Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Winchester, VA

We all encounter difficulty in life; it’s inevitable. Nowadays, we have the knowledge to know it takes more than physical health, or good nutrition to be well. In order to have a fulfilling life, we must take care of all aspects of our lives. At times, all we need is to lean into our own resources to cope. Other times we need a neutral person to place adequate tools in our path to help us move forward and thrive.

Hello, my name is Benjamin Watkins. I look forward to working with you to make the positive changes you desire in your life. I have worked in the field since I was 19, starting as a Mentor. Helping others is my passion in life. I worked with children, adolescents, and parents in the foster care system, overcoming trauma and developing positive attachments. I have worked with a variety of issues.

I hope to help you transform those painful, self-limiting beliefs and old patterns into realistic and affirming ones. The process I most often use incorporates bilateral stimulation of the brain. This is a simple technique that often has profound results. It has been shown to move clients very quickly towards the core healing, which is central to lasting results. One of the key benefits of this therapy is the ability to approach new situations /people with creativity, clarity, and new problem-solving techniques. This often occurs spontaneously as part of the process.

I’ve been working in the mental health field for nearly a decade and bring a deep commitment to helping individuals heal, grow, and thrive. I hold a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington, DC and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Marshall University in Huntington, WV. These academic foundations, combined with years of hands-on experience, have shaped my compassionate, informed, and client-centered approach to therapy.

Most recently I was serving as a Licensed Clinical Therapist where I provided individual and group therapy in an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for adults facing complex mental health and substance use challenges. I am currently working at a small group practice treating adults with stress, anxiety, depression, ptsd, and more. I hold sessions on the weekend and in the morning one a week.

At the heart of my practice is a belief in the power of authentic connection. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients feel empowered to explore difficult emotions, build insight, and take meaningful steps toward lasting change.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia, I have worked in the mental health field for over 10 years. Currently, I provide individual and family therapy services to teenagers and adults experiencing mood disorders, anxiety, and trauma, as well as with LBGTQ+ and trans/gender non-conforming (TGNC) folks seeking supportive and affirming care.

I am a caring therapist that put my patients first. I am a cognitive therapist and work with patient introducing them to having thoughts that bring on feelings that eventually lead to behavior.

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