Trauma therapy + EMDR for adults and couples in Virginia
Mental health care in RVA
You think and feel deeply, and you want a life that reflects that depth. But despite your self-awareness, you may feel stuck: Repeating old patterns, struggling to connect, or grappling with questions that don’t have easy answers.
Maybe you’re navigating high-functioning anxiety, burnout, or people-pleasing. Perhaps you’re grieving and the loss feels complicated and all-encompassing. You might feel overwhelmed, numb, or like you’re “too much.” Often, these struggles trace back to relational trauma, early attachment wounds, or generational patterns that quietly shape how you show up in relationships, work, and beyond.
Therapy offers a space to move forward with intention. I provide counseling for individuals and couples who are intellectually curious and ready for meaningful change. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and grounded in evidence-based care.
Together, we’ll work at your own pace to:
❊ Rebuild safety and trust after painful experiences
❊ Untangle unhelpful patterns rooted in the past
❊ Explore questions of identity, purpose, and connection
❊ Learn how to live with more authenticity and ease
Ashley C. Gibson, M.Ed., M.F.A. (she/her)
Resident in Counseling
Customized psychotherapy services
Supporting adults and couples in the Richmond metro area and across Virginia, in-person and online
Individual counseling
Therapy and ongoing EMDR for adults facing anxiety, burnout, grief, relational trauma, or identity concerns. Sessions offered weekly, biweekly, or as-needed.
60min ❊ $100
90min ❊ $150
Intake (60min) ❊ $125
Couples counseling
Couples therapy rooted in attachment theory and Gottman teachings. Ongoing support for partners to improve communication, rebuild trust, and deepen connection.
60min ❊ $125
90min ❊ $175
Intake (60min) ❊ $150
EMDR intensives
Extended-format EMDR to support accelerated healing. Typically 1-6 sessions total, customized for those with complex, relational, and single-incident trauma.
Intake (90min) ❊ $175
Extended session (3hr) ❊ $350
Follow up (60min) ❊ $125
Speaking + consulting
Keynotes and workshops on topics including burnout, trauma-informed leadership, and values-driven work. Perfect for executives, nonprofits, and boards.
Intro hourly rate ❊ $150
Speaking fees upon request
Custom packages available
All services are self-pay. I’m happy to provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance provider for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Most HSA and FSA accounts also cover therapy services.
I know that starting therapy is a meaningful investment. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so we can explore whether working together feels like the right fit. As a Resident in Counseling, I strive to offer clear, accessible rates that reflect the quality and care of the work we’ll do together. I also reserve a limited number of reduced-fee spots for those with financial need; please email me to learn more.
My office is conveniently located in Hanover County, just one mile off I-95 (Exit 86 / Atlee) and is easily accessible from downtown Richmond, Short Pump, Glen Allen, and Ashland. The building includes a wheelchair-accessible ramp, and both my office and the restroom are on the ground floor. I am to provide a warm, private space for therapy, complete with coffee, tea, or water to help you feel at home.
Nice to meet you! I’m Ashley.
Ashley C. Gibson, M.Ed., M.F.A. (she/her)
Resident in Counseling
Therapy with me is collaborative and personalized. I integrate EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and mindfulness for a relational, client-centered approach. My clients are thoughtful, high-achieving individuals navigating anxiety, burnout, trauma, or relational challenges, often rooted in early experiences. I’m proud to provide an affirming space for LGBTQIA+, gender-diverse, body-diverse, and neurodiverse clients alike.
I hold an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from William & Mary, summa cum laude, and was honored to be named an Emerging Leader by the Virginia Counselors Association (2022). I completed my graduate training with Westhampton Family Psychologists in Richmond, where I worked with teens, adults, and families alike.
I’m trained in EMDR through Trauma Recovery/HAP; and am certified in Trauma Tapping Technique. I’m actively working towards my EMDRIA and Gottman couples therapy certifications. Outside of my practice, I volunteer with Comfort Zone Camp, leading support groups for grieving teens.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent over a decade in nonprofit and arts leadership. I get what it’s like to sit on a board — and to answer to one. My own lived experience has shaped my understanding of emotional exhaustion, invisible labor, and meaning-driven work.
I live in Richmond with my daughter and two very fluffy cats. My free time is spent pursuing as much joy as possible, whether that’s reading, traveling, or trying out way too many creative hobbies to name.
I look forward to getting to know you!
Ashley C. Gibson, M.Ed., M.F.A., is a licensed Resident in Counseling (#0704017729) under supervision in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
FAQs
Don’t see the answer to your question? Feel free to reach out, and I’d be happy to discuss further.
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Therapy is a relational process, and a strong connection is the key to meaningful work. While our therapeutic relationship will grow and changes over time, I offer a free 15min consultation to help us assess our initial fit.
In a consult call, we’ll talk about what you’re looking for, I’ll share more about my approach, and you can ask any questions as you explore whether I’m the right match. If I’m not the best fit, I’m happy to refer you to other trusted therapists in Richmond or across Virginia.
Of course, you’re also welcome to go ahead and schedule your first session (or “intake”) if you’d like to go ahead and get started.
For extra guidance, I recommend this Psychology Today article, which outlines some helpful questions to ask when choosing a therapist.
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Research indicates yes: Therapy can be a meaningful investment in your mental health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. While it can help ease symptoms of anxiety, trauma, or burnout, therapy also offers much more. Our work together can support you in gaining clarity, building resilience, strengthening relationships, and — above all — reconnecting with your core values.
In my experience, both personally and professionally, therapy offers a space for lasting growth, not just quick fixes. If you’re ready to invest in a more grounded, authentic life, I believe that therapy is absolutely worth it.
If you’re new to therapy, I recommend this article from Psychology Today that offers helpful research to guide you in selecting a therapist who’s a good fit for your needs.
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Our first session (often called an intake) is a chance for us to get to know each other. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, explore your goals, and begin collaboratively outlining what support might look like.
I’ll also ask some questions about your mental health, family, and personal history to help me better understand your story and how to tailor our work together. Finally, we’ll review practice policies and make sure you feel comfortable moving forward. I’m happy to answer any questions you might have — during our intake session, or at any point through the therapy process.
Intake sessions are 60 minutes for individual or couples counseling, and 90 minutes for EMDR intensives. If you’re ready to begin, you’re welcome to go ahead and book your intake session.
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy originally developed to treat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It’s now widely used to help with anxiety, grief, phobias, negative self-beliefs, and other challenges rooted in past experiences.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, tapping, or tones) to help your brain reprocess distressing memories in a more adaptive way. If you’ve ever paced while talking through something difficult on the phone, or found that a problem feels clearer after a good night’s worth of REM sleep, you’ve experienced the power of bilateral processing.
The brain is a fascinating puzzle! While researchers don’t yet fully understand why EMDR works, decades of clinical research show that it does — and it’s recognized as a frontline treatment for PTSD by organizations like the American Psychological Association and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
EMDR can be offered in weekly sessions or in a focused intensive format. Intensives are ideal if you’re feeling stuck, want to make meaningful progress quickly, or have a specific issue you’re ready to address. You can learn more about my EMDR intensive offerings here.
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All services are self-pay. I’m happy to provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance provider for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Most HSA and FSA accounts also cover therapy services.
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As a Resident in Counseling, I strive to offer clear, accessible rates that reflect the quality and care of the work we’ll do together.
I reserve a limited number of reduced-fee spots for those with financial need; please email me to learn more, as there may be a waitlist.
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If you’re not using insurance, you have the right to a Good Faith Estimate that outlines the expected cost of services. You’ll receive one before your first session. Learn more at cms.gov/nosurprises.
Contact & scheduling
Therapy is an investment in your well-being, and finding the right clinician is important. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation so we can make sure it feels like a fit. (You’re also welcome to skip the consult and schedule your first session.)
Click Schedule an Appointment to get started, or choose Send a Message if you’d prefer to reach out directly. I look forward to hearing from you!