Meet Jennifer Carlysle, Resident in Counseling
Jennifer has been with Candor for several months and we’d love to introduce her more to you!
What inspired you to become a therapist?
I saw people in my life who needed help, and wanted to become someone who could help people as a result. I have a love for people and an appreciation for their resilience to overcome in the most difficult of circumstances. What continues to inspire me is the opportunity to walk alongside people during some of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives. Whether they are struggling with anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions, or past experiences, I find it deeply meaningful to help clients gain insight, develop resilience, and discover strengths they may not have recognized in themselves. For me, therapy is about helping people create healthier relationships, live with greater authenticity, and recognize that lasting change is possible. Witnessing clients grow in confidence, self-awareness, and hope is what continues to make this work so meaningful to me.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I enjoy building meaningful relationships with people and witnessing people discover their own strengths. Seeing people gain hope, confidence, and a realization that they can make meaningful changes to positively impact their lives and their future is fulfilling. Working with adolescents has been especially rewarding because I enjoy helping young people navigate the complexities of growing up, build confidence, and develop healthy coping skills that can positively shape their future. I believe that early support can have a lasting impact, not only on individuals but also on their families and communities. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is watching adolescents grow into more confident, self-aware, and emotionally healthy young adults. I believe that when teens learn to trust themselves, communicate effectively, and approach life's challenges with confidence, the impact extends far beyond the therapy room and into every area of their lives.
What mental health concerns do you most enjoy working with?
I most enjoy working with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, or hopelessness because these are common problems for a lot of people and there are so many tools out there that can help people overcome these issues. I also enjoy working with adolescents, because I feel that adolescence is a time of tremendous growth, change, and self-discovery. While it can be an exciting stage of life, it can also bring challenges like anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, friendship struggles, family conflict, or difficulty managing emotions. also enjoy working with couples who are struggling with relationship issues, because I believe that strong marriages and partnerships can be extremely rewarding and have a broad positive impact on society and communities at large .
What are you most passionate about helping clients overcome?
I am most passionate about helping clients overcome their own negative self-talk and start to develop self-compassion. I believe so many people walk around being their own worst enemy or self-critic and it is important to become your own best friend instead. You don’t have to beat yourself up everyday, you can choose to give yourself the grace you so easily afford to others, and I believe this is a key concept of self-healing. I am also passionate about helping adolescents overcome the self-doubt, anxiety, and emotional challenges that often prevent them from seeing their own worth and potential. The teenage years are filled with change, pressure, and uncertainty, and I believe every young person deserves a safe space to explore who they are without fear of judgment.
What is therapy like with you?
Therapy with me is collaborative, compassionate, warm and accepting. I believe that each person is the expert on their own life, and my role is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can explore what's bringing you to therapy. Together, we'll work to understand patterns, build on your strengths, develop practical tools, and move toward the changes that matter most to you. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, or simply wanting to understand yourself more deeply, we'll work at a pace that feels right for you. I also work to help teens build confidence, develop healthy coping skills, strengthen their relationships, and navigate life's challenges with resilience. Whether they are struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, family conflict, peer relationships, or major life transitions, my goal is to help them better understand themselves and recognize the strengths they already possess.
What therapeutic approaches do you most often use and why?
CBT and DBT are the therapeutic approaches I use most often, because they are evidence based approaches that work well for individuals struggling with anxiety and depression. I also use the Gottman Method for couples counseling which has been shown to have high success rates with helping couples grow in intimacy, both emotionally and physically.
What do you hope every client feels after leaving a session with you?
I hope that when clients leave a session with me they feel that they were seen, heard and genuinely understood. I want them to know they don't have to carry their struggles alone and that there is hope for meaningful change. I hope they leave with greater clarity about themselves—their emotions, patterns, relationships, and strengths—and with practical tools they can begin using in their daily lives. More than having all the answers, I want them to feel empowered to face challenges with increased confidence, self-compassion, and resilience. I want them to walk away feeling supported, encouraged, and one step closer to the life and relationships they desire.
What would you want a new client to know before scheduling with you?
Before scheduling with me, I want you to know that you don't have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. You don't need the "right" words or a clear plan—you just need a willingness to show up as you are. I consider it a privilege to be invited into my clients' stories, and I strive to ensure that every person who meets with me feels heard, respected, and supported. My hope is that you'll leave each session with greater clarity, renewed hope, and confidence in your ability to move forward.
If someone is reading this and wondering whether therapy is right for them, what would you say?
Therapy is useful to everyone. Life can be difficult at times and we could all use a little help. Why waste any time not enjoying your rich and meaningful life?
What do you enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my kids and husband, gardening, cooking, baking fresh bread, and reading a good book. I also enjoy making homemade products such as jams, hot sauces, tomato sauces, and pickling peppers, cucumbers, and jalapenos from the fruits and vegetables that I grow in my garden!
What’s your favorite way to practice self-care?
I love to cook myself a nutritious meal, go for a walk, do pilates, or dive into a good book. I also enjoy meditation and listening to calming music.
What days or times are you available?
Sundays 1pm-7:30pm. Tuesdays-Thursdays 5pm to 8pm, Fridays 9am-3pm.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes! I accept Anthem, Aetna, United, Sentara, and self pay clients.
Do you work in person or virtual?
I hold sessions virtually across Virginia.