Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Chester, VA

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 am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 23 years of clinical experience and an approved supervisor to counseling residents. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Mental Health Psychology in 2002 and a Master’s degree in Community/Clinical Psychology from Norfolk State University in 2005. Before going into private practice, I spent several years working in community services supporting client mental health journeys. I currently work with adults, families, and adolescents. My specialty includes treating culturally diverse patients, depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions/adjustment, sexual abuse, anger management, and serious mental illness.

In supporting a new client, we will begin at the client's point of readiness. We will address the client's mental health needs/symptoms with CBT, mindfulness certifications/other required clinical skills.

I'm an LCSW with expertise in brain and behavior and additional specialty in addiction

I work with high-functioning adults who look like they have it together and are quietly running on empty—people whose competence has become the thing they hide behind. My foundation is TEAM-CBT, an evidence-based approach I'm certified in at the highest level (Level 3 Advanced) through the Feeling Good Institute, and I train regularly with the Beck Institute. It gives our work real structure and proven tools. But symptoms usually rest on something older, and that's where the deeper work happens. I work most with anxiety, perfectionism, conditional self-worth, and the depletion that hides underneath a successful life.

I have been an LPC since 2017. I am married and have 2 children. I am family oriented and if not hanging out with my family cooking, you would also find me outdoors enjoying the sun, drawing, and reading. We are also dachshund fanatics having had them part of our family since 2003. Currently I have 2 long haired dachshunds.

You’re the one who holds it all together. On paper it’s working — the career, the relationships, the discipline. Underneath, you’re anxious, tired, and disconnected. Intellect, stamina, perfectionism and people-pleasing may have gotten you far — but now its part of a pattern that keeps you stuck.

I see driven, self-aware adults who are often the most capable person in the room despite (and because of) their bodies holding patterns of high-functioning anxiety, trauma, and depression.

The pattern lives within your nervous system — so this work includes the mind, body, and environment. Yes, we will explore your patterns & why they exist, AND we’ll notice them in your body, in real time. Coherence, parts work, Brainspotting, ART, EFT- different tools, one principle: change consolidates through experience, not just explanation.

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I have over 40 years of experience in mental health practice. I believe that we work together to help you be the best version of yourself. I am trauma therapy certified, anger management certified and work with teens and adults. I specialize in anxiety, depression and trauma issues as well as Adult Children of Alcoholics. We are a team working together to help you improve your life situations

Dr. Ahlers treats adults and adolescents with a wide range of psychiatric conditions including Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Personality Disorders, ADHD, and Psychotic Disorders. Dr. Ahlers is able to provide pharmacological management and/or psychotherapy services, depending on an individual's needs.