As a therapist, I deeply value the time I spend with my clients and consider it an honor to walk alongside them in some of life’s most vulnerable moments. I believe healing happens in relationships built on trust, compassion, and authenticity, and I strive to create a safe, meaningful space where clients feel seen, supported, and understood. My work is rooted in helping individuals create a life worth living—one grounded in healing, connection, and self-understanding. I have a special passion for supporting women through life’s challenges, including the wounds we carry from childhood that continue to shape our relationships, self-worth, and emotional well-being. I practice through a trauma-informed lens and integrate somatic-based interventions, attachment theory, and parts work (IFS) to help clients better understand themselves, reconnect with their bodies, and move toward healing. I also incorporate mindfulness, holistic perspectives, mind-body awareness, and polyvagal-informed approaches to support nervous system regulation and emotional wellness. Beyond my role as a therapist, I am a mother, wife, sister, and daughter—roles that deeply shape the empathy and perspective I bring to my work. I find peace and restoration in the mountains, quiet moments, and the beauty of nature. These experiences continue to ground my belief in the importance of slowing down, reconnecting, and honoring the whole person in the healing process. I feel privileged to support clients as they navigate growth, healing, and the journey back to themselves.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience helping adults heal from trauma, attachment wounds, and patterns that no longer serve them. I work with individuals who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves, often after years of prioritizing others’ needs or adapting to unsafe environments. I have a special interest in working with LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent clients, and I provide care that is affirming, respectful, and attuned to identity and nervous system differences. My approach is trauma-informed and collaborative, integrating Internal Family Systems, attachment-based work, and practical coping tools to support self-trust, emotional regulation, and meaningful, sustainable change.

Hi I am Kao, I firmly believe that as humans we have an innate desire for growth and balance. Unfortunately, often we physically respond to ingrained negative cues and messages that get stuck in our body. Many times these old cues manifest themselves in our body as anxiety, depression, and other trauma responses. It can feel like we are living life just trying to cope with the loudness of these negative messages. What if instead of just gaining tools to “cope” with these trauma responses, we could eliminate them all together? How might your life look? My hope is that in our work together we will be able to address wounds and move towards healing so that you don’t have to “cope” anymore. Instead you can thrive and have a sense of self-awareness that brings constant peace and clarity.

Welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor for the states of Virginia, Kansas, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, and a Licensed Clinical Supervisor for the state of Virginia, with a passion for helping individuals navigate sex and relationship challenges, mental health disorders, personality disorders, grief, and overall mental wellness. My journey in this field began with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a minor in Psychology from Thiel College, and an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Germanna Community College. I later earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. Pursuing excellence, I became a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist and obtained certification in Suicidology. Over time, my clinical focus has naturally evolved towards specializing in personality disorders and becoming a certified sex and relationship therapist. Known for my transparency, empathy, and a healthy dose of humor, I strive to create a therapeutic environment where clients feel understood and supported. I also enjoy sharing my insights as a contributing author on sex and relationship issues for various online and print publications. Passionate about the importance of self-care, I love to unwind by hiking and camping in the mountains, soaking up the serenity of the ocean, and cherishing time with my family and friends. Despite having three amazing kids, I am (almost) equally obsessed with being a pet mom to my heavyweight feline companion, Perry, and my loveable, always-happy golden retriever, Murphy.

I am a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner and Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience providing trauma-informed care across private practice, healthcare systems, and virtual settings. My work is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and a belief that meaningful change happens when care is tailored to the whole person. I support individuals, families, and professionals as they navigate challenges and strengthen their overall mental wellness. I have experience working with concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, workplace stress, and major life transitions. My approach is flexible and responsive, allowing therapy to meet you where you are while helping you move toward greater stability, clarity, and resilience.

Renee Tong, LCSW, LISW is a highly skilled and compassionate clinical therapist dedicated to providing exceptional mental health care and support to adults over age 18, and seniors and is LGBTQ-friendly. Her private practice began in 2007. With a wealth of experience and a profound understanding of human behavior, Renee is committed to helping her clients navigate life's challenges and achieve personal growth. Renee earned her Master's degree in Social Work from Barry University, Florida, equipping her with a solid foundation in evidence-based therapeutic techniques and theories. She went on to obtain her clinical licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), demonstrating her commitment to professional excellence and ethical practice. She is currently licensed in the following states: Florida, Arizona, Virginia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Oregon, Ohio, and Kansas. Throughout her career, Renee has successfully assisted clients from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of mental health concerns. Her expertise spans various areas, including life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief and loss, self-esteem struggles, Stress and worry, Caregiver stress, PTSD, Trauma, ACOA (Adult Child of Alcoholic or Drug Addict), addictions, Relapse Prevention, Dual Diagnosis, Grief, Shame and Guilt, Abandonment issues, Betrayal, Codependency, Toxic Relationships, Postpartum Depression, and Infertility-informed. By employing a holistic and client-centered approach, Renee fosters a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Renee's therapeutic style combines empathy, active listening, and collaboration, ensuring that each client's unique needs and goals are addressed effectively. She employs evidence-based interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, solution-focused therapy to promote personal insight, resilience, inner child wound work, narrative therapy, attachment style theory method along with client center humanistic approach towards positive change.