THERAPEUTIC COUNSELING & CONSULTING
Lily Grant
She/Her
Clinical Mental Health Intern
Intern
Hello! My name is Lily Belle Grant, and I am pursuing a Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Neuroscience from Randolph-Macon College, with minors in psychology and biology. My academic background has provided me with a strong foundation in understanding the relationship between behavior, mental health, and brain function. Through my research on topics such as phone addiction, cognitive functioning, and the neurological impact of exercise, I have developed essential skills in ethical responsibility, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Some people may struggle to see the true “purpose” of therapy when, at face value, it seems to involve purely abstract emotional topics and mere conversation. That’s why I’m passionate about helping clients understand the evidence behind therapy, including how the techniques involved in it promote emotional growth and healing through change at the neurological and biological level. I believe that informing clients about these underpinnings not only empowers them to engage more in the therapeutic process but also helps reduce the stigma surrounding their struggles.
Our behaviors and feelings, though hard to comprehend at times, can be explained through the help of neuroeducation, and I strive to offer such guidance ethically by conveying neuro-informed principles in a manner that respects each client’s readiness and individual needs. However, the complex nature of our emotions and behaviors also means that they cannot always be fully understood through research alone. Therefore, I believe in blending evidenced-based and empathetic, human-centered practices—particularly therapies like Gestalt, Feminist, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—in my work as a counselor. By combining these approaches, I aim to offer holistic counseling that is effective both in systematically treating various mental health issues and in encouraging personal growth, self-acceptance, and self esteem!
My goal as a future Licensed Professional Counselor is to offer empathetic, scientifically-informed care in a safe, culturally-sensitive, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, gain insights, and develop resilience. I believe that each client has the right to understand and know what is happening during the counseling process and why, and I can’t wait to help them gain such clarity. I also believe that it is the client who ultimately leads their own therapy journey, uncovering the "whys" and "hows" of their mental health on their own while I offer guidance and support. Together, we will navigate this path at your own pace, empowering you to reach a level of awareness and self-understanding that fosters growth and healing.