Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Chesapeake, VA

Hi, I'm glad you're here!

If you've been feeling overwhelmed, carrying the weight of past experiences, navigating family conflict, grieving a loss, or adjusting to a major life change, you don't have to face it alone. Life can be incredibly challenging, and sometimes it's hard to know where to begin. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families, helping people find clarity, healing, and hope through life's most difficult seasons. My goal is to create a space where you feel truly seen, heard, and supported from the very first conversation.

My professional background includes clinical social work, pediatric healthcare, telehealth therapy, military-connected family support, domestic violence advocacy, and social work education. Before becoming a therapist, I worked in pediatric respiratory care with medically complex children and their families, an experience that continues to shape my understanding of caregiving, medical stress, grief, resilience, and the many ways families adapt during difficult times. I specialize in helping clients navigate trauma, anxiety, grief, family conflict, caregiver stress, medical and pediatric illness-related challenges, military family concerns, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.

My name is Elana Isser. I am a licensed clinical social worker. in New Jersey, New York, and Maryland. I am a graduate of Columbia School of Social Work and I have worked with clients of all ages in hospital and outpatient telehealth settings. I use evidence-based treatments, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in my work.

I specialize in Anxiety, ADHD, Depression, PTSD, Panic disorder and mood disorders. I also offer ADHD testing for children and adults online and in-person. I offer both medication management and therapy.

I bring an open mind and an open heart when working with my clients. I want to help my clients understand that they are not a problem, but the problem is the problem. I respect my clients and work hard to make them feel heard. I work to support my clients in their circumstances and meet them where they are. I have training in EMDR and narrative therapy. I endeavor to provide treatment that is trauma informed. I use CBT skills as well as other interventions.

I believe therapy should be a space where you can be yourself without fear of judgment. My goal is to create an environment where you feel comfortable being honest about what you are experiencing, while also feeling supported and challenged to grow. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, emotional regulation difficulties, stress, and other challenges. I take a strengths-based approach and believe that you already possess many of the tools needed for change sometimes we just have to uncover them, strengthen them, and learn how to use them differently. I strive to make therapy relatable, meaningful, and practical so that what we discuss in session can make a difference in your everyday life.

Seasons change and so do we. I believe that strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful change. With experience in schools, hospitals, and community mental health, I create a supportive space where you feel seen and heard. Using a person-centered approach, CBT, and mindfulness, I’ll help you reframe thoughts, set goals, and build tools for lasting growth.

I have worked in primary care and medical environments for over 6 years as a therapist/clinical social worker.

My background is primarily working with patients faced with mood disorders such as anxiety, and depression. My expertise has expanded to treat PTSD and dissociative disorders as well as borderline personality disorder.