Persephone Hannah Gibson Resident

Persephone Hannah Gibson, Resident, 0704017698 is practicing under the supervision of Kathryn Walkley (Virginia, LMFT, 0717001411) at Shenandoah Family Therapy.

Please, note: A clinician listed as being “clinically supervised” is completing clinical hours toward their licensure. They have one or more fully licensed clinical supervisors that often have special training. They consult with their supervisor(s) on all of their cases.

My journey to becoming a therapist started with the impact my elementary and high school counselors had on me. I’ve always known I wanted to help others, even though I hadn’t taken any psychology classes before. When I went to college, I enrolled in a psychology program and quickly realized it was the right path for me. I then began working in mental health support roles, including helping children and teens at a psychiatric facility, as well as working with adults and youth in crisis. These experiences deepened my understanding of the challenges people face with mental health. I became passionate about supporting others through struggles with identity, self-worth, and mental health. I want to create a space where you feel truly heard and supported. Through my own journey, I’ve learned how important it is to feel understood, and I’m here to offer that same compassion to you.

Clients in my areas of specialization, including LGBTQIA+ individuals, young adult women, and those dealing with issues of identity, self-worth, and mental health, often face unique challenges. For LGBTQIA+ clients, issues like discrimination, identity confusion, and the fear of rejection can create barriers to mental health care. Many experience internalized negative beliefs and struggles with acceptance, which can impact their mental well-being. For young adult women, navigating societal expectations, body image pressures, and identity struggles can lead to feelings of inadequacy or anxiety. Clients dealing with mental health challenges often lack education on coping skills or resources, which can prevent them from seeking or fully benefiting from treatment. There’s also the challenge of overcoming stigmas surrounding mental health in certain communities, making it difficult for some to access support. My goal is to provide an affirming, educational, and empathetic space to address these specific issues, validate experiences, and empower clients to make positive changes.

A first session with me can be either a 15-minute free consultation or a full 50-minute session, depending on what feels best for you. During the consultation, we’ll take some time to get to know each other and explore if we’re a good fit to work together. If we dive into a 50-minute session, we’ll begin with a biopsychosocial assessment, where I’ll gather important background information about your mental health history, personal life, and any current challenges. This is a collaborative process where we focus on building rapport and establishing a foundation for our work together. My goal is to make you feel comfortable, supported, and heard from the very beginning.

I’m a Resident in Counseling with a background in mental health across various settings. I’ve worked as a residential instructor at a psychiatric facility for children and teens, as a case manager supporting youth facing mental health crises, CPS involvement, and homelessness, and in permanent supportive housing for adults with severe mental health challenges.