I want my clients to feel safe and comfortable to talk about whatever they need to. I focus on the needs of each client. I am honest and compassionate, and at times I use humor. I am very authentic and focus on what’s best for each client.

My communication style is warm, compassionate, and client-centered, with a focus on creating a supportive and non-judgmental space. You convey empathy and understanding, allowing clients to feel heard and valued.

Are you feeling worn down by a mind that won’t slow down—racing thoughts, replaying conversations, or emotions that keep pulling you back into anxiety, sadness, or anger? You may function well on the outside, yet inside feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to change what keeps repeating. Therapy with me focuses on understanding—not fixing—so real change can begin from the inside out. We slow things down and look at what’s happening beneath the surface: how your thoughts, emotions, and nervous system are responding, and how old patterns may still be shaping your present. From there, we work toward practical shifts—helping you respond differently, feel more grounded, and regain a sense of steadiness in your daily life. I am the founder of Brave Within Counseling, a group practice built on trauma-informed, compassionate care. Our team is made up of clinicians with their own areas of focus, including trauma and EMDR therapy, ADHD, sleep-related concerns, and specific diagnoses and symptom patterns. Most of our counselors are EMDR-trained, allowing us to offer depth-oriented trauma work alongside practical, skills-based support. When you reach out, we take care to match you with a counselor whose specialty best fits what you’re going through. Whether you work directly with me or with one of our clinicians, you can expect care that is thoughtful, collaborative, and paced with respect for your readiness. At Brave Within Counseling, we focus on helping you understand yourself more clearly, reduce internal struggle, and move forward with greater confidence and emotional steadiness. If you’re ready to feel less stuck and more supported, we’d be honored to walk with you.

I am a Resident in Counseling with two years of experience in the mental health field in Virginia. I work with children, adolescents, and adults who are navigating depression, anxiety, grief and loss, addiction, anger, and other emotional and behavioral challenges. I believe every client has the capacity for growth and healing, and I approach therapy with respect, curiosity, and encouragement.

Lauren Green is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia with over 7 years of experience providing therapeutic care and clinical assessment to youth and adults seeking support with trauma, depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), oppositional defiant challenges, and other life transitions. Lauren also has experience working with children and adolescents who display severe behavioral concerns, as well as young and middle-aged adults with serious mental health conditions.

My passion is supporting and encouraging positive change and healing in people. I hope to walk alongside you on your personal path. Through a genuine and crucial therapeutic relationship, we will celebrate strength and grow through hurt into healing with change. I practice from an existential positive framework. I adore and am grateful to be doing such positive work each day. I love watching positive change and growth emerge in my client’s life and their personal inner being. I work with individuals, families, kiddos, teens, and couples. I focus on different needs and dynamics including career, interpersonal, motivation, trauma, sexuality, and self-growth. I look forward to working together and supporting you in your journey.

Shanita King-Miller is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisee who is passionate about promoting self-efficacy, resilience, and positive change. She was inspired to study social work after working in hospital settings with people from various backgrounds. Shanita supports people who are dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, anger, and building coping skills.

Sophia Strydom is a Supervisee in Clinical Social Work and has over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She supports adults and families dealing with depression, anxiety, borderline personality challenges, attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), loss and grief, stress, relationship stress, coping skills, life changes, posttraumatic stress (PTSD), abuse, and trauma.

As your therapist and coach, my focus is to assist you in overcoming the stuck points in your life and embracing the possibilities ahead. I draw from an eclectic set of approaches, including grief and loss specialization, trauma-informed therapy, DBT, CBT, ACT, and relational healing to support you on your healing journey. Transform your life by releasing the hold your past has on your present and future. I emphasize the importance of your overall wellness, the strength found in community, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries in all your relationships. My approach is relaxed, warm, welcoming, and nonjudgmental, ensuring a space where you can truly be yourself.

Hokunani Womack is a Resident in Counseling in Virginia with over 2 years of experience working with adults dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), and autism spectrum challenges. She comes from a diverse background and is LGBTQIA+-affirming, passionate about women’s issues, and culturally sensitive. Hokunani has worked in community mental health with people experiencing homelessness and serious mental health challenges, as well as in inpatient and outpatient hospital settings supporting people with a wide range of diagnoses. She has developed an eclectic, trauma-informed approach to counseling and tailors care to each client’s individual needs.

Dr. Jennifer James is a Licensed Professional Counselor Resident with over 10 years of experience in Virginia. She supports adults, couples, and families facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, attachment issues, separation, divorce, co-parenting, narcissistic abuse, and major life transitions. Dr. James takes a holistic, person-centered approach, tailoring therapy to each client’s needs and goals. She believes in building a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust, and she creates a safe, nonjudgmental space that can serve as the foundation for meaningful change and personal growth.

Life has a way of presenting challenges that can leave us feeling uncertain, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from who we want to be. Therapy offers an opportunity to slow down, gain clarity, and create meaningful change. I believe every person has the ability to grow, adapt, and overcome obstacles, and I consider it a privilege to support clients as they move toward greater confidence and emotional well-being. Since entering the mental health field, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem concerns, relationship difficulties, behavioral challenges, and major life transitions. Whether you're facing a recent hardship or have been carrying emotional burdens for years, my goal is to help you better understand yourself while developing practical tools to navigate life's challenges. I view counseling as a partnership built on trust, curiosity, and respect. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, I work collaboratively with clients to explore the patterns, beliefs, and experiences that influence how they think, feel, and respond to life's circumstances. Together, we will identify realistic goals and celebrate progress, no matter how small. My therapeutic style is encouraging, thoughtful, and solution-oriented. I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, strengths-based counseling, and trauma-informed practices to create an individualized approach that meets your specific needs and goals. I don't believe therapy is about having all the answers. It's about discovering new perspectives, building healthier habits, and learning to approach life's challenges with greater resilience and self-compassion. My hope is that our work together leaves you feeling more empowered, more self-aware, and better equipped to handle whatever comes your way.