CEREBRAL COUNSELING AND CONSULTING
virtual mental health therapy in northern Virginia
CONSULTANT. ADVOCATE. THERAPIST. EDUCATOR
“A good life is a process- not a state of being” Carl Rogers.
Hi! I’m Shealyn
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, educator, speaker, and the founder of Cerebral Counseling & Consulting.
For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated by one question:
Why do people think, learn, and experience the world so differently?
That curiosity led me into neuroscience, traumatic brain injury research, mental health, and ultimately clinical social work. Along the way, I discovered that information alone rarely creates change. People need someone who can help them make sense of what they're experiencing and translate knowledge into practical, everyday life.
Today, my work brings together clinical expertise, neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and neurodiversity-affirming practice to support neurodivergent children, teens, adults, parents, and the professionals who work alongside them.
After becoming a parent to neurodivergent children, my professional knowledge became deeply personal. Like many families, I experienced the uncertainty, the endless questions, and the challenge of finding guidance that was both evidence-informed and practical. That journey shaped not only the way I parent, but also the way I teach, consult, and support others.
It also inspired me to develop the Cerebral CARE Method™—an approach that helps parents move beyond simply managing behaviors toward building understanding, strengthening connection, and creating meaningful change at home.
Whether I'm providing therapy, parent education, consulting with professionals, or presenting to organizations, my goal remains the same:
To help people better understand themselves and one another so they can build stronger relationships, greater confidence, and more connected lives.
When I'm not working, you'll usually find me spending time with my husband and our two daughters, caring for our dogs and chickens, working in the garden, reading, traveling, or enjoying live music. I'm equally happy with a cold brew coffee in hand, cheering on college basketball, or relaxing on a porch swing after a long day.
Thank you for being here. I know reaching out for support—or simply looking for answers—can feel overwhelming. Whether you're seeking therapy, parent education, professional consultation, or training, I'm honored you're considering Cerebral Counseling & Consulting as part of your journey.
When you're looking for support, you deserve more than someone who simply understands mental health—you deserve someone who understands how the brain, relationships, environment, and life experiences all shape the way we think, feel, learn, and connect.
My work is grounded in neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and neurodiversity-affirming practice. I hold a Master of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience from George Mason University and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Widener University, where I also earned a Certificate in Treating Trauma. Together, these experiences have shaped an approach that combines evidence-informed practice with practical, compassionate support for individuals, families, and professionals.
Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working in a variety of clinical, educational, and community settings, including federal healthcare, traumatic brain injury research and education, intensive in-home services, group therapy, play therapy, telehealth, and behavioral intervention. As a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT), Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS) professional, and later through my work with the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, I supported neurodivergent individuals, military families, and caregivers while providing education about traumatic brain injury, behavior, executive functioning, and recovery.
These experiences continue to shape the way I work today. Whether I'm providing therapy, parent education, professional consultation, or training, my focus remains the same: helping people better understand themselves and one another through practical, evidence-informed guidance that creates meaningful, lasting change.
As a Northern Virginia native, spouse of a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and parent of neurodivergent children, I also understand that some of the most meaningful learning happens outside of textbooks and clinical training. My lived experience has deepened my commitment to creating services that are compassionate, practical, and grounded in the realities families face every day.
Specialties in virtual mental health:
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
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(TF-CBT)
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Therapy for trauma survivors
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Support
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Individuals and caregivers affected by brain injury
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Chronic Illness & Mental Health
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Emotional support for chronic medical conditions
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Individual Virtual Therapy
Teens & Adults (Ages 15+):
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Anxiety Treatment:
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Coping tools social anxiety, generalized anxiety, & panic
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Depression Support:
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Support for teens and adults experiencing low mood
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Life Transitions:
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Therapy for grief, divorce, career change, identity shifts
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Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy:
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Specialized support for neurologically diverse individuals
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Parental Education and Family Support
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ADHD Parenting and Mangement Strategies
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Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
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Learning Differences:
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Dyslexia, dysgraphia, executive functioning challenges
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Caregiver Support:
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Guidance for parents, guardians and family caregivers.
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TREATMENT STYLE AND METHODS:
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Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
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Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
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Behavioral Therapy
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Attachment Therapy/Boundary Recognition
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Humanistic Therapy
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Interpersonal Neurobiology