Anxiety and depression Trauma and grief Relationships​ Parenting  Behavioral challenges Personal growth and life transitions

Yes. Olive Tree Counseling offers trauma-informed counseling, with a strong focus on how early experiences and attachment patterns impact emotional well-being and current functioning. Many clients come to counseling to address recurring emotional responses, difficulty trusting, heightened reactivity, or feelings of disconnection. Counseling provides a compassionate space to explore these patterns and develop healthier internal and relational responses.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy used to help individuals process distressing or traumatic experiences. EMDR supports the brain in reprocessing memories that remain “stuck,” allowing them to be stored in a more adaptive and less emotionally charged way. EMDR therapy can be helpful for trauma, anxiety, and other concerns rooted in past experiences. Sessions are paced carefully, with attention to safety and emotional readiness. Watch this video from EMDRIA to learn more about how EMDR helps to resolve the impacts of trauma:

The first counseling session is an opportunity to share what prompted you to seek counseling, ask questions, and begin clarifying goals. The focus is on understanding your concerns, personal history, and what you hope to gain from counseling. There is no pressure to share more than you are comfortable with during the first session. Establishing safety, trust, and collaboration is the priority.

Sessions are provided virtually, as a convenient and private way to engage in counseling. I utilize a secure, confidential video conferencing platform, so you can meet with me from the comfort of your home, office, or any private space—without the need to travel or sit in a waiting room.

Online counseling is available to residents of Virginia and North Carolina, and may also be available to those in other states or countries, depending on local counseling regulations.

I am in-network for most commercial Anthem, United Healthcare, Aetna, Sentara and Cigna plans through a partnership with Headway. I also offer a self-pay option and can provide a specialized receipt that clients can submit to their insurance companies for out-of-network reimbursement, if available.

Horses are highly attuned to emotional states and nonverbal communication. Their responsiveness can help clients increase self-awareness, practice boundaries, develop confidence, and strengthen emotional regulation. This approach can be particularly helpful for trauma, anxiety, attachment-related concerns, and individuals who benefit from experiential or body-based therapeutic work. Watch this informative video from EAGALA about the power of equine-assisted psychotherapy:

Equine-assisted psychotherapy is not a replacement for counseling but a complementary therapeutic approach. It is grounded in clinical goals and integrated with therapeutic insight. Some clients choose equine-assisted psychotherapy as their primary modality, while others integrate it alongside traditional counseling, depending on their needs.

Equine-assisted psychotherapy is a therapeutic ground-based approach that involves working alongside horses to support emotional awareness, regulation, and insight. Sessions focus on interaction and observation rather than horseback riding. The presence of horses can help bring awareness to patterns, emotions, and responses that may be difficult to access through talk therapy alone.

The first session includes an introduction to the setting, a discussion of goals, and an overview of how sessions are structured. Time is spent orienting to the environment and establishing emotional and physical safety. There is no pressure to interact with the horses in any specific way. Sessions proceed at a pace that feels supportive and respectful.

Yes, insurance will pay for equine-assisted psychotherapy when provided by a licensed mental health professional. I am in-network for most commercial Anthem, United Healthcare, Aetna, Sentara and Cigna plans through a partnership with Headway. However, there is an additional equine-assisted therapy fee which goes towards the additional costs for the equine specialist, horses and facility use and is not billable to insurance. I also offer a self-pay option and can provide a specialized receipt that clients can submit to their insurance companies for out-of-network reimbursement, if available.

Olive Tree Counseling and Mediation offers equine-assisted psychotherapy services for clients of all ages at EQUI-KIDS therapeutic riding center in Virginia Beach, serving clients throughout the Hampton Roads area, including Norfolk, Chesapeake and Portsmouth. Sessions take place in a structured therapeutic environment and include a licensed professional counselor, equine specialist and horse(s).

Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process in which a neutral mediator helps parties communicate effectively and work toward mutually acceptable solutions. The mediator does not take sides, offer legal advice, or make decisions for participants. Instead, mediation provides a structured environment that supports clarity, collaboration, and constructive problem-solving. Steps in the Mediation Process: Initial Contact Joint Session(s) Drafting of the Agreement

During the mediation meeting, the mediation process will be explained, ground rules established and issues to be addressed will be identified. Each participant has the opportunity to share their perspective in a structured and respectful environment. The mediator supports balanced communication and helps parties work toward constructive, workable solutions.

Mediation focuses on resolving a specific conflict and developing practical agreements, whereas counseling focuses on emotional well-being, insight, and personal growth. Mediation does not involve therapy or exploration of personal history. While both counseling and mediation emphasize respectful communication, they serve different purposes.

Yes. Mediation is confidential under Virginia mediation guidelines, with limited legal exceptions. Confidentiality encourages open communication and allows participants to explore solutions without fear that discussions will be used outside the mediation process. Confidentiality expectations are reviewed with all participants before mediation begins.

Mediation itself is not legally binding. If parties reach an agreement, it can be documented in writing. Whether that agreement becomes legally binding depends on the type of dispute and whether participants choose to formalize it through legal channels. Participants are encouraged to seek independent legal advice when appropriate.

Mediation services are available virtually or at a neutral office location in Virginia Beach, VA, convenient to clients throughout the Hampton Roads area, including Norfolk, Chesapeake and Portsmouth.