Our therapists in Alexandria, VA offer counseling for loneliness

Elena Papathanassiou is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia who is practiced in providing therapeutic care to teens and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidality, and the LGBTQIA+ community. She strives to maintain a high level of cultural competency while working with diverse groups of people and sensitivity to the unique struggles of those with intersecting identities. She completed her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Pittsburgh and her Master of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Elena utilizes strengths-based and person-in-environment theories while collaborating with the client to ensure their unique needs are met. These inform her usage of solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical-behavioral techniques to provide evidence-based therapy that is flexible, responsive, and tailored to the individual.

Elena seeks to provide a warm, supportive therapeutic relationship with her clients that invites openness and insight to achieve your goals. Through collaboration and building on your strengths, she will assist you in developing a meaningful life in accordance with your values.

Dee Jacobi-Edwards is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia and a Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) in South Carolina who has helped individuals, couples, and families for over 20 years. Dee works with clients 18 to 99 years old. Her clients have presented with issues including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and relationship difficulties. Dee has also helped clients who have experienced fear or isolation caused by COVID-19. She understands that grief, loss, and bereavement do not only occur when someone dies, but also when a job is lost, or poor health occurs. Having been a hospice social worker, Dee has also counseled individuals and family members after a loved one has been given a terminal diagnosis.

Dee completed her Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) at the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master of Education (MEd) in Rehabilitation Counseling at Springfield College. Utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, clients develop an understanding of the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and are encouraged to cultivate flexibility in the process, leading to change in automatic problem-solving responses. Other techniques used include mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation techniques. Dee is also an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider.

Using a conversational style, Dee collaborates with her clients, whether an individual, a couple, or family members, to identify areas of concern. Together, she and her client analyze what the perceived difficulties are and identify achievable goals. In a supportive and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship, Dee encourages open communication to resolve conflicts from misunderstandings.

Kristi Gannon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) currently offers tele-health sessions in Virginia specializing in offering treatment to adults and seniors who are faced with the negative effects of anxiety, depression, anger, relationship issues, ADHD, poor coping skills, gender identity issues, stress, trauma, PTSD, women’s issues, and more. 

Kristi understands that no single approach to therapy works for every individual, and therefore integrates a variety of therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral (CBT), person-centered therapies, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness techniques to help clients achieve their desired goals.

Kristi is passionate about the work she does with her clients and uses a collaborative approach to empower clients in taking control of their own recovery. She offers an empathic, non-judgmental, and safe atmosphere that promotes growth and healing.

Wooni Kim is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years of experience. She specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, among others. Wooni has worked in inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, hospice, and home health. She is devoted to evidence-based, holistic care through a compassionate, patient-centered approach.

Wooni has a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University. She provides both medication management and psychotherapy, working collaboratively with clients to create personalized treatment plans that address their psychological and emotional needs.

Wooni takes pride in building strong, trusting relationships with her clients, empowering them to actively participate in their treatment and recovery process. By listening with empathy and offering personalized care, she helps individuals regain control over their lives and achieve emotional balance. Schedule an appointment today!

Patrycia Hatten is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 12 years of experience providing services to various populations in the mental health and substance use field. She specializes in anxiety, trauma, grief, anger management, stress management, depression, and finding ways to smooth out those big challenges in life.

Patrycia completed her Masters in Clinical Counseling with an emphasis in couples and family therapy at the University of Northern Colorado. She has worked extensively with all ages, with clients ranging from 5-70 years old. She is comfortable utilizing multiple treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), person-centered therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Patrycia's vast experience coupled with her innate compassion enables her to work collaboratively with her clients to help them reach their goals

We all have strengths and talents, even if they aren't immediately apparent to ourselves. Together you and Patrycia will identify and build skills through the use of feedback, processing, and empathy to help reach your personal goals. Patrycia is open-minded and has a gentle way of challenging thoughts and behaviors to allow her clients to gain insight and understanding, helping to promote progress and facilitate change. She is excited to have the opportunity to work with you!

My name’s Krista Hale, and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked in a variety of mental health settings for 45 years. At the age of 54, I went back to school to earn my Master's degree & become a licensed clinician. I am currently offering counseling to individuals, families, & couples via telehealth. I enjoy working with clients with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, & major life transitions, and I have a particular interest in working with older women, couples of all ages & persuasions, those struggling due to our current political climate, and those in the LGBTQ community. 

I obtained my Bachelor of Social Work in 1978, my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling in 2013, and I became a licensed counselor in Virginia in 2016. I use a person-centered approach, which involves being accepting, non-judgmental, and respectful of other worldviews. 

As a warm, intuitive, and empathetic counselor with a sense of humor, I help my clients flourish despite life’s setbacks. Book your appointment today and start your journey to a better life.

Rolando Liyim is a Supervisee in Social Work and a Certified Financial Social Worker with 9 years of experience in the mental health field. He works with teens and adults who are facing a wide range of mental health challenges. Rolando specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship issues, financial challenges, and major life transitions.

Rolando completed his Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) at the University of Pennsylvania and certification at the Center for Financial Social Work. In former roles, he has worked with individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Rolando uses evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), internal family systems (IFS), and person-centered therapy (PCT).

Life presents us with various challenges that we must navigate. With unwavering assurance, Rolando stands ready to accompany you on your quest for fresh insights and effective strategies, empowering you to overcome any obstacles you might be facing. If you're prepared to embark on this transformative journey, seize the moment and arrange an appointment with him today.

Shirley Hudson is a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) who is passionate about providing evidence-based and personalized care to adult clients. She began her health career treating patients in various settings including spinal cord injury, intensive care, hematology, oncology, and medical-surgical units. As a Christian, Shirley understands there is still a stigma attached to mental illness in many churches. She also has a mission to reduce the stigma of psychiatric disorders by educating clients, families, and the community about mental health disorders.

After years as a registered nurse, she completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Old Dominion University. Through her years at the hospital bedside and clinic, Shirley saw a need for more psychiatric care providers. To help increase access to mental health services, she earned her Post-Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification.

Shirley believes that the best patient outcomes are built on the foundation of a strong and authentic patient/provider partnership. She values the client as an integral part of the treatment team and works diligently to provide education about all aspects of the mutually agreed-upon treatment plan.

Lydia Sharp is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practioner (PMHNP-BC) from Virginia, with 5 years of experience assisting children, adolescents, and adults with such issues as anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, anger problems, and other complex psychiatric conditions.

Lydia earned her Master's degree in Nursing Education. She previously served over 26 years in the military in a variety of patient settings such as Medical-Surgical Nursing and Perioperative Nursing (Walter Reed Army Hospital), and as a Nurse Administrator serving in Army Combat Support Hospitals located in California and Fort Bragg, and much more. She also gained direct psychiatric experience and knowledge by working in a Behavioral Health Service Community Health Clinic, which was also part of a behavioral school for troubled youths.

Lydia will prescribe and manage medications, diagnose and assess psychiatric problems, identify health goals, record symptoms and problems, provide therapeutic treatment, and educate clients and their families about mental health. Partner with Lydia to find the treatment methods that work best for you.

Bridget U. Famogun is a compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Master of Science degree as a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) PMHNP, and she is Board Certified. Before becoming PMHNP, Bridget was a Psychiatric Registered Nurse for eight years with a history of working in the hospital & clinical Trial care setting. Bridget completed her Master's in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Walden University and graduated with honors. 

Bridget earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, in 2010, and has worked in the nursing field since then.

Bridget is skilled in Psychiatric Assessment, Psychiatric Diagnoses and Medication Management, Health Promotion, Crisis Intervention, Clinical Supervision, and Healthcare Management.

Bridget has a passion for working with vulnerable populations. She is a firm believer in a holistic approach to treating disturbances in mental health that can involve medication management, psychotherapy, and alternative treatment modalities. Additionally, Bridget is interested in working with patients with eating disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, and talk therapy. Moreover, she is proficient in working with adult ADD, psychotic, mood, self-esteem, stress management, anger management, and anxiety disorders.

Bridget's main goal and focus as a PMHNP at Thriveworks is to grow and connect her knowledge and understanding of the brain's biology and interconnections, with the neuropathology of psychiatric illnesses and psychotherapy and prescriptive practice.

Adaku Anike is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She works with clients aged 14 and above with various mental issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia using evidence-based practices to create an individualized mental health care plan to meet their needs and achieve a positive outcome.

Adaku cares for her clients by actively listening to their needs, offering empathy, and creating an individualized care plan tailored to their needs because every client's need is different. Her specialty is psychiatry and she offers mental health care that is evidence-based.

As a person who has suffered from depression, Adaku understands how debilitating and isolating mental health issues can be. The stigma associated with mental illness can cause one to hesitate in asking for help. She wants you to know that you can reach out to her if you have any issues.

George Wanke is a Licensed Clinical Social worker with 49 years of experience working with a wide variety of clients, from pre-teens to adults. George specializes in treating individuals who are struggling with mood management, thought distress, and behavioral mental health conditions such as ADHD, conduct disorder, or substance abuse issues.

George received his Master’s in Social Work from the University of Kansas and was a Family Therapy Training Supervisor for the Karl Menninger School of Psychiatry. George has a strong familiarity with cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as DBT, and has taught DBT classes to groups in the past.

George believes that validation is a key component of the therapy process and setting mutually accepted goals is one of his favorite parts of working with clients. By partnering with George, he can help you to process major life transitions, mental health conditions, or interpersonal issues with a growth mindset, sharing his own experience and wisdom to guide your progress within each session.

Chinyere is a board-certified Licensed Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 12 years of experience as a psychiatric nurse and 10 years of experience as a nurse practitioner providing psychiatric evaluation, treatment, and medication management to patients with varying degrees of mental illness. She has expertise in treating adult patients, and lately adolescent patients. She treats patients with disorders such as anxiety, depression, personality disorder, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. She is professional, caring, and respectful and strives to offer personalized mental health services.

Chinyere’s approach to care is straightforward and clear. She always lends a listening ear and is empathetic to her patients. She has a BSN degree from Shenandoah University, an MSN degree from the University of Cincinnati, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Chatham University.

Chinyere’s mission is to provide every patient with the highest quality care while empowering them to live a successful, fulfilled life while staying in control of their mental health.