Grief counselors and therapists in Lynchburg, VA

Life is hitting you hard right now and maybe you're stuck, feel alone, struggle accomplishing tasks, struggle with the way your mind works, or you feel like there's not much meaning in your life. I am Michael Sheffield and alongside obtaining Master's degree, I have been working with people for 4 years. My life and training lead me towards these challenges, my listed treatment areas, as well as self-judgement, relationship stress, pessimism, anger, life building, workaholism, & chronic pain.

Welcome! I’m Heather, a Licensed Professional Counselor and board-approved clinical supervisor, and I’m dedicated to providing thoughtful, client-centered care and professional guidance. If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, burnt out, or stuck in an overthinking spiral, you’re not alone. Many teens and young adults feel pressure to keep up with school, work, relationships, and expectations, while quietly struggling with motivation, confidence, and emotional exhaustion. I enjoy working with Gen Z clients navigating anxiety, ADHD, depression, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and stress related to school or life transitions. My style is highly relational and collaborative, offering a supportive space to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences at your own pace, recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all in therapy.

I'm a licensed clinical social worker who works with individuals navigating trauma, neurodivergence, substance use, relationship and marital challenges, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and LGBTQ+ populations. I use a variety of approaches including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths-Based interventions, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. Therapy is always tailored to meet your unique needs and goals.

I have been a counselor for more than 30 years. I remain passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and believe that genuine caring is an essential element to an effective counseling relationship. Over the years I have worked with clients with significant trauma and loss. I consider it a privilege to stand with another individual as he or she resolves great pain. I specialize in treating clients with trauma, relationship issues, and borderline personality disorder.

Dr. Rivera employs an integrative style that focuses on the individual's sleep, diet, physical and mental fitness. He enjoys working in particular with weight loss, men's wellness, de-prescription from psychotropic medications, and detox from long-term substance use: tobacco, alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines. Furthermore, he specializes in the diagnosis and management of attention, mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders.

I have been counseling and supporting individuals and families from diverse and neurodiverse backgrounds for over nine years.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience in mental health and substance use services, and have a postgraduate Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. I work with adults, with a particular passion for supporting women, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC individuals, as well as those navigating post-psychedelic integration.

Our therapeutic partnership begins with the understanding that you are a whole person — not a diagnosis, a symptom, or a set of circumstances. Together, we will explore how the intersections of identity, lived experience, trauma, mental health, and substance use shape your inner world and outer life across biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions.