Grief counselors and therapists in Norfolk, VA

Hi, my name is Austin and welcome to my private practice. As a man who has been deeply affected and healed by counseling, I get the need and role of counseling firsthand. This is why I love counseling: I believe humans were created to share their stories and to work through difficulties together. Counseling is my life’s passion. I am truly honored and delighted to now walk alongside others in dark places toward durable hope and lasting change.

I am personally acquainted with the pain of grief. After the loss of my mother to suicide, I began a counseling journey that revealed many unexplored areas in my life that needed compassion and care. These experiences have brought me face to face with life’s difficulties.

I received my Bachelor’s Degree from the United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO) in Foreign Area Studies (Russia and Eastern Europe). After graduation, I worked as a military aviator and US Air Force Officer in domestic and international locations. I returned to graduate school to pursue a Master’s of Arts in Counseling and a Master’s of Divinity at Covenant Theological Seminary. Over the years, as a counselor, I have worked in a community-based counseling center, as a staff counselor for a church counseling center, and I am now in independent practice, working with men, veterans, couples, and families navigating trauma and PTSD, and the many ups and downs of life.

I have traveled throughout the world during my Air Force career. Seeing the many ways humans experience the world, in all its pain and joy, has only increased my passion to care for others. From working with teenagers and their struggles to individuals seeking hope to the married couple with decades of experience to everyone in between. I love working with people who are struggling and want change.

With 8 years of experience in the mental health field, I firmly believe in the parity of mental and physical health. Life often leads us into dark tunnels, and my role in therapy is to guide individuals toward the light at the end of those tunnels.

Alejandro is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University. More importantly, he brings a warm, grounded, and genuinely human presence into the therapy room. Clients often describe him as approachable, easy to talk to, and deeply attentive.

Alejandro believes that meaningful change occurs in a space where you feel both safe and understood while also being gently challenged. He meets you where you are, without judgment, and helps you explore patterns, emotions, and experiences with curiosity and compassion.

Whether you are navigating stress, experiencing life transitions, or facing deeper emotional struggles, Alejandro is committed to walking alongside you at your pace. He aims to support you in building clarity, confidence, and a stronger connection with yourself.

I have been working in the mental health field for four years and have experience supporting clients ages 5–60. I graduated from Regent University in 2021 with a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. For clients who prefer a faith-based approach, I also integrate Christian principles into therapy sessions.

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.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over two decades of experience, I focus first on creating a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, safety, and respect. From there, we work collaboratively to explore the patterns, experiences, and challenges that may be keeping you stuck. Together, we develop an individualized plan that aligns with your unique needs, strengths, values, and goals. For over 20 years, I have had the privilege of supporting military service members, veterans, and their families through life's challenges and transitions. As a South Asian therapist, I also understand the unique complexities of cultural expectations, immigration experiences, family dynamics, and balancing multiple identities. I am passionate about helping individuals from all backgrounds navigate personal, relational, academic, and professional pressures while creating a life that feels authentic, meaningful, and fulfilling.

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.