Dr. Christa A. Benton
LPC, NCC, CTMH, CCTP, 300 CYT
Integrative Holistic Psychotherapist
Dr. C's Bio
Dr. C is the heart and driving force behind iMatter. Her professional path is a rich blend of evidence-based training, holistic insight, and deep dedication to the healing journey. At her core, Dr. C is an advocate—passionate about supporting individuals from all walks of life. Her mission is to help people transform their challenges into meaningful change. With compassion and respect, she meets you where you are, working collaboratively to navigate the roadblocks on your journey.
Her experience spans school-based therapeutic services, intensive in-home support, crisis stabilization, and a wide range of outpatient therapy settings. Dr. C has extensive experience in supporting individuals navigating traumatic experiences, developmental and intellectual disabilities, identity concerns, unresolved grief, anxiety, life transitions, adulthood, and parenting. Her integrative approach weaves together empowerment, advocacy, trauma-informed care, and holistic wellness-- creating a healing process that supports growth and restoration from the inside out.
​
What truly sets Dr. C apart is her holistic, person-centered approach. She supports the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Her style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in both clinical expertise and lived experience.
She is more than a counselor—she’s a trusted co-pilot, alongside you and blending traditional psychotherapy with holistic, out of the box practices that honor the whole person, fostering true restoration.
Education
- Capella University, PhD Psychology
- South University, MA Clinical Mental Health Professional Counseling
Credentials, Certifications, and Specialized Training
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Virginia
- National Certified Counselor (NCC)
- Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider (CTMH)
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
- 300 Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT)
- Certified Holistic Therapist
- Trauma Informed Practitioner Certification
- Mindfulness Informed Practitioner Certification
- Sound Healing Certification
- Brainspotting: Phase I, II, III, Kids and Adolescents, and Masterclass Certifications
- Immigration Evaluations Training
More About Dr. C
My journey...
I'm Dr. C, and your presence is genuinely appreciated. If you’re familiar with my background, you might find it surprising that I became an Integrative Holistic Psychotherapist. I grew up in a small Southern town in a family that valued hard work and achievement over emotional conversations. While emotions weren’t openly discussed, my natural empathy and curiosity pushed me to ask questions—even when answers weren’t easily given.
My journey toward psychology began in high school when I unexpectedly enrolled in a Sociology course for college credit. That experience planted the seed for what would later become my life’s work. Though I initially pursued undergraduate degrees in Architecture and Philosophy, I always found myself in the role of peacemaker and confidant. Eventually, I could no longer ignore the calling of psychology.
Following that passion, I immersed myself in further studies, service, and volunteer roles, eventually earning a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and later a doctorate in Psychology. Along the way, I also felt a deep pull toward somatic and holistic approaches—especially after personally experiencing the benefits of energy work. Those experiences opened me to the powerful connection between mind, body, and spirit, and reinforced my belief that healing happens on multiple levels. Today, I integrate somatic and holistic modalities with evidence-based therapies, continuing to expand and deepen my approach.
I often say I didn’t find this role—it found me. The questions I’ve carried about my own experiences and the experiences of others continue to guide me more deeply into this work. I see myself as human first and therapist second, honoring authenticity and the shared humanity between myself and my clients.
I believe we all have questions, and those questions can serve as doorways to meaning. In therapy, we have the opportunity to explore them together, creating healing and clarity around the things that truly matter. I bring no hard expectations into the collaborative therapeutic space—only presence. My role is to walk alongside you as you release what you’ve been carrying, restore what feels lost, and resource yourself in ways that renew your spirit.
Tired of being sick and tired of being sick and tired...
These are the words I've heard repeatedly from many indivduals who reach out to me, feeling drained, frustrated, and desperate for change in their lives.
They describe the exhaustion, feeling uncared for, not just by society but even within their inner circles. They're tired of healthcare professionals downplaying their stress symptoms and the relentless pressure to be strong for everyone. But when they seek support, it often feels like silence.
About Therapy...
Here you are free to be who you are where you are.
In therapy, the spotlight is on YOU and your needs. Too often, clients I serve tell me that nobody in their world stops to ask how they're doing or offers support. That's where I step in. I provide the support you've longed for, right from the start. I understand the weight of feeling like you must carry the world alone, without support.
It is time for your story to be told.
You'll start feeling uplifted and empowered because, FINALLY, you have the affirmative support you need.
Sharing your story is the path to self-healing. We'll address the challenges in your life, where you're struggling, and where you want to make a change. We honor your lived experience and personal journey.
Talking about what you've been through relieves some of the emotional burdens of your painful past and helps you envision solutions. This process elevates your identity, reassuring you that you're not the problem, and you can initiate positive change in your life.
As we explore your story, you'll have my unwavering support.
I will listen to your story while centering and celebrating your unique experiences, because I am committed to understanding and supporting your diverse needs.
Through our work together, we'll repeatedly return to this theme. Over time, you'll view yourself with more grace and self-compassion. You'll become kinder to yourself and gain the energy to create meaningful change in your life, right where you are.
You'll feel empowered as you practice creating change, no matter how small it may seem. You'll shift your focus from what you can't change to what you can. The burdens placed upon you by society will weigh less on your shoulders. You will heal as you continue to practice kindness and compassion toward yourself.
Therapy should be a source of help, not harm.
With me, your lived experiences will serve as the the centerpiece of our journey together. You won't have to spend time and energy educating your therapist about your unique challenges. You'll get a therapist who is dedicated to understanding and supporting individuals just as they are, just like you. I understand that being human can be an incredibly complex and often lonely journey.
It is TIME.
I know you weren't created to bear the weight of the world alone. You shouldn't have to bear the weight of the hard things presented in life by yourself.
I am here to provide a safe space for you to heal and become the best version of yourself, starting right now.