Our counselors provide therapy for children and teens in Fredericksburg, VA

Elizabeth Peters is a Social Worker with over 3 years of experience. She has had the privilege to work in crisis management, forensics, incarceration, and outpatient settings. She specializes in working with individuals ages 5 and up who have concerns including addiction, depression, anxiety, severe mental illness, and trauma.

Elizabeth received her Master’s in Social Work from Simmons University. Using solution-focused approaches, Elizabeth employs several clinical modalities, including EMDR, person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavioral therapy.

Beginning therapy can be uncomfortable. Elizabeth takes a validating and nonjudgmental approach to assisting clients in obtaining their goals while encouraging self-accountability. She feels that providing a safe and collaborative space is the foundation for success. Reach out today!

Cindy Painter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and she has worked in the mental health field for the past 35 years. She has enjoyed working and helping families, older adolescents, and adults live successful and healthier lives. Cindy specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma, and anger management. She has a lot of experience working with individuals, families, and adolescents. Cindy enjoys assisting individuals and families in a team approach to resolving current issues and stressors.

Cindy completed her Master of Social (MSW) from Virginia Commonwealth University. She uses multiple treatment approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT). solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness. Cindy has a lot of experience working with individuals that are struggling with anxiety and depression and has also worked with adolescents and adults on anger management skills. She brings an understanding of how thoughts affect feelings and uses different coping skills to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Cindy is confident that she would be able to support you on your journey to gain new ideas and techniques that allow you to cope with the issues that are present. If you think Cindy would be a good fit for you, schedule an appointment with her today.

Ann "Lisa" Peralta is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 34 years of experience in providing clinical assessment and therapeutic care to adults seeking help with a variety of issues. These issues include substance use disorders, stress, depression and anxiety, to name a few. Lisa has experience working with the Hispanic population who are often struggling to learn how to understand and adapt to a culture vastly different from their own. She also has 14 years of experience teaching counseling theories and skills at her local community college.

Lisa's ideal client is one who is motivated, open, and receptive to help as well as support as they navigate life challenges. This openness allows Lisa to help them build healthy relationships, learn how to make positive life choices, and simply live a happy, healthy, productive life. Lisa understands that at times one can feel "stuck" in attempting to cope with lifestyle-related problems — she seeks to help one identify maladaptive behavioral patterns and to work on making positive choices that may have left them feeling hopeless, helpless, and frustrated.

Lisa's therapeutic approach is based on the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, reality therapy, and rational emotive behavior therapy. Her approach is a holistic one, focusing on mind, body, and spirit. She understands that each individual is unique and tailors therapy to meet the specific needs of the given client.

Lisa would like to have the opportunity to build a trusting, collaborative relationship with you to help you meet your life goals. She has the ability to establish a warm, caring, environment to help you make decisions and effectively direct your own life. You will work together to explore your thoughts, feelings, or fears that may have you feeling "stuck." Lisa strongly feels that individuals are able to make better choices/decisions with the guidance and support of a genuine, understanding, empathetic, counselor, and she is fully committed to assisting you in achieving your goals with enthusiasm and optimism.