be tough, but counseling can provide a space where you don’t have to do it alone.
In this life, we are all faced with struggles. Whether that is a stressful life transition, not feeling good enough, divorce, worry about the future, grief, feeling burnt out by the demands of work, school, relationships, or daily life or managing high sensitivity. We can overcome these struggles with non-judgmental support, coping tools, life strategies, and self-awareness. I believe that anyone can go on a journey of self-healing and discovery that will encourage growth and increase their quality of life. Taking the first step can be tough, but counseling can provide a space where you don’t have to do it alone.
Life can feel overwhelming when anxiety, stress, or painful experiences begin to take over. You may find yourself lying awake at night replaying the day, feeling disconnected in your relationships, or carrying the weight of trauma that hasn’t fully healed. Maybe you want to let go of the past, feel more present, or simply have the tools to manage life’s stressors with more ease. Most of all, you want relief—and the confidence that you can move forward with balance and resilience.
Life can feel overwhelming when anxiety, stress, or painful experiences begin to take over. You may find yourself lying awake at night replaying the day, feeling disconnected in your relationships, or carrying the weight of trauma that hasn’t fully healed. Maybe you want to let go of the past, feel more present, or simply have the tools to manage life’s stressors with more ease. Most of all, you want relief—and the confidence that you can move forward with balance and resilience.
We work with PTSD, trauma, stress, substance use, bipolar disorder, ADHD, depression, anxiety, career challenges, first responders, addiction, and more.
I truly believe the relationship you have with your therapist, is like no other. I trust the special role that a therapist is in a person’s life. I’m committed to keeping it real with you, looking out for you, and helping you move through the barriers holding you back. You can count on me to be non-judgmental, supportive, smart, funny, and genuinely supportive.
We work with PTSD, trauma, stress, substance use, bipolar disorder, ADHD, depression, anxiety, career challenges, first responders, addiction, and more.
I truly believe the relationship you have with your therapist, is like no other. I trust the special role that a therapist is in a person’s life. I’m committed to keeping it real with you, looking out for you, and helping you move through the barriers holding you back. You can count on me to be non-judgmental, supportive, smart, funny, and genuinely supportive.
Jenny Bailey
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, NCC
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
Not accepting new clients
Serving adults, 18 years and up. I am a Nationally Certified Counselor, graduate of Liberty University, holding a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I use an integrative approach to counseling based on the unique needs of each client. Recognizing the strengths and resources one already has as well as the potential for change within the human spirit, I view individuals through a lens of positivity that guides the therapeutic experience. My professional experience includes culturally inclusive work with teens and adults. I also work with couples to improve communication, rebuild trust, and increase emotional connection.
Serving adults, 18 years and up. I am a Nationally Certified Counselor, graduate of Liberty University, holding a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I use an integrative approach to counseling based on the unique needs of each client. Recognizing the strengths and resources one already has as well as the potential for change within the human spirit, I view individuals through a lens of positivity that guides the therapeutic experience. My professional experience includes culturally inclusive work with teens and adults. I also work with couples to improve communication, rebuild trust, and increase emotional connection.
Online Therapists
What does this season of life look like right now? Are you tired, worn out, or struggling to make it day to day? Have you been bottling up or pushing aside your emotions and feel as if you might explode? Is your inner critic loud? Or are you overwhelmed with grief, loss and pain?
Whether you are new to therapy or not, I work in a way that puts you at the center of everything — your goals, your pace, your values. You're not told what to do — you're supported in discovering your own healing path, with expert guidance.
What does this season of life look like right now? Are you tired, worn out, or struggling to make it day to day? Have you been bottling up or pushing aside your emotions and feel as if you might explode? Is your inner critic loud? Or are you overwhelmed with grief, loss and pain?
Whether you are new to therapy or not, I work in a way that puts you at the center of everything — your goals, your pace, your values. You're not told what to do — you're supported in discovering your own healing path, with expert guidance.
When life presents difficult challenges, therapy can offer meaningful, lasting benefits to help you cope and move through hardships. As a licensed counselor with over 17 of experience, I help individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, strength, and purpose. My practice is grounded in compassion empathy, evidence-based approaches, and a deep respect for your unique story. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, trauma, or simply feeling stuck, I offer a safe and nonjudgmental space where healing and growth can begin.
When life presents difficult challenges, therapy can offer meaningful, lasting benefits to help you cope and move through hardships. As a licensed counselor with over 17 of experience, I help individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, strength, and purpose. My practice is grounded in compassion empathy, evidence-based approaches, and a deep respect for your unique story. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, trauma, or simply feeling stuck, I offer a safe and nonjudgmental space where healing and growth can begin.
I believe healing and growth happen when people feel truly seen, heard, and accepted. My goal as a therapist is to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can safely explore life’s challenges and feel empowered to move forward. I work from a strengths-based approach, helping clients recognize their resilience, build healthy coping skills, and reconnect with their sense of self. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I value creating a relationship built on trust, compassion, honesty, and respect.
I believe healing and growth happen when people feel truly seen, heard, and accepted. My goal as a therapist is to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can safely explore life’s challenges and feel empowered to move forward. I work from a strengths-based approach, helping clients recognize their resilience, build healthy coping skills, and reconnect with their sense of self. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I value creating a relationship built on trust, compassion, honesty, and respect.
I became a therapist for the connection; I'm genuinely curious about people, the world, ideas and beliefs. In our sessions I can offer you safety and a place to rest your struggles, even if just for an hour. . You can expect a therapist who uses humor, encouragement and empathy in our work together. I enjoy working with people who desire to make changes, heal wounds or overcome challenges. Currently, my focus is on adults with trauma, ADHD, women's issues and life stressors. I also have years of experience working with depression, anxiety and mood disorders. I bring over 10 years of experience as a psychotherapist.
I became a therapist for the connection; I'm genuinely curious about people, the world, ideas and beliefs. In our sessions I can offer you safety and a place to rest your struggles, even if just for an hour. . You can expect a therapist who uses humor, encouragement and empathy in our work together. I enjoy working with people who desire to make changes, heal wounds or overcome challenges. Currently, my focus is on adults with trauma, ADHD, women's issues and life stressors. I also have years of experience working with depression, anxiety and mood disorders. I bring over 10 years of experience as a psychotherapist.
I’m originally from Chicago and hold a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. I work with teens, young adults, and adults, especially neurodivergent individuals navigating ADHD, autism spectrum challenges, intellectual disabilities, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, and life transitions. My focus is on helping clients understand their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, build coping skills, and improve overall functioning, relationships, and quality of life. While I specialize in supporting neurodivergent clients, it’s completely okay if you are not neurodivergent.
I’m originally from Chicago and hold a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. I work with teens, young adults, and adults, especially neurodivergent individuals navigating ADHD, autism spectrum challenges, intellectual disabilities, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, and life transitions. My focus is on helping clients understand their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, build coping skills, and improve overall functioning, relationships, and quality of life. While I specialize in supporting neurodivergent clients, it’s completely okay if you are not neurodivergent.
See more therapy options for Hedgesville
Nearby First Responders Therapists Searches for Hedgesville
See More First Responders TherapistsNearby Searches for Hedgesville
- Berkeley Springs
- Charles Town
- Falling Waters
- Harpers Ferry
- Inwood
- Kearneysville
- Martinsburg
- Romney
- Shepherdstown
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.