Faith-Based Christian Counseling
A safe, supportive space for kids ages 6 and up and teens to be heard, work through what they're facing, and build confidence — with parents as partners every step of the way. In person in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, or by telehealth anywhere in Virginia.
Growing up is hard, and sometimes a child or teenager needs more support than family and school can give on their own. Big feelings, changes in behavior, worry that won't let up, trouble with friends, or a family going through a difficult season can all leave a young person feeling overwhelmed — and leave parents unsure how to help.
I'm Christine Respess, a Counseling Intern with Rapha Counseling Services, Inc., a non-profit Christian counseling center serving Hampton Roads. I work with children ages 6 and up and with teens, both in person in Norfolk and Virginia Beach and by secure telehealth, using age-appropriate, evidence-based approaches in a warm, faith-friendly setting.
"Kids and teens open up when they feel safe and respected. My job is to create that space, and then help them find words and tools for what they're carrying."
— Christine Respess, Counseling Intern
Helping kids and teens understand anxious feelings and learn practical ways to calm and manage them.
A steady place to process sadness, anger, grief, or big feelings that are hard to put into words.
Working with children and parents on behavior at home and school, and the frustrations underneath it.
Supporting teens as they figure out who they are and build confidence in themselves.
Navigating friendship struggles, peer pressure, and social stress in a healthy way.
Adjusting to divorce, a move, a new school, loss, or other changes at home.
You know your child better than anyone. Counseling for a child or teen works best when parents are involved, so we'll stay in touch about goals and progress, and I'll share practical ways you can support what we're working on at home. For younger children, sessions often include time with parents; for teens, I balance their need for a private, trusted space with keeping you informed in ways that respect everyone.
New: A Parent Support Group is coming soon — a place for parents to be encouraged and equipped alongside others.
Learn more →We'll start with a no-cost conversation with you as the parent, so you can share what's going on, ask questions, and decide whether this is the right fit for your child.
Early sessions focus on building trust and understanding your child's world — through conversation, and for younger kids, through play and creative activities that help them express themselves.
Together we'll work on practical tools for feelings, behavior, and relationships, with regular check-ins with you about progress and next steps.
Rapha Counseling Services is a Christian counseling center, and for families who want it, faith can be part of the conversation — prayer, Scripture, and a hopeful, grace-filled view of who your child is and who they're becoming. For families who prefer sessions focused purely on practical skills, that's welcome too. Every child and family is treated with care, respect, and without judgment.
I work with children ages 6 and up, as well as teens and adolescents.
For younger children, parents are closely involved and sessions often include you. For teens, a private, trusted space is important for them to open up, so I'll keep you informed about goals, progress, and anything you need to know for their safety, while respecting their need for confidentiality within those limits.
Yes. Secure telehealth sessions are available for families anywhere in Virginia, and in-person sessions are available in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Telehealth tends to work best for teens and older children.
If you've noticed changes in mood, sleep, behavior, friendships, or school that are lasting more than a few weeks, or your child is struggling with something specific like anxiety, a loss, or a big family change, a free consultation is a good, low-pressure way to talk it through.
Book a free initial consultation online, or call 757.447.9564. There's no obligation — it's simply a chance to talk and see if this is the right fit for your family.
Reaching out is often the hardest part. Let's begin with a free, no-pressure conversation about how your child is doing.
Serving Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and all of Virginia via telehealth · Rapha Counseling Services, Inc.