Compassionate, Evidence-Based Counseling & Therapy in N. Chesterfield, Richmond, Central VA, and online 
Virginia Counseling Associates

Who I Work With

I enjoy working with adults and adolescents who are experiencing anxiety; personality disturbances; or have experienced trauma. I connect well with individuals who have found it challenging to trust others while wanting to experience feeling truly seen and understood without judgement.  

 

Areas I Help With

Because I am a generalized counselor, I have helped clients and couples navigate many experiences of life: anxiety, life stressors, grief and loss, relationship challenges, life transitions, trauma, parenting concerns, and attachment issues. 

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My Approach to Counseling

I approach each session with a foundation of operating in attachment theories to help individuals feel connected, develop trust in themselves and others, and heal deep wounds that have hindered relationships and maintaining a positive self-image. I am conversational in my approaches instead of structured. The work we do is based on what you choose to bring to session that day. The therapeutic approaches I pull from are truly dependent on the person and the situation. If you need someone to challenge your thoughts or beliefs, I am pulling from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. If your emotions are intense and you do not know what to do with them, I am bringing out Reflective Functioning and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. If you and your partner cannot seem to find resolution and keep going in circles with arguments, Emotional Focused Therapy and Solution-Focus it is. My person-centered approach means that I am willing to meet you where you are at and pull from whatever therapeutic approach is the best fit for you in that moment. 

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What You Can Expect Working With Me

In therapy, you can expect a welcoming, non-judgmental environment; one where you feel seen, heard, and understood; a safe space to explore patterns that keep presenting in your life; and an atmosphere that promotes a better understanding of yourself. I value the therapeutic relationship we build together to ensure you get the most out of what you are looking for in therapy. 

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Telehealth / In-Person Availability

I provide telehealth sessions via zoom, Monday through Friday, 9:00am until 5:00pm. 

 

If you are looking forward to going on the journey of putting yourself first and becoming the best version of you, contact Virginia Counseling Associates to learn more about scheduling an appointment.

 

 

 

Michelle O'Donnell, MA, LPC

Virginia Counseling Associates