with Elizabeth Shoop, LPC
Change begins here.
Rivers Way Counseling provides a holistic, trauma-informed approach to mental wellness, integrating mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, somatic awareness, and embodiment coaching.
With a compassionate and intuitive presence, we support clients in navigating life’s challenges, fostering emotional resilience, and deepening mind-body-spirit connection.
Whether through one-on-one counseling, workshops, or retreats, your work empowers clients to cultivate balance, healing, and personal growth.
Words of Wisdom
״I would love to live like a river flows,
carried by the surprise of it's own becoming.״
John O'Donohue
About Elizabeth
Elizabeth is a deeply intuitive somatic therapist and mindfulness leader who creates transformative spaces for healing, self-discovery, and growth. With a holistic and trauma-informed approach, she integrates mind-body awareness, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and embodiment coaching to guide individuals and groups toward greater presence, resilience, and emotional well-being.
As a somatic therapist, Elizabeth helps clients reconnect with their bodies as a source of wisdom and healing. She skillfully blends breathwork, movement, nervous system regulation techniques, and trauma-sensitive practices to support clients in releasing stored tension, processing emotions, and cultivating a deep sense of safety within themselves.
As a mindfulness leader, she naturally gathers and inspires people—whether in therapy, workshops, or retreats—teaching practical tools to foster inner balance, authentic connection, and aligned living. She empowers individuals, teams, and organizations with grounding practices, self-inquiry techniques, and mindful lifestyle principles that promote sustainable well-being.
Elizabeth’s presence is both grounded and uplifting, creating a sanctuary where people feel truly seen, heard, and supported on their journey toward wholeness.
Services
Individual Counseling
Individual therapy sessions with the Rivers Way are designed to address your specific concerns and help you navigate life's challenges. Through a collaborative and supportive approach, we aim to empower you to overcome obstacles and live a fulfilling life.
Workshops and Classes
Rivers Way workshops and courses are immersive, experiential, and designed to cultivate mindfulness, resilience, and holistic well-being. Through a blend of somatic practices, trauma-informed techniques, and embodied mindfulness, we guide individuals and groups in deep self-discovery, emotional regulation, and meaningful personal growth.
Retreats and Events
Beyond the therapy office, Rivers Way's Elizabeth Shoop collaborates with others to provide educational and experiential retreats and events. These gatherings incorporate neurobiology, mindfulness, and somatic practices, creating nurturing spaces where individuals and groups can reconnect with themselves, cultivate resilience, and gain clarity on what matters most.
My Counseling Approach
Holistic
I believe that true change and transformation must involve the mind, body and spirit. Therapy approaches that rely primarily on "sit and talk" tend to lean heavily toward the mental and emotional aspects, and exclude the wisdom and healing power of the body and spirit. I ensure that we tap into all three wells of strength, wisdom and transformation - the mind, body and spirit.
Change-Oriented
People come to counseling because they want change. I'm passionate about making sure my clients achieve the results they desire. Once we identify the problems and challenges, I will support you in pursuing the changes you desire through insight, skill-building, brain re-wiring through mindfulness, or reprocessing traumatic memories.
Collaborative
Counseling is not something I do for you. I am here to provide safe and accepting space for you to express your truth. I support your exploration of the resistance and barriers to change. I ask careful questions to help you gain insight into your behaviors, choices and reactions. I help you pack a toolbox of skills, strategies and resources and affirm your ability to put these tools to good use in daily life.
Relaxing
My clients often report feeling more calm after our sessions because I utilize mindfulness, breathing techniques and guided relaxation to help ease the mind and release tension. I help clients practice these skills so they can use them to become more relaxed and calm on their own.
Creative
Again, I'm not a huge fan of the "sit and talk" only method of counseling. I like to bring creative aspects into my work such as guided imagery, inspirational reading, journaling, visual art and music. All of these serve to help us get out of the typical thinking mind and tap into deeper sources of insight, strength and healing.
Experiential
Counseling is so much more than a conversation, it is a collaborative, creative experience that calls forth the client's inner strengths and resources to overcome barriers and pursue their best life. If you're ready to participate in a transformative process to achieve your desired goals and highest potential, let's get started!
Upcoming Events and Collaborations
Elizabeth Shoop, of Rivers Way Counseling, enjoys many opportunities to collaborate with other organizations and individuals to provide events and experiences that support holistic wellbeing.
.png)
.png)
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my insurance cover counseling?
We are in network with a number of insurance companies, including Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Virginia, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare.
All policies are different, so the best way to verify your coverage is to contact your health insurance company directly.
Clients may also choose to pay out of pocket for counseling sessions. Costs per session are:
$140 for the first session
$90 - $130 per session, depending on length
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can reach out by phone, email, or self-schedule a free consultation call. I'll ask a few questions to be sure I am a good fit for your unique concerns and needs. You'll have the opportunity to ask me any questions you may have about the counseling process or my practice. Once the first session is scheduled, new clients create an account in the secure online portal that will allow you to fill out initial forms and read over practice policies online.
What can I expect during a therapy session?
During a therapy session with Elizabeth, you can expect a safe and confidential environment where you can openly discuss your thoughts and feelings. Elizabeth will listen attentively, offer guidance, and work collaboratively with you to explore solutions and promote personal growth, in mind, body and soul.