Welcome!

I’m Annie Abernethy, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Richmond, Virginia with masters degrees in Counseling and Theology. You might say I’m best defined as a thera-logian (because a theo-pist just doesn’t have the same ring!) I love to listen to people’s stories and am passionate about journeying alongside as they deconstruct their faith, find emotional stability, and build a truly authentic spirituality and sense of identity.

As a child, I grew up in an Evangelical missions environment where I was introduced to a religious philosophy that I hold to, in part, still today. But I also internalized some unhealthy messages about the character of God and His purposes. These mistaken beliefs damaged my sense of self and contributed to an authoritarian and judgmental view of God’s nature.

Through my own deconstruction journey, I have healed and grown tremendously with the help of trusted friends, mentors, theologians, and therapists.

In the process, I’ve discovered that good theology and psychology can function like iron sharpening iron; together they can produce an uncompromising and healthy emotional and spiritual life.

It is one of my greatest joys when I can be a therapeutic presence with individuals as they unlearn toxic theology and discover their identities as whole and thriving persons in relationship to God and others. As a mother of three grown sons, I also enjoy walking through the parenting process with others, and as a TCK/MK, I get the very real struggle of grief and acclimation to a new culture.

Annie Abernethy, LPC, MA-Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA-Theology and Culture