Meet Our Team
We practice in the Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Suffolk, Chesapeake Area, and Online
Meet Our Team
Julie Smead, MA, LPC
Founder & Clinical Director,
Restore Counseling & Wellness
Hi, I'm Julie, and I'm passionate about helping adults, teens, and couples heal from trauma and build lives that feel peaceful, connected, and fulfilling. Whether your pain comes from childhood experiences, difficult relationships, anxiety, or overwhelming life circumstances, you don't have to carry it alone.
I understand how trauma can shape the way you see yourself, relate to others, and move through the world. It can leave you feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you—even when you know logically that you want something different. My goal is to help you move beyond simply understanding your experiences and toward genuine healing and lasting change.
I believe healing involves more than simply talking through your experiences. Together, we'll work to help your mind and body feel safe again so that lasting change becomes possible. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and trauma-informed, integrating evidence-based therapies with nervous system regulation and somatic techniques. We'll work at a pace that feels right for you as you build resilience, strengthen relationships, and rediscover hope.
Whether you're seeking support as an individual or as a couple, I believe healing is possible. Therapy isn't about becoming someone different—it's about finding freedom from the experiences that have been holding you back so you can become more fully yourself.
Outside of the therapy office, I'm married to my husband of over 20 years and am the proud mom of four amazing kids. You'll often find me at Burn Boot Camp, cheering on my kids at their activities, or enjoying time at the beach. I believe caring for our mental, physical, and relational health all work together to create lasting wellness.
It would be an honor to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing.
Allison Picini, MA, LRIC
Hi, I'm Allison, and I love helping children, teens, and adults discover healing, resilience, and hope. I especially enjoy working with children (ages 8+), adolescents, and BIPOC women, creating a space where clients feel safe to express themselves, build confidence, and navigate life's challenges with support and compassion.
I believe therapy should be a place where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and accepted—a space where you can be yourself, process difficult experiences, and even find moments of laughter along the way. Whether you're navigating the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, or relationship challenges, I strive to create an environment where healing feels possible.
My approach is collaborative, person-centered, and somatically informed, recognizing that our minds and bodies are deeply connected. Together, we'll work at a pace that feels safe and supportive as we explore your experiences, build resilience, and help you reconnect with the person you were created to be. I draw from depth-oriented, wellness-based, and trauma-informed approaches to tailor therapy to each client's unique needs.
I am a Licensed Resident in Counseling under supervision and have completed specialized training in Narrative-Focused Trauma Care, somatic approaches, and issues specific to adolescents and BIPOC women. I earned my Bachelor's degree in Music Education from James Madison University and my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology, where I am also completing a Master's in Theology & Culture.
Whether you're seeking support for yourself or your child, I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing, growth, and lasting hope.
Outside of the therapy room, you'll usually find me cooking, creating art, spending time with my family, or cuddling my dogs.
Laura Aeschliman, MA, LPC
Hi, I'm Laura! In 2018, I received my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University. Prior to this, I spent over a decade in community-focused, service-oriented work, where I came to realize that I wanted to help people heal from the wounds of their past and step fully into who they're meant to be. The work I get to do with individuals and couples is a privilege I don't take lightly. Through my own healing journey, I've come to recognize that combining deep personal insight with the science of counseling creates space for real, lasting change to take place. This is what you'll find at HopeWell.
I've been trained in EMDR Therapy, which helps individuals process the most painful pieces of their story and find hope and peace in the present. I've also been trained in Prepare/Enrich, supporting premarital couples as they begin marriage well and helping married couples learn to navigate and resolve conflict.
When I'm not in the counseling office, you'll find me enjoying quality time with my husband, family, and friends.
Why clients choose Restore
EMDR trained
Trauma-informed
Somatic approaches
Family systems perspective
Insurance accepted
In-person & virtual
Years of experience
