Couples therapists in Chester, VA

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor offering virtual therapy in Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia. I hold a Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision and specialize in working with individuals navigating the impact of childhood maltreatment and trauma, including sexual abuse. I also support women living with autoimmune diseases who are managing the emotional and psychological toll of chronic illness.

As a mental health therapist, I practice in Virginia, Delaware, Florida, and North Carolina, specializing in grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, anger management, and stress associated with life transitions.

As a therapist, I believe in your story and your individual experience. A space that is safe, comfortable, & free of judgement is essential for your success. It is important that you are in control of your own therapeutic experience, and I believe my role as a therapist is to serve as a guide & emotional support for you through your own journey. To provide a more authentic process and promote psycho-education, I aim to actively engage with you through discussions and person-centered support. “Pain is real, but so is hope”, and that is the main goal of my therapeutic approach: instill hope.

Smart Duru is psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 10 years of combined healthcare experience. He attended University of Derby, England for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and a master’s in psychiatric mental health nursing with Distinction. Smart Duru obtained a Master of Science Degree with specialization in Psychiatry mental health Nurse Practitioner. He has extensive experience in Mental health, Primary care, Sub/Post-Acute Care, Long Term Care, Correctional Medicine, and Family Medicine.

I specialize in helping individuals and couples heal from trauma, attachment wounds, and relational pain through an attachment-based, experiential approach rooted in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP).

My work is informed by attachment science and neuroscience, and grounded in the belief that healing happens within safe, emotionally attuned relationships. AEDP recognizes that when emotional pain is met with genuine connection, compassion, and support, the nervous system naturally moves toward healing, integration, and greater resilience.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step! I’ve been practicing for 10 years, but in the last few years, I have shifted my main focus to clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, and stress management concerns. I also work with professionals who are looking for a safe place to address concerns that they may not always feel comfortable with sharing in their work environment.