Welcome
Come As You Are
You don't have to have it all figured out. You don't have to pretend you're okay. You're welcome here, just as you are.
About River Rose Counseling
Understanding Myself with Compassion
Have you ever wondered why you respond to certain situations the way you do? Why you find yourself repeating patterns in relationships, struggling to set boundaries, feeling responsible for other people’s happiness, or being harder on yourself than you would ever be on someone you love?
Sometimes the answers are connected to experiences we’ve had long before we recognized their impact. We all develop ways of coping based on what we’ve experienced, particularly in our earliest relationships. We learn how to protect ourselves, how to connect with others, and sometimes how to put our own needs aside to keep the peace.
Many of those patterns made sense at the time. They may have helped us survive difficult circumstances. But what once protected us can sometimes become the very thing that keeps us from living the life we want.
I don’t believe the goal of therapy is to find what’s wrong with you. I believe it’s to help you understand yourself with greater compassion.
Together, we can explore the experiences that shaped you, the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and the choices that might help you move forward. Sometimes that means exploring the past. Sometimes it means learning ways to manage emotions, communicate needs, or create healthier relationships. We won’t rush the process, and you don’t have to share anything before you’re ready.
The Relationship Matters
One of the most important parts of therapy is the relationship we build together. Research consistently links a strong therapeutic alliance and hopeful expectations with better outcomes, though the treatment approach and individual circumstances matter too.
My approach is warm, conversational, and collaborative. We’ll probably laugh sometimes. There may be tears. There may be moments when we sit quietly because words are hard to find. All of that is okay. I want you to feel heard, respected, and accepted—not pressured to have the perfect words.
Finding What Works For You
Therapy should be as individual as the person seeking it. I draw heavily from psychodynamic therapy and DBT-informed individual therapy, and I’m also an EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist. You don’t need to know what any of those terms mean to begin, and you don’t need to choose a modality before we meet.
Sometimes we explore how earlier experiences and relationships affect the present. Other times we practice tools for managing emotions, setting boundaries, and navigating relationships. For some women, EMDR is a helpful option; others prefer a conversational approach. EMDR is never a requirement for working with me.
What matters is that we choose our work together thoughtfully, based on your needs, goals, preferences, and readiness.
How I Work
Psychodynamic therapy: Understanding Yourself
Sometimes understanding where our feelings, beliefs, and relationship patterns come from helps us begin to change them. We can explore connections between past experiences and present life with curiosity and compassion rather than judgment.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Changing Unhelpful Thoughts
The way we think about ourselves, our experiences, and the world around us can have a powerful influence on how we feel and respond.
CBT helps us recognize thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, self-criticism, and emotional distress. Together, we can learn to question beliefs that may be keeping you stuck and develop more balanced, compassionate ways of thinking.
DBT-informed individual therapy: Learning New Ways to Cope
Sometimes insight alone isn’t enough. We also need practical ways to manage painful emotions, navigate relationships, set boundaries, and cope with life’s challenges. I incorporate skills and principles from Dialectical Behavior Therapy into individual sessions when helpful. This is not a comprehensive DBT program or traditional skills group.
EMDR: Processing Painful Experiences
Some experiences continue to affect us long after they’ve ended. EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that can help process distressing memories. As an EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist, I offer EMDR when clinically appropriate and when it is something you choose to pursue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at catherine@riverrosecounseling.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Your first therapy session is mostly about getting to know each other and setting the foundation for future work. You can expect your therapist to ask questions about why you’re seeking therapy, your current concerns, and some background about your life, relationships, and history. It’s also a chance for you to ask questions, share your goals, and get a sense of whether the therapist feels like a good fit for you.
The pace is usually gentle—there’s no pressure to share everything at once. Your therapist will likely explain how therapy works, discuss confidentiality, and outline what you can expect going forward. Think of it as the beginning of a collaborative process, where you're both working together to understand what’s going on and how to support your growth and healing.
It's totally normal to feel a little nervous, but many people feel some relief just from starting the process.
Most insurances are accepted, including Medicaid and Medicare. River Rose does not participate with Cigna.
Mostly, yes. Therapists are legally and ethically bound to keep your information private. However, there are exceptions—for example, if there’s a risk of harm to yourself or others, or in cases of abuse involving a minor or vulnerable person.
It varies. Some people go for a few sessions to deal with a specific issue, while others attend for months or even years for deeper work. Your goals and progress will guide the length.
A good fit feels supportive, respectful, and safe. You should feel listened to and understood. If something feels off, it’s okay to bring it up or even try another therapist—finding the right match is important.
I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Rutgers University and a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Princeton Theological Seminary. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW.) I am also an EMDRIA-certified EMDR practitioner, trained to provide specialized care for individuals recovering from trauma. With over 25 years of experience in the mental health field, my background integrates clinical expertise with a holistic understanding of emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being.
I accept most insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare. I do not participate with Cigna.
I believe that the foundation of effective therapy is the relationship between therapist and client. Research consistently shows that one of the strongest predictors of successful treatment is the quality of the therapeutic relationship, along with a client's belief that change and healing are possible.
My approach is primarily psychodynamic, helping clients explore patterns, relationships, and experiences that may be influencing their current challenges. I also integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques to provide practical tools for managing emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. In addition, I am an EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist and use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help clients process trauma and distressing life experiences.
Most importantly, I strive to create a safe, supportive, and collaborative space where clients feel understood, empowered, and hopeful about their ability to grow and heal.
Contact Us
River Rose Counseling
406 West Oldtown Street, Suite 24, Galax, VA 24333, USA
catherine@riverrosecounseling.com Most insurances accepted
Hours
Mon | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Tue | 09:00 am – 06:00 pm | |
Wed | 09:00 am – 06:00 pm | |
Thu | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | |
Fri | 09:00 am – 04:00 pm | |
Sat | Closed | |
Sun | Closed |
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