Team Thriveworks Richmond

Angela Holden, LPC, NCC

Angela Holden is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is nationally certified. She earned her Bachelor's Degree at Randolph-Macon College and her Masters of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at South University in Richmond, VA. Angela holds membership in the American Counseling Association (ACA).  

She has provided services in the community, psychiatric hospital and outpatient partial hospitalization programs. Angela provides individual and group psychotherapy to adults. She has experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, mood and thought disorders, personality disorders, substance abuse, relationship issues, stress management and self-esteem issues. Angela utilizes an eclectic approach in therapy, including a wide range of therapeutic techniques: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, Solution Focused, Existential, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, and Reality Therapy. 

She engages individuals in therapy by developing rapport, empathy, being non-judgmental and actively listening. She uses a collaborative approach with the individual to meet the individual where they are and to help facilitate the achievement of their identified goals. Angela empowers individuals to explore themselves in an open and safe environment to promote growth, mentally and emotionally. She utilizes humor in sessions. Her style is informal, open and accepting. Angela understands that starting therapy is difficult for individuals and ensures they are treated with respect and care in order to feel comfortable sharing information and emotions. 

Her personal interests include reading, traveling, painting and photography. 

Emma Rixmann, LCSW

Emma is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than seven years of experience working with patients and families managing chronic or terminal illnesses, grief, and loss.

With a background in public service and direct patient care, Emma has a Bachelors in Social Work and Emergency Health Services from UMBC in Baltimore, Maryland, and an MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has experience in hospice and palliative care, complex disease management, end-of-life planning and pain management.

She specifically enjoys working with young adults managing illness, helping families find meaning through their end-of-life journeys, and assisting the aging to maintain independence. When not “social working”, Emma can be found on her farm in Amelia County training rescue horses, playing with her pitbulls, gardening, reading memoirs, attending to Richmond festivals or cooking.

Some of Emma's current areas of expertise include:

• Chronic Illness
• Terminal Illness
• Pain Management/Pain Counseling
• Adjustment Disorders
• Grief & Loss/Bereavement
• Depressive Disorders
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Mindfulness
• Family Counseling

Josh Schubert, LPC, DCC

I am a strong believer of creating health habits and routines, and being aware of your energy level and emotions. I enjoy helping people proactively design their life-style to meet their goals. I have also specialized in teletherapy, or online counseling for the past 4 years. I have been honored to work with a variety of people from different backgrounds and goals.

I have a graduate degree in Counseling from Franciscan University of Steubenville, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with the State of Virginia and Texas. I am also a Distance Credentialed Counselor, meaning I have specialized training in online-counseling. 

My primary therapy orientation is: Person Centered, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Life-Style design, and Brief-Solution Focused. 

I grew up in California and love the beach, tacos, and travel. After traveling to over 30 countries and finishing up grad school I moved to Northern Virginia and now reside in Richmond. In 2017 I spent 3 months in Argentina learning Spanish, how to cook asado, and a little dancing; all while continuing counseling (Online). I am continuing to learn Spanish and some other hobbies are salsa dancing, horseback riding, crypto-currency, and I'm a huge fan of Tim Ferriss.

Karem Vega, LPC

Karem is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She received a Bachelor in Psychology from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico and a Master in Counseling from Regent University. Karem has been a military spouse for over 20 years and has both personal and professional experience working with clients struggling with life transitions and challenges.

Karem uses a variety of approaches in her clinical work with children and adults including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Play Therapy. She has experience treating clients experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, and adjustment issues.  She also has extensive training and experience helping clients with substance abuse issues and trauma.

Karem is passionate about empowering clients to become the best version of themselves. She believes that we all have the potential to THRIVE.

In her free time, Karem enjoys cooking, running, and spending time with her family and friends.

Karem is fluent in English and Spanish.

** Mi nombre es Karem Negron Vega y soy Consejera Profesional Licenciada en Virginia. Como esposa de un militar por más de 20 años, he tenido experiencias personales y profesionales con clientes que experimentan transiciones y desafíos en su vida. Trabajo con niños, adolescentes y adultos. Tengo experiencia trabajando con personas que han experimentado depresión, ansiedad, problemas en sus relaciones, dificultad manejando su enojo, problemas de comportamiento y problemas de ajuste. También tengo amplia experiencia y entrenamiento ayudando a personas que han experimentado trauma y abuso de sustancias. Siento mucha pasión por mi trabajo y me gusta motivar a mis clientes a que se conviertan en la mejor versión de ellos mismos.  Soy una firme creyente de que todos tenemos el potencial de poder prosperar. En mi tiempo libre disfruto cocinar, correr y pasar tiempo con mi familia y amistades.**

Kathleen Lowry, LPC, LMFT

Most times, clients need a therapist who listens deeply and helps them find sort through their challenges.  I do this, without bias.  You come to me so that you can voice your concerns without judgement, and to find a professional who has perspective. I will encourage you, support you with information and resources, and if you like, tell you what I think based on my many years of experience working with other individuals and couples.    

I have worked in the field for 18 years.  I know how to be direct and still be tactful and encouraging.  I won’t mess around and burn up your time.   Whether you are anxious, depressed, struggling with difficult circumstances, or just not feeling ok and not knowing why, I’ve had good success helping clients in the past with similar struggles. I am trained in traditional as well as the most current, evidence-based therapies, so together we can figure out what works best for you.

After many years of seeing 100s of individuals and couples, I’ve come to very much agree with Dr. Margaret Paul’s statement, “Abandonment and self-abandonment are the most frequent cause of unhappiness.”

Should we work together, I might ask you,  “Have you any hard or frightening experiences where you were too much on your own?  “To what extent have you abandoned yourself in recent years?” “In what ways have you pushed your own desires, needs, wants, and values aside thinking that doing this is what is necessary, or because it will make others, and therefore yourself, happy?" 

We’re going to work hard together at helping you find yourself again, to trust and love yourself again, and take really good care of yourself. We will increase those moments of joy for you that we all need to get through hard times.  I treasure doing this work, because watching hearts and minds heal is both an honor and a joy in my life.

My Masters in Counseling Psychology was completed at Bethel University.  I provide counseling both online, through our secure account, on the phone, or in person.  My work has included clinical supervision of trainees, and I also served as an adjunct faculty member at Adler University in Minneapolis.  A combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, somatic therapy, and inner parts therapy form the basis of the work I do with clients to address anxiety, depression, PTSD, early childhood adverse experiences, transitions including career, aging and loss, and anger management.

Kendra Armstrong, LCSW

My name is Kendra Armstrong and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Life is unpredictable but it is inevitable that we will all face challenges and situations that will impact our thoughts and behaviors. I pride myself on being a therapist who understands that everyone is different and might respond to stressors differently. I am a nonjudgmental therapist who conveys genuine empathy and a strong passion to help others learn adaptive coping skills. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and trauma informed care to help clients cope with challenges that evokes feelings of anxiety, depression, traumatic experiences, thought distortions, and self-harmful thoughts and behaviors. My goal is to help clients live their best life.

Rhiannon Alley, LPC

Rhiannon Alley is a Licensed Professional Counselor from the Richmond area, she completed her undergraduate degree at Virginia Tech and obtained her Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling at The College of William and Mary. Rhiannon has worked with families, couples, youth, and adults in multiple settings; she became a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider while working with at-risk youth in residential treatment centers. Rhiannon is driven to assist clients overcome and manage traumatic experiences, depression, anxiety, aggression, and mood disturbances. She enjoys helping clients develop healthy relationships, practice effective communication, and find authenticity in their lives. She is passionate about her work with families and couples and enjoys working with individuals to achieve their counseling goals. She is a person-centered counselor utilizing cognitive behavioral techniques, a humanistic approach, mindfulness-based interventions, family systems view, and holistic therapy with clients. Outside of counseling, Rhiannon loves animals, gardening, family, and staying active.

Rhiannon especially enjoys working with individuals who are seeking help for:

• Marriage and Family
• Child Adolescent
• Couples Counseling
• Behavior Modification
• Sex Offender Treatment
• Oppositional Defiance
• Family Systems
• Conduct Disorder
• Mood Disorders
• Depression
• Anger Management

Sarah Degaraff, LCSW

Sarah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Virginia with experience working in multiple settings with individuals and families who have experienced significant trauma and stress.

With a background in Social Work, she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work from Longwood University and completed her Master’s of Social Work from Radford University. Her experience includes working in school based settings, a hospital setting, the department of social services, an outpatient therapy setting, and a community mental health setting.

Sarah has experience working with a mix of ages (children, adolescents, families, and adults). She provides confidential and supportive services from a trauma informed and attachment based approach. She focuses on the whole person, integrating the mind/body/spirit connection. Life experiences, such as family of origin, are commonly explored to manage current symptoms and distressful patterning. Sarah teaches mindfulness practices to help bring compassion and presence to each moment.

“I am passionate about helping others become more self-aware in order to practice greater self-acceptance and self-responsibility to lead more fulfilling, and meaningful lives.” Other modalities Sarah utilizes are play therapy and theraplay techniques, relational, positive psychology, dialectical behavioral therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. When not working Sarah can be found working in her garden, running, and spending time with family.

Sarah likes to work with those seeking help with:

• Trauma and PTSD
• Attachment issues
• Parenting issues
• Behavioral issues
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Life transitions
• Relationship Issues
• Family Conflict
• Women’s issues

Scott Beach, LPC

Hello, my name is Scott Beach and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. After starting to work professionally in the Virginia mental health system in 2006, I was licensed in 2009. I have worked in several different areas of the mental health field, including working in private and state-run psychiatric hospitals with adults and children, working as an outpatient therapist for a community mental health child and family program, and working in a hospital emergency room to help assess individuals who might need hospitalization. These enriching experiences have allowed me the opportunity to develop competency treating a broad range of clients with diverse mental health and substance use issues and use different counseling techniques tailored to each clients’ needs. I enjoy working with young persons and families. My theoretical perspective is eclectic, with a strong grounding in CBT, Motivational Interviewing and insight-oriented work. I am also trained to provide EMDR and enjoy working with people who are dealing with trauma and challenging issues.

Toni Davis, LPC, NCC

Toni Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is nationally certified. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Virginia and her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Johns Hopkins University.

“At some point in our lives, we all experience problems we just can’t handle on our own. Sometimes psychological issues such as anxiety and depression can be an underlying cause of physical ailments. Whether you are experiencing relationship issues, job stress, loss of job, home or loved one, a general sense of discontent or lack of connection, or have had trauma in your life, it’s okay to ask for help. In fact, asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness. First, I will listen to you with empathy and without judgment. Then, I will help you fully explore what’s causing you trouble and develop a plan for improving your life.”

Toni has experience treating adults of all ages and couples primarily using cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and person-centered therapy. She is also trained in EMDR Therapy, which is used to treat trauma, and has training in the Gottman Method for couples.

Toni is a native of Virginia who is very happy to be back in the Old Dominion after six years in Ohio! In her free time, she enjoys cooking, exercise, yoga, reading, and spending time with her family and two dogs.

Toni helps with:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Relationship issues
• Grief and loss
• Trauma
• Life changes/transitions
• Stress management
• Self-esteem
• Divorce/separation
• Family conflict

Ashley Costello, LPC

Ashley is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia. She received her undergraduate degree from The College of William & Mary and her Master’s of Education & Human Development in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The George Washington University. Ashley is a firm believer in people’s potential for change and growth. She is passionate about helping clients feel empowered, more focused, and more energized to tackle their problems.

Ashley uses a person-centered, strengths-based approach, treating each client individually and holistically, depending on each client’s needs. Ashley values evidence-based therapies that are demonstrated to improve mental health, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy. She offers culturally competent services that promote personal growth and overall well-being via individual and group counseling.

Ashley has experience working with adults with mental illness, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, stress management, and other issues related to life transitions.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys taking trips to the beach, going hiking and camping, and spending time with her family, friends, and dog.

Hope Bagley, PhD, LCP

Meredith Reed, LPC

Meredith is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Meredith graduated from James Madison University as a "double duke," receiving her Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology and her MA, Ed.S in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Meredith has extensive history working with children, adults and families dealing with depression, anxiety, crises, life challenges and trauma. Meredith is a Strengths-Based counselor, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, and Person-Centered approaches. Meredith is a firm believer in creating a mutual respectful and trusting therapeutic relationship in order to support clients in reaching their goals. Meredith has completed the Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.

Meredith is originally from New Jersey. She came to Virginia for school and never went back! In her spare time, Meredith enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, listening to music and spending time with her pet.

Nick Smith, MA, LCSW

"I have 10 years of experience after graduating from New York University with a Masters in Social Work. I began working with the serious mentally ill criminally involved individuals with an in home treatment model designed to assist in recovery. I then transitioned to the emergency room at Bellevue Hospital where we, as a team would work to assist those in crisis. In addition I have had a practice in which I provided years of individual therapy for a number of conditions including depression and anxiety as well as psychosis and personality disorders. It is my belief that each individual carries a strength that allows them to continue however at times it is helpful to have a therapist to realize those strengths and use them to overcome the difficulties. Relying on a approach that leans heavily a dialectical process my goal is to assist individuals and couples to reach their full potential and thrive."

Some of Nick's areas of expertise include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Self Harming
• Substance Abuse/Use Disorder
• Life Transitions
• Relationships

Ashley Crouch, LPC

Ashley Crouch is a Licensed Professional Counselor who is nationally certified. She earned her Bachelors Degree at Randolph-Macon College. Ashley continued her education at Ashland Theological Seminary, where she received a Master’s degree in Mental Health Clinical Counseling.

Ashley is a strengths-based counselor; she uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Person Centered approaches.

“Life's journey can be overwhelming and frustrating. There is no shame in reaching out for support to cope with various life stressors. My goal is to provide a comfortable, non-judgmental environment, with 100% confidentiality. I have an extensive multi-cultural background and have experience working with couples, adolescents ages 11-17, and adults. It would be my pleasure to be a source of support and guidance for you.”

Ashley helps with:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• ADHD
• Anger management
• Adolescent sexual offending
• Family dynamics
• LGBTQ
• Marriage
• Parenting Problems
• Oppositional defiance
• Phase of life problems
• Pre-Marital counseling
• Self Esteem
• Spirituality
• Sex disorder/dysfunction
• Women’s Issues
• Conduct disorder