Casey Lunstead

Treatment Philosophy:

Life is a journey and rarely is the path straight nor smooth. We all encounter an ongoing myriad of losses, challenges, oppressions, and stressors that can weigh us down and dim our light. I believe people are deeply good at our core and that we genuinely want to be better versions of ourselves in order to lead quality lives. I also believe humans need each other and that we heal in relationship – when feeling safe, heard, and seen. I am here to help you begin to unpack and understand your troubles, so that you feel more empowered, more peaceful, and more free to be the you that you desire while navigating the inevitable ups, downs, twists and turns. You are the expert on you. I seek to always turn you back toward your unique, inner compass. I use a realistic, nonjudgmental approach while encouraging self-acceptance, authenticity and positive possibilities.

Who I Work With:

I enjoy working with individual women and men, particularly young adults and anyone seeking to better understand themselves and their lives as they move through the challenges they are being faced with. I have experience with matters of grief/loss, chronic/terminal illness and caregiving, relationship/family challenges, women’s issues, life transitions, low self-esteem, and anxiety, depression.

What Therapy in my Office Looks Like: 

Our sessions are you-time, thus in a collaborative fashion, we will identify and focus on the concerns and goals that you bring forth, at any given session. I aim to meet you where you are at, so every session may be different depending on what is going on or how you are feeling that day. It is my hope that you genuinely look forward to our sessions as a time for enlightening, restorative, and sometimes even enjoyable self-care. I am open to learning about your interests and welcome inclusion of art, music/song, writings/poetry, film, and spiritual practicesshould they enhance our engagement with one another and the work at hand.

I offer in-person sessions in our Chesapeake, VA office with a telehealth option available, should that be your preference for convenience or comfort level.

My Treatment Theories and Approaches:

I take a holistic, depth-oriented view of life and my therapeutic approach reflects this. I strive to learn about you and your life from many angles, considering your unique history as well as the current environment and circumstances. I draw from an eclectic array of modalities and interventions, including but not limited to psychoeducation, CBT, DBT, ACT, strengths-based, motivational interviewing, narrative therapies, mindfulness practices, and somatic/body-based techniques.

Why I Became a Counselor:

I have always found myself to be curious, open, and accepting towards the totality of the human experience, coupled with a consistent desire to be of help. My own family history is laden with trauma and mental/emotional health struggles, so my exposure and sensitivity to this pillar has been life-long. I am naturally inclined towards observing, reflecting upon, and generating meaning from the hurdles we face. It feels very fulfilling for me to be a source of support to anyone on a healing journey. I love to witness others grow!

Life Outside of Work:

I enjoy travel, nature outings, live music and dancing, eating all the things, reading, and spending time with friends and my two kittycats.

My favorite movie is The Notebook – I will always be a romantic at heart!

My favorite song is Jill Scott’s “Golden”. It reminds me we are all here to shine and enjoy living our best lives – however we define that!

If I Wasn’t a Counselor:

I would love to be a part of an animal sanctuary or rescue, a teacher of little ones, or a professional restaurant reviewer!