Family therapy and counseling in Norfolk, VA

Hi. My name is Monique Branch, a licensed therapist that provides a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard, understood and encouraged as you navigate life's challenges. Whether dealing with stress, relationship concerns, personal growth, or difficult seasons in life, my goal is to help you build healthier connections with yourself and others. I believe in meeting you where you are, offering compassion without judgement, and working together to create a meaningful change. To me, you are more than a client, you're a person whose story matters.

As a highly curious person, I've always wanted to understand people and how they make decisions. I feel as though the journey towards becoming a therapist was a natural consequence of these traits. Even after 10+ years in the field, I am interested in continuing to learn and embrace people of all backgrounds and use the stories my clients tell me to help guide them to an improved lifestyle.

I am a Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Washington, D.C. and Virginia. My internships included The Wendt Center for Loss and Healing, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) in Washington, D.C.; the Virginia Hospital Center, and the Arlington Free Clinic in Arlington, Virginia.

I graduated with a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Marymount University in 2014. My areas of practice include anxiety, depression, and unresolved trauma - including childhood emotional neglect, sexual, physical, emotional abuse.

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.

I specialize in working with interpersonal conflict, behavioral issues, anxiety, life cycle transitions, depression, and helping clients recognize and build on strengths to overcome challenges.

I want to help you help yourself. I believe everyone is capable of change and I will teach you skills to use everyday.

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 am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 23 years of clinical experience and an approved supervisor to counseling residents. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Mental Health Psychology in 2002 and a Master’s degree in Community/Clinical Psychology from Norfolk State University in 2005. Before going into private practice, I spent several years working in community services supporting client mental health journeys. I currently work with adults, families, and adolescents. My specialty includes treating culturally diverse patients, depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions/adjustment, sexual abuse, anger management, and serious mental illness.

In supporting a new client, we will begin at the client's point of readiness. We will address the client's mental health needs/symptoms with CBT, mindfulness certifications/other required clinical skills.

My goal is to help you identify challenges, improve coping and determine the next steps toward meaningful, lasting change.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience in various settings. I am dedicated to supporting clients by fostering a collaborative, trusting and empathetic environment.