Compassionate, Evidence-Based Therapy

Our approach to therapy is much more than just talk. It focuses on making your life better in the most effective, efficient way possible. It is based on the most current research, and it is always designed to fit each person’s personal strengths, needs, and resources.

Compassionate, Evidence-Based Therapy

Our approach to therapy is much more than just talk. It focuses on making your life better in the most effective, efficient way possible. It is based on the most current research, and it is always designed to fit each person’s personal strengths, needs, and resources.

Compassionate, Evidence-Based Therapy

Our approach to therapy is much more than just talk. It focuses on making your life better in the most effective, efficient way possible. It is based on the most current research, and it is always designed to fit each person’s personal strengths, needs, and resources.

In-Person or Web-Based Therapy

To request an appointment, please complete our New Client Contact form.

Anxiety

All of us worry or become nervous and even fearful at times. But sometimes these experiences happen too often, get in the way of doing what we want to do, or feels too bad or beyond our control. Anxiety and the avoidance that so often accompanies it can even lead to depression. We work to help our clients feel better and to engage more fully with life. Read More

Depression

Contrary to popular belief, depression is not caused by an imbalance of serotonin in the brain. Common causes of Depression are social isolation, troubled relationships, fatigue from anxiety and stress, a lack of a sense of purpose, and a belief that things will not get better, and negative self-talk. We help people by targeting these causes directly using Cognitive Therapy and Behavioral Activation. Read More

Panic Attacks

Panic attacks can happen on their own, or they can be a symptom of depression, generalized anxiety, OCD, or PTSD. Many of our clients come to us specifically because of panic attacks, because they are often the worst symptom that they experience. Panic attacks are much more treatable than most people think. Panic Control Treatment has been shown to be superior to medications for eliminating panic attacks. Read More

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

We use Cognitive Processing Therapy (a specialized version of CBT) to treat PTSD. This approach is considered the Gold Standard by the DoD and the VA. It does not involve “facing your trauma.” Our clients rarely if ever cry or become distressed during this evidence-based therapy, which involves articulating and examining beliefs about the cause and effects of the trauma, without eliciting emotion. Check out NPR’s “This American Life” podcast episode on the treatment here.

Stress Management

All people experience stress. Sometimes stress becomes chronic or so severe that it can inhibit a person’s ability to be a good spouse or parent, impair memory and concentration, lead to chronic fatigue or sleep problems, and can contribute to physical problems such as high blood pressure. But even the most stressful situations can be alleviated with the right approach. Read More

OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is considered one of the most treatable problems that psychologists work with. The treatment is referred to as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP or E/RP) and it is the most effective treatment available. We work with adults, adolescents, and children with OCD. Read More

Children, Adolescents, and Teens

We do not work with children under 4 years old. In addition to the other problem areas listed on this page, we help children, adolescents, and teens overcome emotional and behavioral problems, peer conflict, bullying, and stress. We help them build social skills, identity, emotion regulation skills, motivation, and a positive self-image.

Couples Counseling

A marriage is strong when a couple can confidently say that they are friends and partners. And being lovers makes it even better. But that rarely happens when you don’t have the first two. Dr. Rob Young is our marriage counselor and is he certified in sex therapy. For more information about our marriage and couples counseling services, visit CharlottesvilleMarriage.com.

Rob Young, PsyD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

OCD, Marriage/Couples, Anxiety, Depression

I specialize in anxiety, OCD, and relationship problems, including romantic connection and sexual desire mismatches. I focus heavily on educating clients about the details of their conditions and the rationale for suggested approaches. I believe that therapy should be focused and goal-directed, and not about endlessly recounting your past. Read More

John Snyder, MS, Licensed Professional Counselor

Adolescents, Teens and Adults

My approach to CBT is supportive, collaborative, and goal-oriented. I work with teens and adults with a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, anger, relationship issues, trauma, addictions, divorce, and grief. I have extensive experience helping people with very complicated life challenges, and I have a strong aversion to judging others. Read More

Malissa Watterson, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work, Reduced Fee

Adolescents, Teens, and Adults

I have experience and training working with adults, teens and adolescents, and I have a special interest in working with mothers experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. With every individual I work with, I strive to tailor evidence-based treatments to their unique needs and goals. Read More

Mike Pease, MSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Young Adults and Adults

It is most important to me that everyone I work with feels a sense of safety and trust within the therapeutic relationship, while also building hope in overcoming whatever challenges they face. I have experience working with, and a special interest in treating trauma (including PTSD), anxiety, depression, and addiction. I utilize evidenced based cognitive behavioral therapy practices to help you build skills and a strong sense of empowerment. Read more

Who We Can Help

We work with people who see room for improvement in their work, their relationships, their ability to find happiness, or their health and overall well-being. Some of them want to be better at their jobs. Others want to be better parents or to have a better relationship with their spouse. Or they want to get past that one thing that is holding them back. Some of them experience more intense anxiety, stress, conflicts in their marriages, or difficulty changing their own behavior. But they all come to our practice because we use the most proven approaches, and what we do makes sense to them.