Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Norfolk, VA covered by United Healthcare

I work from the lens of wellness for the whole person, incorporating mindfulness, and physical (including nutritional), mental, and emotional well-being, through the context of relationship. I believe growth and healing come from power held in the individual I am working with, and I aim to empower each person to access this from within themselves.

Website: www.alexschenklpc.com

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 help ambitious adults who feel plateaued or stuck in their work, relationships, healing or personal growth. On the surface life may look solid, yet anxiety lingers, relationships feel strained, or old patterns keep showing up when they try to move forward in their work, relationships, or personal growth. You understand yourself intellectually, but the deeper patterns still feel outside your control. Often the coping strategies that once propelled you forward are now the very things holding you back. You may even know exactly what needs to change, yet still find yourself repeating the same reactions when pressure rises.

I have worked as a counselor for over 20 years with individuals, couples and families, both for private and government organizations. My education and training focused on trauma, anxiety, depression and adjustment disorders.

Hi, I’m Ashley therapist, animal lover, creative soul, and lifelong daydreamer. I bring a warm and down-to-earth approach to my work, and I believe that connection, curiosity, and authenticity are at the heart of healing.

When I’m not in session, you can usually find me lost in a good book especially fantasy, romantasy, or dark romance (I’m a proud BookTok girly). Some of my favorite reads have come straight from client recommendations. I always love hearing what’s on your bookshelf.

I’m also a big fan of all things crafty. Paper crafting is my go-to especially junk journals and mini albums but I’ve dabbled in wreaths, t-shirts, and tumblers. My creativity also spills into my love of music, which spans from Sleep Token to George Strait to Eminem. I’m always up for discovering new bands or catching a local show.

On slower days, I love wandering through antique stores and thrift shops. Most of my home is decorated with pieces that have a story either found secondhand or passed down through family. I find comfort in giving old things new life.

Animals have always been a grounding force in my world. I’ve been riding horses since I was four, and my heart horse, Kirby, is my trail buddy and snack-sharing best friend (she’s a big fan of applesauce and cupcakes). My two dogs, Oliver and Dottie, are certified therapy dogs who’ve joined me in visits to hospices, hospitals, nursing homes, and children’s reading programs. Together, Kirby, Oliver, and Dottie inspired the name Free to Wander Counseling, a reflection of my belief that healing often begins when we allow ourselves to explore, play, and connect in gentle, open-hearted ways.

Wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here just as you are.