Therapists in West Virginia

I am a clinical mental health counselor with over 12yrs of experience. I am licensed in Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Washington. I have worked with a variety of client concerns including depression, anxiety, women's issues, and life stressors. Many are survivors of childhood trauma and struggle with symptoms of C-PTSD. My counseling style is supportive and empowering. I incorporate a variety of treatment modalities, i.e. person centered, mindfulness, & cognitive-behavioral, etc. No two client's have the same experiences, so individual treatment can look very different. You are the expert of "you". I am here to support you, you decide what we work on, and together we work to get you where you want to be. I applaud you in taking the first steps to improving your wellbeing and quality of life, I know those are often the most difficult. I hope that you now follow thru and learn how beneficial counseling can be. I look forward to supporting you on your journey!

Hi! My name is Linda Karen Empfield. I have been a licensed clinical mental health counselor for over 20 years. I have extensive experience working with many different diagnoses, including but not limited to, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Domestic Violence, and Codependency to name a few. I am very proud of all the many people I have had the opportunity to counsel and help them to reach positive outcome goals in their lives. I strive to provide the highest quality care, utilizing evidence- based treatment modalities to help individuals in gaining awareness, and to learn the necessary skills, unique to their own life story and situation, in rising above barriers that have inhibited them from reaching their goals. It takes strength, time and courage to begin your own healing journey. It is never too late! I will meet you where you are in life and provide support and encouragement toward a happier, balanced, fulfilling life!

Thankyou for reading my profile. It is difficult to convey my work in few paragraphs. I have been counseling since 1998 when I completed my first master's degree in Counseling. I later earned a second masters in Clinical Social Work. I understand that change is not easy and I know that no single approach to change works for everyone. With this in mind, I am willing to draw upon a number of modalities. I use techniques from mindfulness and gratitude along with traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Reality Therapy to develop a plan of growth. I am always in partnership, working alongside the client and family as we move towards health. I believe that the client is the authority or expert with regard to their goals and needs. I follow the client's lead in developing those goals while offering my expertise in creating a successful plan. I also believe that focusing on a whole person strength-based relationship contributes to a solid base of trust and acceptance. With this solid therapeutic relationship established, the client can feel safe to be authentic and vulnerable.

I am a New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 16 years of clinical experience serving diverse populations in various agency, private practice, and medical settings. I am primarily a Narrative Therapist and use principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to inform my work with clients. I believe that one of the central tasks of one's life is to make meaning out of experience, regardless of whether that experience is perceived to be "good" or "bad." How we feel about our life's path depends a great deal on the stories we tell ourselves about our past and our future. Even though these elements of past and future are important, how we feel about ourselves in the present, and in fact our ability to be willingly present with whatever circumstances come up for us, is a powerful predictor of feelings of competence and well-being. Many times we struggle "against" our own experience, causing needless suffering for ourselves and even for those around us. In my experience, the only prerequisite for meaningful change is a willingness to believe that it can be possible. Even if you question whether you're willing to believe this, I believe that we can work together to influence factors that ultimately lead to willingness and a meaningful excursion into a change process. In my therapeutic process, we are partners - you're the expert on you, and I bring the Narrative, Psychodynamic, and ACT focus to train different lenses on your situation, all with respect and compassion, and without advancing an agenda of "shoulds." If you're courageous about digging into the rich material of your inner life (even if you're anxious about it too), we'll be a good fit.

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. I offer therapy for people of all ages and all mental health and substance use difficulties, in whatever combination they occur. I have also helped couples and families work out their problems. As a social worker I look at every area of life, believing that where we live, our physical wellness, our relationships, the way we think, our past, the emotions we experience, what gives our lives meaning and purpose and often so many other factors all play a part in making our lives what they are, so the treatment I offer looks at all of these. Everything we talk about is strictly confidential, allowing us to talk about anything and everything. I never judge and you can expect me to be honest and truthful with you. I absolutely believe in the potential for everyone to experience a positive change in their life. I use a number of different therapeutic styles many of which include helping people manage their problems, figure out what is really important to them, work out what they want from life and what they can do to move them towards their hopes and dreams. I am an American citizen but was born and spent the first 30 years of my life in England and I still retain much of my accent. My first career was working for the British government. I returned to school and obtained my Master’s degree in Social Work at the age of 40. As well as academic and theoretical knowledge, I draw on a broad range of life experiences including having had my own personal struggles with both mental health problems and substance use. At present I offer standard office hour appointments, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm, although I have accommodated individual scheduling requirements in the past. Our initial visit includes a lot of information gathering to help me better understand what I can do to help you. I look forward to meeting you, hearing your life story and helping you write the next chapter.

Hello, I have organized INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES on various online platforms based on a topic of interest, a common need, or related to various lessons, challenges, and experiences during a lifetime. I also manage a YouTube channel for access by clients - "journey associates" with a red sunset background. The content is not my own, but a collection from various sources related to the mind for you to find. Go to the Playlist tab, the tap "View ALL" to look around at the many folders and thousands of links. These resources can be found at - https://www.youtube.com/@findingyourwaytoday I also manage several groups or pages on Facebook related to navigating through the challenges of life, enjoyment, leisure, learning, and cool stuff. One such group to provide information related to coping, caring, and community is "Outside of the Box: Coping Creatively with Whatever" found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2589259251341840 . Several sub-groups on topics can be found via a request for a menu of titles. Subgroups and pages on Facebook include the following topics: > support for men, > support for women, > support for teens, > guidance for people in their 20s, > adults who contend with ADHD + > the process of bereavement, > recovery from loss and trauma, > relationship dynamics, > parenting and family issues, > individual development by age-groups through the decades, > pretirement (preparation) and retirement (action and execution), > neurological aspects of causation and behavior, > creativity and perception, > community, coping, and self-care, > the loss of precious pets, > the need for maintaining a sense of humor, > photography and sharing videos as a hobby, > self-development and insight via writing and art, > appreciation of nature, and > inclusive spirituality and ethics. If you'd like to learn more, you can send a specific request regarding your interests, curiosities, and related topics to: findingyourwaytoday@gmail.com. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: I am skilled at guiding individuals and couples through a review of • thoughts and behaviors, • history and anticipation, • beliefs and misconceptions, • values and choices, and • goals and objectives toward an increased awareness of options, needs, resources, and results. The application of such knowledge about oneself can lead to choices that are more likely to be experienced as effective, productive, healthier, and rewarding. To provide space for a more structured option, I have limited other descriptive information on my profile. That information is readily shared once a client makes a decision to explore my qualifications, style, specializations, and approach before and during the first session, which, in part, is an interview by the client of myself as a professional of potential selection. PLEASE NOTE In addition to the next section of SPECIAL OFFERING - See the last portions of my profile > DIVERSITY OF EXPERIENCE, > PERSONAL POWER, and > THE PROCESS. A SPECIAL OFFERING of Structure and Focus for an eight-session intensive experience yielding optimized value for your investment of financial resources, of time, of effort, of energy, and of attention. One program is called "I AM READY" for clients who want an infusion of information, activities, skills, and tools related to their given focus and needs. One can choose to stop at the end of four sessions (Part 1), or sooner if the match of myself as a professional with a client does not feel like a good-enough fit. The goal of the eight-session infusion is to prepare you to move forward with or without a counselor after an introduction of structured information, practiced skills, and wisdom-tips as a foundation for healthier self-care and more effective coping. One aspect of this process is to learn how concepts and behaviors are tools to enhance a sense of self and to apply principles for change, maintenance, recovery, and gratification. Another aspect of the process is to identify and name the critical issues that warrant attention as a pathway to: • increase and apply awareness, • reduce personal barriers or situational roadblocks, • enhance coping and action strategies, • broaden perspectives, • deepen understanding, • emphasize strengths and assets, • develop personal confidence and efficacy, • highlight existing assets and resources, toward the outcomes of • increased gratification, gratitude, desired results, • an orientation of where you are at this time in your life, or regarding certain issues, • a process of defining your goals and objectives, and • a measurable clarity of options related to self-care, coping, direction, and resources. You are not obligated to continue after the fourth session, or even the first session, if there does not seem to be a good fit of my professional style and methods with your expectations, needs and goals. Each client’s feedback is requested during or after each session to assure that I am on course with your goals and needs. I suggest rituals that reinforce life-long learning and personal growth. Requirements: individuals and couples who can relate to the meaning and desire to improve or integrate the concepts listed below. The “I AM READY” timeframe of 8 weekly sessions (Parts 1 and 2) is designed for people who are ready to engage in the process and participate in what is needed for effective outcomes. Here are some concepts that represent the acronym of I AM READY. I – Initiative, Intelligence, Insight, Intrinsic, Interpretation, Integrity, Innovative, Investment, Intention A – Ability, Acquisition, Attitude, Accurate, Action, Affirmation, Application M – Mindfulness, Meditation, Maturation, Meaning, Motivation, Mindset, Mentality, Method, Map R – Real-istic, Renew, Redefine, Relevant, Review, Replace, Rethink, Reason, Resourceful, Retain E – Education, Emotion, Energy, Enough, Expression, Experience, Explanation, Expectation, Evaluation A – Assessment, Access, Accentuate, Assess, Articulate, Attribute D – Determined, Dedicated, Decisive, Development, Daily, Dignity, Deliberation, Diverse, Depth, Durable Y – Why? YOUnique, Yield, YES!, YOU can DO this!, Your Goals. If you are ready to start and commit vs window shop or partially use your subscription due to missed or unscheduled appointments, then count to 10 as you assess your degree of readiness and motivation. Then decide if you are ready or not for the Part 1 - four sessions of assessment, support, and education as a foundation upon which the process will lead you through the subsequent four weeks and into the next chapter of your life. DIVERSITY OF EXPERIENCE and PERSPECTIVES • I have worked with people who struggled with an active addition or who were in recovery from one of the worst chapters of their lives. • I have listened to and supported clients who worked in blue-collar jobs and clients who worked in white-collar positions. • I have provided counsel and education to people who currently or had been employed on Capitol Hill, at the Pentagon, and in The White House. • Clients have also included those who have worked at various federal agencies: FBI, NASA, US Border Patrol, and the Secret Service, law enforcement, clergy, active military personnel and veterans. • I’ve served clients who were first-responders or first-time parents. • I have guided teens who were in high school or transitioning to the experience of college-related demands. • I have been a bereavement counselor to survivors who faced the death (of various causes, anticipated and unexpected, which can result in “complicated bereavement”) - of a partner or spouse, - a parent, a sibling, a grandparent, - a child or a grandchild – both under legal age and as an adult-child. • I have supported people who have contended with invisible, chronic illness or pain, or who have had deteriorating health, and across different points in the lifespan. • I have been a privileged witness to the sacred, private lives of many people who survived adverse childhood experiences, • trauma as an adult, (military, domestic, and circumstantial: victimization, accidents, work-related or other accidents, hospital experiences, the death of a loved-one, witness a situation involving someone else safety, etc.), • and persons who have contended with gradual or sudden heartbreak and grief, • debilitating and diminishing consequential aspects of an anxiety disorder, • the suffering inherent with mood disorders (episodic or chronic in nature), • and the universal issues of being human combined with the developmental tasks required of continued growth and adjustment. • During college I worked at two summer-camps for four years (in MA and NJ) with people who had developmental disabilities, the under-privileged, and the very privileged. • And I have presented workshops at professional conferences and for agency trainings. PERSONAL POWER includes: 1. an awareness of making a series of choices, 2. resulting in executing a decision, and a direction, and 3. the application of knowing what is required for a desired outcome, with 4. the creative process of exploring or creating options. The PROCESS 1. MAKING A DECISION, 2. CHOOSING A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER, 3. TAKING ACTION ON YOUR DECISION and CHOICE 4. ENGAGING IN THE PROCESS of • UNCERTAINTY, • STRUCTURE, • EDUCATION, • SUPPORT, and • ACTIVITIES for • Desired RESULTS. If you want to interview me during a first session, I can then send you more information about how I see my style and approach (humanistic, educational, and eclectic with life-long learning). And if you decide to continue your search for a better fit with a therapist of your choosing, I genuinely endorse and support that path, by removing your connect to me if that be the case. If that would be your decision, I do ask that each client apply direct communication about intentions or needs so as to • “not fill a seat in my electronic waiting room” by clients who are undecided, • as evidenced by not making appointments, or not keeping appointments, • due to not being ready to start and follow-through, and thus, limiting access to my services of clients who are ready with a plan to begin the process. Please be aware that for each when a client who is passive, dormant, or • inconsistent in scheduling and keeping appointments, • there is a counter-productive influence on my availability to potential clients due to a place being taken on my roster of existing clients. You can choose to disconnect your affiliation with me in order to take action with another therapist and/or return when you are ready and able to engage consistently in the process and service for which you are paying a monthly subscription. Sincerely, Will Perks, MSW LICSW in West Virginia LCSW in Virginia LISW-CP in South Carolina

I am licensed in the states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Nevada and West Virginia with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I received my M.A. in Psychology in 2000 and my Ed.S. in School Psychology in 2001 from Marshall University with additional post-graduate coursework in Counseling from Liberty University and Marshall University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in West Virginia with 16 years of professional counseling work experience. I am also certified as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional by Evergreen Certifications. In addition to my professional counseling experience, I was a School Psychologist for many years, and I have worked in various other mental and behavioral health capacities in inpatient and outpatient settings, social service organizations, and school systems. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, depression, and trauma. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor your treatment to meet your unique and specific needs. In general, I utilize an eclectic strengths based therapeutic approach to counseling, while often integrating cognitive behavioral strategies along with other modalities. I completed additional coursework that included incorporating Christianity into counseling and have been a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors for many years. I am open to utilizing prayer, scripture, and other Christian ideology in the counseling process, when the client is open to doing so. I believe that an effective counseling relationship requires the counselor and client to work collaboratively. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in West Virginia with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, bipolar disorder, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Hi! My name is Caitlin and I am licensed in West Virginia and Virginia as an Independent Clinical Social Worker with 5 years of professional work experience, though I have worked as a Social Worker for about 10 years. My experience comes from providing direct mental health and behavioral counseling for kids, teens, and adults with a variety of presenting issues including stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I love to work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where they set their own goals and we work together to achieve them. I believe that each person has the right to determine how their life should be lived and that my role is to help them find what they consider to be the best version of themselves. I often use humor to form connections and believe that without a strong therapeutic relationship therapy is often unsuccessful. I'm so glad that you have decided to take this step toward a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to get to work, I'm here to support and empower you.