Compassionate Care
to Help You
Move Forward
Professional, confidential counseling services including therapy, anger management, VASAP assessments, and DOT-SAP evaluations.
Mental Health Therapy
Anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and more
Anger Management
8-week in-person and individual programs
VASAP & DOT-SAP
Court-approved assessments and evaluations
Meet Michelle Gorden
6+ Years Experience
Liberty University, MA
Michelle Gorden, LPC, LSATP, CEAP, DOT-SAP
Clinical Director • VA LPC #0701012166 • NCC #1012358
NOVA Clinical Counseling is a compassionate, inclusive mental health practice dedicated to supporting individuals and couples on their emotional healing journeys. Founded by Clinical Director Michelle Gorden, the practice was created to offer a safe, person-centered therapeutic environment where clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and validated.
I specialize in culturally attuned care, combining warm, grounded presence with practical tools that help clients navigate anxiety, stress, burnout, and relationship challenges with clarity and resilience. My training includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.
My approach is eclectic and collaborative — I believe therapy can't be one-size-fits-all. I strive to create a non-judgmental, safe space where you can be vulnerable, gain support, and become empowered to change your life. My practice is deeply affirming for all individuals, including people of color and anyone who has felt misunderstood.
Our Services
We provide comprehensive mental health services, specialized assessments, and group programs to support your journey toward healing and growth.
Mental Health Therapy
Individual, couples, and family therapy using evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs.
Anger Management
Learn to manage anger and build healthier relationships through our structured 8-week in-person program.
VASAP Services
Virginia state-approved provider offering comprehensive assessments and education programs.
Impaired Driving Treatment
Court-approved 6-week impaired driving treatment class designed to meet VASAP requirements and support lasting behavioral change.
DOT-SAP Evaluations
Comprehensive DOT Substance Abuse Professional evaluations and return-to-duty programs for commercial drivers.
Additional Specialties
Click any item to learn more
Anger Management Program
Anger doesn't have to define your next chapter. Our structured, confidential program gives you practical tools to manage stress, de-escalate conflict, and respond with clarity instead of reactivity.
What's Included
Topics Covered
Is This Program Right for You?
This class is built for adults who recognize that something needs to change — whether that realization came from a courtroom, a workplace incident, or a difficult conversation at home.
Court-Ordered Requirement
You've been ordered by a judge or probation officer to complete an anger management program. We provide official completion documentation accepted by courts across the state.
Workplace or Legal Consequences
An incident at work or a legal situation has made it clear that managing your reactions is no longer optional. You need a program that employers and attorneys will recognize.
Escalating Conflict at Home
Arguments are getting louder, more frequent, or harder to walk away from. The people you love are pulling back, and you can feel the damage building.
Ready to Break the Cycle
You're tired of repeating the same pattern — blowing up, regretting it, promising to change. You're ready for tools that actually work, not just good intentions.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Seats are limited to 10 participants per session. Enrolling today means you're choosing to move forward with clarity, confidence, and the support you deserve.
Flexible payment arrangements available.
Your Journey, Your Pace
Our vision is to become a trusted therapeutic hub in Northern Virginia, known for inclusive, person-centered, and culturally responsive care. We envision a space where individuals and couples feel supported, understood, and emotionally lighter — empowered to navigate life with self-compassion, clarity, and confidence.
Healing
We help individuals heal from pain, trauma, and life's challenges in a safe, supportive environment.
Growth
Our focus is to help you become aware of your inner strengths and grow from your struggles.
Compassion
We create a non-judgmental space where you can be vulnerable, gain support, and feel understood.
Empowerment
We equip you with tools and strategies to move forward to where you want to be in your life.
Treatment Approaches
Our mission is to provide warm, culturally attuned, and emotionally safe therapeutic care that honors each client's lived experience. We are committed to deep listening, compassionate presence, and collaborative healing.
We equip clients with practical tools, emotional insight, and supportive guidance that helps reduce distress, build resilience, and create lasting emotional well-being. Treatments are customized to each individual client, couple, or family.
What Our Clients Say
Hear from individuals who have taken the brave step toward healing and growth. Their stories reflect the compassionate, professional care we strive to provide every day.
"Michelle created a safe space where I could finally open up about my anxiety. Her approach is warm, professional, and truly personalized. After just a few sessions I started noticing real changes in how I handle stress."
Sarah M.
Individual Therapy
February 2026
"I was court-ordered to attend the anger management program and honestly expected to hate it. Instead, I gained tools I use every single day. The small group setting made it feel personal, not like a lecture. Highly recommend."
James R.
Anger Management Program
January 2026
"My husband and I were on the verge of separation. Michelle helped us communicate in ways we never had before. We still have work to do, but we finally feel like a team again. Grateful beyond words."
Maria L.
Couples Counseling
December 2025
"The DOT-SAP process felt overwhelming at first, but Michelle walked me through every step clearly and without judgment. She was responsive, thorough, and helped me get back to work faster than I expected."
David K.
DOT-SAP Evaluation
November 2025
"EMDR changed my life. I had been carrying trauma for years and traditional talk therapy only got me so far. Michelle's EMDR sessions helped me process things I didn't think I could face. I finally feel free."
Tanya W.
EMDR Therapy
March 2026
"Professional, efficient, and compassionate. Michelle handled my VASAP assessment with care and communicated with the court on my behalf. The whole experience was far less stressful than I anticipated."
Robert P.
VASAP Assessment
October 2025
"Michelle created a safe space where I could finally open up about my anxiety. Her approach is warm, professional, and truly personalized. After just a few sessions I started noticing real changes in how I handle stress."
Sarah M.
Individual Therapy
February 2026
"I was court-ordered to attend the anger management program and honestly expected to hate it. Instead, I gained tools I use every single day. The small group setting made it feel personal, not like a lecture. Highly recommend."
James R.
Anger Management Program
January 2026
"My husband and I were on the verge of separation. Michelle helped us communicate in ways we never had before. We still have work to do, but we finally feel like a team again. Grateful beyond words."
Maria L.
Couples Counseling
December 2025
"The DOT-SAP process felt overwhelming at first, but Michelle walked me through every step clearly and without judgment. She was responsive, thorough, and helped me get back to work faster than I expected."
David K.
DOT-SAP Evaluation
November 2025
"EMDR changed my life. I had been carrying trauma for years and traditional talk therapy only got me so far. Michelle's EMDR sessions helped me process things I didn't think I could face. I finally feel free."
Tanya W.
EMDR Therapy
March 2026
"Professional, efficient, and compassionate. Michelle handled my VASAP assessment with care and communicated with the court on my behalf. The whole experience was far less stressful than I anticipated."
Robert P.
VASAP Assessment
October 2025
Share Your Experience
Your feedback helps others take the first step. All submissions are reviewed before being published and personal details are kept confidential.
Insurance & Fees
We accept most major insurance plans and offer competitive self-pay rates. Your mental health is an investment worth making.
Accepted Insurance
Session Fees
Payment Methods
Check, Health Savings Account (HSA), Mastercard, Visa
Virtual Sessions Available
Online therapy appointments available in Virginia, Texas, South Carolina, and Florida. In-person appointments available on a case-by-case basis at our Gainesville, VA office.
Free 15-Minute Consultation
Not sure where to start? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your needs and find the right path forward.
Mental Health Resources
Whether you're in crisis or looking to learn more about mental health, these trusted organizations offer valuable support, information, and services.
Crisis & Immediate Support
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources.
Crisis Text Line
Free, 24/7 text-based support for individuals in crisis.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental health and/or substance use disorders.
Education & Support Organizations
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. These resources are provided for informational purposes and do not replace professional treatment.
Contact Us
Ready to take the first step? Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation or to schedule an appointment.
Phone
(703) 682-8215
[email protected]
Office Hours
Send a Message
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