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
Jamarius Williams, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Do you ever feel that life can be too much to handle at times? Have you ever felt alone and not sure who to turn to for guidance? What if I said that you are not alone and that seeking professional counseling is the first step toward developing the right tools for navigating successfully through life’s obstacles.
My name is Jamarius Williams, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have eight years of counseling experience primarily with children, adolescents, adults, and families. My experience includes working with a variety of clients who were placed in detention centers and/or probation, who were placed in foster care due to abuse and neglect, who displayed behavioral and emotional issues within home and school settings, and who received treatment within acute hospitalization settings. Also, I have provided case management and crisis intervention services to clients.
In my therapeutic work with clients, I apply elements of client-centered therapy, strengths perspective, and positive psychology to help empower each of them to overcome adversity within their daily lives. I utilize evidence-based treatment approaches (e.g., Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, Behavioral Modification) that are uniquely tailored to each person’s needs. I have a strong passion to help others. I look forward to working with you on your journey toward happiness and self-fulfillment. My favorite quote by Carl Rogers is “What I am is good enough if I would only be it openly”.
My Specialties Include:
- Depression/Anxiety
- Trauma
- Emotional Disturbance
- Self-esteem issues
- Anger/Stress management
- Grief and loss
- Bipolar and other Mood Disorders
- Family conflict: Poor boundaries and communication
- Parent-child issues
- Disruptive behaviors in children and adolescents
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 Masters 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
Yolanda Brooks, MSW, QMHP-C
Supervisee in Social Work
Making a decision to seek counseling is a major step and finding the right therapist makes a world of difference. To move beyond past experiences of shame, guilt, fear, doubt, abandonment, hurt, and or rejection. Requires the strength to move forward and therapy can assist with that journey towards healing.
I have over 10 years of experience in behavioral health. During that time, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults. During our session, evidence-based approaches will be used to assist your move from pain to progress. Each session will be tailored to your individual needs. I am excited to begin this journey with you to guide you to release your pain and to reach your goal. Therapy is a way to reboot and move forward.
Thank you for choosing me and allowing me to assist you on this journey!
Specializing in:
- Anxiety
- Coping Skills
- Depression
- Domestic violence/abuse
- Family conflict
- Grief
- Infidelity
- Stress
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
Donell Braxton, M.S., CSAC, QMHP
Additions Counselor
Hello, my name is Donell Braxton and my career in the field of addictions has spanned over 15 years and in Behavioral Health over 20 years. My experience includes working with a variety of clients, particularly those who were incarcerated or on probation, those who received treatment in an inpatient setting and outpatient setting. My educational background includes a Masters Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, credentialing as Certified Substance Abuse Counselor and a Qualified Mental Health Professional. I believe that treatment is a choice and facing your truth is the first step towards the healing process.
I offer the following services:
- Trauma-Focused CBT
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Anger Management
- Individual Addictions Counseling
- Group Addictions Counseling
Steven McGee, MA
Resident in Counseling
My name is Steven McGee. I am a graduate from Liberty University with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling Crisis and Trauma Response Counseling. I have 5 years of experience in the mental health field working closely with adults, adolescents, children and families. My approach to counseling is simple: I meet you where you are. I believe that you are the expert on your life and I am here to help you get to where you want to be. I approach issues in counseling in a person-centered way using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness.
I serve populations who struggle with:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Grief
- Trauma
- ADHD
- Anger Management
- Self-Esteem
- Stress
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
- Navigating Transition from Military to Civilian Life
Areas Addressed:
- Addiction
- Depression
- Relational Issues
- Peer Pressure and Self Esteem issues
- Self-Esteem
- Grief and Loss
Raymond T. Barnes, R-CPRS, CCHW CIT
PRS Trainer, VA Recovery Leadership Academy
I am a DBHDS and State Certified Peer Recovery Specialist who is in active recovery. My lived experience most often enables me to relate to those which I encounter daily.
One of many services as a RCPRS, is to advocate for those who cannot or will not advocate for themselves. Being an addict in active recovery from a substance use disorder, who has been homeless, beat down, counted out and almost forgotten, I understand as well as can relate to those I serve.
I am a product of Jamaica Queens NY, the oldest of 5 children and a proud Military Veteran (U.S. Army) who also worked for the Department of Corrections for several years. I have work for a few Community Service Boards in the substance use, mental health as well as co-occurring disorder field for over 20 years and have been in active recovery for over 17 years.
Services I offer are as follows:
- Non-clinical Peering
- One on One Peering
- Group Peering
- Person-centered Peering
- Strengths-based Peering
- Wellness-focused Peering
- Trauma-informed support Peering
- Self-directed recovery