Family therapy and counseling in Chesapeake, VA

Hi there! I'm Dr Esmie, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and PhD, Research Psychologist with more than three decades of professional and lived experience. I've lived much of my life in England and California and now currently reside in the DMV state of Virginia. I bring a broad multicultural perspective to my work.serving individuals, couples, and families from diverse cultural, social, and spiritual backgrounds.

My clinical practice integrates evidence-based approaches, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and strengths-based interventions. I have worked extensively with clients navigating trauma, life transitions, relational conflict, stress, and emotional challenges, helping them move toward healing and personal growth.

I believe meaningful change occurs when people feel genuinely seen, heard, and respected. I strive to create a safe, supportive therapeutic environment where clients can explore their experiences without judgment. Through collaboration, practical tools, and compassionate guidance, I help clients develop insight, strengthen resilience, and build healthier patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior.

Above all, I value human dignity and authentic connection. I believe credentials may open doors, but character, empathy, and genuine care sustain lasting transformation.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia with over 22 years of experience in the mental health field. I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of settings, including social services as a child abuse investigator, outpatient counseling with children, adolescents, and families, inpatient psychiatric care, clinical leadership roles, and doctoral-level research on family caregiver stress and coping, which I later published.

I hold an Associate of Arts and Sciences, a Bachelor of Science in College and Community Counseling, a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Psychology and Philosophy.

I work with adolescents ages 14 and up as well as adults, and I specialize in supporting people through anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, stress, codependency, domestic violence, chronic health conditions, mood concerns, parenting stress, life transitions, and PTSD. I also have experience working with veterans and individuals dealing with complex and overwhelming life circumstances.

My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where people feel understood and not judged.

Hi. I'm Kris Wegman, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have decades of experience working with clients with various behavioral health concerns, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders. I have had the privilege of working with Veterans for most of my career but have worked on the Civilian side, too.

I’m a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor and the founder of Mente Serena Counseling. I hold a B.S. in Psychology and a M.A in Forensic and Legal Psychology and a M.A. in Counseling. I’ve worked with children, teens, and adults across different settings. As the daughter of Dominican immigrant parents, I understand how culture, family, and life experiences shape who we are. I now primarily support teens and adults navigating anxiety, life transitions, and everyday stress, and I’m passionate about creating a space where you feel seen and understood.