About Us

Steps to Serenity is a Virginia-Beach-based counseling practice that helps English-speaking and Spanish-speaking people across Virginia. We work with a wide range of clients and offer in-person and virtual therapy sessions for children, teens, and adults. We offer day and evening hours to help those who are busy with what life brings them. We provide a safe and compassionate place where you can be yourself. Let us help you find a path to serenity, growth, healing, and recovery.

Eddy Rocha MA, LPC, LSATP, CSAC

Eddy is a founding member of Steps to Serenity and is a bilingual (Spanish and English) licensed professional counselor and licensed substance abuse counselor. As a 23 year veteran, he works closely with our military and understands the life transitions and associated challenges that military life brings to our active-duty members, veterans, and their families. He can help with the transition from military to civilian life, the stresses of deployment, trauma, and PTSD.

Eddy works closely in the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities to help those struggling with:

Behavioral Concerns
Anxiety
Depression
ADHD
Racial Issues
Men’s Issues
Family Conflict
Drug Use or Addiction

Eddy has clinical experience in the following:

Serving in the Navy as a DAPA
Counseling in a Therapeutic Community at a Correctional Center
Counseling at a Community Behavioral Health Group
Serving as Program Director for Transition Homes
Serving as Clinical Director of a Rehabilitation Program
Serving as a Licensed Professional Counselor for Private Practice

He provides ASAP assessments for the VASAP Program in Virginia and partners with the case managers to ensure everyone’s needs are met. Eddy is trained in cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral therapy, interpersonal, person-centered, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused brief therapy and will tailor an approach to work for each person according to their unique needs. He believes that each person is the expert of their life, and he can help them navigate the steps in their journey. Take the first step and connect with Eddy on our contact page!

Ashley Weidrick MA, CSAC, LPC-R, LSATP-R

If you are looking for a friendly professional that is truly interested in your well-being and your wellness? Ashley is a Resident in Counseling with nine years working in our community.

Perhaps you feel capable in certain areas of your life while at a loss in others. Ashley has a unique perspective and understands that there are many highs, lows, moments of reward, and moments where you feel you just can’t keep going, and yet you do. She works closely with children, teens, and adults and offers individual therapy, family sessions, reunification therapy, and couples/martial counseling. She has specialties in the following areas:

Perinatal and Postpartum Anxiety and Depression
Child Parent Interaction Therapy
Family Counseling
Couples/Marital Counseling
Life Transitions
Bi-Polar
Depression
Anxiety
Women’s Issues
Substance Use
Mood Disorders
Eating disorders/Body Identity Issues
LGBTQ+ Issues

Ashley has training and experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Brief, and Motivational Interviewing. Her approach starts with connecting and pulling from this variety of counseling approaches to ensure that everyone has a personalized therapy experience to help them achieve their goals. Connect with Ashley by going to our contact page!

Deitre M Smith, MA, LPC, CSAC, Supervisor

Deitre is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor with over twelve years working in our communities to help those improve their wellbeing. She helps a diverse group of children, teens, adults, couples, and families.

Deitre thrives in helping people and her specialties are:

Trauma and Abuse
PTSD
Women’s Issues
Drug Use or Addiction
Family Conflict
Marriage Reconciliation
Family Reconciliation
Depression
Anxiety
Mood Disorders
Cultural Issues
Behavioral Issues

Deitre has Clinical Experience in the following areas:

Counseling in a Therapeutic Community at a Correctional Center
Counseling at a Community Behavioral Health Group
Serving as a Clinical Therapist for Inpatient Residential Homes
Supervisor for Residents earning their Licenses
Serving as a Licensed Professional Counselor for Private Practice

Deitre knows that courage doesn’t happen when you have all the answers but when you are ready to face the questions that you have been avoiding your whole life.

Deitre has training and experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Solution Focused Brief, and Motivational Interviewing. You will create the best combination of these styles together to help you process your experiences, release trauma and painful emotions, and develop goals to overcome all that life brings you. Connect with Deitre by going to our contact page!

Derrick Taylor, MA, LPC-R

Derrick is a Resident in Counseling with a Master’s degree in Urban Development and Mental Health Counseling from Norfolk State University.

Derrick walks alongside those on their journey and helps with:

Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety and Depression
Men’s Issues
Drug Use or Addiction
Family Conflict and Dysfunction
Sports Performance
Self-Esteem Issues
Children and Adolescent Challenges
Behavioral Issues
Mood Disorders

Derrick has Clinical Experience in the following areas and is always searching for new and helpful techniques for those that he works with.

Outpatient Counseling with a diversified group of children, teens, and adults.
Substance Use Counseling and Case Management in an Inpatient Facility
Therapist in a Partial Hospitalization Setting

Derrick has also worked closely with our children and teens in the community through his work as a teacher, mentor, and football coach. He has training and experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Solution Focused Brief, and Motivational Interviewing. He actively seeks new techniques so he can provide the best for each person in every session. You will create the best combination of these styles together to help you process your experiences, release trauma and painful emotions, and develop goals to overcome all that life brings you. Connect with Derrick by going to our contact page!

Justine Walson MSW, LCSW-S

Justine is a Supervisee in Clinical Social Work with three years of experience helping people in a clinical setting. She earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Kentucky. She enjoys working with diverse populations, including those seeking Christian counseling, single parents, individuals managing anxiety and depression, pre-teens and teens, survivors of abuse or illness, and helping couples to improve their relationship or overcome marital challenges.

Justine has a diversified background that has given her a well-rounded approach when working in the following areas:

Women’s Issues
Depression
Family Therapy
Anxiety
Marriage Counseling
Behavioral Issues
Mental or Physical Abuse
Single Parenting
Trauma
Mood Disorders
LGBTQ+
ADD/ADHD

Justine has Clinical Experience in the following areas:

Outpatient Therapist for couples, families, pre-teens, teens, adults.
Family Services Specialist preforming risk assessments and creating service plans to help children in need of intervention, and families in need of help.
CCP Advisor where she provided grief support, crisis intervention, and ongoing support for students with mental health challenges.
Social Work and English tutoring for undergraduates.

Rooted in trust, empathy, and open communication and by honoring your unique story and strengths, she will strive to tailor each session to support your personal growth and resilience. Together you can navigate challenges and celebrate progress, one step at a time. Contact us today to take the first step together.

With a compassionate presence and a commitment to holistic care, I approach each client’s journey as a partnership. My philosophy centers on fostering hope, resilience, and self-discovery, viewing every individual as the expert of their own experience.

My therapeutic style is collaborative and flexible, adapting to your evolving needs. Drawing from evidence-based practices and a strong foundation in clinical social work, I offer strategies that are both practical and compassionate. My therapeutic approach integrates techniques from Christian counseling, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Repressed Memory Therapy (RMT).

Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, recovering from trauma, or simply seeking a space to reflect and recharge, I am here to guide and support you with empathy and respect.

Justine has Clinical Experience in the following areas:

Outpatient Therapist for couples, families, pre-teens, teens, adults.
Family Services Specialist preforming risk assessments and creating service plans to help children in need of intervention, and families in need of help.
CCP Advisor where she provided grief support, crisis intervention, and ongoing support for students with mental health challenges.
Social Work and English tutoring for undergraduates.

Justine has a diversified background that has given her a well-rounded approach when working in the following areas:

Children aged 9 +
Adolescents
Couples and Families
Single Parenting
LGBTQ+
Domestic Violence and Abuse
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety
Depression

An overview of Justine’s Clinical Experience to help you get to know a little bit more:

Outpatient Therapist one on one, for couples, families, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Family Services Specialist preforming risk assessments and creating service plans to help children in need of intervention, and families in need of help.
CCP Advisor where she provided grief support, crisis intervention, and ongoing support for students with mental health challenges.
Social Work and English tutoring for undergraduates.

Jade Harrison, MA, LMFT-A, CPT

Jade Harrison is a Marriage and Family Therapy Associate with six years of experience. She is deeply committed to supporting individuals and families through their unique journeys. She holds a firm belief that everyone will benefit from therapy at some point in their lives. Whether you are a child, teen, adult, part of a couple, or within a family unit, Jade approaches her work with compassion, integrity, and a genuine dedication to helping others.

Jade works with children from ages 4+. As a certified play therapist and previous teacher, she incorporates creative approaches to help children process their experiences. By weaving playful, creative, and grounding activities into therapy, Jade aims to provide a welcoming and open environment where children can comfortably explore and express themselves.

Jade partners with couples and families. She specializes in blended family dynamics and works with couples and families to identify and understand behavior patterns, empowering them to break free and move toward the fulfilling relationships they desire.

Jade has specialties in the following areas:

Play Therapy
Mood Disorders
Depression
Behavioral Issues
Anxiety
Trauma
Greif
Women’s Issues
Family Counseling
Couples Counseling

Justine has Clinical Experience in the following areas:

Outpatient Therapist for couples, families, pre-teens, teens, adults.
Family Services Specialist preforming risk assessments and creating service plans to help children in need of intervention, and families in need of help.
CCP Advisor where she provided grief support, crisis intervention, and ongoing support for students with mental health challenges.
Social Work and English tutoring for undergraduates.

Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, recovering from trauma, or simply seeking a space to reflect and recharge, I am here to guide and support you with empathy and respect.

Jade has Clinical Experience in the following areas:

Intensive In-Home Therapist
Mental Health Skill Building
Private Practice Counselor
Community Based Counseling
Assistant Behavior Analyst

Jade utilizes a variety of therapeutic methods, thoughtfully selecting and tailoring her approach to best support each client. She is committed to continual learning and growth, always seeking new knowledge and techniques to provide the most effective care possible for those who entrust her with their stories.

Jade’s passion lies in helping others discover resilience, embrace their authentic selves, and reach their full potential. She considers it an honor to be part of each client’s journey toward healing. Whether working with children, teens, adults, couples, or families, Jade’s goal is to create a supportive environment that fosters growth and empowerment. She looks forward to taking the first step of this journey alongside you.

Justine has a diversified background that has given her a well-rounded approach when working in the following areas:

Children aged 9 +
Adolescents
Couples and Families
Single Parenting
LGBTQ+
Domestic Violence and Abuse
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety
Depression

An overview of Justine’s Clinical Experience to help you get to know a little bit more:

Outpatient Therapist one on one, for couples, families, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Family Services Specialist preforming risk assessments and creating service plans to help children in need of intervention, and families in need of help.
CCP Advisor where she provided grief support, crisis intervention, and ongoing support for students with mental health challenges.
Social Work and English tutoring for undergraduates.

Sandra Owusu-Sekyere, MS, LCSW-S

Sandra is a Resident in Social Work with over thirteen years of experience in behavioral health and social services. She effectively supports complex mental health and psychosocial needs using evidence-based, holistic methods.

Sandra believes everyone should have a safe space to reflect, re-charge, and re-build and can help in the following areas:

Trauma and Abuse
PTSD
Women’s Issues
Veteran-Centered Care
Chronic Medical and Mental Illness
Substance Use or Abuse
Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention
Depression
Anxiety
Mood Disorders
Cultural Issues
Conflict Resolution

Sandra has clinical experience in the following areas and will provide you with thought-provoking insights and feedback along the way using a variety of therapeutic techniques and transformational tools.

Counseling and Case Management in a Community Mental Health

Community Outreach Specialist

Individual Support for those with Co-Occurring Disorders

Residential Counselor for those with Chronic Mental Illness

Private Practice Counseling for a Diverse Group of Adults

Sandra offers both in-person and virtual sessions during day and evening hours. Connect with Sandra by going to our contact page!

Shaniece Wynn, MS, LCSW-S

Shaniece is a Supervisee in Clinical Social Work with over five years of experience supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Norfolk State University and her Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She excels in helping those in the Neurodivergent population including Autism, those with Personality Disorders, Anxiety and Depression, Trauma and PTSD, and specializes in Women’s Issues. Shaniece is passionate about helping children, adolescents, adults, and families navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence.

Shaniece will utilize evidence-based approaches like Motivational Interviewing, DBT, ABA, Attachment Theory, Trauma Informed, and Inner Child Work when working in the following areas:

Women’s Issues
Personality Disorders
ADHD
Anxiety
Mood Disorders
Co-Occurring Disorders
Autism
Trauma/PTSD
Depression
Single Parenting
Substance Use
Crisis Intervention

Shaniece has Clinical Experience in the following areas:

Outpatient Therapist for individuals ages 11+
In Case Management with Family Services working with foster children and at-risk youth
As a Behavioral Health Technician specializing in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA therapy)
As an Inpatient Therapist in our local hospital
As an Intensive In-Home Clinician for those that were critically ill

Shaniece’s style is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. She strives to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel seen, heard, and supported as your authentic self. She will take a holistic, client-centered approach to therapy and believes that you are the expert in your own life.

Shaniece believes that therapy should work with life, so she offers both office and virtual sessions during morning, day, and evening hours to accommodate your busy schedules. Connect with Shaniece by going to our Contact Page!

Brittany Hamilton, MS, LCSW-S

Brittany is a Master’s Level Social Worker with over four years of experience in the Behavioral Health Community. She works with teens and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship concerns, life transitions, low self-esteem, and difficulty setting boundaries. She especially enjoys working with women and moms navigating pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood, identity changes, and the pressure that can come with trying to be everything for everyone. As a military spouse, she also has a special interest in supporting service members, military spouses, and military families.

Brittany will meet you where you are on your journey and help in the following areas:

Perinatal or Postpartum Issues
Anxiety
Depression
Stress
Racial Issues
Women’s Issues
Self-esteem
Complex diagnoses/Dual diagnoses

Brittany has clinical experience in the following areas:

Providing Intensive Crisis Services
Outpatient Therapist for Private Practice
Behavioral Health Case Management
Trauma Informed Coaching
Human Rights Consulting

In a session with Brittany, you expect compassion, honesty, humor when appropriate, and accountability. She will meet you where you are while also helping you recognize patterns, build healthier coping skills, strengthen your boundaries, and take meaningful steps toward the changes you want to see.

To inquire about working with Brittany, go to our Contact Page!

Q: What is cognitive behavioral therapy?

A: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people identify and change the negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their emotional problems. CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected and that by changing our thoughts, we can change our feelings and behaviors. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy. This means that you will work with your therapist to set specific goals for your therapy, and you will work together to achieve those goals. CBT is a very effective therapy for a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Q: What is dialectical behavior therapy?

A: DBT is a type of talk therapy. It’s based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), but it’s specially adapted for people who experience emotions very intensely. “Dialectical” means combining opposite ideas. DBT focuses on helping people accept the reality of their lives and their behaviors, as well as helping them learn to change their lives, including their unhelpful behaviors. It can be used for borderline personality disorder, self-harm, suicidal behavior, substance use, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.

Q: What is interpersonal therapy?

Interpersonal therapy (IPT) techniques help you learn about yourself and work on the relationships in your life. Working with a therapist, you will get a better understanding of your thoughts and feelings, as well as those of the people around you. If you have a specific mental health condition like depression or are going through a major emotional change, interpersonal therapy techniques can help you in your day-to-day life as well as in the long term.

Q: What is person-centered therapy?

Person-centered therapy is a type of talk therapy that is empathetically driven toward providing a person with a safe space to talk and self-actualize positive changes in their life. In this therapy, the client does most of the talking, and the counselor will not judge or try to interpret what the client says but may restate their words to fully understand their thoughts and feelings. Person-centered therapy can help with various types of mental distress.

Q: What is motivational interviewing?

Motivational interviewing therapy is an evidenced-based approach to help people make positive changes in their lives, whether it be a health change, behavioral change, or freedom from addictive behaviors. It’s based on the idea that true change can’t come unless a person has an intrinsic motivation for change. Motivational interviewing helps you tap into that motivation and to plan for implementing change. Motivational Interviewing can help with life transitions, overcoming unhealthy behaviors, and substance use or abuse.

Q: What is solution-focused brief therapy?

Solution-focused brief therapy is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes clients’ strengths and resources to create positive change, focusing on present and future goals rather than past problems. It’s goal-oriented and emphasizes solutions. The focus is on the client’s health and coping abilities. Solution-focused brief therapy has been shown to effectively decrease behavioral problems in schools and marital issues.