LaSaun Dozier (she/her)

My Treatment Philosophy:

I believe one of the most powerful tools we have in life is our voice. When we are silenced and not allowed the opportunity to express ourselves it can result in depression and anxiety. Over time it will impair our self-efficacy and value. It is vital to have a safe space to express your thoughts and feelings without judgment. When individuals are in an empathetic atmosphere and feel honored there is room for true healing to take place. Some of my childhood experiences growing up in a small town in Mississippi did not always allow me the opportunity to be heard nor seen. My primary goal of being a therapist is to honor the voice of others and have them know I hear you and I see you.

Who I Work With:

As I began to thrive in the career of being a helping professional, I recognize that my history fuels my passions. My professional goal is to present a safe space where everyone’s voice matters, relationships can be developed, and healing can take place.

I have a passion for working with women, men, children and youth who have experienced childhood trauma during their formative years and still living with the struggle of depression/anxiety. Couples who really want to find a way to thrive in their relationships, working professionals feeling overwhelmed, young adults transitioning into adult life, LGBTQ youth and adults seeking a place to process the journey of their lives. Families that are faced with the cycles of change such as adolescence, young adults leaving home/returning home, marriage, grandchildren and still staying connected. I am also trained to work with Foster Care and Adoption children and families to process the trauma and develop attachment.  In doing the therapeutic work of healing, your future can look far different from your past.

Clinical Passions: Trauma, Depression, anxiety, couples, families, children/adolescents, young adults, foster care, and adoption competency

What Therapy Looks Like in My Office:

I offer in-person services at our Chesapeake location and telehealth when needed. My office space offers a casual atmosphere where children and adults are free to be themselves. The therapeutic relationship is paramount in doing good work together.  I often utilize art, music, therapeutic games, fidgets, and other creative ways to engage, connect and do the work of healing and growing. Healing is a journey, and you no longer have to be silent or walk through the process alone. I invite you to allow your voice to be heard and begin to do the work to being the absolute best you possible. There is more ahead of you than behind you and you are worth it.

Why I Became a Counselor:

I remember vividly asking as a child, “does anyone see or hear me….am I invisible?” So, I determined that I would do all I could to eliminate that feeling for others. I have had the privilege of serving in various programs human services for the past 20 years from Mississippi, Alabama, Maryland, and now the Hampton Roads area. My desire to see wholeness as a reality for others has sparked my career in the mental health field offering services to support mental health, foster care/adoption, substance abuse, domestic violence, and community outreach. Healing is a principle that guides my practice. We cannot pack it away and it does not continue to show up over and over again. I believe truth wins and we can quiet the noise of our past and move forward.

Treatment Theories and Approaches:

I have skills to utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, person-centered approaches, trauma therapy and adoption competency therapy. My skills and training have fostered my ability to help families heal together, couples develop greater communication, and strengthen their relationships. I have developed skills to work with multiple populations to not just exist but heal and develop intentional practices to create the life you envision. My therapeutic principles and interventions help individuals work through depression, anxiety, grief/loss, life transitions, stress, attachment in relationships and advocacy.

My Certifications and Trainings:

I earned my undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama in Social Work and graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. I am TAC (Training for Adoption Competency) through CASE (Center for Adoption Support and Education) trained as an adoption competent therapist to help children and families in the process of foster care and adoption. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with the Commonwealth of Virginia.

My Life Outside of Work:

I am a singer/songwriter, recording artist, and worship leader that has a passion for music. When I am singing the stress of life evaporates and I find my happy place to refuel and keep going. I love spending time with my family, friends, and my wonderful husband.

My Favorite Movie or Song:

My favorite song is “You Are My Strength”! It reminds me that I do not always have to be super. In my moments of weakness there is someone greater than me to remove the weights and lovingly walk me to a place of peace. I love Netflix binging when I have some free time.

If I were not a counselor, I would be:

I would sing, write music, write books full-time, I would live to travel singing, teaching and sharing hope.  It is still on my to-do-list! I provide consultations and clinical presentations as often as I can.

Hobbies/Interests/Passions:

I love being home enjoying quiet, traveling, shopping, watching tv, spending time with the people I love.       

Availability:

LaSaun provides in-person counseling services in Chesapeake, Virginia and online counseling services throughout Virginia.

Practice Highlights:

1. Morning Appointments
2. Evening Appointments
3. Weekday Appointments