Meet Ragan (she/her)
Hi, I’m Ragan!
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and owner of VB Counseling Collective. I am a Virginia Beach native and have been working in the mental health field at various clinical sites in Hampton Roads (Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center, Catholic Charities of ESVA, and Old Dominion University to name a few!) since 2015. I founded my private practice in February 2021 to help young adult clients who were looking to find therapy that was easy to access and fitting for their needs. I help clients throughout the state of Virginia who are coping with a range of concerns including: anxiety, depression, problematic substance/alcohol use, past & current traumatic experiences, relationship issues, self esteem/body image issues, & social anxiety.
While the exact reasons clients seek treatment are individualized & unique, there are some distinct commonalities. Many clients come to me feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and emotionally exhausted by their lived experiences. I work with clients to help them find balance, purpose, and peace in their lives by setting intentional goals inside and outside of the therapy room. My excitement for the counseling field continues to grow as I encounter new clients who are on the path of self improvement, growth, and healing. If you would like to get in touch, click here to schedule your free 15 minute consultation.
My Approach to Therapy:
I view counseling as a collaborative process and feel that client’s come to therapy already equipped with the necessary tools to solve their problems. After all, you are the expert of yourself! We all get stuck and sometimes we need assistance getting back on track. I believe that individual therapy can be one of the best tools for getting unstuck in life. I am here to be your ally, advocate, accountability partner, and guide while we navigate through your goals.
My approach to therapy is one that is client centered, trauma informed, and identity affirming. My theoretical orientation borrows from cognitive behavioral therapy, emotionally focused individual therapy, attachment theory, and person-centered theory. While these theories generally guide my interventions used in therapy together, I recognize that every client’s presenting problems are unique and will work to tailor our treatment to your specific needs.
This means that in therapy we will likely:
Explore the interaction between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and work to understand how they are fitting into your presenting concerns.
Explore relevant relationships (past and present), uncover patterns, and work to modify relational patterns that no longer serve you.
Identify your strengths and skills that you already possess and use these as building blocks for future success and problem-solving.
Work to understand how various identities you hold (visible and invisible) impact your current concerns.
Focus on clarifying, understanding, and expressing your feelings (as you feel safe and comfortable to do so).
Collaborate on your counseling related goals and work through them in a confidential, safe, and nonjudgmental atmosphere.
Credentials/Education:
Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor, License #0701009709
Virginia Board Certified Clinical Supervisor
Old Dominion University: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2016-2018
James Madison University: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, 2011-2015