

Chesapeake residents with Aetna insurance can access affordable mental healthcare through Headway, with copay ranges from $0-$40. Choose from thousands of providers specializing in talk therapy and medication management, available next day.
“If you’re ready to heal, reduce stress, and rediscover your peace, you’re in the right place. Be intentional about your healing journey so you can live the life you deserve.”
I’m Annetta Thomas, owner and psychotherapist of Purposely BE, LLC (PBLLC). I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), mental health advocate, life coach, and proud mother to a princess. My journey to becoming a therapist was both personal and purposeful. Though I once imagined becoming a doctor, my true calling emerged when I discovered the power of psychology and healing. I believe that resilience and healing are within reach for everyone.
I consider it a privilege to hold space for others during their most vulnerable moments. My goal is to help clients rediscover peace, clarity, and confidence as they navigate life’s challenges.
As a therapist with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, families, and
individuals, I use a trauma-informed, client-centered approach.
Assisting all people to discover their maximum potential and overcome barriers to their emotional, psychological and spiritual well being is my life's work. My approach is informed by a non-judgmental challenge to self and the environment that in unlocking potential no matter your age, gender, ethnicity, or economic background.
My approach is direct, compassionate, culturally aware, and deeply grounded in trauma-informed care. I help clients understand not just what they are feeling, but why their mind and body respond the way they do. A lot of people come to therapy feeling exhausted from surviving, overthinking, masking, people pleasing, or functioning on autopilot. Together, we work on building emotional safety, nervous system regulation, healthier relationships, self-awareness, and practical tools that actually work in real life.
I specialize in trauma, anxiety, stress management, emotional regulation, relationship dynamics, self-esteem, life transitions, and helping high-capacity individuals who are successful externally but overwhelmed internally. My work integrates evidence-based practices, somatic awareness, attachment-focused interventions, and practical strategies that support both emotional wellness and everyday functioning.
Congrats on taking the first step in your mental health journey! My name is Shaquana and I believe mental health is just as important as your regular doctor appointments. Bringing Mental Health Awareness to others is a passion of mine because I understand first-hand the therapy process can be scary. My ideal client is a person who is ready to embark on their wellness journey, someone who may be scared of the process, yet willing to begin. I am here to encourage individuals to open up to their truths, achieve happiness within themselves, and to feel and be great!
I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person Centered Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that span across multiple areas including self-esteem, anger/anger management, depression, anxiety, stress management, relationship issues and more.
This mental health journey can be intimidating but you don't have to take this journey alone. The stigma surrounding mental health can also make it difficult to start therapy, and I am here to let you know that in the safe space of therapy the stigma does not exist. If you are ready to start your journey or you are unsure feel free to contact me today!
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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Headway makes it easy to get affordable in-network mental health care with Aetna — from finding the right therapist or psychiatrist, to understanding costs, to booking your first session.