Charles Liggio, LCSW - Not Accepting New Patients
Mr. Liggio is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been a clinician over 30 years. In 2003 he established First Colonial Psychotherapy Services. Over the years he has brought on to his staff many talented and empathetic clinicians and administrative persons who have a genuine interest in helping individuals and families. Although semi-retired he continues to have a genuine interest in the mental health needs of the community.
Bruce Shelton, LCSW, CSAC
Has worked in the field of substance abuse counseling for over fifty years; he has now been in private practice since 2003. He provides clinical services to both adults and adolescents in the area of substance abuse treatment, couples counseling, and treatment for anxiety, depression, and/or anger disorders. He practices cognitive behavioral and mindfulness therapy techniques. Successful completion of Bruce's substance abuse recovery program meets all legal requirements of local Courts as well as the Chesapeake Bay ASAP program. Bruce is a retired Virginia Probation & Parole officer with over 33 years of experience in the corrections field.
Susan Dempsey, LCSW
Sue is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 32 years of experience. She earned her master’s degree from Fordham University in 1989, a certification in school counseling from Old Dominion University in 1996, and has worked in various settings, including a psychiatric hospital, alcohol and drug rehab, mental health emergency services, the public school system and the past 18 years in private practice. Sue strives to build a strong rapport by providing a setting based on acceptance, respect and trust. She helps clients overcome various issues including anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, parenting difficulties, grief, stress, women’s issues, LGBTQ+ issues, health issues and major life issues. In collaboration, through the promotion of self-reflection, insight building and self-awareness, Sue utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, and strength-based therapy to facilitate a more fulfilling and meaningful life. She is honored to work with you in pursuit of your goals. She serves adults 18 years and older, offering in office and tele-health appointments.
Sharon Wickham, LCSW, CAS
Sharon Wickham has over 25 years experience in working with individuals and couples in improving their mental health and relationships. She has had significant success in helping adults work through issues of anxiety, depression, family issues, stress management, parenting skills, addictions and related issues and insight building personal growth development. She has been very effective in facilitating couples of all types who have sought to improve intimacy, develop more productive communication and resolve conflict. She began her career working in chemical dependency rehabilitation and remains certified as an addictions specialist. She enjoys primarily working with the co-dependent aspects of addictions including family related issues and relapse prevention. She offers both in office appointments as well as telehealth sessions.
Kathy Baker, LPC, RPT, Certified TF-CBT
Everyone has a journey that is his/her/they/their own. Sometimes people can stumble on the journey and can use a helping hand. Kathy has been a practicing Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor for 18 years. She is also a Registered Play Therapist. She uses a person-centered approach to assist in developing improved communication skills, increased self-esteem, conflict resolution and personal growth. Kathy works with adults ages 18 and up. Her primary areas of focus are anxiety, depression and couple’s therapy.
Karen Schanck, LCSW- Not Accepting New Patients
Life can be hard…It takes courage to take the first step in getting help. Karen is honored to help her clients move towards improved emotional health and freedom and believes that the therapeutic relationship is founded on trust and respect. Her primary treatment modality is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), an evidence-based treatment that incorporates several therapeutic underpinnings. She approaches counseling from a grace-based, Christian perspective. Karen specializes in helping adults, adolescents, and children with the following issues: trauma; PTSD; anxiety/stress; depression; grief; emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse; military combat stress; first responder stress; and medical trauma. She received her B.A. in Psychology from UVA, her Masters in Social Work from VCU, and became a licensed therapist in 1995. Her experience includes working in residential, non-profit, military, and private practice settings. Karen is certified in EMDR, has her CCTP (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional) designation, and is a member of EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) and IATP (International Association of Trauma Professionals).
Bob Nixon, LPC, CSAC
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. I have over 40 years' personal experience in 12 Step Recovery and working professionally in the field of addiction and substance abuse. I believe much of what ails us these days is based on a lack of connection and sense of belonging. My style is based on building connection and trust with my clients. I believe a close, personal, honest relationship is what really makes therapy work.
Rebecca Provost, LPC
Rebecca is a Licensed Professional Counselor experienced in individual therapy helping clients ages 18 and up effectively manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and grief. She also works with clients who are experiencing family and relationship issues. She earned her BA degree in Secondary Education from Clemson University in 1991 and a Master's Degree in Counseling from the University of Hawaii in 1993. Being a military spouse, she has practiced in Hawaii, Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia in various mental health settings, including an in-patient psychiatric hospital, on college campuses, and in private practice. She has lived in the area over 10 years and now calls Virginia Beach home.
Thomas Baker - M.DIV., LCSW
My therapy is based on my conviction that the keys to mental health and wholeness are already within the individual. Basic to my approach is the belief that the human person is grounded in a spiritual reality, which is expressed in physical, psychological, and social forms. I treat depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship and communication difficulties, and life changes. My interventions include EMDR for trauma, Hypnosis, the Enneagram (fear type recognition), and Gestalt techniques. I do psychotherapy with both individuals and couples between the ages of 18 and up. I also offer services for spiritual direction. My spiritual direction is based on my twenty-three years as a spiritual director, my life long study of the work of Edgar Cayce, my ten years as a Catholic priest, and my being a long time student and facilitator of A Course In Miracles. Spiritual direction is entirely different and separate from the work I do as a clinical social worker. The goal of spiritual direction is the deeper realization in the directee of his or her spiritual identity and purpose. Spiritual direction is not covered by any insurance plans and is $75.00 an hour.