Grief counselors and therapists in Newport News, VA

I help ambitious adults who feel plateaued or stuck in their work, relationships, healing or personal growth. On the surface life may look solid, yet anxiety lingers, relationships feel strained, or old patterns keep showing up when they try to move forward in their work, relationships, or personal growth. You understand yourself intellectually, but the deeper patterns still feel outside your control. Often the coping strategies that once propelled you forward are now the very things holding you back. You may even know exactly what needs to change, yet still find yourself repeating the same reactions when pressure rises.

I believe therapy works best when clients feel safe, heard, and genuinely supported. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative environment where clients can show up as their authentic selves. My approach is compassionate, direct when needed, and focused on helping clients build practical tools for everyday life while also exploring deeper emotional patterns and experiences.

I enjoy working with individuals navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship concerns, self-esteem challenges, stress, identity exploration, and emotional overwhelm. I am passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC clients and creating an affirming therapeutic space where clients feel respected and understood.

I understand that starting therapy can feel vulnerable, and my goal is to meet clients where they are while helping them move toward healing, clarity, and meaningful growth.

Life's challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, grief, or the transitions that come with different stages of life. You don't have to navigate these experiences alone. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to move toward meaningful change from an eclectic evidenced based approach that promotes hope, stability, and wellness, including faith-based perspective.

I specialize in working with adults and older adults experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, intimate relationship conflict, and couples counseling.I believes my purpose is to assist individuals to live life healthy and with hope.

I have extensive experience with substance abuse, holding a previous Certified Alcohol Drug Certificate (CADC) in Illinois, previous certification as an Emergency Services Prescreener with mental health, certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional, trained in level 2 of the Gottman Couples Method, experienced with anxiety, depression, grief & loss, and intimate relationship conflict. I received an outstanding excellent therapy award in 2021 and am committed to lives being changed. I am inspired daily by my husband, two adult children, and in love with my five grandchildren. In my spare time I love exercising, running miles, and reading educational/spiritual literature to keep myself sharp to assist others in sharpen themselves.

I have completed a successful U. S. Army career as a Senior Helicopter pilot & paratrooper; Commanded Aviation & Field Artillery companies; and I am experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for past 25 years; graduate of Richmond VA Seminary. Born & raised in Topeka, Kansas as 3rd oldest in family of 12 children. Athletic background: high school wrestler & track star; college football player; & Six-time VA State Racquetball Champion. Dedicated to helping others be all they can be !

Welcome! Since space is limited, let's hit the ground running! I have been a counselor since 2003 and am licensed in Virginia, Texas, and Pennsylvania. Prior to this, I worked as a respiratory therapist, so I am familiar with the stress medical personal face, as well as issues related to trauma, death and dying. In particular, I enjoy working with those who are struggling with existential questions or have suffered moral injury.

As a licensed clinical social worker, I know life can feel overwhelming at times, and asking for help isn’t always easy. My goal is to create a welcoming space where you can share openly without fear of judgment. I believe in walking alongside you with compassion, encouragement, and practical tools for growth.

Throughout my graduate and professional experiences, I have had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds on issues including anxiety, self-esteem and identity, stress management, and life transitions. As a mother, I also have a passion for supporting expecting and new mothers as they prepare for and adjust to expanding their families. I prioritize developing a supportive, collaborative relationship with each client, helping them feel heard, understood, and empowered as they navigate life’s challenges.

I work from the lens of wellness for the whole person, incorporating mindfulness, and physical (including nutritional), mental, and emotional well-being, through the context of relationship. I believe growth and healing come from power held in the individual I am working with, and I aim to empower each person to access this from within themselves.

Website: www.alexschenklpc.com

Melinda is a trauma informed, Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia, with the Virginia Board of Counseling. She is also the owner of Triumphant Coaching & Counseling, LLC. Melinda graduated from Hampton University in 1991 with a B.A. in Sociology. She served in the Navy for 12 years as a Human Resource Officer, obtaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander. She acquired her master’s degree in human resource development in 2001, and she acquired her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling Degree from Nyack College, Alliance Graduate School of Counseling in New York City in 2014.

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