News & Events

RVA Counseling had a chance to partner with one of Richmond's biggest gyms in the area, Golds Gym @ Willow Lawn. We wanted to bring mental health information to the forefront as we see this is just a part of overall wellness for us all. We want to stress the mental and physical health in tandem is a great way to balance and have stability. Greatly appreciate the opportunity to chat with Gym goers and staff throughout the evening. Thanks Golds Gym & get your workout in!!

At RVA Counseling, we believe our team is the heart of everything we do—and this year’s Staff Appreciation and RVA Counseling Birthday Celebration was the perfect reminder of just how special our workplace family truly is. We came together for a fun-filled day full of gratitude, laughter, and connection. The celebration featured delicious food, engaging games, exciting prizes, and plenty of time to simply enjoy one another’s company. It was an opportunity to pause, reflect, and honor the hard work and compassion our staff bring to the community every single day. From friendly competition to shared moments of joy, the event highlighted the supportive spirit that defines RVA Counseling. We’re grateful for every member of our team and look forward to growing, celebrating, and making a difference together in the years ahead.

​

(Missing from photo: Kaitlin, Kat, Eli, Brian, David, Chrystal)

RVA Counseling had the incredible opportunity to participate in **Mission Gait’s “Discover Your Possible” event — a day dedicated to individuals living with limb loss and limb difference.

As the only mental health provider present, our team was honored to offer emotional support, connection, and encouragement to attendees, families, and caregivers. The event was filled with inspiration — from stories of perseverance and resilience to powerful moments of community and growth.

During the event, Kaitlin Ingebretsen, LPC, gave an impactful talk on the importance of mental health throughout the process and adaptation of limb loss. Her message emphasized that healing extends far beyond physical recovery — it involves emotional resilience, self-compassion, and support through every stage of change.

At RVA Counseling, we believe that true healing happens when both body and mind are supported. Events like “Discover Your Possible” remind us of the strength found in vulnerability, the courage it takes to adapt, and the hope that thrives when compassionate care is available to everyone.

We are deeply grateful to Mission Gait for including us in such a meaningful event and look forward to continuing to support this remarkable community through inclusive, trauma-informed, and accessible mental health care.

Together, we’re redefining what’s possible.

​

RVA Counseling's Kendra Charles sheds light on the often-overlooked issue of seasonal in her insightful interview with NBC 12 News. Watch the full interview by clicking the photo to discover expert tips for managing this challenging time of year—did know that around 5% of the population experiences seasonal affective disorder? Embrace the brighter days ahead! Great work Kendra!

What an awesome day at the HeartFest!! This was our second year attending and the day was filled with great energy, packed interactive activities like yoga and Tai Chi and wonderful people. RVA Counseling had a blast meeting and chatting with everyone!! Thanks @heartfest_rva for another great event!!!

What a great day spent at VCU Community Day!! RVA Counseling was thrilled to find out 'How you fill your cup?' and connect with so many people from the community and other vendors. The day was filled with great energy, and wonderful people. RVA Counseling had a blast meeting and chatting with everyone!! Thanks VCU Children's Hospital for another great event!!!

Joel Vazquez of 12 On Your Side stopped by RVA Counseling to chat with our clinician, Fatima Batool. Fatima and Joel talked about bullying, signs to look for in children's behavior, and ways to approach conversations with kids about bullying. Click on the photo below to watch the clip!

In Richmond Family Magazine's most recent issue, our Director of Psychiatric Services, Chrystal Doyle, discusses ways to start 2025 in a healthy way through food. This article breaks down healthy habits while also clarifying some food myths. Click on the photo below to read more!

In Richmond Family Magazine's most recent issue, our owner, Michelle Buhrandt, offers some insight to isolation and ways to find connection. This article features perspectives from multiple mental health professionals and has a lot of insight to offer for anyone experiencing loneliness/isolation. Click on the photo below to read more!

Joel Vazquez-Juarbe from 12 On Your Side stopped by RVA Counseling and chatted with Kaprice Jackson. Kaprice discussed post-election anxiety and ways to cope with all of the stress that comes along with heavy conversations and differing views. Great job, Kaprice! Thank you for stopping by, Joel! Click the photo below to see the interview!

RVA Counseling's Hayley Jenkins had the chance to sit down with Joel from 12 On Your Side and talk about Seasonal Depression. Affecting a percentage of people, Seasonal Affective Disorder is a reality for many. Watch the full interview to hear Hayley break down different ways to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder. Great job, Hayley! Click the photo below for the full interview.

RVA Counseling was lucky enough to participate in Natural Awakenings Richmond's HealthFest 2024 on Oct 12! This event was an expansive collection of holistic wellness services and products. We were happy to share our resources with the community amongst other great vendors. Thank you for having us, Natural Awakenings!

Our clinician, Hayley Jenkins, spoke to local families at Longan Elementary School in Henrico. Hayley touched on topics like school-based anxiety, what that can look like, and how to approach children and open a discussion about it. We're grateful for our partnerships with local schools that allow us to inform families in our immediate proximity of mental health resources. Thanks for having us, Longan! 

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Joel Vazquez stopped by RVA Counseling and talked with Fatima Batool about suicide prevention and warning signs. Thanks for coming out, 12 On Your Side! Check out the interview by clicking on the photo below.

On September 10th, RVA Counseling participated in Quioccasin Middle School's Back-To-School night. We really enjoyed engaging with local students and families and providing resource information. We're excited to be more involved in the school communities as the school year starts!

Our practice owner, Michelle Buhrandt, sat down with 12 On Your Side's Joel Vazquez and discussed back-to-school anxiety. Michelle was able to breakdown what back-to-school anxiety might look like at different ages as well as different ways to manage it. Thanks for stopping by, 12 On Your Side! Click the image below to watch the interview!

On August 10th, RVA Counseling had the privilege of participating in Heartfest, hosted by Heartfulness Meditation. It was a great experience having yoga and meditation happening in the same space. We value the chance to engage with the community, provide information about counseling, and address inquiries.

RVA Counseling is committed to informing the community of our resources. On June 22nd, we had the privilege of participating in the sixth annual Live + Let Live 2024, graciously hosted by Feel Good RVA. It was a great experience being surrounded by other local mental health resources and vendors. We value the chance to engage with the community, provide information about counseling, and address inquiries.

RVA Counseling is committed to enhancing the accessibility of mental healthcare. On April 29th, we had the privilege of participating in the Chesterfield County Public Schools’ Spring into Wellness Resource Fair. It was a fantastic experience being among other organizations dedicated to wellness, and we greatly valued the chance to engage with the community, provide information about counseling, and address inquiries.

RVA Counseling had an article published with Richmond Family Magazine! Check out what two of our clinicians have to say about children's mental health and the benefits of counseling.

RVA Counseling is committed to increasing accessibility of mental healthcare. On October 8th, 2023 we were able to participate in the Richmond Family Magazine Education Expo to provide information and answer questions regarding counseling. 

RVA Counseling was featured in an RIC Today article titled "7 Ways Therapy Can Positively Impact Your Life", outlining the many  physical, mental, emotional, and relational benefits. 

RVA Counseling is dedicated to providing accessible mental health care for all. Recently, we participated in a mental health summit on February 25, 2023 at New Deliverance Evangelistic Church in North Chesterfield, VA. This event provided local referrals and resources for individuals in need of mental health support.