All you need to know about affordable therapy, how to access it, and the benefits. Image Credit: RVA Counseling What Do You Mean Free Therapy? For many people, the decision to start therapy has very little to do with whether they want support. Instead, it comes down to one question: "Can I actually afford it?" Between rent or mortgage payments, groceries, childcare, transportation, and other everyday expenses, paying for therapy can feel unrealistic. Even for those with healt

For many therapists, deciding whether to join a group practice or establish a solo practice can feel like a defining professional choice. Both paths offer benefits as well as challenges, and it is common to weigh questions about autonomy, financial structure, administrative demands, supervision and clinical support, and long-term goals before committing to a direction.

Constant exposure to stressful news can take a toll on both mental and physical health. This blog explores practical distress tolerance skills to help manage stress, regulate the nervous system, and build resilience during difficult times.

Are you a social worker finishing up your residency? Are you nervous about the test? Are you overwhelmed with study tips? If you’ve ever wondered what the licensing process really feels like from start to finish, you’re in good company. We chatted with these newly licensed professionals to hear about their preparation journeys, what the exam process was like for them, and to gather their top advice for Supervisees who are gearing up to take their own exams. Their insights

Why Finding a Therapist Can Feel Like Dating (And How to Get It Right) If you’ve ever started searching for a therapist and thought, “Why does this feel like I’m swiping on a dating app?” , you’re not alone. Finding the right therapist can be surprisingly similar to dating: you’re looking for chemistry, compatibility, trust, and someone you can genuinely be yourself with. And just like dating… sometimes the first match isn’t the right one. But that doesn’t mean the right fit

Source: The Osborn In 2025, an estimated 63 million Americans identified themselves as a caregiver (AARP). November is recognized as National Family Caregivers Month, and is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the profound impact caregivers have on families. As a caregiver, significant time and energy is devoted to ensuring the well-being of your loved one. The decision to become a caregiver for a family member often allows your loved ones to remain in comfortable an

A therapist's guide to behavior, brain development, and tips for building connection.

Currently RVA Counseling is working towards integrating elements of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) into our services. In this...

A big thank you to my clients for teaching me about parts and trusting me in the process! What Are Parts? As humans, we are anything but...

Kaprice reflects on her personal experience with depression and ways to cope.

This blog is for my courageous clients who have allowed me to join their journey. I am honored to bear your stories. Thank you for...

The World Health Organization estimates approximately 70% of people worldwide will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime.

Managing anxiety is an ongoing process and it's essential to develop coping strategies that work for you.

If you’ve ever used the phrase, “A part of me feels like….” or “A part of me wants to….,” then you have had firsthand experience with...

In recent years, “mindfulness” has become a buzzword in both the mental health community and the wider culture. A consensus seems to have...

Dance/movement therapy recognizes that emotions are multidimensional and are present in our thoughts, actions, and physical experiences.

Distinguishing Between Mental Health Professionals Written by Enoch Hananiah Bullock, Counseling Intern, and Grecia Cardenas, Social Work...

If the thought of starting therapy scares you, you’re not alone. According to Mental Health America, over half of US adults experiencing...

Have you ever wanted to know what kind of podcasts your therapist listens to? Maybe you enjoy educational or introspective stories, or...

Written by Grecia Cardenas. In honor of social work month we want to give a shoutout to our wonderful social workers! Social workers are...