Welcome to
James River Healing & Wholeness

Healing relationships through the wisdom of the body—at every stage of life.

Richmond, VA
in-person and online.

Close-up of a small succulent plant with green leaves edged in pink, growing among wet dark rocks.
A woman standing outdoors in front of a white picket fence and green leafy trees, wearing a white crop top and bright pink pants.

Alex Orton, LCSW, TIST, ABCDT, ABCSDT
Founder, Psychosomatic Therapist,
Supervisor, Dog Trainer at JRH&W

How can we help?

✨Therapy with Alex Orton, LCSW

I support individuals, couples, and families through the full spectrum of intimacy, connection, and life’s transitions. My work is rooted in attachment, mind–body integration, and pre- and perinatal psychology, honoring how our earliest experiences shape relationships across the lifespan.

I provide inclusive, nonjudgmental care for all kinds of families and relationships, including:

This is a safe space for healing, growth, and deeper connection—beginning from our earliest experiences forward.

✨Short-Term Therapy & Coaching

Accessible support when you need it most. My team of VCU MSW clinical interns offers short-term therapy and coaching through virtual sessions, in-office visits, and community-based care. Affordable, flexible, and guided by trauma-informed principles. [Read More →]

✨Home Visits & Postpartum Support

Compassionate support when getting to the office isn’t possible. I provide home visits under special circumstances, including support for birthing people on bedrest, clients with elevated symptoms, and postpartum Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy for birthing people and newborns. [Read More →]

🐾 Trauma-Informed Dog Training

Helping people and dogs grow together as a team. I am certified in obedience, emotional support, therapy, and service dog training, offering one-on-one sessions and immersive in-home training using positive reinforcement. [Read More →]

👥 Community Workshops & Collaboration

I support learning and healing in community. I partner with Waller Thompson, PhD, to teach workshops on consent, hands-on therapies, and pre- and perinatal psychology—bringing trauma-informed education to Richmond and beyond. [Read More →]

A woman lying on a bed with her eyes closed, wearing a black t-shirt and green shorts, with a dog lying on the floor nearby.
A baby with a shaven head is lying on a blanket, wrapped in a colorful blanket, with a small dog close by and a person's hand placed on a blue object nearby.
A woman lying on her back on a bed, with her eyes closed, while another woman with tattoos stands beside her, touching her shoulder.
A multicolored dahlia flower with petals in shades of pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple on a white background.

Testimonials

Testimonials

“Her dedication to her clients, both human and canine, is unparalleled. She creates a safe and nurturing space where healing can truly flourish. Alex is a psychotherapist who not only understands the complexities of the human experience but also effortlessly speaks the language of our canine companions. She is a beacon of light and healing in this world, with an intuitive knack for guiding both humans and canines toward a deeper understanding of themselves and each other”. 
- Whitney English, LCSW
Riverbend Integrative Trauma Treatment & Region 10 CSB

"Alex Orton was a dedicated volunteer at Dogs Deserve Better, making a significant impact through her multifaceted contributions. Alex fostered and rehabilitated several challenging dogs, including those with severe medical conditions and behavioral issues. Her commitment extended to community outreach, where she provided essential services such as shelter, food, and medical care to under-resourced areas. Alex's efforts also involved transporting dogs to vet appointments and adoption events, and promoting the organization's mission. We were fortunate to have Alex with us in Central Virginia, where she proved to be exceptional with both dogs and the community."

-Kimberly Hawk, Founder
Dogs Deserve Better Blue Ridge