• Grief and Loss
• Trauma
• Relationship
• Conflict
• Life Transitions
• Depression and Anxiety

Rita A. Stearns, LPC Associate Supervised by Ashley A. Bono, LPC-S, LMFT-S, CASDCS, ADHD-CSSP

Rita Stearns is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and identity work. After serving in the United States Navy, she felt her calling was not over. With the opportunity to serve in the military in a clinical capacity, Rita received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. Rita gained many opportunities to work with individuals, groups, couples, and families in various settings including juvenile & adult probation, supervised visitations, community mental health in tandem with CPS, and working with youth.

Rita’s clinical approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. It involves trauma work, conflict resolution, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care. Working with all ages and backgrounds, I also integrate play therapy and approach the therapeutic relationship as a seed to be nurtured, planted in solid ground and transform with reassurance that life is only beginning.

Rita’s philosophy on counseling psychotherapy is to provide a safe, supportive therapeutic space to surrender wounds, address attachment issues that leave shame, blame, guilt, and pain affecting everyday life. She is passionate about exploring traumatic experiences, building meaningful change, and tapping into strengths that reveal who you were meant to be.

As your therapist, Rita honors your experiences and the choices you made. As she has served next to her partners in uniform, Rita will walk this journey guiding you, giving you the tools to succeed with dignity, grace, and confidence. She will navigate that journey with you and help you be who you are in a safe, judgment-free, and holistic therapeutic space.