Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Newport News, VA

Brenda Naftel is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience. Brenda is passionate about helping young and older adults along their life journey. She has experience in anxiety, depression, domestic violence, couples, and grief.

Brenda completed her Master of Education (MEd) at Auburn Montgomery. She uses cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, and sometimes dialectical behavior techniques as the basis for most sessions. 

Along life’s journey there are times we need someone to be there. Brenda would be honored if you would allow her to be with you on life’s challenging journey. She will be your sounding board and offer you coping techniques to help you along the way.

Crystal Bland is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) who has 13 years of experience in the mental health field. Crystal specializes in working with children, adolescents, and adults who are coping with depression, anxiety, and general phase of life challenges. 

Crystal completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. At VCU, her desire to help became ignited as she assisted in many volunteer efforts to help others throughout the city. Crystal completed her master’s degree in Counselor Education; Mental Health at Old Dominion University. She began her professional journey in 2012 as a community-based counselor. Throughout that journey, Crystal gained experienced with mental health skill building, intensive in home, therapeutic day treatment, and outpatient therapy. She has served individuals in schools, community, and various juvenile detentions in the Hampton Roads Area.

 Crystal's theoretical approach is rather eclectic and integrative in general. However, person-centered could be considered the platform in which she practices. Crystal believes in creating a safe space for the client, creating an opportunity for them to be their authentic selves. Alongside person-centered practices, she may also use cognitive-behavioral approaches, solution-focused therapy, reality therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing when appropriate. Crystal believes that rapport is essential to the therapeutic process. She provides a safe, nonjudgmental space with openness and transparency. Crystal believes in empowering individuals so that they can take the driver seat of their lives. She would love to be your passenger.

Sophia Strydom is a Supervisee in Clinical Social Work and has over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She supports adults and families dealing with depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, ADHD, loss and grief, stress, relationship stress, coping skills, life changes, PTSD, abuse, and trauma.

Sophia has a Master's in Social Work from Salisbury University. She utilizes evidence-based techniques such as person-centered therapy, positive psychology therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, psychodynamic therapy, internal family systems, mindfulness, and psychoeducation.

Opening yourself up in therapy can feel vulnerable and unnerving, but it is a great place to find more adaptive ways of living and thriving. She is committed to creating a safe, compassionate, collaborative therapeutic environment to foster growth and healing, meet clients where they are, and empower them. Schedule your first appointment today!

Kimberly Green is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (LPC, CSAC) in the state of Virginia with over 18 years of experience working in a variety of settings with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and veterans. 

Kimberly earned her Master's degree in Counseling from Norfolk State University and specializes in cognitive behavioral (CBT), behavior modification, client-centered, rational-emotive, family systems (FST), and brief solution-focused therapies (BSFT). She is a strong advocate of empowering her clients to be the best version of who they are in order to succeed and go far physically and mentally. Kimberly is also dedicated to instilling in her clients the need to be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem. 

Kimberly strongly believes in treating her clients with respect, fairness, and compassion. She'll help you learn to live your life as though it’s golden, making the rest of your life the best part of your life—and only comparing yourself to the person you were yesterday.

Lauren Green is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia who has over 7 years of experience providing therapeutic care and clinical assessment to youth and adults seeking assistance with trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, and other life transitions. Lauren also has experience working with children and adolescents who display severe behavioral concerns as well as young and middle-aged adults with serious mental illnesses.

Lauren completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Old Dominion University and received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. She utilizes cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and mindfulness approaches to therapy. Lauren focuses on empowering clients by building on their strengths and finding evidence-based solutions. Lauren values collaborating with the client to develop a treatment plan that best addresses the client’s needs. 

Lauren looks forward to cultivating and maintaining an inviting and supportive relationship with you in order to assist with fostering positive change, and long-term growth and healing.