Healthy Minds Therapy is proud to be part of the Inclusive Therapists network.

Alycia Burant

Founder &
Licensed Therapist
Alexandria, VA

Alycia Burant

Licensed Professional Counselor / Founder and Therapist

Alycia is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over two decades of 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 challenging her thoughts and developing helpful, 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 is a trauma informed therapist and works with the body to combine somatic awareness and movement interventions. She is a Level 1 Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for Trauma certified clinician. Alycia is also a Certified Integrative Medicine for Mental Health professional, providing clients and patients psychoeducation in the complex connection between what they eat and their mental health- connections that can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADHD and other mental health disorders. She recognizes everyone measures success differently and tailor’s treatment to best meet your needs.

She is an experienced independent business owner with a demonstrated history of working in the mental health care industry. She is a strong entrepreneurship professional with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Tech, a Master of Arts in Community Counseling from the American Psychological Association accredited Argosy University School of Professional Psychology and completed her Post Master’s Certification in School Counseling at University of South Florida. Alycia is also an approved Board-Certified Clinical Supervisor.

You are a high achieving individual in many ways but seem to come up short when it comes to having meaningful, successful relationships with others and yourself. You have been defined by others in your life as “successful” but are still left feeling unfilled and unhappy. Maybe negative thoughts swirl around your head when you are trying to get work done or fall asleep at night or you have trouble concentrating because you are so worried if the person next to you is upset with you and if you can make the people around you happy or not. 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.

Becky Schneider

Director of
First Impressions
Fredericksburg, VA

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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.

Amber Carlson

Director of
First Impressions Alexandria, VA

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coming soon!

Alison Morogiello

Clinical Director &
Licensed Therapist
Alexandria, VA

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Alison Morogiello

Licensed Professional Counselor

Alison is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia providing counseling services at our Alexandria location and via telehealth. Alison is a National Certified Counselor, with an M.Ed. in Marriage & Family Counseling and a B.S. in Psychology from William & Mary, Virginia. Alison works with adolescents, adults, and partners/families, with specialized experience in treating OCD/Anxiety, relationship concerns, and LGBTQIA+ issues. Alison provides gender affirming care and can assist with gender transition support.

Alison’s ability to quickly build connections and comfort in therapy allow her clients to feel safe and heard throughout the therapeutic process. As a young counselor, Alison provides a fresh and up-to-date approach to psychotherapy treatment. Alison’s psychotherapy approaches include Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MB-CBT) with trauma-informed and multi-cultural considerations. Alison is also trained in Exposure & Response Prevention therapy (EX/RP), one of the most effective research-based treatments for OCD.

As a Couples & Family Therapist, Alison uses Structural Family Therapy and Gottman skills to assist you and your partner(s)/family in enhancing emotional communication, developing healthy roles, and creating a thriving relationship dynamic. Alison is sex-positive and also provides support to the polyamorous and non-monogamous community. Her goal is to create a safe environment where the family or partners can explore conflicts and address unproductive communication patterns. With this systems-approach, therapy can create long-lasting positive change.

Alison is the Clinical Director at Healthy Minds Therapy. If you would like to learn more about Alison, or request an intake appointment with her, please contact our Director of First Impressions, Becky Schneider, at info@healthyminds-therapy.com or (540) 845-6940.

Christy Heyn

Clinical Supervisor &
Licensed Therapist
Alexandria, VA

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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.

Ching Hon

Nurse
Practitioner
Telehealth Services

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Ching Hon

Nurse Practitioner, Telehealth

Finding the right provider and entrusting your health in someone else’s hands can be a daunting task. So, let us take a moment to applaud your strength while you look for a provider who fits your needs!

Ching graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She has experience working in different nursing settings: hospital, primary care, and urgent care.

After working with a wide range of age groups and illnesses, she decided to further her education and obtained her Master of Science in Nursing, specializing in psychiatry from Shenandoah University.

Ching likes to take a holistic approach to treating mental illnesses. She believes that many external factors can impact your health. Identifying those stressors can be challenging. Through close discussions and thorough evaluations, great strides can be made towards a better you. Ching also strives to use the lowest dosage and the least number of medications possible while aspiring to achieve a client’s health goals.

Whatever your situation may be, Ching aims to provide a comfortable setting where one can feel safe to be vulnerable and open in communication. Take time in choosing the right provider for yourself or a loved-one. If you decide to continue your care with Ching, she looks forward to helping you reach healthier days.

Dr. Patricia Smith

Nurse
Practitioner
Telehealth Services

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Dr. Patricia Smith

Nurse Practitioner

Born in Knoxville, TN, Dr. Smith joined the United States Navy to work towards her education goals. In service, Dr. Smith completed her Bachelor’s in Nursing at the University of North Florida, a Master’s in Nursing Education at American Sentinel University and Doctorate in Nursing Practice specializing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at the Uniformed University of the Health Sciences. Dr. Smith has worked extensively with adults across the lifespan who are often being challenged by significant life changes and events and struggling to adapt. Working with this population, Dr. Smith has learned to be flexible in her approach and to listen to patients with mindfulness to address their concerns and work towards their goals. Dr. Smith is now retiring from Naval Service after 20 years and looking to bring her skillset to the civilian sector.

Dr. Smith is passionate in the opportunities that telehealth delivery provides to both patients and providers. By utilizing telehealth services, Dr. Smith feels we are now able to bring healthcare back into the living space and meet the patient literally where they are at. It removes many barriers that have previously interfered with patients’ abilities to engage in care. If a patient has a phone, iPad or laptop they have connectivity to their healthcare resources right at their fingertips.

Dr. Smith’s clinical philosophy is that mental health is health, no different than physical health, and often impacted by many of the lifestyle choices people make. She believes maintaining a healthy lifestyle such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, taking time for reflection and maintaining good social connections can be an important part of maintaining good mental health. Just as with any other healthcare concern, mental illness can occur to anyone at any stage of life. It often may start acutely but if not recognized early can develop into chronic issues. Although it is best if caught early on, any healthcare concern, even chronic ones, can often be resolved or significantly mitigated with appropriate care. That care starts with the patient and extends to the family and the community. It is often multifactorial and requires a multidisciplinary approach to achieve optimal outcomes. Communication between patient, providers, family members and other healthcare assets is vital to success and a strength Dr. Smith relies on in the therapeutic process.

Jewelle Robinson

Nurse
Practitioner
Telehealth Services

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coming soon!

Mary Burke

Billing Specialist

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coming soon!

Pamela Hume

Accounts Specialist

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coming soon!

Fredericksburg office / TELEHEALTH SERVICES

Mary Jackson

Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Assistant Clinical Director of Fredericksburg

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Mary Jackson, MSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Assistant Clinical Director of Fredericksburg

Ms. Mary Jackson is the Assistant Clinical Director for the Healthy Minds Therapy Fredericksburg office and is a licensed therapist. Mary earned a Master of Social Work Degree, with a focus on Clinical Social Work, from Virginia Commonwealth University and A Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Loyola University in New Orleans, where she also studied psychology and English.

Mary has nearly 20 years of experience working in the mental health field, and has served in a variety of capacities, from direct service to administrative and supervisory roles. Mary has extensive training and experience serving a variety of populations from youth to older adults and specializes in serving clients with childhood and complex trauma.

Other areas of specialty include managing and coping with anxiety, working through life transitions, and self-care and wellness. Mary has a strong passion and commitment to serving others and believes every human is capable and entitled to live their authentic selves and heal and recover from life’s challenges while moving toward joy and peace.

Shirley Bronston

Licensed Clinical
Social Worker
Fredericksburg, VA

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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

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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.

Dr. Michael Deitz

Resident in
Counseling
Fredericksburg, VA

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Dr. Michael Deitz

Resident In Counseling

Dr. Michael Deitz is a Resident in Counseling at Healthy Minds Therapy. He earned a doctorate (Ph.D.) from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2020. Additionally, he graduated from the College of William & Mary with a Masters of Education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a Nationally Certified Counselor.

Through the therapeutic process, Dr. Deitz can help you explore the roots and the meanings of the challenges you face. He will empathetically work with you to understand your goals and help guide you to wellness. He loves working with many ages spanning from late teens to older adults during life transitions. Whether you’re coping with a graduation, career change, evaluating interpersonal relationships, or dealing with other life stressors – Dr. Deitz ensures you are not alone.

Dr. Deitz feels as though we can all have a “harsh inner critic”; this critic is difficult to silence or challenge. Many times, we ask ourselves, “why did this happen” or “why do I feel this way”? When we ask ourselves “why”, we tend to reinforce shame. Think about it, “why” indicates there is just one answer. Since life is impacted by so many factors, there never is just one. Through your work, Michael will assist you in replacing shame with curiosity. Shame can lead to undesirable behaviors and thoughts, while curiosity allows us to explore coping skills that work specifically for you. The ultimate goal is to create a deeper understanding self and improve self-acceptance. He believes that is how you can take steps toward wellness.

Through an interpersonal approach to therapy, you can work together to understand the roots of the presenting concern. Congruent with an interpersonal approach, further treatment modalities include person-centered therapy and psychoanalytic therapy. He also has experience implementing DBT, ACT, and emotion focused therapy.

Dr. Michael Deitz is a Resident in Counseling and is working towards licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. He works under the supervision of Alycia Burant, LPC, NCC. In the event that clients have any questions or concerns about Dr. Deitz’s work, his supervisor can be contacted at aburant@healthyminds-therapy.com or by phone at (540) 845-6940.

Jasmine Payne

Licensed Professional
Counselor
Fredericksburg, VA

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Jasmine Payne

Licensed Professional Counselor

Identifying that you need help is a sign of strength, but what happens next? Finding a counselor that you feel a connection with is an essential part of your mental health journey. Don’t feel bad about being picky!

Jasmine is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She provides services via telehealth and select days in-person at the Fredericksburg location. She is a two-time graduate of Longwood University, receiving her B.S. in Psychology followed by an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Throughout her professional career, Jasmine has worked with clients who belong to various minority and multicultural populations. Her passion lies in assisting clients through life transitions, conquering anxiety, and finding meaning in their life. She also works with couples and enjoys teaching partners how to use alternative methods of communication and facilitating effective conflict management. Currently she holds her Level I and II Gottman Training Certifications for Couple’s Counseling.

Jasmine works from an eclectic foundation that primarily combines person-centered, solutions-focused, and existential theories. All treatment plans are tailored to the client’s unique needs. She works with you to pinpoint the presenting problem, and then helps to find practical solutions and identify strengths along the way. She believes in getting to the root of core beliefs to discover how they impact our daily lives and influence the patterns of our relationships. Hear more directly from her perspective at Jasmine Payne, Author at Healthy Minds Therapy

Jasmine strives to build a safe foundation with clients to learn their stories and to help support their vision. Positive change is most likely to occur when a trusting relationship is established and there is a willingness to work together. Jasmine believes people continually re-create themselves because life’s meaning constantly changes. She encourages you to get curious about how we process that change and continue to evolve. Jasmine works collaboratively with clients to develop insight, practice coping mechanisms, and increase overall life satisfaction.

Think of the counseling relationship as a tool. It can help untangle thought patterns that are no longer useful, find acceptance, and maximize effort towards personal goals. On your life journey and discovery of self, counseling can be the catalyst you need to get out of that rut. No matter what your goals are, Jasmine is here to walk by your side and help you move towards them!

Shelton Poulter

Supervisee in
Clinical Social Work
Fredericksburg, VA

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Shelton Poulter

Supervisee in Clinical Social Work

Day to day life can be exhausting, stressful and anxiety inducing. It is easier said than done to “enjoy the little things in life” when we have so many outside pressures weighing on us. When we feel overwhelmed by these pressures our mental health and personal relationships can suffer. Shelton hopes to assist you and yours in managing difficult times and strengthening your relationships.

Shelton is a Supervisee in Clinical Social Work and provides services in the Fredericksburg location. She graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a B.A. in Sociology. She received her Masters in Clinical Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Throughout her time at VCU she has worked with elementary, middle school and high school students in the Spotsylvania Public School system, as well as with veterans and their families at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center. She is certified in Motivational Interviewing and in Inter-Professional Collaboration. Shelton has experience working with individuals, children, couples, families, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, veterans, and hospice patients.

Her therapeutic approach focuses on altering our behaviors and using a structural approach, along with motivational interviewing to assist in addressing the hard issues that may seem too overwhelming to overcome alone. Successful therapy often requires a strong therapeutic alliance, which means the therapist and the client need to build a healthy and trusting relationship. Therapy is hard work and it can be intimidating, but we are on your side and want to see you and your families thrive. Your trust in our care will never be taken for granted. Let’s get to work.

Shelton embraces and celebrates individual differences and alters her therapeutic approach accordingly to tend to your unique needs and experiences.

Shelton Poulter is a Supervisee in Clinical Social Work and is working towards licensure as a Clinical Social Worker in Virginia. She works under the supervision of Sarah J. Rohrer, LCSW. In the event that clients have any questions or concerns about Shelton’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at sarahjrohrer@gmail.com or by phone at (804) 432-5198.

Bradd Buckingham

Resident in
Counseling
Fredericksburg, VA

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Bradd Buckingham

Resident in Counseling

Bradd is currently a resident in counseling providing counseling services at our Fredericksburg location and is actively pursuing his license in Professional Counseling (LPC). He is a recent graduate of The University of the Cumberlands with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, having completed a demanding internship working with individuals and couples at Fredericksburg Counseling Services. Bradd specializes in working with individuals with complex trauma, personality disorders, anxiety, and depression and can offer a safe environment for individuals and families in the LGBTQ community, as well as individuals with a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Bradd brings a unique skillset to his residency including military service, over a decade of work in the defense industry, experience working in the community as a substitute teacher, as well as being a teacher/mentor for at-risk children and adolescents. In addition to his work as a therapist, Bradd is an Assistant Instructor (2nd Degree Black Belt) at Aikido in Fredericksburg where he is also the lead instructor for a program for at-risk and emotionally disabled youth. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Conflict, Politics, and National Policy from Mary Washington University.

Bradd views counseling as a process through which he works to help clients focus on their strengths to initiate and maintain meaningful changes in their lives. Bradd strives to provide a safe, non-judgmental, empathetic space for any and all people and works to meet his client’s needs by drawing from multiple theoretical approaches including existentialism, humanistic, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and dialectic behavioral techniques.

Bradd is working towards licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Bradd works under the supervision of Christy Heyn, Clinical Supervisor and LPC for Healthy Minds Therapy. In the event clients have any questions or concerns about Bradd’s work, his supervisor can be contacted at 950 N. Washington St. Suite 322 Alexandria VA 22314, 540-845-6940, or cheyn@healthyminds-therapy.com.

Jessica Carroll

Resident in
Counseling
Fredericksburg, VA

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Jessica Carroll

Resident in Counseling

As a recent Graduate from Capella University’s Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, Jessica is now a Resident in working toward state licensure for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Jessica is an active member of the Chi Sigma Iota International Honor Society of Professional Counseling, as well as the American Counseling Association.

Jessica received her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services Counseling in 2004. She has 14 years experience working in the counseling field. This includes working in a group home for severely abused and neglected children with an array of behavioral diagnoses. Jessica has also worked with adolescents with substance abuse concerns. Jessica is familiar with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD as well as, mental health skill building, life coaching, parent partnership, and crisis intervention. Jessica recently completed an internship conducting individual sessions and group therapy. She works well with a diverse client population, as well as multiple mental health disorders.

Jessica works from an integrative approach involving the client in all aspects of the treatment process. The client/therapist relationship is essential for an effective goal-oriented plan with the client being the expert of their own lives. She tends to lean toward a Solution Focused and Positive Psychology view, but has experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psych-educational, and Reality Therapy.

By facing her own life challenges, it has allowed her to be more empathetic toward others. Through focusing on a client’s strengths, they may become empowered with confidence to achieve their goals with success and personal growth.

Jessica Carroll is a Resident in Counseling and is working towards licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. She works under the supervision of Christy Heyn, LPC. In the event that clients have any questions or concerns about Jessica’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at cheyn@healthyminds-therapy.com or by phone at (540) 845-6940.

Celeste Keller

Licensed Clinical
Social Worker
Fredericksburg, VA

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Celeste Keller

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Celeste Keller is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Fredericksburg, VA. She received her MSW at Salisbury University. Celeste spent her residency working at a Naval hospital working with specialized populations including HIV, Cystic Fibrosis, and OBGYN. Celeste spent the past three years working with patients and families in the hospice setting helping them find peace at the end of life.

Celeste also has tremendous experience working with people with depression, anxiety, and mood regulation. She specializes in grief, chronic illness, long term illness, dementia, caregiver burn out, and end of life. She is very comfortable working with adolescents through geriatric populations and their families.

Celeste knows when a person struggles; asking for help is the most difficult and hardest step in the therapy process. She is here to help you with that. She provides a relaxed, judgment free environment to work on your past/present/future. By using your personal strengths, she will tailor your treatment goals to fit you. Her goal is to help you heal at a pace you feel comfortable with.

Aleksandra Startek

Resident in
Counseling
Fredericksburg, VA

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Aleksandra Startek

Resident in Counseling

“Mental health problems do not define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but, importantly, YOU ARE NOT THE RAIN.” –Matt Haig

Aleksandra believes that everyone has a story, they just need a safe place to share it.
She would be honored to assist you in navigating this journey. She believes that asking for help is a sign of strength and that successful therapy begins with finding the right therapist for yourself. She is here to accompany you on this path.

Aleksandra is currently a Resident in Counseling at Healthy Minds Therapy, actively pursuing her license (LPC). She provides in-person therapy services in our Fredericksburg location as well as via telehealth.

Aleksandra goes beyond “talk therapy” and she will incorporate a variety of different approaches and techniques, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused. Her goal is to create a therapeutic space that feels effective for you and meets your needs and goals. Clients consider her a person-centered counselor as she will focus on your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

For those interested in incorporating faith into therapy, Aleksandra also offers Christian-based counseling. Aleksandra is open to clients of all ages but specializes in working with adolescents and young adults, as she knows growing into adulthood can be an emotional rollercoaster. She assists clients with changing their lives and achieving their potential, working through difficulties due to past or current trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, stress, self-esteem, or other life transitions. She provides an empathic, non-judgmental, and nurturing environment where clients can explore their unique feelings and experiences, and process challenges and difficulties.

Aleksandra graduated with her Masters in Counseling from Old Dominion University where she received training in both School and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She holds three bachelors degrees, two earned overseas from the Collegium Da Vinci in Poland. She has experience working in a variety of different settings, including K-12 schools, colleges, day treatment centers, and outpatient mental health.

Aleksandra is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Certified Trauma Professional (CTP). She also is trained in crisis interventions, suicide prevention, and teen Mental Health First Aid, and she is in the process of obtaining her Professional School Counselor licensure (July 2022).

Aleksandra values professional development and invests in continuing education to continuously enhance her qualifications. She is an active member of the American Counseling Association and the Virginia School Counseling Association.

Aleksandra is bilingual and provides therapy services in both English and Polish. If you would like Aleksandra to join you in this journey, please reach out to schedule your first session. Let’s get to work!

As a Resident in Counseling, Aleksandra is currently working towards licensure as a Licensed
Professional Counselor in Virginia, and she is under the supervision of Dr. Amber Pope, LPC, LMHC. If clients have any questions or concerns about Aleksandra’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at amberlpope@gmail.com.

Chelsea Garcia

Resident in
Counseling
Fredericksburg, VA

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coming soon!

ALEXANDRIA OFFICE / TELEHEALTH SERVICES

Jack Fox

Licensed Professional
Counselor & Assistant Clinical Director of Alexandria

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Jack Fox

Licensed Professional Counselor & Assistant Clinical Director of Alexandria

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 with 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 a relationship with his clients and gets to understand and hear their full story, providing a safe environment for vulnerability.

Jack provides an enthusiasm to his work, an up-to-date approach to therapy, and a desire to help clients gain wholistic wellness, valuing the therapeutic relationship in order to achieve client goals.

Jackie Carrera

Licensed Professional
Counselor
Alexandria, VA

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Jackie Carrera

Licensed Professional Counselor

Jackie is a Licensed Professional Counselor providing counseling services at the Healthy Minds Therapy Alexandria location. Jackie earned an M.S.Ed. from Old Dominion University in Mental Health Counseling and has training in art therapy. In addition to her counseling background, Jackie also has a degree in the arts with an MA in Art History from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Jackie is a humanistic counselor who provides person-centered counseling in both English and Spanish. She is dedicated to providing a safe space for clients to explore experiences and to work towards positive changes guided by their desired outcomes. Jackie believes that compassion, collaborative dialogue, and trust are important in the therapeutic process. She has experience with cognitive behavioral therapy, strength based counseling, solution-focused counseling, the use of creative arts in counseling, and motivational interviewing.

Jackie has extensive experience in the arts and in helping individuals at all stages of their lives. In addition to counseling, she has helped people improve their lives through connecting them with services and helping them further their education. A desire to combine these two passions, art and helping people, is what led Jackie to become a counselor. She understands that everyone needs a little help sometimes and we all deserve to be heard.

Jackie welcomes individuals, couples, and groups. Some of her focus areas include trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and anger management. All are welcome.

Nikki Lemke

Resident in
Counseling
Alexandria, VA

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Nikki Lemke, M.S.

Resident in Counseling

Did you know you don’t have to be in a state of crisis to seek out therapy? I have met many of my clients at various points in their lives. Some come in with the goal of facilitating growth in specific areas, while others come in looking to gain the necessary tools to navigate a particularly challenging life transition. Regardless of when you decide to begin this journey of healing , the decision you make is one that is personal to you and your unique set of circumstances. The self-knowledge, skills and insight you gain is an investment into your future and pays dividends in helping you navigate upcoming life events.

Nikki sees clients who struggle with depression and anxiety, pregnancy and peripartum issues, personality disorders, moods disorders, relationship transitions such as divorce, remarriage, parenting teens, as well as clients pursuing spiritual integration and growth work. I apply a variety of modalities working with my clients such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Gestalt, & Gottman.

Nikki understands that you have an expert view into your own life. As your therapist, her job is to learn about you! How your values, background, experiences, dreams and aspirations shape your perspectives. In session, Nikki holds space for you to examine self-limiting beliefs, out dated value structures and negative self-concepts which have outgrown their usefulness.

Nikki Lemke is a Resident in Counseling and is working towards licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. She works under the supervision of Reland Finch, LPC. In the event that clients have any questions or concerns about Nikki’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at rfinch@healthyminds-therapy.com or by phone at (540) 845-6940.

Reland Finch

Licensed Professional
Counselor
Alexandria, VA

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Reland Finch

Licensed Professional Counselor (She/Her)

Finding a therapist can be really, really hard. You can look at dozens of profiles on Psychology Today and other websites, trying to feel comfortable and just feeling like nobody really clicks. On the other hand, it may be stressful even to look for a therapist and admit that you want a little help. If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed, it’s important for you to know that there’s nothing wrong with those feelings. It’s natural to be a little nervous when you’re looking for someone you can open up to.

You need a therapist who will understand your unique struggles, including both your personal feelings and the marginalization you may face based on your gender or sexual identity, cultural or ethnic background, or socioeconomic circumstances. In my time as a Licensed Professional Counselor, I’ve worked with diverse clients to explore and address all kinds of issues. I strive to keep an open mind and an open door; you will never face judgment working with me or my colleagues.

My practice incorporates a variety of evidence-based therapeutic techniques, but I work with every client to identify the tools that you need to succeed. Therapy is never a one-size-fits-all solution – if you choose to work with me, we’ll take steps together to identify what works for you and what doesn’t. I don’t have all the answers, but we’ll try and find them together.

If you’d like to work with an open-minded, affirming therapist, I’d love to hear from you.

Melina Mora

Resident in
Counseling
Alexandria, VA

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Melina Mora, (She/Her)

Resident in Counseling

You already have everything you need inside of you to be well; my role as your therapist is to be a thought partner and collaborator on your wellness journey while enhancing the power you hold within.

“Normality is a paved road. It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow” -Vincent van Gogh

Melina is a Resident in Counseling and provides individual, couple, and group counseling services via telehealth in Spanish and English. She is a graduate of Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and received a Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Law & Society with a minor in Conflict Analysis & Resolution from George Mason University.

Melina has a constructivist approach using systems and narrative-based interventions. Melina has experience working with topics related to difficult life transitions, identity, relationship issues, depression, systems of oppression and privilege, self-esteem, anxiety, spirituality, previously incarcerated individuals, trauma and resilience, and LGBTQIA+.

Melina has worked in K-12 schools facilitating the implementation of mindfulness, restorative justice, and trauma-informed practices in schools. She also facilitated wellness groups for students, staff, and families on topics such as trauma, vicarious trauma, identifying core values, exploring dimensions of identity, bereavement, teen parenting, navigating school as an unaccompanied minor, and post high school transitioning for students with IEP’s and 504 plans. Melina has also worked as an academic advisor empowering adult learners to navigate community college, balancing work, family, and career/life transitions effectively.

As a Resident in Counseling, Melina 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, Melina 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 Reland Finch, LPC. In the event clients have any questions or concerns about Melina’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at rfinch@healthyminds-therapy.com.

Jennifer Drum

Resident in
Counseling
Alexandria, VA

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Jennifer Drum

Resident in Counseling

Jennifer Drum is a Resident in Counseling at Healthy Minds Therapy, PLLC. Prior to relocating to Virginia from New York, Jennifer earned both her MA in Counseling and Advanced Certificate in Mental Health Counseling from Manhattan College, Bronx, NY. She also earned a Certificate in Health Coaching with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition.

Jennifer supports her clients through a holistic and person-centered lens. She believes in an integrative approach to mental health and well-being that honors the mind, body, and spirit. Jennifer views therapy as a sacred space to explore one’s inner landscape. She believes that seeking help to address challenges in one’s life is truly a strength. Things do not change if we do not give them the energy and time to make a shift. Having her own journey as a client in therapy, Jennifer values the safety that the therapeutic relationship offers us to look at our experiences both past and present and go into our hearts to see what needs to change and/or heal so that we can be more present in our life. She encourages her clients to stay both curious and open to possibility for change, growth, and healing.

Jennifer’s career background includes both working and interning in the agency and educational settings. She has worked with individuals who are struggling with issues related to adjustment, anxiety, depression, trauma, interpersonal relationships, grief and loss, chronic pain, substance use, body image, hoarding and LGBTQ+ community. Most recently, she has worked closely with individuals who experienced an acquired or traumatic brain injury as they were navigating the many aspects of post-injury life. This work was truly a source of inspiration for Jennifer.

Jennifer was an NCAA Division I student-athlete and has coached at both the club and college level. During these years in sport, she has closely examined both the positive aspects and personal challenges one may face in high level athletics. From her athletic experience she fostered her deep connection to the importance of mental health and total wellbeing of the athlete as a whole person and not simply as a performer.

Jennifer considers her approach Eclectic and Integrative. She will bring in tools, strategies and interventions that support the client’s identified goals of therapy.

As a Resident in Counseling, Jennifer is involved in Virginia’s state licensure process becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She works under the supervision of Reland Finch, LPC, at Healthy Minds Therapy. For any questions or concerns related to Jennifer’s work, Reland can be reached at rfinch@healthyminds-therapy.com or by phone at (540) 845-6940.

Kane Brown

Graduate Level
Intern
Alexandria, VA

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Kane Brown

Graduate Level Intern

Kane is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at Adams State University. He is completing his counseling practicum at Healthy Minds Therapy. Kane is very excited to join Healthy Minds and continue pursuing his degree program. He has received his BA from Western Governors University in Interdisciplinary Studies (K-8). Currently, he is an elementary school teacher.

Kane is looking forward to developing his counseling skills and interests during his practicum. He brings skills from his background as a teacher in working with children and adolescents. However, he is excited to gain experience working with people from all backgrounds.

Kane Brown is a Graduate Level Intern and is working towards residency in the state of Virginia. He works under the supervision of Alison Morogiello, LPC. In the event that clients have any questions or concerns about Kane’s work, his supervisor can be contacted at amorogiello@healthyminds-therapy.com or by phone at (540) 845-6940.

Sibila Jahangiri

Resident in
Counseling
Alexandria, VA

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Sabila Jahangiri

Resident in Counseling

Sibila Jahangiri is a Resident in Counseling at Healthy Minds Therapy, PLLC. She has a B.A. degree in Clinical Psychology from The New Bulgarian University and a M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is a Certified Transactional Analysis Practitioner (TAP) and has more than 200 hours of training in Psychodrama. Sibila has experience in working in multicultural environments in business, healthcare, and the nonprofit sector, which allows her to relate to people with different backgrounds.

Sibila is passionate about applying science, spontaneity, and art techniques in her work with individuals and groups. Some of her focus areas include anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, grief, and trauma. She has a special interest in supporting individuals and families going through infertility, pregnancy, and infant loss. Additionally, Sibila welcomes people who do not have mental illness but are facing some of the expected or unexpected life challenges. Feeling stuck in life, having lost its purpose, feeling lonely and unable to build or maintain healthy relationships, going through a loss (of a loved one, an opportunity, a job, an ability, or even a dream): all of these can take your energy and prevent you from living your best life. Turning a crisis into an opportunity can be a painful process. Sibila recognizes that you may need someone to lean on in order to get back on your feet and transform yourself and your situation in the best possible way.

Sibila’s goal as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor is to meet the individual needs of each of her clients and support them in making their own decisions on their path to maturity and autonomy. Her relationship with clients is based on respect towards personality and personal boundaries, free of judgment and aggression. Sibila believes that people have the power to change their destiny by learning, growing and changing their decisions at any time. It is her privilege to support them in this process. Sibila also provides counseling in Bulgarian and in English.

As a Resident in Counseling, Sibila is currently working towards licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. Sibila works under the supervision of Christy Heyn, Clinical Supervisor and LPC for Healthy Minds Therapy. In the event clients have any questions or concerns about Sibila’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at 950 N. Washington St. Suite 322 Alexandria VA 22314, 540-845-6940, or cheyn@healthyminds-therapy.com.

Valine Ripes

Resident in
Counseling
Alexandria, VA

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Valine Ripes

Resident in Counseling

Valine is a Resident in Counseling at Healthy Minds Therapy, PLLC. She graduated from George Mason University with a Masters of Education (M.Ed.) in Community Agency Counseling. She decided to become a counselor based on her own life experiences and how much counseling helped her. She aims to help clients find peace and process through challenges with a person-centered approach.

Valine also pulls from other theoretical approaches to ensure that her clients feel heard, understood, and valued in the therapeutic space and their lives. She offers a wide array of experiences working with different mental health populations and issues. As a woman of color, she aims to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and the BIPOC community. She currently specializes in resilience building, self-esteem, depression/anxiety, multicultural concerns, interpersonal relationships, eating disorders, and body image-related matters.

Therapy is a step towards better understanding yourself and finding ways to meet your goals with this new understanding. Valine would be honored to accompany her clients on their therapy journey, as it is a challenging but rewarding process.

As a Resident in Counseling, Valine is currently working towards licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. Valine works under the supervision of Christy Heyn, LPC. In the event that clients have any questions or concerns about Valine’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at cheyn@healthyminds-therapy.com or by phone at (540) 845-6940.

Ann-Marie Wingerter

Resident in
Counseling
Alexandria, VA

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Ann-Marie Wingerter

Resident in Counseling

Ann-Marie is a resident in counseling pursuing an independent license as an LPC. She received her master of arts degree in clinical mental health counseling, with a concentration in crisis intervention & trauma counseling, from Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Ann-Marie applies the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model in her work to try to address issues as holistically as possible. It is important to her that she work collaboratively with each client to “help them help themselves,” thereby building their sense of self-worth and self-efficacy.

Ann-Marie has worked with adolescents (ages 12-18) suffering from intellectual disability, trauma, and who exhibit severe behavioral issues. The main areas of focus in her work with them were on behavior modification, social skills training, anxiety, and depression. In general, issues she deals with include anxiety, depression, interpersonal issues, behavioral issues, trauma, and life transitions. Ann-Marie integrates the cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral modalities of treatment with the client-centered approach in her counseling relationships.

As a Resident in Counseling, Ann-Marie is currently working towards licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia, and she is under the supervision of Christy Heyn, MS, LPC. If clients have any questions or concerns about Aleksandra’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at cheyn@healthyminds-therapy.com.

Thuy Nelson

Resident in
Counseling
Alexandria, VA

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Thuy Nelson

Resident in Counseling

“Counseling has to do with intuition, with work on oneself, with the quietness of one’s mind and the openness of one’s heart.” –Ram Dass.

Thuy is a Resident in Counseling at Healthy Minds Therapy, PLLC. She graduated with high honors from Liberty University with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Thuy strives to meet her clients where they are at and creates a safe space that encourages self-discovery and self-acceptance.

Thuy approaches her clients and their concerns from multicultural and empathetic perspectives and uses a variety of evidence-based therapeutic interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Emotion-Focused
Therapy, and the Gottman Method. Thuy focuses on the awareness of one’s thoughts, feelings, behaviors and how these impact the person’s experiences.

Thuy is from Vietnam and is also a military spouse. Having lived in multiple places has given her an appreciation for people’s stories and experiences. Thuy’s goals as a counselor are to be a safe place for her clients where they feel both seen and heard as well as a collaborator along their healing journeys.

Thuy also provides Christian-based counseling for those that seek to incorporate a Biblical worldview into their therapy. Thuy is bilingual and offers therapy services in both English and Vietnamese.

Thuy is a Resident in Counseling and is working towards licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. She works under the supervision of Sheri Cobarruvias, MS, LPC, LPC-S, NCC. In the event that clients have any questions or concerns about Thuy’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at sherilpc07@shericobarruviaslpc.com.

Antonio White

Graduate Level Intern
Alexandria, VA

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Heather Hayden

Resident in
Counseling
Alexandria, VA

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Kristen Ninosky

Resident in
Counseling
Alexandria, VA

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Maxine Lida

Resident in
Counseling
Alexandria, VA

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TELEHEALTH CLINICIANS

Marianne Lopez

Licensed Clinical
Social Worker
Telehealth Services

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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.

Alice McGuin

Supervisee in Clinical Social Work
Telehealth Services

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Alice McGuin

Supervisee in Clinical Social Work

Alice is a Supervisee in Social Work with Healthy Minds Therapy where she helps clients of all ages navigate the stressors and transitions that are inevitable in everyday life. She recognizes the most important factor to positive therapy outcomes is the therapeutic relationship, and strives to provide a safe, warm and even fun environment where her clients feel heard and understood. Alice knows that anyone who has the desire to change can do so and wants her clients to lead healthy and thriving lives.

Professionally, Alice has spent the bulk of her career in the corporate world leading human resources teams for several Fortune 500 companies. During this time, Alice worked with a therapist to break patterns that were not serving her and developed the tools she needed to build the life she wanted. Seeing the transformation the work of therapy brought into her own life, a calling to do this work on “the other side of the couch” became clear and she returned to school graduating with her Master’s Degree in Social work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Alice specializes in trauma, anxiety and attachment issues.

Having lived in Northern Virginia most of her life, Alice understands the unique stressors and opportunities this area provides. She has experience working with racially diverse populations and has a specific interest in supporting clients who have experienced racial inequalities especially within the Black community. Alice enjoys spending time with her friends, traveling (especially wherever there is a beach), and life at home with her husband of 17 years, two daughters, two dogs and bearded dragon.

Alice McGuin is a Supervisee in Clinical Social Work and is working towards licensure as a Clinical Social Worker in Virginia. She works under the supervision of Sarah Rohrer, LCSW. In the event that clients have any questions or concerns about Alice’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at sarahjrohrer@gmail.com or by phone at (804) 432-5198.

Grace Kim

Resident in
Counseling
Telehealth Services

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Grace Kim

Resident in Counseling

It takes a lot of courage to be vulnerable in the face of all the issues life throws our way. You should be proud of yourself for taking the first step and seeking help!

Grace is a Resident in Counseling providing services at the Woodbridge location. Grace is a Qualified Mental Health Professional for Children (QMHP-C) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Grace received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Master of Arts Degree with high honors in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South University.

Grace has extensive experience in providing outpatient counseling services to children, adolescents and young adults. She also has sufficient experience working with adult clients with longstanding substance abuse issues. Grace is an individual who has had her own share of mental health challenges and with the help of those around her, she has been able to overcome obstacles and barriers in her life. Grace believes she is still growing, learning and in some ways, healing and wants to work with individuals to provide the hope and support she was given in her darkest times. Grace recognizes the barriers and restrictions that minority cultures often face when dealing with mental health issues. It is Grace’s passion to work with such individuals of various minority backgrounds to confront these challenges and experience breakthrough and acceptance. Grace is ready and willing to work with you or your child to explore any latent issues and improve your daily functioning in a healthy way.

Grace is particularly skillful in building rapport quickly and efficiently with her clients. She is an empathetic listener who believes in providing a safe environment that allows for her clients to be vulnerable without fear of judgment. She also believes that therapy is not a one time “cure” for mental health issues and is willing to work with her clients at their own pace for as long as it takes. Grace has worked with many clients struggling with depression, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, reactive attachment disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder and conduct disorders.

Grace mainly utilizes psychoanalysis, person centered therapy, existential therapy, humanistic therapy, Gestalt therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients achieve their goals. Grace also provides Christian counseling for clients who may be interested in incorporating their faith into their treatment.

Grace is a Resident in Counseling and is working towards licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) for the state of Virginia. She works under the supervision of Alycia Burant, LPC, NCC. In the event that clients have any questions or concerns about Grace’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at aburant@healthyminds-therapy.com, (540) 845-6940 ext. 118 or 950 N. Washington St. Suite 322, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Margaret Kappler

Licensed Professional Counselor
Telehealth Services

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Margaret Kappler

Licensed Professional Counselor

Hello. I’m so glad you are doing this! Starting a journey to a higher level of wellness is an amazing endeavor. I would love the opportunity to take this voyage with you.

Here is a little bit about me and my background. I served in the United States Navy for over ten years and have been a practicing therapist for seven years. I am comfortable working with many different populations with varying levels of issues. Depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, and military specific stressors are a small cross-section of the issues I treat.

I hold a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in two states. My therapy with you will take a client centered approach. This means that the work you and I do will be tailored to you specifically using a large variety of modalities. Cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, Gestalt techniques and many others will be applied during our time together as our collaboration dictate what will be most effective.

I am a laid-back person with a robust, and admittedly sometimes immature, sense of humor who is a big believer in radical acceptance. You can expect these things, and many more during our sessions. I offer you this quote, and assure you I’m here to listen.

“In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers.” -F. R.

Carolyn Alvarado

Resident in
Counseling
Telehealth Services

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Carolyn Alvarado

Resident in Counseling, QMHP-A/C Trainee

Carolyn Alvarado is a graduate of Eastern Mennonite University, VA with a MA in Mental Health Counseling and she obtained a B.A in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in NY.

Carolyn is a bilingual (fluent Spanish speaker) counselor that loves working with children and their families through their process of self-discovery and growth. Her work as a counselor reflects her compassionate nature and desire to be authentic, and develop impactful relationships with clients. Core to her approach is being person-centered and culturally competent/sensitive.

“It is the client who knows what hurts, what directions to go, what problems are crucial, what experiences have been deeply buried.”

― Carl R. Rogers

Carolyn incorporates mindfulness strategies and strength-based strategies in her practice to support the client in grounding and utilizing their strengths as resources to work through their distress and better care for themselves. Carolyn is aware how difficult it is to make life changes and utilizes Motivational Interviewing strategies in counseling to help her clients find the internal motivation needed. In working with children and teenagers Carolyn enjoys utilizing play therapy strategies, mindfulness and creative arts therapeutic strategies such as art, music, and sand-tray to support expression of feelings that are hard to verbalize.

Over the past two years Carolyn has worked in her community providing Intensive In-home services and outpatient therapy to a variety of clients and their families (children, adolescents, and adults). She has experience working with clients in the mist of crisis, and a variety of mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety, trauma, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, identity questioning, anger management, mental health skill building, familial conflicts, grief, and substance use. Carolyn has worked in school settings as a teacher’s aide and completed her practicum experience as a student counselor working with children grades k-5th. Within her community Carolyn has led children’s anti-bullying and discrimination campaigns for her local church.

As a Resident in Counseling, Carolyn 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, Carolyn provides a fresh and up-to-date approach to therapy, valuing the therapeutic relationship as central to achieve goals toward wellness.

Carolyn Alvarado is a Resident in Counseling and is working towards licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. She works under the supervision of Christine Spilman, LPC., CSAC., In the event that clients have any questions or concerns about Carolyn’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at cspilman03@gmail.com, 540-246-2449.

Cara Root

Licensed Clinical
Social Worker
Telehealth Services

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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.

Katie Bascuas

Licensed Clinician Washington, D.C.
Telehealth Services

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Get to know our team of therapists!