Child & Adolescent Therapists

Meet Therapist Monica Kelley

Resident in Counseling

We are not meant to navigate life’s tumultuous ups and downs alone. I commend you for exploring what is out there in terms of getting the support you deserve. Here in the therapy room, I offer a safe and non-judgmental space for you to unpack what is bothering you or keeping you from leading a fulfilling life so that we can explore, together, what freeing that space might look like for you. I encourage curiosity and non-judgement on your part as well, so that we may get to know how these aspects of you came to develop and work to create change that compliments who you are today and where you envision heading.

Whether it is a recent life transition, ongoing hurdles or patterns of behavior you feel you have suffered throughout your life, or something that just doesn’t feel right in terms of confidence, stress, relationships, life satisfaction, etc., there is no problem too great or small for us to explore. I strongly believe that human behavior is not random and that we are always doing our best with the knowledge and resources we have available. If you are inclined to break free from patterns of behavior that no longer serve you and to gain insight and skills that can help you create the quality of life you deserve, come explore with me. Therapy can include individual therapy, as well as consultation with parents, spouses, and healthcare providers. I work with clients ages 14+. My focuses include life transitions, stress, anxiety/depression, trauma, shame/guilt, addiction, self-esteem, personality, and emotional difficulty.

Meet Therapist Dawn Smith

LCSW Supervisee

What I love most about my role as a therapist is connecting with others. When the connection is made, we become partners as each client is empowered to live their very best life.

My background is varied thanks to a well-lived, well traveled life as a military wife. From liaising between juvenile detention and courts to CPS and schools, I’ve helped adolescents rebound from trauma to find their way back to emotional safety. Through Family Advocacy with the USAF, I spent several years assisting individuals, couples and families with conflict resolution, domestic abuse, life transitions, LGBTQIA+ identity, marital challenges and addiction. My work with veterans with PTSD continues as a volunteer.

This past year has been traumatic for so many and I’m honored to help find your way again. My approach is strength based, client-led and hollistic.

I’m solution-oriented and provide a warm, non- judgemental environment that incorporates acceptance and hope in every session.

 

Meet Therapist Rebecca Greene

LCSW Supervisee

Are you feeling more stressed out now than ever before? If you worry about the pandemic or other life events or struggle with balancing work, school, and family commitments, you may feel distressed and overwhelmed on a daily basis. If you are trying to cope with loneliness, isolation, or anxiety about the future, it can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Or perhaps your child or teen is struggling with new transitions or a serious health diagnosis, and you are unsure of how to help. If these stressors are negatively impacting your quality of life, consider turning to a trusted therapist for support. I provide a warm and empathetic space to share your feelings, to process your stressors, and to better manage your anxiety. When you feel heard and can put into practice new, successful coping methods, you will more successfully weather life’s challenges.

I am a licensed master social worker (LMSW) in Virginia and received my master’s degree in social work from The Catholic University of America. I have 10 years’ experience working with clients of all ages. My past experience includes conducting individual and group therapy, doing case management with older adults, and leading social skills groups for kids, teens, and young adults with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and disabilities. I work with all ages but specialize in therapy for kids and teens who struggle with anxiety, acceptance, social anxiety, and executive functioning deficiencies. I have a special interest in helping kids and teens improve their social-emotional skills, both at school and with friends. I also specialize in food allergy counseling and work with all family members to help them cope with a recent food allergy diagnosis.

I also work with adults who struggle with anxiety and depression, stress and coping, relationship difficulties, executive functioning skills, aging transition issues, infertility, and peri-menopause. Additionally, with years of experience as a geriatric social worker, I specialize in working with older adults who are experiencing grief and loss, chronic illness, loneliness, isolation, menopause-related issues, and aging transitions.

I use a combination of talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, strengths-based therapy, person-centered therapy, and motivational interviewing to help clients achieve their goals in therapy. I prefer structured therapy sessions during which we collaborate on a goal-focused treatment plan. We will work toward your individualized goals in each session together.

Meet Therapist Silvia Portillo

LCSW Supervisee

Children can feel stressed as they adjust to their environment. Effective communication and building a relationship with your children are a part of parenthood that can be overwhelming, as it can feel like there are a lot of expectations as a parent. Parents do not have to be alone in this process when they start counseling. Helping your children through the therapeutic process is a goal that can be achieved by working together. Every approach I use is individualized with each client. I use CBT, Solution-Focused, Person-Centered, and Trauma-Informed approach. I have worked with children and families for 12+ years. You will find that not only the parent, but the child, will also have a listening ear and feel supported throughout the therapeutic process.

 

Meet Therapist Amy Stevenson

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Level II Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. It is my mission to enhance the lives of every individual and family I serve, though building healthy relationships and emphasizing the importance of total wellness.
I practice a person-centered approach and incorporate elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Therapy, and Mindfulness techniques to help adolescents and adults who experience trauma, mood disorders, psychosis, anxiety, family and relationship conflict, life stage transitions, and every-day stressors.

I hold a B.A. in Psychology and dual M.A. degrees in Counseling and Forensic Psychology. I have experience in various capacities, including: community case management, community crisis services, group homes, in-home services for at-risk youth, school-based treatment for youth, forensic inpatient settings, experiential/equine therapy for adults and children, forensic inpatient treatment, and outpatient therapy.

 

Meet Therapist Pamela Jordan

My name is Pamela, I’m your local mental health provider and I’m happy to be serving in your community. Perhaps you are struggling with life’s uncertainties, anxious about next steps, feeling down, and maybe even a loss of hope. I’m here to offer support. I’m most known for my expertise in supporting children, adolescents and helping families manage stages of development as well as social and emotional behaviors; as they learn to substitute undesirable responses and behavior patterns for desirable ones.

As a Social Worker for over 26 years- I have had amazing professional opportunities of practice in child welfare, education/learning disabilities, school based mental Health, and Field Instructor for Universities and Colleges.

I’m established as a leader in preventing re-victimization, trauma, attachment disorders and have traveled nationally educating foster parents and empowering adoptive parents on these subjects. In addition, there are many areas in life that feel uncertain, much of my success is in helping with life’s transitions and adjustment, generalized anxiety, and pervasive depression. I’m a great listener and I’m even better at helping you find solutions. Two of the many therapeutic approaches that bring meaningful, fulfilling, and long lasting benefits are Cognitive Behavior Therapy which supports consumers in “thinking for a change”. Dialectic Therapy helps consumers to avoid “letting your emotions manage you”.
I am excited to be serving you as part of the Virginia Oak Counseling Team; as we meet the needs of the community. I look forward to supporting you on your journey to a better you!