Virginia Stanley, MSW, LCSW, CAADC, CSAC
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Clinical Director
I am a graduate of the Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work at Norfolk State University. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor and Chaplain for nearly a decade, I know that post-traumatic growth, healing and change are possible with the help of a professional, competent and compassionate guide.
Using a holistic, eclectic therapeutic approach, I have provided individual, group and family therapy to children, youth, adults, active duty/retired military and the elderly, in a variety of settings (including the Hampton VA Medical Center, National Counseling Group and the Community Services Board) I have helped my clients gain the coping skills needed to experience healthier, more satisfying lives and relationships.
Let me guide you to a healthier, stronger, more confident you…
My Specialties Include:
- Trauma-Focused CBT
- Transactional Analysis
- Behavior Modification
- Brief Solution-Focused Therapy
- Positive Psychology
- Christian Counseling
- Positive Discipline
- Love and Logic
Venitta Johnson, MSW, LCSW CCTP
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
EMDR Trained
As a licensed clinical social worker, I believe in the therapeutic philosophy that is modeled after Plato’s quote “Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” I believe in challenges instead of problems and that sometimes you just need to talk. You need to talk to someone who is objective, warm, accepting, and who will listen with unconditional positive regard. Perhaps your friends and family have given you an indication that they are tired of listening to your challenges… that’s where I come in.
I provide supportive psychotherapy and I believe in challenges instead of problems and that sometimes you just need to talk to someone who is objective, warm, accepting, and who will listen with unconditional positive regard.
I am also passionate about counseling those who are experiencing mood disorders, trauma, substance use disorders and chronic illness. My treatment is strategically eclectic and diverse. I utilize Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Positive Psychology, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to assist you in becoming your best self.
Specializing in:
- Anxiety disorders
- Chronic Illness
- Coping Skills
- Domestic Violence
- Emotional Disturbance
- Grief
- Racial Identity
- Stress
- Trauma and PTSD
- Women’s Issues
- EMDR
Chiquita Merrill, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
EMDR Trained
My experiences with providing mental health services run the gamut of a variety of populations, age brackets, and situations, across multiple settings. My philosophy is simple. I want to help, however, whenever. That simply means this: I am in the business of helping people get through tough times. I believe that people should be able to decide when and how they get help. I am not here to push you to do things you do not want to, that ultimately will not help you. I am here to meet you where you are in your mental health and to help you get to where you want to be. I believe that we can do it together. My approach is eclectic, and tailored to what you need, with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Person – centered, Acceptance and Commitment, and Mindfulness. We can build a plan and tackle each challenge one at a time or as they come.
Populations I serve include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Struggles with Parenting
- Teen and Adolescent issues
- Bipolar and other Mood Disorders
- African American Issues
- Women’s Issues
- Domestic and Sexual Violence
- Struggles with adjusting or managing stress
- LGBTQ+
- EMDR
Susan L. Troyanos, PhD, MAC, CSAC, QMHP-A
Addictions Counselor
Hello, my name is Susan Troyanos and my career in the field of addictions has spanned over thirty years. My experience includes working with a variety of clients those who were incarcerated or on probation, those who received treatment in an inpatient setting and outpatient setting. Most recently her work includes Medication Assisted Treatment and Co-Occurring disorders.
My educational background includes a PhD in Human Services and credentialing as a Master Addictions Counselor, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor and a Qualified Mental Health Professional-A.
I believe in the human spirit and its resiliency. I believe people change and grow when they feel safe and are ready.
I offer the following services:
- Individual Addictions Counseling
- Group Addictions Counseling
- Case Management Services
- Completion and submission of SSI/SSDI Applications
Tanetta Hassell, PhD, MAC, CSAC, QMHP-A
Licensed Professional Counselor
My philosophy as a mental health clinician is that the individuals I work with are the expert of their own lives; but hardships are at times unavoidable, and you may need help to navigate those difficulties. Being a social worker by training, I believe that ‘helping’ is my expertise. My passion for being an advocate for change paired with professional training in trauma focused treatment and EMDR therapy, give me a unique opportunity to assist the people I work will feel empowered to handle life’s challenges. I have worked with clients from various communities, orientations, identities, because I believe in a person-centered approach. After identifying your strengths, we will find ways to build new skills that you may have not yet had the chance to learn on your journey to becoming the best version of you.
My specialties include:
- EMDR for individuals aged 15+
- Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for youth aged 5-18
- Family/Marriage Counseling
- Stress Related Challenges
- Anxiety/Depression
- Intergenerational Trauma
- Relationship building/Self Esteem
Deloris Shaw, MA, LPC, QMHP-C
Licensed Professional Counselor
Hello, my name is Deloris Shaw, and I am a licensed resident counselor who believe that together we can do anything. I am a graduate of Norfolk State University where I obtained a master’s in urban Community Counseling and a Bachelor of Art in Psychology. I have over six years of experience in the mental health field working closely with adults, adolescents, children and families.
My philosophy is “life is about solving problems, and every obstacle is the way forward.” There are times in life where curve balls are thrown, and it becomes hard to cope. There are other times where life is great, and we are simply looking for guidance towards progression. Whichever presents, I am here to assist you in overcoming and finding your way. I plan to achieve this task by working in a collaborative holistic manner tailoring to your specific needs.
Areas addressed:
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Women’s Issues
- Anger management
- Substance abuse
- Behavioral issues
- Self-esteem
- Peer relationships
Pamela Whiteside, MSEd, LPC, CADC
Licensed Professional Counselor
One of the most important steps in counseling is finding a therapist you can connect with and trust. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, I believe people seek therapeutic help when they feel they’ve become stuck in life or need support from a professional to assist in looking at things from a different perspective. My approach to therapy is both collaborative and integrative and allows you an opportunity to examine the way current patterns are either supporting or in opposition to you reaching your goals.
I am a graduate of Old Dominion University with a Masters in Human Services and Counseling. I also hold a Bachelors Degree in Biblical Studies for those desiring Christian Counseling. My experience as a mental health professional includes providing individual and group therapy services to adults, veterans, active-duty and retired military and individuals impacted by grief and loss. I have had the opportunity to work in settings which include a Hospital, Community Services Board, Substance Abuse Treatment Center and several grief camps.
Change is not always easy but often it’s necessary. To quote a phrase from author Tony Robbins, “If you change nothing, nothing will change.” If you are ready to begin the journey towards meaningful change, I would consider it a privilege to work with you.
My Specialties Include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Integrative Therapy
- Grief Therapy
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Christian Counseling
- Motivational Interviewing
- Strength-Based Therapy
Tajh-Marie Thompson, LCSW
Licensed Professional Counselor
Searching for a therapist is a brave step, and I commend you. Finding the right therapist is like swiping through endless dating profiles. Well, swipe no more! I am Tajh-Marie Thompson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Think of me as your mental health GPS—guiding you through the twists and turns of trauma, anxiety, and depression. I have seen it all—from the teenage angst that feels like the end of the world to the adult stresses that make you want to hide under a rock aka a cozy blanket.
My eclectic approach blends Motivational Interviewing with a sprinkle of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a dash of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and a hearty scoop of person-centered care. It is like a therapeutic buffet tailored just for you!
Deciding to take this step is never easy, and feeling a mix of emotions is normal. Many who take this step find, over time, they gain valuable insights, learn effective strategies for managing concerns, & experience personal growth leading to improved well-being & healthier relationships.
Specializing in:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Infidelity
- Self-Esteem
- Family/Marriage Counseling
- Parent-child issues
- Grief
Landria Edwards, MS, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Hello, I’m Landria Edwards. I’m a compassionate and committed professional who is ardent about helping individuals overcome life’s challenges. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Norfolk State University and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. In my 10 plus years of experience in the mental health field, I’ve had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, adults, and families to support their growth and well-being.
As a therapist, my aim is to offer a compassionate and safe environment where you can explore your challenges, gain clarity, and tap into your inner strength. I truly believe that each person has the capacity to heal and grow, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. Together, we will work on building resilience, developing effective coping strategies, and fostering lasting, positive change. You don’t have to navigate this journey by yourself – I’m here to encourage, uplift, and empower you to achieve your greatest potential.
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief
- Trauma
- ADHD
- Anger Management
Stephanie Magee, MSW
Supervisee in Social Work
We all sometimes need a little help with the twists and turns that happen in this life journey. Helen Keller once said: “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
I primarily use cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT which is proven to be beneficial in identifying and modifying certain negative thought patterns that keep us mired in anxiety, depression, anger etc. My goal is to assist you in increasing hope, self-confidence and a zest for life. However, I am also skilled in other therapeutic approaches to help you improve your life, including mindfulness, meditative practices, and solution-focused therapy.
My practice is open to children, teens, and adults with a variety of mental, emotional and/or relational issues including ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Let’s get started!!
My Specialties Include:
- Trauma-Focused CBT
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Positive Discipline
- Love and Logic
- Disruptive behaviors in children and adolescents
Miracle Hawkins, MSW
Supervisee in Social Work
Hey there! My name is Miracle Hawkins, and I am a Supervisee in Social Work. As an undergrad, I attended George Mason University and obtained my B.S. in Psychology. After working in the field as an In-Home and Therapeutic Day Treatment Counselor, it was clear to me that the mental health field was where I needed to be, and I decided to enroll in Norfolk State’s clinical social work program to continue expanding my clinical knowledge and experience.
Serving as a therapist is more than just a position for me. I believe it is an ordained calling and ministry that God has blessed me with. He has given me the ability to connect, support, and assist individuals, couples, and families during their most difficult seasons of life. I am honored that He has entrusted me with such a critical role, especially during a time with so much uncertainty and adversity.
Counseling sessions with me will involve various therapeutic approaches to include Strength-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Narrative Therapy. I am also willing to provide a faith-based perspective to those who have identified that as an interest. Please find below my areas of focus:
Specializing In:
- Grief/Loss
- Self-Esteem
- Family Discord
- Relationship Issues
- Anxiety & Depression
- Anger Management
- Crisis Prevention & more
Antoinette L. Porter, MA, CSAC
“Me? Go to counseling? Why would I do that?”
The decision to go to counseling can be and is a huge step forward in the decision to get and be well with life doing what it does. The saying that life is life-ing is real. However, life doesn’t have to take over. There are ways to help that does not require medication. I create a non-judgmental, caring, empathetic, comfortable, and educational environment to do just that.
My name is Antoinette Porter and I earned my master’s degree in clinical Mental Health and Marriage and Family Counseling from Liberty University. I was born and raised in the Tidewater area, and I am a graduate of a local high school.
As a certified Substance Abuse Counselor, I work to help clients take back the life they gave to their addiction. As a Prepare/Enrich and SYMBIS facilitator, I prepare couples for marriage as well as give seasoned couples new tools to work with while they fulfil and explore one another in different stages of life. I enjoy work with individuals, teens, couples, and groups.
Having married the boy next door and traveling throughout his military career, I have an inside look into deployments and being separated from family and friends. I understand the highs and lows of military separation as well as the joys of experiencing new cultures, people, places, and things. Once my husband retired from the military, we decided to move back home where we are the delighted parents of a chocolate lab. I am a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., initiated in the Land of the Morning Calm, also known as South Korea.
Specializations Include:
- Individual therapy with adolescents and adults
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- Substance Abuse Counseling
- NavigatingTransition from Military to Civilian Life
Areas Addressed:
- Addiction
- Depression
- Relational Issues
- Peer Pressure and Self Esteem issues
- Self-Esteem
- Grief and Loss