Alycia Burant
Founder and Therapist
Alexandria, VA
Alycia Burant
Licensed Professional Counselor / Owner and Clinical Director
Alycia is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over nine years experience providing direct patient care to adults, adolescents, children, and families. She is also your average every-day girl who has dealt with her own array of challenges. By changing her thoughts and developing positive, healthy coping skills she has created a positive healthy mind, body and soul.
Alycia was born with a strong empathetic nature that compliments her powerful intuition well. She provides a safe, supportive, encouraging environment by creating a solid foundation for personal healing and development. She works to create a relationship with you to promote success and empowerment. She recognizes you are the expert on your life and takes a collaborative approach to achieve identified goals. Alycia uses a strength-based approach, building on your positive qualities. She recognizes everyone measures success differently and tailors treatment to best meet your needs.
Are you struggling with every day anxieties that are starting to impact your relationships, job, or home life? Do you feel so depressed you have lost motivation to do things you used to enjoy? If you can relate to any of this, then Alycia is the right person for you. She will help you become the person you want to be.
Alycia received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Tech in 2006. She earned her Master of Arts in Community Counseling from the American Psychological Association (APA) accredited Argosy University School of Professional Psychology Northern Virginia in 2009. She completed her Post Master’s Certification in School Counseling at University of South Florida in 2014. During her journey as a therapist thus far, she has had the pleasure of working with clients in a variety of settings to include in-home, psychiatric hospitals, mental health clinics, and outpatient/private practice settings.
Karen Sexton
Director of Operations
Fredericksburg, VA
Karen Sexton
Director of Operations
Karen Sexton, the Director of Operations, is a seasoned office manager with over 20 years of experience providing customer service to others. Her experience includes banking, facilitating title loans, and office management. She has brought positive change to Healthy Minds Therapy by advocating for patients and staff while ensuring financial success.
She is humble, efficient and does everything with a smile! Karen feels connected to her community as she has been a resident of Spotsylvania County for almost 30 years.
In addition to her dedication to her work with Healthy Minds, Karen is heavily involved with her church and family. Being a grandmother, mother and wife to her high school sweetheart is her true passion.
Becky Schneider
Director of First Impressions Fredericksburg, VA
Becky Schneider
Director of First Impressions
Becky Schneider, the Director of First Impressions, excels with this role beautifully. As the Director of First Impressions, she is responsible for making your experience with Healthy Minds Therapy as pleasant as can be! She enjoys interacting with the patients and works to ensure every patient feels welcomed.
Becky is energetic, efficient, creative, and memorable. She works to ensure your experience with Healthy Minds Therapy is meaningful as well! She is detail-oriented which helps to enhance the patient experience from your first phone call to your last session.Becky graduated from Longwood University in 2017 with a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a Minor in Special Education and a concentration Neurology. Born and raised in Orange County, Becky is a proud Virginian.
Cara Root
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Woodbridge, VA
Cara Root
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Cara Root contracts with HMT to provide counseling services at the Woodbridge location. Cara Root is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Sociology and Religious Studies at the College of William and Mary in 2005, and her Master of Science in Social Work degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 2007.
She has experience with a wide variety of clients, including children, teenagers, adults, and families, and utilizes various therapy models such as child-centered and directed play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused, and motivational interviewing. Cara’s background includes work with children and families involved in the juvenile justice system, adults dealing with chronic illness and grief/loss, victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence, and clients experiencing depression/mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD.
Cara offers Christian counseling for those interested in incorporating their faith into their treatment, and has been providing outpatient psychotherapy since 2011. She believes each person has their own unique story and utilizes innate strengths to assist clients in navigating through life’s challenges. Cara has an empathetic listening ear and allows clients a safe place to explore feelings and experiences.
Stephanie Calvert
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Fredericksburg, VA
Stephanie Calvert
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Stephanie Calvert contracts with HMT to provide counseling services at the Fredericksburg location. Stephanie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist. Her experiences within the field of social work have included private practice, residential, community-based and in-home care. Clinical service, education, research and collaborative partnership inform her lens as she deepens understanding for where social justice and mental health intersect. Her purpose and commitment is to offer hope and promise of fulfillment to children, adults, and families who are at risk of not receiving effective services essential to their well-being
Stephanie uses a child and person-centered approach to remind herself of how much courage it takes to be vulnerable irrespective of age, culture, and or socioeconomic background. A play therapy context renews Stephanie’s appreciation for creative process and healing. Stephanie is of the belief that the power for true Self-discovery is within everyone.
Karin Weber
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Fredericksburg, VA
Karin Weber
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Karin Weber contracts with HMT to provide counseling services at the Fredericksburg location. Karin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about providing both individual and family therapy services that contribute to the healing and resilience of children, adolescents, adults, and their families. Karin has a warm and friendly demeanor which makes her a comfortable fit for individuals or families seeking support. Karin utilizes play therapy, which includes aspects of art, and music therapy, when working with children and adolescents.
When working with adolescents and adults, she uses a strength-based perspective and incorporates Cognitive Behavioral approaches, inclusive of solution-focused, and goal-oriented therapy. Karin is also available to support parents in need of skills training or consultation.
Karin received her Bachelors of Social Work degree from George Mason University in 2001, and her Masters of Social Work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2006. Karin’s post-graduate work was with a Community Services Board, in their Office of Mental Health, serving children, adolescents and their families. Karin has also instructed character education to preschoolers. She has related experience with adults dealing with traumatic experiences, chronic illness, substance use. She has co-facilitated a group for those surviving sexual assault.
Karin understands the importance of developing resilience, as she brings life experience of adapting to a changing environment. She grew up in an Army family and has lived overseas.
Shirley Bronston
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Fredericksburg, VA
Shirley Bronston
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Shirley Bronston contracts with HMT to provide counseling services at the Fredericksburg location. Shirley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is licensed by the Virginia Department of Health Professions. She is a seasoned social worker and has a variety of experience in the field of mental health working with a variety of individuals and their families. She also has over 20 years of experience working in community mental health agencies and private practices providing individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, parent education, and consultation services. While in the US Virgin Islands, she implemented quality medical care to individuals and their families. Shirley aspires for excellence, which is reflected in her Birth State’s motto, ‘Ad aspera per aspera’, (to the stars through difficulties).
Dianna Hart
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Fredericksburg, VA
Dianna Hart
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Dianna Hart contracts with HMT to provide neurofeedback and counseling services at the Fredericksburg location. Dianna Hart is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience helping children, teens, adults, and families in social service and mental health settings. She is a compassionate and caring therapist committed to helping individuals fulfill their potential and break free from limitations created by stress and difficult life experiences or by developmental and physical challenges. Dianna earned her BA in Sociology with a concentration in social work from Old Dominion University and a Masters in Social Work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. She began her career working in child and family welfare services, including child protective services. After graduate school Dianna worked with youth and their families at Prince William Community Services before joining a private practice in the Fredericksburg area. Dianna specializes in providing neurofeedback services, a cutting edge intervention she has been practicing since 2005. She became Board Certified in Neurofeedback (BCN) through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance in 2010. She is also a member of the International Society for Neurofeedback and Research (www.isnr.org), whose mission is to promote excellence in clinical practice, educational applications, and research in applied neuroscience in order to better understand and enhance brain function. Neurofeedback is also called EEG biofeedback or neurotherapy. It has been found to be a beneficial intervention for stress management and relaxation as well as many symptoms of ADHD, high functioning autism, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), insomnia, anxiety, depression, traumatic brain injury, and many other conditions. Neurofeedback focuses on optimizing brain functioning by teaching the brain to better self-regulate and function more efficiently and effectively. It has also been used to enhance cognitive and athletic performance by reducing anxiety, managing stress, and improving focus and attention. Dianna is also a skilled psychotherapist using a strengths-based approach that uses a person’s self-determination and strengths — and finds the personal resources and resiliency inherent in all of us. She practices cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing techniques, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, stress management and relaxation, and other specialized interventions appropriate for unique needs and circumstances. Research tells us that a good relationship between therapist and client is vital to successful outcomes no matter what therapeutic modality is used. Dianna provides a warm, accepting alliance to those who seek her assistance and views the change process as a collaborative partnership. She values each individual she meets and honors his or her experiences and strengths. She wants to be a partner on your journey of self-discovery and recovery.
Alison Whitehouse
Resident in Counseling
Alexandria, VA
Alison Whitehouse – Resident in Counseling
Alison is a resident in counseling providing counseling services at both the Woodbridge and Alexandria locations.Alison is a National Certified Counselor, and a recent graduate from William & Mary with a M.Ed. in Marriage & Family Counseling, following a B.S. in Psychology from William & Mary. Alison has completed rigorous internships working with individuals, couples, and families. Her goal in therapy is build trust and rapport so that her clients feel safe, comfortable, and heard throughout the therapeutic process.
Alison is warm and bubbly, with the ability to match her clients in a way that creates a strong therapeutic relationship. As a young counselor, Alison works especially well with adolescent girls and adults. As a clinician, Alison’s theoretical approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Therapy with postmodern and multi-cultural considerations.
As a Marriage & Family Therapist, Alison uses Structural Family Therapy (SFT) and Narrative Family Therapy to assist you and your family in enhancing emotional communication, developing healthy roles, and creating a functioning family and/or couple dynamic. Her goal is to create a safe environment where the family or couple can explore conflicts and address unproductive interaction patterns. With this systems-approach, therapy can create long-lasting positive change.
As a Resident in Counseling, Alison is currently involved in the state licensure process for the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is actively pursuing a License in Professional Counseling (LPC), as well as a License in Marriage & Family Therapy (LMFT). As a new clinician, Alison provides a fresh and up-to-date approach to therapy, valuing the therapeutic relationship as central to achieve goals toward wellness. Alison has particular interest in working with adolescents, couples/families, as well as military service members and their families, due to her own experience growing up in a Marine Corps family. Alison also provides a safe space for all LGBTQ individuals.
Alison is a Resident in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy. She is working towards licensure as a Licened Professional Counselor as well as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Virginia. She works under the supervision of Dr. Keosha Branch, LPC, NCC, ACS. In the event that clients have any questions or concerns about Ali’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at 4878 Finlay Street Henrico, CA 23231, (804) 482-0559, or healingbranchwc@gmail.com.
Marianne Lopez
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Woodbridge, VA
Marianne Lopez – Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Marianne is a LCSW with over 20 years of experience in helping individuals, couples and families become stronger, happier, and more loving with each other.
We all face challenges, difficult life transitions and experiences that can knock us off course. Marianne is human, just like you. Marianne has faced her own personal challenges and is more resilient because of it. She can help you get back on track so you can not only experience relief, but also get in touch with what you truly desire in your life and help you find ways to do that. It’s simple, but not always easy when we feel stuck in old ways of thinking and behaving. Our own self-doubt and limiting beliefs can keep us settling for things that aren’t in alignment with our truest selves. Marianne will help you grow and reach for what you desire and show you how to utilize it.
Marianne works with late adolescent and adult men and women individually on life transitions, managing stress, creating meaningful connection within yourself, and those around you. She works from a holistic framework, aimed at improving your sense of self both physically and emotionally and believes in the connection between mind and body, and that your physical and emotional health are intertwined. She will work with you to address wellness from all angles and to improve your overall life satisfaction.
Improving any relationship in your life starts with you, so whatever you are going through, this is where we will start. Her niches are: mood struggles (depression, anxiety, etc), chronic pain and illness, addiction struggles (including porn and sex), domestic and interpersonal violence, Borderline Personality, Trauma ( including Narcisstic Abuse), and couple struggles. With the right mindset, skill set, tools and practices you will be able to make decisions with more clarity and confidence, improve a relationship that has been in conflict, or pivot out of a situation that has been dragging you down.
She also works with couples and families to revitalize their bond and grow greater passion, connection and enjoyment with each other. As our busy lives change and evolve, it becomes easy to grow apart, struggle to communicate, and feel disconnected from one another. She will support you in developing new communication skills, talking about what’s important with each other, and how you can work toward making positive changes together. She can help you repair your connection, and rekindle your excitement for taking on life together.
Her couples never “just talk” or rehash the past in sessions: We’ll always focus on building your ‘toolbox’ full of tools and strategies to create a positive new future together. Marianne offers private premarital counseling to couples committed to creating a happy, healthy, beautiful marriage and family together. She has particular expertise in helping couples in conflict restore peace, and also in helping couples negotiate sticky situations like deciding to have children, creating blended families, parenting struggles, infertility struggles and grief, and those comtemplating separation or divorce. She is a big believer in positive action: you’ll leave our sessions with constructive homework assignments that will help you make real-world changes in your relationship and your family.
Marianne has been told that her authentic, positive, direct, action-oriented style helps clients get right to the core of what needs to change, and how to change it. She tailors each session to meet your individual needs, the needs of your relationship, or the needs of your family.
She is trained in a variety of therapy modalities that she utilizes in an electric style such as self-regulation trauma therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, emotional focused individual and couple therapy, DBT, trauma CBT, systems theory, somatic psychotherapy, solution focused therapy, attachment-based therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, crisis theory and family therapy.
Marianne is available to meet with you at our Woodbridge Virginia location on Mondays and Wednesdays, as well as through online video mode.
Dr. Debra Rezendes
Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy
Fredericksburg, VA
Dr. Debra Rezendes – Resident in Marriage and Family Counseling
Let’s be honest. Marriage and parenthood are hard—the pressure cooker of expectations, the recurring problems, and the fear that we might mess it up. You’ve looked at self-help books for support, but it left you feeling more confused, ill-equipped, and blaming yourself that you just can’t get it right. Nothing is worse than feeling like we aren’t a good enough partner or parent. Debra works alongside parents and couples to explore the delicate dance of attending to child, marital, and family needs while reducing conflict and isolation so that you can be the partner and parent you want to be.
Debra’s specialties include:
- Maternal Mental Health: Helping women and couples navigate the undertows of pregnancy and early parenting experiences, including postpartum depression and anxiety, miscarriage and perinatal loss, and difficulties adjusting to parenthood.
- Child Mental Health: Helping couples and families decipher the needs of their child(ren) in order to tackle common parenting challenges and increase family harmony. Challenging child behaviors may include difficult child-care/school transitions and child-care/school-related behaviors, tantrums, overactivity, aggression, difficulty connecting with your child, coping with a new sibling, coping with loss, social/peer-related difficulties, shy/withdrawn behaviors, and regression in behaviors. She also has specialized training in working with developmental disorders.
- Military Couples and Families: Raising children and being a military family is tough. As a military spouse, Debra understands the unique challenges that military families face. She works with couples and families who are experiencing difficulties with change or transition, emotional connection, stress, or communication issues. Together, she will help you strengthen your home base, so, you and your family can grow through the challenges and adventures of military life together.
- Self-Compassion for Women: How a woman mothers herself is an important resiliency tool. As women strengthen their relationship with themselves, they increase their quality of life, become more confident, and experience more joy, as well as reduce stress and quiet their inner critic.
Debra has over ten years of community and clinical work with individuals, children, parents, and families and has been published in the Journal of Happiness Studies and Autism Research and Treatment. She received her doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Eastern University and has gained specialized, intensive training in emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and Theraplay. She also has skills in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), strengths-based therapies, self-compassion training, attachment-based therapies, play therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
Dr. Debra Rezendes is a Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy and is working towards licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Virginia. She works under the supervision of Marianne S. Coad, MAMFC, LMFT, LPC-S. In the event that clients have any questions or concerns about Debra’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at mariannesynergycounseling@gmail.com, (703) 657-9721, or 10379-B Democracy Lane, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Jack Fox
Resident in Counseling
Alexandria, VA/Woodbridge, VA
Jack Fox – Resident in Counseling
Jack graduated from the College of William and Mary with a B.S. in Psychology and recently finished his graduate work at Regent University with a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Throughout his studies, Jack has seen and worked with many clients, both adolescents and adults, struggling with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment issues, and even people with a desire to get to know themselves just a little bit better! The more Jack has worked with people, the more a simple truth has come to light: You are not alone!
Finding a therapist can be daunting, but engaging in the therapeutic process can allow for growth, improvement in functionality, and changes that will help bring about strength and joy in everyday life. Jack has worked most extensively with young adults and adults, helping with issues such as depression, anxiety, focus and attention, trauma, loneliness, obsessive/compulsive issues, and adjusting to changes in life.
Jack believes that success in therapy results from a combination of understanding first what is dysfunctional, then where the dysfunction comes from. Finally, changing a behavior resulting from the thoughts or emotions driving the dysfunction can result in truly powerful changes in life. He mainly uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy, EDMR, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy to help attain the goals of his clients. Through these techniques, Jack enters into relationship with his clients and gets to understand and hear their full story, providing a safe environment for vulnerability.
As a Resident in Counseling, Jack is currently involved in the state licensure process for the Commonwealth of Virginia. He is actively pursuing a License in Professional Counseling (LPC). As a new clinician, Jack provides an enthusiasm to his work, an up-to-date approach to therapy, and a desire to help clients gain a wholistic wellness, valuing the therapeutic relationship in order to achieve client goals.
He works under the supervision of Alycia Burant, LPC, NCC. In the event clients have any questions or concerns about Jack’s work, his supervisors can be contacted at 950 N. Washington St. Suite 322, Alexandria, VA 22314, (540) 845-6940, or aburant@healthyminds-therapy.com.
Bruce Craig
Resident in Counseling
Fredericksburg, VA
Bruce Craig – Resident in Counseling
Bruce is a resident in counseling providing counseling services at our Fredericksburg location. Bruce is a recent graduate from Eastern Mennonite University with a MA in Counseling, following a B.S. in Social Psychology from Park University.
Bruce completed a rigorous internship working with individuals, couples, families and groups. Bruce works from a person-centered approach believing that the therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist is one of the most important elements and that the client ultimately holds their own answers.
He also works from a strength-based perspective by working with the client to identify their strengths and finding ways they can better apply them to their daily lives.
Bruce also finds Mindfulness to be useful in helping clients be the present moment. For clients who are receptive to it, he teaches them ways of controlling their thoughts instead of becoming anxious about things that might happen or focusing on aspects they cannot change. He is currently in a course to become certified in the use of Mindfulness in therapy but already has experience and success applying Mindfulness with clients. Bruce provides a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental space for all people to bring whatever issues they need to work through.
Bruce Craig is a Resident in Counseling and is working towards licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. He works under the supervision of Daniel P. Nelson, LPC. In the event that clients have any questions or concerns about Bruce’s work, his supervisor can be contacted at danielpnelsonlpc@gmail.com, (540) 369-3549 or 1406 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401.
Christy Heyn
Licensed Professional Counselor
Alexandria, VA
Christy Heyn – Licensed Professional Counselor
Christy Heyn, LPC, has extensive experience working with adults, children/adolescents, and
families in using the therapeutic space to address the challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or inter-personal issues. She believes that the most vital part of therapy is the development of a therapeutic relationship in order to build resilience and restore hope in a safe, accepting, and nonjudgmental environment. It is through this relationship that clients can have the trust to work on themselves from an honest place within a gentle and supportive environment. She does not offer a one-size-fits-all style but believes in tailoring her treatment approach based on the specific needs strengths of each client.
Ms. Heyn has specialized training and a particular passion for working with individuals who have experienced physical and/or sexual abuse, neglect, or other trauma. She has also worked with individuals who are coping with grief and loss, generalized anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and adjustment to other life stressors. Christy utilizes an integrative approach to therapy, focusing on theoretical orientations which include psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and family systems concepts in an approach that supports her belief in the potential for clients to achieve insight, hope, personal growth, and healthier ways of overcoming conflicts or difficulties.
Christy is a Licensed Professional Counselor with almost a decade of experience working in a variety of settings within the mental health field, educational programs for at-risk adolescents, and in private practice with a variety of clientele. She earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health from Troy University in 2010 and is a Nationally Certified Counselor as well as a member of the American Counseling Association.
Kayla White
Resident in Counseling
Alexandria, VA
Kayla White – Resident in Counseling
Congratulations on making it this far; searching for a therapist can be an overwhelming process, and the first step is often the hardest!
Kayla is a graduate from the University of Virginia, with a B.S. degree in Psychology, and a recent graduate from Marymount University with a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Many individuals, children and adults, struggle with depression, anxiety, adjusting to change, or simply the desire to understand themselves more thoroughly. Whether to improve mood and functioning, or glean insight into personality, therapy can be reparative, strengthening, and play a role in maximizing enjoyment of life! Kayla’s expertise is working with children/adolescents, teens, young adults, and adults managing issues of: loneliness, depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, eating disorders, trauma, loss & grief, relationship issues, substance use issues and family conflict.
Kayla has found that the greatest success results are from a combination of insight and behavior change. She uses Person Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, and Positive Psychology techniques with her clients and feels that a person is understood when their entire story can be told in a safe space. She strives to provide this safe space for all of her clients.
Choosing to identify what isn’t functional in our lives is a powerful step. This is a place to explore what’s not working, understanding why it’s not working and establishing options for change. Let’s work together to set realistic and collaborative goals to address your, or your child’s, needs.
As a Resident in Counseling, Kayla is currently involved in the state licensure process for the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is actively pursuing a License in Professional Counseling (LPC). As a new clinician, Kayla provides a fresh and up-to-date approach to therapy, valuing the therapeutic relationship as central to achieve goals toward wellness.
She works under the supervision of Alycia Burant, LPC, NCC. In the event clients have any questions or concerns about Kayla’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at 950 N. Washington St. Suite 322 Alexandria VA 22314, 540-845-6940, or aburant@healthyminds-therapy.com.
