Ayana Grant, LCSW, CEAP
Trauma & PTSD Therapist in Virginia
Gender: Female | Office Location: Stevenson, Telehealth | States Licensed In: Virginia, Pennsylvania |
Languages: English | Services Offered: Therapy | Credentials: LCSW | Age Group: Ages 21+
About Me
Hi, I’m Ayana, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Employee Assistance Professional with over 20 years of experience supporting people through life’s challenges. I’m passionate about helping others prioritize self-care and breaking down the stigma around mental health. I truly believe that when we care for ourselves, we’re better equipped to care for the people we love.
I specialize in supporting teens and adults as they navigate life’s complexities, whether that’s relationships, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or everyday stress. I also have extensive experience working with military personnel, veterans, and first responders facing PTSD and related challenges. My approach is grounded in empathy and genuine understanding, allowing you to feel supported, grow at your own pace, and move toward greater well-being.
My Approach to Therapy
My therapy style is a blend of structure and natural conversation. I believe that real growth happens both inside and outside our sessions, so I’ll offer practical techniques for you to practice between visits. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Interpersonal Therapy techniques. These tools are designed to strengthen your resilience and help you move steadily toward your treatment goals.
People come to see me for all kinds of reasons, and it’s completely okay if you’re not even sure how to put yours into words yet. You might be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck. Maybe you’re navigating a tough relationship, dealing with grief, or trying to make sense of a major life change.
Some people come in feeling burned out or disconnected from themselves. Others simply know something feels “off” and want support figuring out what’s going on. You might also be carrying stress from work, family responsibilities, or past experiences that are starting to feel too heavy to manage alone.
And sometimes, you just want a place where you can talk openly, without judgment, and explore what healing and growth look like for you. I am a LGTQIA+ affirming therapist.
Whatever you’re experiencing, you don’t have to have it all sorted out before reaching out—we’ll figure it out together.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
During our first appointment, we’ll take time to go over confidentiality, expectations, and what the intake and goal-setting process looks like. I also want to understand what brings you to therapy and what you’re hoping to gain from our work together.
This helps us start off on the same page and begin building a plan that truly supports your needs.
If You’re Nervous About Starting Therapy
It’s completely common to feel nervous about starting therapy. What I’d say is this: you don’t have to have everything figured out before you show up.
Our time together is meant to be supportive and judgment-free, where you can go at your own pace. Your comfort matters, and we’ll take things step by step.
You’re not expected to share everything right away or know exactly what you need. Starting therapy is an act of courage, not perfection. My role is to walk alongside you, help you feel grounded, and give you room to explore, heal, and grow in a way that feels right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take before I start feeling better?
There isn’t a simple, one-size-fits-all timeline because healing depends on many factors—your goals, your experiences, the challenges you’re facing, and even how comfortable you feel opening up.
What I do to reassure people is that progress doesn’t only show up in big breakthroughs. There are often small wins early on—moments of clarity, a bit more calm, or a shift in perspective—and those are absolutely worth celebrating. They’re signs that healing is happening.
How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?
Finding the right therapist is a very personal process. Here are a few things you can consider:
You feel comfortable talking with me and feel heard and understood. My approach is rooted in empathy and collaboration, so you should feel that your experiences and emotions are genuinely respected.
You may also find that my style is a good fit if you appreciate a mix of guided strategies and open conversation. I offer practical skills to use between sessions, so if those techniques feel helpful and doable, that’s another good indicator.
You may even begin noticing small shifts—feeling a little more hopeful, gaining clarity, or simply feeling relieved to have support.
Most importantly, trust your instincts. After a consultation or first session, reflect on how you felt during and after our conversation. Your comfort level is one of the best guides.
A Little More About Me
When I’m not working, you can usually find me hanging out with my dog, exploring new places, or practicing a new language—still very much a work in progress, but always fun.
Ready to Begin?
If you’ve been thinking about starting therapy but haven’t taken that step yet, this might be the perfect moment to give yourself that chance.
I welcome you to reach out for an initial consultation so we can see whether we’re a good fit. From there, we’ll build a supportive partnership focused on your growth, healing, and empowerment.
Ayana conducts her sessions exclusively via telehealth, providing convenient and accessible virtual appointments.