Virginia Pope

I currently hold a Masters of Arts degree with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentration, from North Carolina Central University in Durham, N.C. I graduated from North Carolina Central University in May, 2015. I became a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor(license number, S11870) in the state of North Carolina on September 4, 2025.

I have been working in a mental health setting since 2007. I have provided Intensive In-Home services and Day Treatment services as a Qualified Professional. I have been providing Outpatient Therapy services since May, 2016. The population that I have provided services to include children, adolescents and adults. The clients that I provide services to have many different diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depressive Disorders and other mood disorders. When working with families, it is primarily addressing conflict in response to the mental illness of the children in the family.

I believe that counseling in a collaborative process between the counselor and the client. As a counselor, I believe that it will be my role to offer support, encouragement and a safe environment for personal growth of the clients. Although I am a collaborator in the therapeutic process, I view you as an expert in your own life, therefore your role in the therapeutic process will be to accept the responsibility for your own growth as an individual. I think that every person is capable of growth and I place value on autonomy. I believe that each person is a unique individual and is able to reach self-understanding and personal acceptance. My therapeutic orientation is Cognitive-Behavioral Theory. I believe that you are in control of your life and how you view your living situation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) is an evidenced based theory that places focus on your ability to identify and change your unhealthy thinking habits to address unhealthy behaviors. There are many techniques that are utilized in this therapeutic model include working together to set realistic goals, learning specific and effective stress management techniques, working to identify and challenge unhealthy thinking habits and keeping track of thoughts, feelings and behaviors in order to become aware of symptoms and changing thoughts and behaviors. I view you as an overall independent and competent individual. Although I will suggest treatment techniques, you are in control of your own treatment plan and you have the right to accept or decline any of my ideas or suggestions.

The first session will include a comprehensive clinical assessment, to gather information regarding the presenting issues, family history, mental health history, trauma history, and school/work dynamics. Following the intake assessment, client and I will discuss goals for treatment for the development of a treatment plan. If the client is a minor, a legal guardian is required to be present for the intake assessment.