Research indicates yes: Therapy can be a meaningful investment in your mental health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. While it can help ease symptoms of anxiety, trauma, or burnout, therapy also offers much more. Our work together can support you in gaining clarity, building resilience, strengthening relationships, and — above all — reconnecting with your core values.

In my experience, both personally and professionally, therapy offers a space for lasting growth, not just quick fixes. If you’re ready to invest in a more grounded, authentic life, I believe that therapy is absolutely worth it.

If you’re new to therapy, I recommend this article from Psychology Today that offers helpful research to guide you in selecting a therapist who’s a good fit for your needs.

Therapy is a relational process, and a strong connection is the key to meaningful work. While our therapeutic relationship will grow and changes over time, I offer a free 15min consultation to help us assess our initial fit.

In a consult call, we’ll talk about what you’re looking for, I’ll share more about my approach, and you can ask any questions as you explore whether I’m the right match. If I’m not the best fit, I’m happy to refer you to other trusted therapists in Richmond or across Virginia.

Of course, you’re also welcome to go ahead and schedule your first session (or “intake”) if you’d like to go ahead and get started.

For extra guidance, I recommend this Psychology Today article, which outlines four helpful questions to ask when choosing a therapist.

Our first session (often called an intake) is a chance for us to get to know each other. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, explore your goals, and begin collaboratively outlining what support might look like.

I’ll also ask some questions about your mental health, family, and personal history to help me better understand your story and how to tailor our work together. Finally, we’ll review practice policies and make sure you feel comfortable moving forward. I’m happy to answer any questions you might have — during our intake session, or at any point through the therapy process.

Intake sessions are 60 minutes for individual or couples counseling, and 90 minutes for EMDR intensives. If you’re ready to begin, you’re welcome to go ahead and book your intake session.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy originally developed to treat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It’s now widely used to help with anxiety, grief, phobias, negative self-beliefs, and other challenges rooted in past experiences.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, tapping, or tones) to help your brain reprocess distressing memories in a more adaptive way. If you’ve ever paced while talking through something difficult on the phone, or found that a problem feels clearer after a good night’s worth of REM sleep, you’ve experienced the power of bilateral processing.

The brain is a fascinating puzzle! While researchers don’t yet fully understand why EMDR works, decades of clinical research show that it does — and it’s recognized as a frontline treatment for PTSD by organizations like the American Psychological Association and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

EMDR can be offered in weekly sessions or in a focused intensive format. Intensives are ideal if you’re feeling stuck, want to make meaningful progress quickly, or have a specific issue you’re ready to address. You can learn more about my EMDR intensive offerings here.

I don’t accept insurance directly, but I can provide a superbill you may submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement. I encourage you to check with your insurance provider to learn more about your out-of-network mental health benefits. I also accept HSA and FSA cards.

I reserve a small number of reduced-fee spots for those with financial need, which may have a waitlist. Please reach out via email (ashley@gibsontherapy.com) for more information.

If you’re not using insurance, you have the right to a Good Faith Estimate that outlines the expected cost of services. You’ll receive one before your first session. Learn more at cms.gov/nosurprises.