with Elizabeth Shoop, LPC
Change begins here.
Rivers Way Counseling offers a holistic, trauma-informed approach to mental health, integrating mindfulness, core values, and body-based somatic interventions.
With a compassionate, intuitive, and grounded presence, we support clients in navigating life’s challenges, strengthening emotional resilience, and deepening mind-body awareness.
Through individual counseling, workshops, and retreats, we create opportunities for greater balance, meaningful growth, authentic connection, and a deeper relationship with what matters most.
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 Licensed Professional Counselor and mindfulness leader who creates thoughtful spaces for healing, self-discovery, and growth. With a holistic, integrative, and trauma-informed approach, she draws from mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and values-based approaches to support clients in regaining a sense of meaning and purpose. Equipped with training in somatic practices and trauma treatment, Elizabeth helps individuals and groups develop greater awareness, resilience, and emotional well-being.
In her clinical work, Elizabeth recognizes the important relationship between mind and body. She incorporates breathwork, mindful movement, nervous-system education and regulation strategies, and trauma-sensitive practices to help clients increase awareness of their internal experiences, strengthen emotional regulation, and develop a greater capacity to respond flexibly to life's challenges.
Beyond individual therapy, Elizabeth facilitates mindfulness experiences, workshops, groups, and retreats designed to foster reflection, meaningful connection, and intentional living. She enjoys translating psychological and mindfulness concepts into practical tools that individuals, groups, and organizations can integrate into everyday life.
Elizabeth brings warmth, curiosity, and grounded presence to her work. Whether in psychotherapy, education, or facilitated experiences, her goal is to create an environment where people feel welcomed and supported as they develop greater understanding of themselves and move toward lives that reflect what matters most to them.
Credentials and Professional Training
"My approach has been shaped by more than 25 years of experience in counseling and behavioral health, along with ongoing advanced training in trauma-informed care, mindfulness, and mind-body approaches to emotional well-being."
Specialized Certifications and Training
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy Certification
Advanced training in integrating mindfulness practices with cognitive approaches to emotional health and psychological well-being.
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
Specialized professional training in trauma-informed assessment, treatment principles, and approaches to supporting individuals affected by traumatic experiences.
Professional Licensure
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Virginia
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Florida
Education
Master of Science in Counseling and Human Development from Radford University
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Virginia Tech
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!
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.