Therapists in Galax, VA

Hi! My name is Charnelle Cook and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia with seven years of experience in the private practice setting. I attended Virginia Commonwealth University for undergrad and I earned my Masters of Arts in Counseling from George Washington University in 2016. I believe that all clients should be treated as individuals, but I would consider myself a strengths-based therapist; encouraging my clients to focus on the positives in their lives and the things that are going well for them and not on the things that are not going so well for them. I also utilize CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) techniques when working with clients because I believe that when we are able to change our thinking, we are on the way to making changes in our lives. I believe that autonomy is important for clients when in therapy and take a person-centered approach, allowing my clients to lead their sessions with me. I believe that therapy is powerful and I love to help people work through their life challenges. Choosing to seek counseling services is a big decision to make, and I applaud you for making the first step in becoming the best version of yourself! If you send me a message during the day, I will try my best to respond within a few hours. I will respond to any messages received after 6pm on Fridays on Monday morning. In addition to sending me messages in your counseling room, you are also able to book live sessions with me by visiting my schedule and picking a time that works for you. Please remember that BetterHelp is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. In crisis situations, please call 911 or local emergency services. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to someone right away! I look forward to working with you!

• I am an open-minded, understanding, compassionate counselor whose passion is collaborating with individuals who are taking steps to improve their mental health. Without judgement I listen to the individual and then teach them the skills they need to overcome life challenges. Every individual is unique and learns differently, so I approach every person with the mindset that not every therapy technique works the same for everyone. • I have experience collaborating with individuals who are struggling with ADHD-Adjustment Disorder-Depression- Anxiety-PTSD-Domestic Violence- and Anger Management. • My approach can include cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, or rational-emotive therapy; however, I identify with an eclectic style which enables me to use what works for that person at that moment. • My life experiences help me empathize with my clients and to understand them better. I also have military ties as a child and currently as an adult. I understand the struggles they face, such as the struggles with adjustment that comes with repeated deployment and relocating. • I am a warm and interactive counselor who believes in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. • I provide genuine Christian Faith Based Therapy through my own faith which can be a great source of strength when we are facing challenges in our lives. Faith Base Therapy is an option for you but is not a necessity for us to work together.

Hi! My name is Robin Carver. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW since 2002. I come to this position with varied professional experiences. I completed an internship at a domestic violence shelter, provided intensive, in-home counseling to families for 1.5 years, worked on a mental health unit at a local hospital providing discharge planning, group work and conducted suicide assessments for 6 years. I spent 4.5 years working in a Therapeutic Day Treatment Program at both a middle school and elementary school (5 yo-18 yo), in which I offered a minimum of one hour of therapeutic intervention and support to children/adolescents, on a daily basis. I was in a supervisory role for the TDT Program and a School Based Outpatient Counseling Program for the last 11 years, supervising clinicians in these positions and providing supervision for their LPS/LCSW licensure. I also supervised an Intensive Care Coordination program, one of the most intensive therapeutic services available for youth, for 2 years. I have counseled adults and teens via the BetterHelp online platform since May 2022. These numerous experiences have helped me to grow in my professional development immensely as well as provided me with varied opportunities to develop and strengthen my clinical skills. I feel that building a strong and trusting relationship is the foundation to a successful therapeutic experience. Hence, that is the focus of my work, finding a way to join with you where you are in life. Being warm, kind, accepting, non-judgmental, listening and reflecting are core principles I utilize in counseling. Once a trusting relationship has been established, I will begin working with you to find strategies that will work to alleviate the various symptoms you may be experiencing. I find it extremely rewarding to help you identify your strengths and values, teach you coping skills and strategies to assist you in overcoming challenging situations in a positive way and being there for you in times of need. Sometimes, you just need a person to trust, someone who will listen to you, someone to be with you in your most difficult moments. I am humbled to have this opportunity and cherish each and every person with whom I have the opportunity to work. I believe that everyone is unique, strong and resilient and I enjoy being able to walk beside you in your journey of self-growth. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with you! Warmly, Robin Carver, LCSW

Why did you decide to become a counselor? I have always found that making connections with others is what drives change. I want to be able to provide others with that connection to help them find the best version of themselves and to help them through challenging situations in their lives. With my own personal experiences in my childhood, my goal has always been to help others overcome their circumstances, to show them they are not limited by their experiences and trauma. What would you say to a potential client? *This world is full of things and situations that make us feel powerless and not in charge of out own lives. My philosophy, and what drives my approach to therapy, is about learning to take control over yourself despite what is going on around you, or what has happened to you. You are the ultimate driver in your life, you find power within yourself. How does your personality influence your approach to therapy? *I am a no nonsense, down to Earth individual. I feel that I am straight forward and that helps me challenge clients to address the most difficult areas in their lives, the areas in which that hold them back from their full potential. I also believe that education is key, understanding how the brain works and how trauma affects the brain, it’s about using these concepts to help drive change. Brief description of Work Experience? *I did my internship at a Domestic Violence shelter for women and children as well as therapeutic day counseling in school settings. I have worked the past 7 years in residential treatment, 1 year doing outpatient, specializing in kids and teens with complex and severe trauma. I have worked extensively with self-harm, suicidal ideations, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, anger, aggression, defiance/conduct, family conflict, sexualized behaviors, trauma (sexual, physical, neglect, mental/psychological). I currently work outpatient therapy seeing both adults and children. Brief description of Education background? *BS in Pre-med Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology from Bluefield College in 2012 *M.Ed. In Human Services and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lindsey Wilson College in 2015 My modalities include, but are not limited to, TF-CBT, Client Centered, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, DBT. I do not believe in a one size fits all therapy approach and try to cater my therapies to the need of the client. My modalities include, but are not limited to, TF-CBT, Client Centered, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, DBT. I do not believe in a one size fits all therapy approach and try to cater my therapies to the need of the client.

Yes, family therapists work with individuals. In fact, most of the work I have done has been with individuals. It helps to hear “family therapy” as “systemic therapy.” Systemic therapists focus on how “big picture” factors (family, work, society) influence us and, thus, how we have to cope with them. My training has been both academic and from “the school of hard knocks.” In 2005, at age 40, I completed my PhD in child at family studies with an emphasis in counseling at the University Tennessee. I was taking a heavy course load, working two part-time jobs, and raising two young children. I consider my time as client at the student counseling center the most important part of my training. I completed my family therapy training at Good Shepherd Counseling Center under one of the earliest family therapists in Tennessee. I started by training as an undergraduate psychology major (and creative writing minor) at Carson-Newman University. I then went to seminary where I majored in pastoral counseling and worked as an aide at internationally known Norton Psychiatric Clinic. People describe me as down to earth. I grew up the son of teachers and grandson of farmers. I have baled hay, fed cattle, and spent a summer pulling steel from a 1500-degree furnace and driving a fork lift. I also was captain of my high school soccer team. If I’m not working, I’m riding my bike, watching a movie, reading a book, playing scrabble, hiking, canoeing, or refinishing furniture.

I have enjoyed working for various mental health agencies and have extensive experience in several areas of counseling. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, in the states of Mississippi, Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, Louisiana and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Nevada. I have worked with individuals, couples, families and groups. I have worked with children as young as 4 to adults up to age 101! I have assisted clients who struggle with symptoms of anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, relational and self-esteem issues. I am a mother of seven, including a son on the autism spectrum. My counseling style is person-centered. I believe in treating everyone with respect and unconditional positive regard. I will devise a plan of treatment created specifically for you. My personal life experiences, in addition to my education and work history, help me to empower individuals to overcome difficult emotional obstacles. I know that asking for help can be difficult. Congratulations on taking that first step. I am looking forward to hearing from you and guiding you through the therapeutic process.

I am licensed in Virginia with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, lgbtq+ related issues & mood disorders. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our conversations 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 and empower you in that journey.

Hello! Taking the first step to reach out and better yourself through therapy is a courageous thing. I am licensed therapist in Arizona and Virginia with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience dealing with Anxiety, Depression, Mood disorders, Complex Trauma, PTSD and life changes.. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe in meeting the client where they are at in their journey, with no judgment to provide a place of comfort and to work on hard issues. I am very easygoing while holding us accountable in the sessions to achieve therapy goals.

I am licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Originally from Western NY, I now reside in Virginia where I have been working in the Mental Health field for over 15 years. I became licensed as an LPC in 2017 and trained in EMDR in 2022, and have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, and coping with life’s ups and downs. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ Community, my passion is helping my fellow community members live their best lives and not only provide support with whatever my clients may need, but celebrating you for being you. I also have additional training in Gender Identity and helping guide individuals through that process. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Let’s talk!