Our therapists offer EMDR therapy in Lynchburg, VA

April Gardner is a Resident in Counseling with 4 years of experience. She works with adults (and their loved ones) dealing with a variety of mental health problems including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia and related disorders. April also has experience working with the incarcerated and addiction disorders. She has worked in settings including hospice care, bereavement, community mental health, inpatient hospital, emergency service, and private practice.

April Graduated from Liberty University with her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She specializes in solution-focused brief therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-oriented recovery enhancement. April is non-judgmental and believes that together people can impact the world for the better.

You are the master of your future, and April will partner with you to help set goals and take steps to a better tomorrow. No matter where you have been in the past, the path to healing is only a day away. April warmly invites you to schedule an appointment!

Kayla Norris is a Licensed Resident in Counseling with 1 year of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in helping adults and seniors manage anxiety and heal from parental trauma. Kayla also has experience in supporting individuals as they manage depression, adjust to life changes, and recover from traumatic situations.

Kayla received her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in 2024. She integrates a faith-based approach into cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapies to help clients achieve their goals.

Kayla believes that healing looks different for everyone, and collaborates with her clients to help them find solutions for their unique needs. She encourages you to reach out to schedule an initial appointment today!

Rebeccah McCully is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. She has spent time serving in school-based therapeutic programs, including group counseling, school-based outpatient services, and providing individual therapy. Rebeccah has a special heart for supporting women through life's toughest and most transformative moments. With extensive experience working with mothers facing postpartum depression, infertility, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), she offers empathetic care to help women navigate these challenges. Rebeccah is also skilled in addressing anxiety and depression, providing a safe and comforting space for individuals to explore their feelings and find effective coping strategies. She supports those experiencing infidelity and the pain of betrayal, helping them heal and move forward.

Rebeccah earned her Master’s in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She uses a holistic and personalized approach to therapy, integrating techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and faith-based counseling.

Rebeccah's counseling style is characterized by empathy, respect, and collaboration, creating a safe and inclusive space for clients to explore their emotions and experiences. She values cultural sensitivity and strives to ensure that everyone in her practice feels valued and understood. Rebeccah is dedicated to helping her clients find hope, healing, and resilience in their most challenging times.

Geoffrey Dill (he/him) is a Resident in Counseling (RIC) with years of experience working in the mental health field. He is passionate about providing therapeutic care to clients dealing with shame, specializing particularly in eating disorders, LGBTQIA+ needs, trauma, depression, and low self-esteem.

Geoffrey completed his Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and became licensed as a Resident in Counseling in 2023. Additionally, after meeting supervision and educational requirements, he received his credential as a National Certified Counselor (NCC). In sessions, Geoffrey uses an eclectic approach, pulling especially from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), compassion-focused therapy (CPT), and narrative therapy.

Geoffrey is confident that he will be able to support you on your mental wellness journey by providing a calm, restorative space where you'll be seen and understood and teaching coping skills to confront your everyday challenges. Schedule your appointment with him today.

Christopher is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 3 years of experience working in a variety of counseling settings, including ambulatory crisis stabilization, inpatient hospitalization, residential treatment, and school-based services. Christopher has extensive experience treating clients with mood disorders; anxiety disorders; trauma- and stress-related- disorders; and disruptive, impulse control, and conduct disorders. 

Christopher completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Randolph College and Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lynchburg College. He believes in the power of strength-based and person-centered approaches to counseling and that providing a nonjudgmental and encouraging environment can help to stabilize and support individuals with a variety of mental health conditions. 

Christopher enjoys forming open and empathetic relationships with his clients and walking with them through their path to healing and actualization. He utilizes elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, anger management, mindfulness, and dialectical behavior therapy to assist his clients in reaching their goals and improving the quality of their lives.

Jacob Sitton is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has experience working with adults of all age groups and in individual, couple, and group contexts. Though Jacob has worked with clients experiencing a variety of issues and conditions, he most consistently finds himself counseling individuals struggling with chronic anxiety, depression and suicidality, low self-esteem, grief, relational difficulty, and both men's and women's issues. In addition, Jacob has had the privilege of working with clients who are overcoming trauma, battling addiction, or living with borderline personality disorder.

Jacob completed his master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. He adopts a collaborative approach to counseling, acknowledging the client as the expert on their experiences. Jacob's role is to help the client foster the awareness necessary to evaluate their experiences free from any unhealthy measures of worth, and to equip them with the tools to respond appropriately to those experiences.

Jacob holds a deep reverence for the resilience and perseverance his clients exhibit by pursuing mental health, and he regularly finds himself inspired by their progress. Even taking this first step toward wellbeing by exploring potential counselors deserves recognition. If you are willing, Jacob encourages you to take the next step as well and reach out.

Christel Hammett is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience working with children from early childhood to adolescence and their families. She specializes in treating adjustment disorders, anxiety, attachment, autism spectrum-related issues, depression, low self-esteem, chronic stress, trauma, and more. 

She has her Bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology from the University of Georgia and a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She has experience in outpatient treatment, crisis counseling, and in-home behavioral treatment. Christel utilizes an eclectic approach with a primary approach in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) while also utilizing behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, psychoeducational, and attachment-based approaches. 

Christel enjoys working with individuals to realize their strengths and ability in treatment with the overall goal of working on healing. She encourages self-reflection so individuals can grow from their treatment and move forward with personal growth. Christel focuses on a person-centered approach to improve overall functioning.

Ruth Ware is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Virginia. She is also Board Certified in Telemental Health. Ruth has 25+ years of experience helping adults and those with issues related to depression, anxiety, life transitions, and addictions issues find their way back to the road of recovery and happiness. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Oklahoma State University and received a Master of Human Relations from University of Oklahoma. She also has a Master of Business of Administration. Ruth utilizes collaborative, strengths-based, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness based and experiential approaches to therapy to assist clients to meet their treatment objectives. She remains mindful of individual differences and needs in the process and brings years of experience that allow flexibility and alternatives to meet the needs of each individual. Ruth believes in meeting her clients where they are at the moment. She strives to help them to experience a therapeutic relationship that will allow them to grow and change in the direction they wish to go in their life.

Dr. Tiffany Jackson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 6 years of experience. She specializes in treating trauma and understands how traumatic events can impact our mental health. Tiffany typically treats children, teens, adults, and seniors with depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, and major life issues/transitions.

In sessions, she uses culturally-sensitive (CST), solutions-focused brief therapy (SFBT), reality therapy (RT), and much more. Tiffany is perfect for individuals who have experienced some type of trauma within their lifetime.

Dr. Tiffany Jackson completed a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at Old Dominion University. She also earned a Master's and Doctorate degree at Liberty University.

Most people have experienced trauma at some point in their lives. Tiffany is confident she can help assist and support you as you work through trauma and learn how past experiences can play a role in current mental health symptoms. She looks forward to seeing you in your first session together.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Resident with 2 years of experience in the mental health field. I work with individuals, couples, and families, supporting them through identity development, life transitions, trauma, and grief. I also have experience with ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, and anger management. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate space where clients feel supported and empowered to reach their goals.

I received my Master of Arts in Counseling from Eastern Mennonite University, where I trained to work with diverse populations. I use approaches such as expressive arts, emotion-focused therapy, person-centered work, and dialectal behavior therapy. I tailor each session to meet my clients’ needs and honor their unique stories.

I believe that everyone has the ability to change and grow. My role is to walk alongside clients, meeting them wherever they are in their journey, and help them make empowered changes in their lives. I strive to support people through whatever challenges life may bring, ensuring they never have to face those challenges alone.

Kimberly Plourde is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Maine and Virginia with many years of experience in the fields of mental health and child welfare. We are all impacted by traumatic events or serious life stressors, which can make us stronger. Kimberly has a desire to help people find the strength and joy that can come through healing the wounds from those events. Kimberly enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families. She brings a warm and friendly approach to this very important process.

Kimberly has been trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral treatment as well as motivational interviewing skills. In 2021, Kimberly completed training in Brain Health Coaching Certification (BHCC) with Dr. Daniel Amen.

She received a Master's degree in social work from the University of New England and a Bachelor's degree in social work from Gordon College.

Kimberly has been a member of ASWIS (Alliance of Social Worker in Sport) since 2020 and has been listed in the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Mental Health Registry since 2020. She has a history of participating in interscholastic and intercollegiate athletics as a player and coach. Kimberly played in professional athletics (WNFL) as well as senior Olympics. She has also worked with college and Olympic athletes assisting them to improve their personal lives and positively improve their athletic performance.

Brittany Bonner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisee with 15 years of experience in settings including outpatient care and prison systems. She specializes in working with adults who struggle with a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness, postpartum/parenting struggles, and relationship and familial issues. Brittany believes many factors influence general health and well-being, including environment, lifestyle choices, and mindset. She takes a holistic approach to care by looking at all areas of an individual’s life.

Brittany holds a Master’s in Social Work from Appalachian State University. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused approaches and has a special interest in mindfulness-based practices. Brittany is trained in mind-body stress reduction and has led mindfulness groups for adolescents and adults.

Seeking therapy can leave us feeling vulnerable, and Brittany respects how difficult it can be to seek help. She is honored to meet clients where they are and walk alongside them to ensure they are heard, supported, and guided to discover their unique strengths.

Cassie Stolec is a Resident in Counseling with 2 years of experience helping clients navigate anxiety, stress, identity development, and significant life transitions. She is dedicated to fostering personal growth and emotional resilience in a safe, compassionate environment. Throughout her career, she has worked with children, young adults, and middle-aged adults, providing tailored support for each stage of life. Cassie’s personalized care empowers clients to gain insight and promotes long-term emotional well-being.

Cassie received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy to help clients challenge negative thought patterns, build emotional resilience, and develop practical coping skills.

Cassie understands that seeking help can feel overwhelming, but she believes in the power of growth through support and self-discovery. With compassion and a client-centered approach, will work with you to navigate challenges and find balance. When you are ready, Cassie is here to help you take the next step toward healing and personal growth.

Lynn Lemon is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 5 years of clinical experience working with adults in the mental health field. Lynn has experience with individuals diagnosed with anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, substance abuse disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. 

She received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. Lynn’s therapeutic approach, although eclectic, is greatly influenced by Psychodynamic theory. Each client comes to therapy with different needs and Lynn collaborates with them developing a unique treatment plan. 

She believes in order to move forward one must look within and to the past to uncover obstacles preventing change. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also used to assist the client in changing negative thought patterns and exposure therapy is also used to overcome the avoidance of situations causing anxiety.

Lynn believes everyone has value and is capable of living the life they dream of. The environment that one is raised in greatly influences how one feels about themselves and interacts with others. There are unconscious patterns that play a role in one’s ability to make choices that will take them from where they are, to where they want to be. To identify the maladaptive automatic responses is the key to growth and to live the life of ones dreams. 

Carson Winston is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of clinical settings. Carson attained her professional experience working in residential treatment, outpatient settings, emergency mental health, and hospice. She enjoys assisting individuals in coping with life transitions, grief and loss, postpartum, and relationship issues.

Carson completed both her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and her Master of Education in Community Counseling at Lynchburg College. Carson’s approach to therapy encompasses various techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy, and person-centered therapy. She also uses relaxation and mindfulness-based techniques.

Carson values the individuality of each client and ensures therapy is tailored to clients’ specific needs and preferences. She offers a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to openly express yourself, discover your strengths, and work towards your personal goals.

Stephanie Pitts-Riley is a Resident in Counseling with 4 years of experience. She is dedicated to helping others navigate life transitions, process grief or trauma, and explore their identity. Stephanie’s ideal client wants to collaborate to regain control of their narrative. Motivated by her own experience navigating mental health, Stephanie is committed to supporting children, adolescents, and adults on the journey toward embracing their authentic selves. She works with all populations, backgrounds, and diagnoses.

Stephanie holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She blends counseling theories and techniques to tailor interventions to meet each client's specific needs. Stephanie offers EMDR, traditional talk therapy, and children's therapies and is bilingual in English and Spanish.

With an extensive background in mental health services and social work, Stephanie effectively advocates for clients in a hands-on manner. She fosters accountability and personal growth by creating a space of acceptance, respect, and kindness. Reach out to start your path to healing and self-discovery!

Heather Duncan is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia and an experienced counselor with 6 years of outpatient counseling and assessment experience and 14 years of experience working with severely mentally ill individuals within a variety of community mental health agencies. Heather graduated from Liberty University with a master’s degree focused on Professional Counseling. She is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and couples by approaching individuals uniquely while holding space and joining with individuals throughout their distinct healing journey as they work to live a more fulfilling life. Heather specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship issues, major life transitions, men’s and women’s issues, life transitions and adjustments, peri and post-natal challenges, chronic pain, and chronic illnesses.

Heather Duncan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia and a member of the Virginia Counseling Association. Heather has demonstrated work experience within the mental health industry. Heather is skilled in crisis intervention, premarital and couples counseling, grief/loss, group therapy, behavioral health, training, and psychotherapy. She is passionate about partnering with individuals and investing time in the development of a strong therapeutic rapport. Heather’s passion, supportive style, and unique clinical approach to individuals fuel the treatment and quality of care you will receive. Heather utilizes multiple therapeutic person-centered treatment approaches including mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, prepare and enrich, and family systems therapy.

One of the most challenging and important aspects of wanting to start the therapeutic process is finding a counselor that you feel comfortable with! You have already made THE most important decision regarding your well-being and that is simply to just begin. When you develop a relationship with a caring, attuned therapist, you will find new ways to solve problems, know and accept yourself, heal old wounds, and change the way you live your life. We all deserve a little help and support sometimes, and that’s what led you here! If you’re feeling like something is missing or needs to give, please reach out to Heather and schedule an appointment today. She would be honored to be of help.

Ethan Zehr is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 5.5 years of experience in the mental health field. Ethan has worked as a therapeutic mentor, CASA volunteer, crisis stabilization clinician, outpatient clinician, and emergency services clinician in Virginia. He is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and couples address their challenges and increase overall functioning. Ethan specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, men's issues, relationship issues, major life transitions, and building mindfulness/coping skills, etc.

Ethan completed his Bachelor's in Religion at the University of Georgia and his Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. Ethan utilizes multiple treatment approaches including person-centered techniques (Rogerian), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness.

As overwhelming and unpredictable as life can be, we can all use professional help at times. Ethan meets clients where they are and works to help clients improve their overall functioning. If you are ready, please schedule an appointment with Ethan.

Danielle Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and couples address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Danielle specializes in trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, and substance misuse.

Danielle completed her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. She utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, somatic breathing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy (SFT).

Our trauma impacts us everyday but doesn't have to. Healing is challenging but it is worth the effort. If you're ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today.

Marie Boyd is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has a wide range of experience working with children and adults who struggle with anger, depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. Marie has extensive experience in trauma-informed care and she strives to help those with healing from these experiences to create a safe space in processing trauma and developing coping skills to manage their symptoms and make strides in eliminating maladaptive behaviors.

Marie completed her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology at Lynchburg College and her Master of Education (MEd) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Lynchburg. Marie’s clients are willing to invest in their growth and healing process and will complete any assigned "homework" which will help them reach their treatment goals outside of scheduled sessions. Marie also works with those who are interested in personal growth or struggle with life changes, but do not know where to start. She helps clients develop personal goals and create a plan of action in order to meet those goals as well as navigate the ever-changing journey that life takes them on. Marie believes that all clients are worthy of respect, a safe space to share their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and they are worthy of living the life they have dreamed of.

Marie knows that starting therapy can be scary and difficult, but she would love to help you with your goals in either managing symptoms of your diagnoses or simply working through life struggles and changes. She will take her time and work at whatever pace feels comfortable for you. Marie uses an eclectic mix of person-centered therapeutic techniques such as psychoeducation, identifying helpful coping skills, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)- and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)-informed techniques, art and play therapy-informed interventions, and trauma-informed care. She is client-focused and will adjust her counseling style to meet your needs. Marie will help you examine underlying thought patterns and core beliefs which lead to negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. She works on restructuring thought patterns in order to help clients live healthy and fulfilling lives. This is your time to heal and grow and Marie is happy to join you for that journey.

Kandice Ketterling is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, families, and adults in a variety of clinical settings. Her professional career consists of providing service with inpatient and outpatient services, In-home services, school settings, and hospice. 

Kandice received both her Bachelor's in Psychology and Masters of Professional Counseling at Liberty University. Her main approach to counseling is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) but also incorporates Gestalt therapy, solutions-focused therapy (SFT), and person-centered therapy to help improve quality of life, self-awareness, and coping skills.

Kandice believes in maintaining a safe space, encouraging each of her clients to share as they feel comfortable. She'll support you as the unique individual that you are, helping you to achieve your identified goals.

Jonathan White is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has 3 years of experience. He has walked with patients through a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, panic disorders, body dysmorphia, eating disorders, PTSD, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. He has worked in the adult population with experience in adolescent care.

Jonathan earned a Doctorate in Nursing from the University of Tennessee. He has experience integrating motivational interviewing techniques, Christian counseling, and cognitive behavioral therapy with pharmacological treatments. This experience continues to serve him well as he advocates for the well-being of each of his patients.

Jonathan believes that to help someone, you have to first hear them. In meeting you where you are, he believes that there can be healing. He believes in a patient-centered approach that empowers you as the patient to set and achieve goals that result in you obtaining your highest quality of life.

Jeanie Felty is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia who has 12 years of experience providing therapeutic services to individuals in a variety of outpatient settings. She has a passion to support those seeking help with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, perinatal loss and infertility, trauma and adjustment issues, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and life transitions. She is trained in perinatal mental health, trauma crisis response, Christian counseling and is an adoption competent counselor.

Jeanie completed her Master's in Professional Counseling at Liberty University. She utilizes an array of therapy strategies with respect to each client’s unique needs and goals as the foundation of a successful counseling experience. She often uses approaches such as cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, person-centered, solution-focused, and narrative therapies. She strongly believes in a collaborative treatment process to build a secure and motivating therapeutic relationship.

Jeanie recognizes that the process of therapy can feel daunting at times and is honored to come alongside those individuals who wish to focus their well-being as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of life.

**DISCLAIMER - DOES NOT PROVIDE PSYCH TESTING OR EVALUATIONS**

Brandy Smith is a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Alabama with 13+ years post-doctoral experience. She was trained as a generalist and earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from University of Memphis. Brandy works with adults and approaches clinical work collaboratively: meeting clients where they are at and working together to reach their goals. She is well-trained to address diversity broadly defined, especially with concerns related to gender, sexual orientation, and race. Those are not the only areas of diversity experience and do not have to be the primary focus, but if diversity is relevant to include within best serving you, she is skilled in doing so.

Brandy views counseling as a collaboration between the client as the expert on their life and her as the expert on how to enhance mental well-being. Together, they identify goals and when needed break goals down to smaller sub-goals so that clients have identified, achievable steps/tasks they can work on between meetings to achieve desired change(s).

Brandy conceptualizes clients from a strength-based perspective and incorporates empowerment where relevant. While work in sessions is important, it’s work between sessions that will reap the greatest gains! She looks forward to the opportunity to enhance your coping and quality of life.

Joshua Kee is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with more than 12 years of clinical mental health experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families who have experienced various symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger management, parent/child difficulty, mood disorders, stress management, ADHD, impulse control issues, and family and relationship issues, among others.  

Joshua is highly skilled in building rapport and trust with his clients in order to create an effective therapeutic alliance. He received his Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in 2014. Joshua utilizes an eclectic approach that is rooted in cognitive behavioral techniques (CBT), dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT), trauma-focused cognitive approaches (TFCBT), and mindfulness and meditation-based approaches. 

Joshua works to address negative thought patterns and habits while restoring self-regulation and improving daily functioning. He seeks to provide a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment for his clients to achieve their therapeutic goals. 

Bryan Hunsley is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has 5 years experience working alongside children, adolescents, adults, and couples who are seeking help with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse, and crisis intervention. 

Bryan completed his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Religion and his Master of Arts (MA) in Professional Counseling at Liberty University. He utilizes an eclectic approach toward counseling and incorporates techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and solution-focused therapy. 

Bryan enjoys providing support and encouragement through the counseling process. He seeks to engage with clients in a meaningful way to help them understand how to move forward in meeting their goals and continue their process of personal growth.