Alycia Burant
Founder &
Licensed Therapist
Alexandria, VA
Alycia Burant
Licensed Professional Counselor / Founder and Therapist
Alycia is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over twelve years 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 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 works with the body to combine somatic awareness and movement interventions. She recognizes everyone measures success differently and tailor’s treatment to best meet your needs. Alycia is 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 emotional health concerns.
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 Masters 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 the 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 unfulfilled and unhappy. Maybe negative thoughts swirl around your head when you are trying to get work done or fall asleep at night or you experience difficulty 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.
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.
Alison Morogiello
Clinical Director & Licensed Therapist Alexandria, VA
Alison Morogiello
Licensed Professional Counselor
Alison is a Licensed Professional Counselor providing counseling services at our Alexandria location. 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 has completed rigorous internships working with individuals, couples, and families and completed her Clinical Residency at Healthy Minds Therapy. Alison has clinical experience and particular interest in working with adolescents (12+) and adults, the LGBTQ population, Anxiety/OCD, and relationship distress.
Alison’s goal in therapy is to build trust and rapport so that her clients feel safe, comfortable, and heard throughout the therapeutic process. She is warm and bubbly, with the ability to match her clients in a way that creates a strong and positive therapeutic relationship. As a young counselor, Alison provides a fresh and up-to-date approach to psychotherapy treatment. As a clinician, Alison’s theoretical approach is grounded in Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MB-CBT) and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) 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 partner/family in enhancing emotional communication, developing healthy roles, and creating a thriving family and/or couple dynamic. Her goal is to create a safe environment where the family or couple can explore conflicts and address unproductive communication patterns. With this systems-approach, therapy can create long-lasting positive change.
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
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
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.
Fredericksburg office / TELEHEALTH SERVICES
Jasmine Payne
Resident in
Counseling
Fredericksburg, VA
Jasmine Payne
Resident in Counseling
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 Resident in Counseling and provides services at the Fredericksburg location. She is a two-time graduate of Longwood University, receiving her B.S. in Psychology along with an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Throughout her graduate studies, Jasmine worked with teens and adults who belonged to various minority and multicultural populations. She currently sits on the executive board for VA-ALGBTIC and has over a year of experience working with this specific community. She also has familiarity with a wide spectrum of mental health concerns including anxiety/depression, grief, belonging, high stress, moodiness, self-improvement, motivation, relationship issues, substance use, and many more.
Jasmine provides a person-centered and existential approach while utilizing solution-based and cognitive-behavioral interventions. All that boils down to a counselor who understands the role our individual cultural identities play in our lives and believes the client is the expert on their experience. She works with you to pinpoint the presenting problem, and then helps to find practical solutions and identify strengths. She believes in getting to the root of our core beliefs to discover how they impact our daily life and influence the patterns of our relationships. Jasmine strives to build a foundation with her clients to learn their stories and 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 understands people continually re-create themselves because life’s meaning constantly changes. How do we process that change and continue to evolve? Come and learn how to access creativity, love, vulnerability, and authenticity. These are all common avenues that help move you toward transformation. Let’s work together to develop insight, practice coping mechanisms, and increase overall satisfaction.
Think of the counseling relationship as a tool. It can help untangle thought patterns that are no longer useful, find closure, 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, we are here to walk by your side and help you move towards them!
As a Resident in Counseling, Jasmine 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, Jasmine 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 Jasmine’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
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.
Dr. Michael Deitz
Resident in
Counseling
Fredericksburg, VA
Dr. Michael Deitz
Resident In Counseling
Michael Deitz is a Resident in Counseling at Healthy Minds Therapy, PLLC. Additionally he is a doctoral candidate in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at Virginia Commonwealth University, set to graduate in Fall 2020. 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.
His passions are in adulthood development, interpersonal psychotherapy, and providing emotionally corrective experiences for clients. As a former NCAA Division I student-athlete and coach, he also enjoys focusing research on mental health and athletics.
Michael strives to understand the lived experiences of different populations to promote advocacy for marginalized groups. He is a published author for a textbook chapter on the ethics of counseling step-families, assisted in research on the lived experiences of teachers who are mothers, and examined relationship distress as a mediator for adverse childhood experiences and mental health concerns.
Mary Jackson
Supervisee in Clinical Social Work
Fredericksburg, VA
Mary Jackson, MSW
Supervisee in Clinical Social Work
Don’t let the baby face fool you…Mary Jackson has more than 15 years of service in the mental healthfield! In addition to her training in Social Work, she has also studied Psychology, Sociology, and Education.
Mary has extensive training and experience serving a variety of populations from youth to older adults and specializes in serving clients with trauma. Other areas Mary specializes in include working with adolescents, parent coaching and skill building, working through life transitions, and self-care and wellness. Mary has a strong passion for helping others understand and embrace themselves and heal and recover from life’s wounds and challenges while moving toward joy and peace.
In addition to pursuing licensure in Clinical Social Work in her position with Healthy Minds Therapy, Mary is an adjunct professor with Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Social Work and is also a student in VCU’s Executive MBA program.
Mary Jackson 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 Crystal R. Jones, LCSW. In the event that clients have any questions or concerns about Mary’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at crystalrjoneslcsw@gmail.com, (540) 786-3049 or Lifesource Counseling located at 3516 Plank Rd. Suite 5C in Fredericksburg, VA.
Shelton Piland
Supervisee in Clinical Social Work Fredericksburg, VA
Shelton Piland
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 Resident in Clinical Social Work and will be providing 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 Piland 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
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.
Woodbridge Office / TELEHEALTH SERVICES
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.
Grace Kim
Resident in
Counseling
Woodbridge, VA
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.
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.
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.
ALEXANDRIA OFFICE / TELEHEALTH SERVICES
Mackenzie Dajani
Resident in
Counseling
Alexandria, VA
Mackenzie Dajani, MA, LPC-R
Resident in Counseling
If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken the first step towards meaningful change. Finding the right therapist for you is a crucial step in your mental health journey!
Mackenzie is a Resident in Counseling, providing counseling services at our Alexandria location. Mackenzie has her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University and a B.A. in Psychology as well as Religious Studies from The College of William & Mary. Mackenzie has completed internships working with diverse individuals, couples, and families. She has completed the majority of her residency in an inpatient behavioral health hospital. Mackenzie has clinical experience and particular interest working with adults, couples, anxiety, depression, relationship distress, grief, and motivation. Mackenzie offers Christian counseling, as well.
Mackenzie provides a person-centered and holistic approach, utilizing strengths-based, cognitive behavioral, and gestalt interventions. As a certified yoga instructor, Mackenzie values mindfulness and the mind-body connection. She takes responsibility in providing a safe, accepting, and non-judgmental environment. Mackenzie understands that the therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful change and crucial for building resiliency and restoring hope. She will work collaboratively with you to recognize your strengths as you begin to work on yourself from a genuine place. Should you think Mackenzie might be a good fit, she would be honored to work with you.
As a Resident in Counseling, Mackenzie 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, Mackenzie 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 Kim Harrell, MEd, LPC, NCC, ACS. In the event clients have any questions or concerns about Mackenzie’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at kharrell.lpc@gmail.com.
Jackie Carrera
Resident in
Counseling
Alexandria, VA
Jackie Carrera
Resident in Counseling
Jackie is a resident in counseling providing counseling services in the 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 is currently working toward licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She welcomes individuals, couples, and groups. Some of her focus areas include trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and anger management. All are welcome.
Jackie Carrera is a Resident in Counseling and is working towards licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. She works under the supervision of Alycia Burant, LPC. In the event that clients have any questions or concerns about Jackie’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.
Sarah Chun
Resident in
Counseling
Alexandria, VA
Sarah Chun
Resident In Counseling
Sarah is a Resident in Counseling providing counseling services through our Alexandria location. Sarah completed her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Certificate in Addictions Studies from Immaculata University. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Music: Vocal Performance from American University in Washington, D.C. Sarah is a National Certified Counselor and a member of the American Counseling Association. She is pursuing her License in Professional Counseling (LPC) for the state of Virginia and is working towards a certification in TF-CBT.
Sarah has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in crisis situations ranging from mental health to substance use concerns. She also has experience working with adults struggling with addictions and has worked within a rehab treatment facility. Sarah has extensive knowledge of the juvenile court system after her time working for the Fairfax County Juvenile Courts as a home based counselor and residential staff. In working with her clients, Sarah integrates aspects of Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered, and Strengths-Based approaches. She also loves to engage in creative modalities and has utilized Sand Tray, Art Therapy, and Music Therapy in sessions with clients. Her areas of expertise are depression, anxiety, trauma, and behavioral or substance related addictions.
Sarah understands the importance of building trust and rapport in the counseling relationship. Throughout past counseling experiences, the relationship has always been the top priority. When a person decides to make the choice to come to counseling it may be when that person is at their most vulnerable. Whether this is due to the need to address a substance use concern or the stress of everyday life. Sarah aims to make the counseling environment a supportive and safe space for a person to be able to fully express themselves. There is hope. Let us help you find it.
She works under the supervision of Janell Johnson. In the event clients have any questions or concerns about Sarah’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at (703) 646-8806 or aliverehabcounseling@gmail.com.
Reland Finch
Licensed Professional
Counselor
Alexandria, VA
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
Graduate Level
Intern
Alexandria, VA
Melina Mora, (She/Her)
Graduate Level Intern
You already have everything you need inside of you to live your best life; my job is to empower you to identify and enhance your strengths to do so.
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” -Martin Luther King Jr.
Melina is a Graduate Intern and provides individual counseling services at the Alexandria location. She is in the process of completing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. She received a Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Law, & Society with a minor in Conflict Analysis & Resolution from George Mason University.
Melina is bilingual (fluent in Spanish) and has a person-centered and holistic approach using mindfulness and strength-based interventions with multi-cultural considerations. Melina has experience working with topics related to difficult life transitions, identity, depression, immigration related concerns, self-esteem, anxiety, dimensions privilege, spirituality, 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 and staff 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 navigate college, balancing work, family, and career/life transitions.
As a Graduate Intern, Melina is currently involved in the state licensure process for the Commonwealth of Virginia. At this stage she is in the process of completing her Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to go on and pursue 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 Alison Morogiello, MEd, LPC, NCC. In the event clients have any questions or concerns about Melina’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at amorogiello@healthyminds-therapy.com.
TELEHEALTH CLINICIANS
Diane Bonilla
Licensed Professional Counselor
Telehealth Services
Diane Bonilla
Licensed Professional Counselor
Diane is contracted by HMT to exclusively provide telehealth services to residents of Virginia. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and English from Villanova University and her Master of Arts degree in Psychological Services from The Catholic University of America. She continued her post graduate work at George Mason University’s Counseling Program, becoming licensed in 1996.
With 25 years of experience providing mental health services to the community she is here to help you cope with pandemic related stress and anxiety. Diane’s specialties include anxiety and stress management, bereavement, loss, and adjustment/ transition issues. She is dedicated to helping Adults 18+ develop the tools they need to move beyond therapy and live life more fully, utilizing a variety of interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution Focused Therapy. However, her biggest strength is just being an empathic listener and connecting with you as a unique person.
Hannah Larter
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Telehealth Services
Hannah Larter
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Hannah Larter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who contracts with HMT to provide teletherapy to Virginia residents. Hannah received her Bachelor’s degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and her Master’s of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Hannah works to provide a warm and nurturing environment where clients feel heard, valued, and comfortable collaborating to identify, examine, and process any challenges they may be facing. To create sustainable and meaningful change, Hannah helps clients to notice patterns that are no longer useful and to create and maintain healthier habits. While Hannah tailors treatment to each individual, she often uses components from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Solution-Focused therapy, all of which provide concrete tools to cope with and tolerate discomfort, increase self-compassion, and build a healthier and happier life.
Hannah most often works with adolescents and adults wanting to better manage anxiety/stress, depression, low-self esteem, and/or relationship issues.
Whitney Miklos
Resident in
Clinical Social Work
Telehealth Services
Whitney Miklos
Resident in Social Work
Whitney is a Resident in Clinical Social Work and will be providing teletherapy to residents of Virginia. She graduated from Bridgewater College with a B.S. in Sociology and minor in Social Work. She then received her Masters in Social Work from Tulane University. Throughout her time at Tulane, she worked with both undergraduate and graduate students at Loyola University New Orleans Campus to provide individual therapy, crisis intervention, and other social work services.
Upon graduation, Whitney has continued to provide individual therapy to young adults and adolescents in various settings. She has also had the opportunity to provide consultation to educators seeking to become more trauma informed in the classroom and has provided supportive services to caregivers. Whitney honors the unique needs of each individual and believes it is important to tailor treatment accordingly. She often uses components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness practices, and psychoeducation to better inform treatment. Whitney strives for her clients to achieve success through empathetic understanding of the client and unconditional positive regard.
Whitney has extensive experience working with concerns related to identity, difficult life
transitions, trauma, depression, anxiety and LGBTQ+ individuals. She takes pride in creating a safe space where meaningful change can occur.
“Loving ourselves through the process of owning our story is the bravest thing we will ever do” – Brene Brown
Whitney Miklos 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 Alison Moats, LCSW. In the event that clients have any questions or concerns about Whitney’s work, her supervisor can be contacted at (alison’s email) or by phone at (alison’s phone number).
Margaret Kappler
Licensed Professional Counselor
Telehealth Services
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
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.
Dr. Debra Rezendes
Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy
Telehealth Services
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.
Alice McGuin
Supervisee in Clinical Social Work
Telehealth Services
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.
