Dr. Christa A. Benton
LPC, NCC, CTMH, CYT 300
"I'm 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.
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.
Meet Dr. C, the driving force behind iMatter Counseling and Consulting Services, LLC. She's not just a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), but also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider (CTMH). Her journey is a tapestry of qualifications and specialized trainings, all rooted in her counseling license in the state of Virginia.
Dr. C's true passion lies in advocating for individuals and families from all walks of life. Her mission? Turning unique challenges into inspiring success stories. She's committed to making every person she encounters feel genuinely seen and heard. She meets you where you are, working together to tackle the roadblocks on your life journey.
Her resume is an ever-evolving testament to her dedication in the mental health profession. From school-based therapeutic services to intensive in-home support, crisis stabilization, and the wide spectrum of outpatient therapy, she's got a depth of experience. Plus, she's well-versed in developmental and intellectual disabilities, advocacy, and holistic wellness practices. Dr. C takes her role in supporting individuals through their challenges and healing journeys seriously.
What sets Dr. C apart is her holistic, person-centered approach. She weaves practices like breathwork, sound healing, and energy work into her sessions. For her, it's all about treating the whole person, and collaboration with the client is key.
But Dr. C's journey doesn't stop there. She's a lifelong learner, a creative spirit, and a fierce advocate for her clients and beyond. She's dedicated to partnering with the community, organizations, and stakeholders, all in the name of advocating for better mental health policies, treatments, interventions, and education.
Dr. C is more than just a counselor; she's the co-pilot on your journey to healing and personal growth.
Education
- 2019 Capella University, PhD General Psychology
- 2012 South University, MA Clinical Mental Health Professional Counseling
Professional Milestones
-Mastering Immigration Evaluations Training
-300 Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)
-Trauma Informed Practitioner Certification
-Mindfulness Informed Practitioner Certification
-Sound Healing Certification
-Certified Holistic Therapist
-Brainspotting Phase I, II, III, Kids and Adolescents, and Masterclass Certifications
-200 Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)
-Approved Clinical Supervisor Training
-Life Skills Training Facilitator Training Certification
-Therapeutic Options of Virginia Crisis Intervention (TOVA) Certification
Professional Affiliations
-ForbesBLK
-Urban League Greater Richmond Young Professionals
-Clinicians of Color Online Academy
-American Psychological Association
-Chi Sigma Iota- Sigma Upsilon Rho Chapter
-American Counseling Association
"Life is full of beauty, Be your own kind of beautiful in it." -Dr. C
Greetings,
Thank you so much for being here! You are not here by accident and I do not take your presence for granted.
I'm thrilled to meet you on this journey. Your decision to seek support is a powerful one, and I'm here to walk this path with you.
I bring over a decade of experience working with people from all walks of life. In cities, diversity thrives, and I've had the privilege of connecting with individuals of various ages and backgrounds in both clinical and volunteer roles within the mental health field.
I'm genuinely excited to work with you, to help you become a healthier, happier version of yourself. Starting this journey is a significant step, and I want to thank you for your openness and trust. I know that this process can be tough, but together, we can navigate it.
I can't wait to connect with you soon and begin this important chapter.
Peace and light,
Dr. C
My journey...
Again, thank you for joining me here.
I'm Dr. C, and your presence is genuinely appreciated. If you're familiar with my background, you might find it surprising how I became a Holistic Psychotherapist. I was raised in a small Southern town in a family that didn't often engage in emotional discussions.
Early on, my parents instilled in me the values of hard work and goal achievement, prioritizing these over conversations about emotions. However, my innate empathy, even before I knew the term, and my curious, creative nature led me to ask questions, although others around me rarely had time for or were willing to answer.
My journey began to unfold during high school when I unexpectedly took a college credit Sociology course as an elective. This experience planted the seed that would later lead me toward a career in Psychology. Despite initially setting my sights on becoming an Architect, I always found myself playing the role of the peacemaker and confidant. Even as I pursued undergraduate degrees in Architecture and Philosophy, I couldn't ignore the calling of Psychology.
Following that passion, I engaged in enriching conversations, further studies, volunteer roles, and eventually pursued a graduate degree in mental health counseling, culminating in a doctorate in Psychology.
Today, I understand that the questions I've had about my experiences and those of others continue to drive me deeper into this profession. This work is profoundly meaningful to me; it's not just a job but a passion and a purpose. I often say I didn't find this role; it found me.
I believe we all have questions, which serve as the doorways to finding meaning, a universal human endeavor to make sense of our lives. In therapy, we have the opportunity to explore and create meaning from the things that truly matter in our lives.
Thank you for being a part of this journey called life and for your openness
to doing the work to become a happier, healthier YOU.