Breanna Matthews

Hi. I’m Breanna.

I believe counseling should be a place where you can be honest about what’s going on in your life without worrying about being judged or having all the right words.

For more than 20 years, I have worked in counseling, mental health, crisis intervention, and community-based settings. During that time, I’ve had the opportunity to work with people from many different backgrounds who were facing difficult circumstances, major life changes, mental health concerns, and times when they simply weren’t sure what to do next.

My goal is to meet you where you are and help you make sense of what you’re experiencing. Together, we can identify what may be keeping you stuck, build on the strengths you already have, and develop practical ways to cope and move forward.

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, feeling overwhelmed by stress, adjusting to a major change, or wanting to better understand yourself, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

My background & approach

I see counseling as a collaborative process. You know your life and experiences better than anyone, and I bring clinical experience, support, and an outside perspective to help you work toward the changes that matter to you.

My approach is individualized and may include Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Crisis Intervention, and trauma-informed approaches. Rather than using the same approach with everyone, I work to understand what you need and what will be most helpful for you.

I am a Resident in Counseling in Virginia and am currently working toward licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) under the supervision of a Virginia Board-approved Licensed Professional Counselor.

I earned my undergraduate degree in English/Communication Sciences and Disorders from Norfolk State University in 2004 and my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South University in 2015.

Throughout my career, I have worked with adolescents and adults in community mental health, emergency and crisis services, and other community-based settings. I also have experience working with at-risk and justice-involved individuals and people living with significant mental health concerns.

One area that is especially important to me is working with individuals living with serious mental illness or co-occurring disorders, as well as those returning to the community after incarceration. Rebuilding stability and moving forward can take time. Counseling can provide a place to work through the challenges that come with that process while developing practical skills, confidence, and greater independence.