The Empowerment Lab

08/03/2026

🎓 BIG NEWS! 🎓
At The Empowerment Lab, we believe leadership isn't measured by a GPA alone—it's measured by the lives you impact.
That's why we're proud to announce the Future Leaders Scholarship! 💙🧡
We will award TWO $1,000 scholarships to deserving members of the Class of 2027:
🎓 One graduating senior from Dinwiddie High School
🎓 One graduating senior from Petersburg High School
We're looking for students who:
✨ Have a minimum 2.5 GPA
✨ Are actively involved in their community
✨ Lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose
✨ Are committed to continuing their education after graduation
At The Empowerment Lab, our mission has always been to empower minds, strengthen communities, and invest in the next generation. This scholarship is our way of putting that mission into action.
Applications open January 5, 2027.
For application details and more information, email:
📧 [email protected]
Tag a Class of 2027 student who deserves to see this! 💙🧡

07/23/2026

✨ We're Growing! ✨
The Empowerment Lab is looking for a passionate Resident in Counseling to join our team.
If you're ready to grow your clinical skills in a supportive, empowering environment while making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals, couples, and families, we'd love to hear from you.
We're looking for someone who:
✔️ Is a Virginia Registered Resident in Counseling
✔️ Has at least one year of clinical experience
✔️ Already has an approved Clinical Supervisor
✔️ Believes therapy should empower, challenge, and transform lives
At The Empowerment Lab, we don't just provide therapy—we build relationships, strengthen communities, and create spaces where healing happens.
📍Petersburg, VA
📧 Send your résumé and cover letter to:
[email protected]
Know someone who would be a great fit? Tag them below or share this post!

07/17/2026

Meet Shantel Cooper, M.Ed., LPC!

Shantel Cooper is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), entrepreneur, speaker, and mental health advocate with more than 15 years of experience serving individuals, families, and communities. She is the Founder and CEO of **The Empowerment Lab, LLC**, a Virginia-based behavioral health practice specializing in outpatient therapy, professional training, clinical consultation, and community education.

As a therapist and consultant, Shantel specializes in trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, family systems, and professional burnout. Her engaging presentations combine clinical expertise, authenticity, and practical strategies to empower audiences to prioritize mental wellness and personal growth.

A proud graduate of Virginia State University, Shantel is passionate about mentoring others, advocating for emotional wellness, and strengthening communities through education, leadership, and service. Her mission is simple: to help people heal, grow, and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

03/29/2026

Even therapists need time to pause.

The Empowerment Lab is closed from March 29 – April 5 as I take time to rest, reset, and pour back into myself.

If you are a current client, continue doing the work—we’ve built the tools for a reason. 💛

If you need immediate support:
📞 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline
🚨 Emergency Room / 911

I’ll be back soon, refreshed and ready.
— The Empowerment Lab

02/24/2026

You planned a calm maintenance session…but your client logs in with “so a lot happened this week…” 😭Therapist mode: ✅ ActivatedWater bottle: ✅ ReadyEmotional seatbelt: ✅ Buckled

02/24/2026

02/14/2026

POV: When I connect the dots between the child’s behavior and the parents’ behavior… and suddenly my session is over. 😂😂😂

01/02/2026

Hot take: a lot of group therapy doesn’t fail because people don’t care.
It fails because it doesn’t have a blueprint.

So in 2026, The Empowerment Lab is doing two things:

📌 We’re launching groups that are structured, skills-based, and made for real life — not just “come vent and see you next week.”

🧩 And we’re offering Group Curriculum Services for agencies and programs that want groups that actually flow.
(ASAM, PHP, teen, parent, and professional psychotherapy groups.)

Because your clinicians shouldn’t be up at midnight trying to invent a session.
And your clients deserve consistency, not “whoever is facilitating today.”

Comment or DM “BLUEPRINT” if you want the curriculum info, or “2026” if you want updates when our groups open.