Therapists in Virginia

Hello, I am Michele Gunter, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I have worked for over 24 years as a LCSW. I have a wealth of experience helping people from ages 5-85 with issues such anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, mood disorders, OCD, and many more issues. I focus on meeting my client where they are and helping them gain insight, understanding, self-discovery, and healing. My goals is to empower you to free yourself from the patterns that hinder your well-being, fostering resilience, and a renewed sense of self.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and PhD Candidate with clinical expertise in treating anxiety, depression, addiction, PTSD, trauma, bi-polar disorder, and chronic medical conditions exacerbated by mental health. I provide an interactive therapeutic style for individuals, couples, and families. To do this, I integrate various methods and techniques to offer a personalized client centered approach. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectic behavioral therapy, spirituality, motivational interviewing, and solution focused strategies inclusive of compassion and understanding. It is my belief that all people are born precious and free. Along the way, life presents challenges that could contribute to an individual feeling unfulfilled, unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. Together, you and I will discover the root cause of the pain and implement a plan for healing. I am here to help you examine and explore issues that make you feel stuck. I understand that each person is the driver of their own life and has within them the strength to overcome obstacles. I encourage introspection and observation of behavior, rather than judgement and negative self- talk. I believe therapy can be life changing, allow me the chance to help you.

I am a licensed clinical social worker in the common wealth of Virginia. I received my Masters from Barry University and have been practicing for 5 years. I aim to help individuals who are struggling in the areas of relationships; marriage, family, or friendships. We are designed to be in community. Yet, relationships can be complex and many times client's are surprised to find out that many of their adult interactions are effected by childhood experiences or past hurts. Together we can untangle some of those webs in order to develop and nurture healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2017 with a Masters in Social Work and a specialization in Health and Mental Health. My experience is in treating anxiety, panic disorder, Depression, and substance use. My goal is to help you recognize the capacity to change exists and move through to become the person you want to be.

Bio I'm Melissa and I'm an LPC in the State of Virginia. I am passionate about mental health, healing, and hope. Understanding your mental health and what is going on with you is the starting point on your healing journey. I grew up in Seattle Washington and attended college in Oregon. I received my Master’s in Professional Counseling through Liberty University in 2016. I've lived in Virginia for the past 15 years. I am a single mom with 4 kids. I love laughing, reading, and spending time with my kids. I grew up in an alcoholic family and credit Jesus with keeping me away from the dysfunction I grew up in. I offer a Christian worldview. I have been a counselor for 8 years and have worked with many age groups with various diagnoses and in a variety of settings. Counseling needs to be a safe place and a counselor needs to be a person who can handle talking about the tough stuff. Counseling is not polite conversation. I begin the counseling relationship with developing emotional safety, educating clients about mental health and creating a better understanding of what is going on with them, processing their experiences, and developing a "toolbox" to help them improve their lives. I focus on emotions- why we have them, how to sit with them, and how to manage them. I believe that "the only way out is through" and to tackle struggles, a comprehensive approach is needed to look at family history, family dynamics, biological issues, psychological issues, cultural influences, medical history, social influences, spiritual influences, and current level of functioning. This information allows me to plan treatment to ensure that you receive the best care. I provide counseling for relationship struggles parenting, trauma, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, ADHD, and adult children of alcoholics.

I am a compassionate, solution-focused therapist who primarily supports women over 20 as they navigate challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, self-doubt, and boundary-setting. My collaborative approach empowers clients to build the tools needed for meaningful change, cultivating a balanced, fulfilling life. I also provide Christian support for those who seek faith-integrated care. Many who struggle with their spiritual walk experience feelings of shame, rejection, confusion, depression, and anxiety and often prefer a therapist who understands Christian values and the unique challenges they face. Alongside everyday challenges like marital issues, life transitions, and personal growth, I help Christian clients explore ways to incorporate clinical support that aligns with their faith.

Hey y'all! My name's Pam and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia. I've been practicing in the field of social work since graduating from Radford University with my Masters degree in 2010. Since 2018, I have worked within an inpatient psychiatric facility providing treatment to individuals with a variety of mental health needs. I've always had a passion for helping others and am excited to have this platform as a way to help people better understand themselves and live life to their full potential.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia with 14 years of experience working with individuals, groups, and families. Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT) and Clinical Anxiety Treatment (CCATP), I also have advanced expertise in EMDR therapy and grief counseling. As a Board-Certified Christian Counselor, I offer faith-based care upon request. With a warm, energetic style infused with humor, I take a holistic, strength-based, and person-centered approach to therapy. I honor each client’s unique background and challenges while using evidence-based methods to foster healing and growth. My goal is to help clients build resilience, confidence, and meaningful change in their lives.

Are you struggling with your work-life balance, family unit, parent-child relationship, or other relationships? Are these conflicts bringing you overwhelming emotions and distress? Are you in need of more healthy coping skills? As a professional therapist (LMFT) of over 14 years, I strive to empower client success while being a guiding presence in a supportive and safe space. By managing anxiety and dealing with burnout in the workplace, at home, and in relationships you can involve yourself in ideas and activities that bring you to the present and guide you toward your desired future. I am currently working with individual clients 18 and over only, and not accepting couples.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with almost 20 years experience. I have taught college classes in psychology, which gives me a unique perspective in understand why we behave the way we behave. I love the brain and try explain some of our behaviors based on what I have learned about the mind and how it works. As a marriage and family therapist, I look at behaviors as a reflection of our past and present circumstances.

Hello, my name is Nenci. I’m a dedicated professional committed to helping my clients navigate challenges and achieve their personal goals. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, grief, and various other areas. I hold a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and have over 11 years of experience in the mental health field. Over the course of my career, I’ve worked with individuals, families, and groups on a variety of issues.

I am a retired Army paratrooper. After the military, I owned a tree business as a tree climber (for a brief period). I worked in the public school system for 7-years as an educator. As a clinician, I served in a non-public level-5 school with students from all over the state of Maryland; with suicide and crisis; with human trafficked girls; with marriage/couples and families; and sexual and substance addictions. Over the years, my experiences have included people living on the streets of Baltimore to the fast paced life of the D.C./Alexandria area. It has included the misunderstood educators during the stressful school year and decompressing summers to the misunderstood law enforcement, military, veteran, and first responders faithfully serving the public without question each day and night. Two core values of mine are respect and dignity. I believe that the greatest independent person is a person that knows how to be dependent on others in the right way, with the right amount of intensity, and for the right amount of time. An independent person knows where dependence on someone else makes them stronger, safer, wiser, lovelier and more successful in life and in relationships.

Hi there, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Virginia. I have seven years of experience in the field of social work with a focus on clinical services. After many of my own challenges, I understand that determining how to get the most out of life can be difficult and knowing where to start may be daunting. I help people from all walks of life as they navigate their way to wellness through uncertainty, anxiety, depression, and relationship stressors.

I live in the Hampton Roads section of Virginia with my son and our dog. I enjoy spending time at the beach, hiking, reading, and traveling. I have been a licensed clinical social worker for over 15 years and have worked in the field of mental health both, in-patient and out-patient, for over 25 years. I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)and Rational Emotive (RET) therapies to guide patients toward a greater understanding of themselves with the goal of emotional equilibrium or “balance.” Living in such a large military community has also provided opportunities to work with active-duty personnel and their families. I have successfully treated patients with depression, anxiety, Bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, and trauma histories.

I am dually licensed in both Virginia (LPC) and North Carolina (LCMHC). I received my Masters Degree from Regent University in VA. I specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, mood and adjustment disorders, divorce, marital, family or relationship problems, assertiveness issues, career adjustment and/or indecision. I help clients discover their potential and learn skills and strategies to achieve their goals through empowering and providing a safe space for personal growth and healing.

Congratulations on taking the courageous step towards positive change. I'm Dr. Vester Appiah, and I'm here to provide you with specialized support on your journey to well-being. With over a decade of experience, my passion lies in offering compassionate counseling to individuals of all age groups. Whether you're a teenager navigating the complexities of youth, a young adult grappling with life's transitions, or an experienced individual seeking personal growth and healing, I'm here to walk with you every step of the way.

"There can be no transforming of darkness into light ... without emotion." -Jung Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the core of my training. It embraces the belief systems of the past that affect your present. It's a state-of-mind that defines thinking that affects emotional awareness. To become aware is not to change, but to understand and accept. Carrying guilt or shame of the past, triggers the conflict of now. I don't offer advice - I offer choices - a chance to choose your own method of healing that fits you - not something others feel 'should' be. Come. Sit. Talk. Let's wander your path together. Licensed in Ohio, South Carolina, Washington DC, Arizona, Virginia, and Florida

As a trauma-focused, humanistic, and attachment-based therapist, I integrate evidence-informed practices with a deep respect for each client's unique strengths and experiences. I am a trained practitioner of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), an approach rooted in connection, empowerment, and correction that is especially effective with individuals who have experienced trauma, loss, or attachment disruptions. I offer a safe, nonjudgemental space to explore your experiences, reconnect with your strengths, and rebuild a healthier sense of self. Together, we’ll work to understand and shift patterns shaped by the past, so you can cultivate more fulfilling relationships and a deeper connection to yourself.

I am a Christian-informed therapist licensed in multiple States. With a background in clinical social work and a desire to see the building up of the body of Christ, I am passionate about supporting and encouraging my brothers and sisters as they seek to navigate the difficulties of life and develop resilience that can lead to personal healing and spiritual growth. My areas of expertise include managing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, faith formation, identity and purpose, peer relationships, transitional challenges, conflict resolution, forgiveness, etc.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts and emotions or grappling with uncertainty about how to manage them? It’s entirely understandable to notice patterns in your thoughts and behaviors that no longer serve you. If you’re ready to embark on a journey of meaningful change, I’m here to walk alongside you and offer my support at every step. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), and a Registered Electroneurodiagnostic Technician, I bring a wealth of experience from diverse clinical settings, including crisis response, detox facilities, and both individual and group therapy. My approach is compassionate and integrative, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT). Together, we will work to understand how your thoughts and emotions influence your actions. With CBT, we can gently identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns that may be holding you back. MI will provide a space for you to explore and address any ambivalence about change, helping you uncover your motivation for growth. Through SFT, we will focus on your unique strengths and practical solutions that resonate with your goals. In our work together, we will explore both current challenges and past experiences to gain insight into how they shape your life today. I am deeply committed to supporting the holistic healing of your mind, body, and spirit, tailoring my approach to honor your unique journey. You don’t have to navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, or everyday stress alone. Wherever you find yourself on this path—whether you’re seeking help for the first time or returning for deeper work—you are taking a brave and vital step.

I know how overwhelming it can be to struggle with anxiety, depression, and burnout—especially when past help hasn’t felt like the right fit. My approach is eclectic and person-centered, meaning I tailor therapy to your unique needs. I integrate Narrative Therapy, Bibliotherapy, IFS, DBT, TF-CBT, and Motivational Interviewing, with Christian integration available upon request. I’ve worked in mental health since 2007 and earned my degree from Liberty University in 2022. I understand the complexities of deep emotions, neurodiversity, and personal growth, and I create a space where you feel truly seen and heard. If you’re looking for a therapist who values your individuality and meets you where you are, I’d be honored to support you.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and although I have been in caregiving roles for over 20 years, I have been working in a professional capacity as a counselor for the past 5 years and in the equine-assisted therapy field for the past 10 years. My education background is in marriage and family therapy, and I am currently working on a PhD in Developmental Psychology. I have extensive experience in the areas of depression, anxiety, grief, foster and adoption, trauma, care-giver hardships, domestic violence, Christian counseling, and working with the at-risk youth population through equine-assisted counseling. I have experience in individual, marriage, family and group counseling.

Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C). I graduated from University of Maryland, School of Social Work, with a master’s degree majoring in Children and Families. I have over fifteen years of social work experience and over eight years of clinical work. My greatest joy is to assist children, adults and couples struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues and life transitions, among others, to become better versions of themselves.

My goal is to assist clients in navigating life's challenges and empower them to achieve their fullest potential. I am committed to providing personalized counseling services that promote growth, healing, and fulfillment. I endeavor to provide holistic mental health services that address the body, soul, and spirit. I believe that true healing and peace come from addressing all aspects of a person's being, and we're committed to helping clients achieve greater wholeness and wellness through personalized counseling and support.

LaTonya Jones is a board certified Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. She has a BS in Criminal Justice from Old Dominion University and a MS in Counseling Studies from Capella University. She has over 25 years of experience in Mental Health. LaTonya’s area of interest is empowering Women and teenage Girls. She has worked with adults, teens, couples and families. LaTonya provides a range of therapeutic and psychotherapy services to include depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress, adjustment disorders, grief and loss, addiction, life transitions and anger management. LaTonya strives to empower her clients to ultimately arrive at a place of emotional and mental stability. LaTonya encourages her clients through use of autonomy to recognize their resilience and their ability to overcome all types of challenges. Through rapport building, LaTonya creates a safe and trusting environment that allows the client to “Trust the Process” and “Show themselves Grace”.

Hello! I am Miscaline Presume and Ever since I was young l I knew I wanted to get into a career path that would make a difference in people’s lives. As a wife and mom of 2 we all can agree that life is difficult and all we at times need a reminder of what is most important. I seek to empower and support all who are ready to take the journey of self-discovery. We will work together to gain the skills and tools to find yourself again and take charge of your own happiness and well-being. I am here to help you through it all as you rediscover one of the most important people in your life, YOU! I Have always been that person who loved to see happy endings. I understand life brings pain, sadness, joy, and everything in between, but I am determined to help you say goodbye to the habits and things not working for you and say hello to joy, peace, and love. I am a strong believer in freeing oneself from the pain and sorrow of life. I guess you can say Happiness is my kryptonite. I look forward to introducing you to your new beginning.

Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 8 years of diverse experience and I continue to evolve in new treatment models. I have worked with individuals, families, and couples alike. I have specialized training in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and women's issues. In my approach to individual therapy, I utilize treatment methods such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused and Strength Perspectives.

Hello, congrats on taking the first step in your journey to renew your life and/or relationship with wellness! No matter the challenges, there is an array of hope to rejuvenate plus reignite your strength and dream to live the life you desire. Together we can make it happen, by engaging in strength-based collaborative therapy. I am a Licensed and Board Certified Tele-mental Health provider, credentialed to offer traditional mental health and/or behavioral health therapy using computer video and/or telephone counseling. I look forward to working with you in achieving your wellness goals. Committed to working with couples, families, and individuals. I specialize in relationships, conflict resolution, mental health challenges, plus improving school and work performance. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in FL, GA, VA, and TX. I am a certified Addiction Professional. AAMFT Approved Supervisor to Interns/Associates seeking licensure. My goal is to provide a supportive and collaborative therapeutic environment, where we can discover solutions that will foster renewed hopes, dreams, values, and quality of life for you, your children, spouse/partner, and/or families/friends. I look forward to assisting you on your journey to wellness.

My name is Erricker Lee, and I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have over 14 years of experience as a psychotherapist. I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence. My approach is full of warmth, support and compassion. My goal is to assist clients in unraveling the past, staying in the present and looking forward to the future with a positive approach. I am transparent, honest and supportive and I love what I do!

Are you seeking to make life changes and fulfill a positive beginning? My mission is to empower and guide individuals through life transitions or changes, overcoming barriers and finding solutions, or simply providing empathy and understanding. My dedication to counseling is creating a safe and a supportive therapeutic environment for individuals to express their thoughts and feelings in addition to establishing a collaborative therapeutic relationship. My commitment to understanding and addressing the diverse needs of my clients reflects the compassion that I have for mental health and the well-being of others. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. I have years of experience working in community mental health settings and in private practice while providing clinical mental health and vocational counseling services. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety and substance abuse. My theoretical approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational interviewing and other evidence-based modalities.

Hi! I'm Jen Tucker, a licensed mental health counselor who is passionate about serving others. I'm a military veteran and a military spouse. I'm also a wife, mom, and grandmother. I've been through a lot in my life. Most of you have too. After all, you find yourself here looking for something. It is my firm belief that each and every one of us has tremendous potential. We all have unique talents and skills, honed and sharpened through our life experiences. These experiences, while crucial to shaping us, can also leave us hurt, confused, numb, or insecure. It is paramount that we stop along our journey to take stock, address our needs, heal, and refocus. Sometimes, we realize we may benefit from having extra support or guidance through these moments. That is where therapy can help. Throughout my counseling career, I have had the privilege of being able to walk beside clients as they process the past, learn to be comfortable in the present, and get excited for the future. I am certified in trauma and treat clients with a wide range of concerns. Whether you feel ready to dive into therapy, or you are just contemplating the idea, I'd love to hear from you. I am currently accepting video clients for individual therapy. If you aren't ready to make contact, I have some resources available for self-reflection. Check out my blog at NotWavingButDrowning.org or my TikTok @MHMinute, where you'll find videos on a variety of mental health topics.

Hey, I’m Brittany! Do you struggle with anxiety, relationships, or life changes? Are you wanting to feel happier and more content in life? I work with individuals to help them manage anxiety, improve relationships, and have support through life changes. Throughout our sessions we will learn and implement various coping skills to help you manage symptoms of anxiety and improve relationships. We will identify strengths you already have as an individual and build on those! Life can be very difficult, you don’t have to do it alone, supportive therapy can be just the thing we need to help us through the challenges of change. Together we will work on achieving your therapy goals as there is no one size fits all approach to therapy. Each client is unique and has different needs and goals. I’ll meet you where you are with compassion and gentleness while utilizing evidence-based techniques to help you reach your goals!

"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think, ” Christopher Robin. Hi there, I am Stephanie. Counseling can be a positive and life-changing experience. I strive to bring an effective blend of experience, expertise, and clarity to the counseling process in order to maximize outcomes and provide genuine healing and wholeness to individuals and families. It will be my honor to walk with you through your journey of healing.

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience working as a clinician, therapist , and crisis interventionist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, substance use problems, psychosis, and ADHD. I also helped people who have experienced trauma or emotional abuse. I would like to clarify my expertise does not include eating disorders, or pornography addiction as of yet, although I do understand some of the symptoms and causes. My therapy style is genuine and solution focused.. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach is dialectal behavioral based with strengths perspective and motivational interviewing. Any treatment plan to meet your needs will be collaborative, timely, and with measurable goals. I have worked extensively in crisis intervention in the agency and on the streets, in hospitals, and in mental health courts and case management agencies, and have managed in this capacity. I also have many years experience related to substance use disorders and have worked as a therapist utilizing primarily Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as my main approach and utilizing Cognitive Behavior Therapy . Regardless of any experience, upbringing, current, or past situation, everyone has choices they can make that best serves them and the life they want to live. I look forward to working with you!

As a licensed clinical social worker, I am committed to collecting evidenced based "tools for my toolbox" to aid those grappling with finding the new normal after their world has shifted. I most love helping people find language to describe their losses, often when there has been difficulty finding the words, inspiring people to find hope again, and facilitate the development of a plan to move forward in a way that both honors their experiences and embraces the future. I take an action-oriented, collaborative approach to therapy. I utilize a combination of psycho education, storytelling, and evidenced-based interventions to offer meaningful insight to support clients’ healing. I strongly believe that rock bottom is the foundation upon which we can rebuild our lives. We do regular check-ins to review progress along the way. Our goal is not to change the past, but instead to find some relief from symptoms that impact daily functioning. I will solicit feedback regularly during sessions for takeaways to gauge progress and curate treatment interventions based on what is most engaging and productive for the individual client.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist in Texas, Virginia, and Maryland with a specialized license as a Sex Offender Treatment Provider. I maintain my National Certified Counselor certification and possess a Clinical Dependency Counselor-Intern License in Texas. I have achieved an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, an MS in Psychology, and an MS in Organizational Psychology. I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology from Walden University. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and groups. I employ cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, client-centered therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and various modalities as part of my humanistic approach. I additionally focus on methods of Gestalt, Gottman, Existentialism, mindfulness, and family systems while carefully considering cultural concerns, sexuality, and practices. I have experience working with court-mandated clients with various criminal offenses, anxiety, depression, trauma-related diagnoses, and other life experiences.

You Deserve to Feel Better. I'm Here to Help. Experienced, compassionate therapy for life’s most difficult moments. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, relationship and family struggles, trauma, or simply feeling stuck, I am here to support you with care and expertise. I create a space where you can feel safe, heard, and empowered to grow. Offering virtual therapy, I meet you where you are emotionally. Services: Individual Therapy, Couples Counseling, Teen & Family Therapy, Trauma-Informed and Culturally Sensitive Care This is your invitation to breathe. To begin again. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. You’ve been strong for so long. But strength doesn’t mean going it alone. If you're feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, or disconnected, therapy can offer a space to slow down and feel supported, without pressure or judgment.

I have been in the mental health field for over 20 years. I specialize in addictions, trauma, and crisis intervention. I have worked with various populations in various settings. I too know what it is like to suffer from mental illness as well as be a client. I utilize CBT, reality therapy, and solution-focused. Together, I know we can work out a treatment plan that will benefit you and bring about a new and better you. I look forward to hearing from you and learning your story and journey.

Healing and growth are possible—even when they feel out of reach. Whether you’re longing for deeper connections, seeking relief from life’s burdens, or hoping to rediscover your sense of self, I’m here to help. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I offer a compassionate space where you’ll be truly heard, understood, and gently challenged. Together, we’ll move beyond surface-level solutions, working toward meaningful, lasting change. My goal is for you to leave each session feeling empowered with practical tools and a renewed sense of hope—because you deserve to thrive, not just get by.

I strive to display empathy, trust, support towards each of my clients while maintaining a nonjudgmental collaborative environment where growth can occur. Whether you are facing hardship, feeling stuck in life, or just wanting to make positive changes in your life, I would be honored to support you in your journey toward wellness based on a Christian perspective. On a personal note, when I am not counseling you can find me lounging by the pool or beach, hiking through a park or attending a play or event.

I am an LCSW who has been a practicing social worker for 14 years in the medical and community settings. My social work background includes foster care, child welfare, adoption, juvenile justice system, medical social work, case management, and individual, family, and couples therapy. I work with diverse populations and backgrounds. I also have experience working with children with varying behaviors and mental health diagnoses. Throughout my career, I have actively pursued an expansion of knowledge and community resources and an increased understanding of clinical and medical social work. I have an outstanding ability to motivate others, advocate for clients and families, provide emotional support and counseling, and handle crises.