Our therapists offer EMDR therapy in Lynchburg, VA

Kimberly Plourde is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Maine and Virginia with many years of experience in the fields of mental health and child welfare. We are all impacted by traumatic events or serious life stressors, which can make us stronger. Kimberly has a desire to help people find the strength and joy that can come through healing the wounds from those events. Kimberly enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families. She brings a warm and friendly approach to this very important process.

Kimberly has been trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral treatment as well as motivational interviewing skills. In 2021, Kimberly completed training in Brain Health Coaching Certification (BHCC) with Dr. Daniel Amen.

She received a Master's degree in social work from the University of New England and a Bachelor's degree in social work from Gordon College.

Kimberly has been a member of ASWIS (Alliance of Social Worker in Sport) since 2020 and has been listed in the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Mental Health Registry since 2020. She has a history of participating in interscholastic and intercollegiate athletics as a player and coach. Kimberly played in professional athletics (WNFL) as well as senior Olympics. She has also worked with college and Olympic athletes assisting them to improve their personal lives and positively improve their athletic performance.

April Gardner is a Resident in Counseling with 4 years of experience. She works with adults (and their loved ones) dealing with a variety of mental health problems including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia and related disorders. April also has experience working with the incarcerated and addiction disorders. She has worked in settings including hospice care, bereavement, community mental health, inpatient hospital, emergency service, and private practice.

April Graduated from Liberty University with her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She specializes in solution-focused brief therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness-oriented recovery enhancement. April is non-judgmental and believes that together people can impact the world for the better.

You are the master of your future, and April will partner with you to help set goals and take steps to a better tomorrow. No matter where you have been in the past, the path to healing is only a day away. April warmly invites you to schedule an appointment!

Kayla Norris is a Licensed Resident in Counseling with 1 year of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in helping adults and seniors manage anxiety and heal from parental trauma. Kayla also has experience in supporting individuals as they manage depression, adjust to life changes, and recover from traumatic situations.

Kayla received her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University in 2024. She integrates a faith-based approach into cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapies to help clients achieve their goals.

Kayla believes that healing looks different for everyone, and collaborates with her clients to help them find solutions for their unique needs. She encourages you to reach out to schedule an initial appointment today!

Carson Winston is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of clinical settings. Carson attained her professional experience working in residential treatment, outpatient settings, emergency mental health, and hospice. She enjoys assisting individuals in coping with life transitions, grief and loss, postpartum, and relationship issues.

Carson completed both her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and her Master of Education in Community Counseling at Lynchburg College. Carson’s approach to therapy encompasses various techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy, and person-centered therapy. She also uses relaxation and mindfulness-based techniques.

Carson values the individuality of each client and ensures therapy is tailored to clients’ specific needs and preferences. She offers a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to openly express yourself, discover your strengths, and work towards your personal goals.

Rebeccah McCully is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia. She has spent time serving in school-based therapeutic programs, including group counseling, school-based outpatient services, and providing individual therapy. Rebeccah has a special heart for supporting women through life's toughest and most transformative moments. With extensive experience working with mothers facing postpartum depression, infertility, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), she offers empathetic care to help women navigate these challenges. Rebeccah is also skilled in addressing anxiety and depression, providing a safe and comforting space for individuals to explore their feelings and find effective coping strategies. She supports those experiencing infidelity and the pain of betrayal, helping them heal and move forward.

Rebeccah earned her Master’s in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She uses a holistic and personalized approach to therapy, integrating techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and faith-based counseling.

Rebeccah's counseling style is characterized by empathy, respect, and collaboration, creating a safe and inclusive space for clients to explore their emotions and experiences. She values cultural sensitivity and strives to ensure that everyone in her practice feels valued and understood. Rebeccah is dedicated to helping her clients find hope, healing, and resilience in their most challenging times.

Christel Hammett is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience working with children from early childhood to adolescence and their families. She specializes in treating adjustment disorders, anxiety, attachment, autism spectrum-related issues, depression, low self-esteem, chronic stress, trauma, and more. 

She has her Bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology from the University of Georgia and a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She has experience in outpatient treatment, crisis counseling, and in-home behavioral treatment. Christel utilizes an eclectic approach with a primary approach in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) while also utilizing behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, psychoeducational, and attachment-based approaches. 

Christel enjoys working with individuals to realize their strengths and ability in treatment with the overall goal of working on healing. She encourages self-reflection so individuals can grow from their treatment and move forward with personal growth. Christel focuses on a person-centered approach to improve overall functioning.

Ruth Ware is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Virginia. She is also Board Certified in Telemental Health. Ruth has 25+ years of experience helping adults and those with issues related to depression, anxiety, life transitions, and addictions issues find their way back to the road of recovery and happiness. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Oklahoma State University and received a Master of Human Relations from University of Oklahoma. She also has a Master of Business of Administration. Ruth utilizes collaborative, strengths-based, solution-focused, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness based and experiential approaches to therapy to assist clients to meet their treatment objectives. She remains mindful of individual differences and needs in the process and brings years of experience that allow flexibility and alternatives to meet the needs of each individual. Ruth believes in meeting her clients where they are at the moment. She strives to help them to experience a therapeutic relationship that will allow them to grow and change in the direction they wish to go in their life.

Megan is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia who has 10 years of experience in working with youth, adolescents, and adults in various clinical settings. She has experience in working with depression, anxiety, life transitions, ADHD, trauma, relationship issues, stress management and self-esteem issues. Megan graduated from the University of Virginia with her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and obtained her Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Longwood University. 

Megan utilizes person-centered, supportive, collaborative, cognitive behavioral (CBT), and mindfulness-based methods to assist individuals with meeting their personal counseling goals. She believes that each individual or couple faces unique challenges and offers a variety of different strategies to assist individuals with meeting personal and relationship goals. 

Megan strives to build warm and supportive relationships with individuals and couples to promote positive growth during services. She believes that everyone has the opportunity to lead full and meaningful lives and should have the opportunity to better themselves!

Kandice Ketterling is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, families, and adults in a variety of clinical settings. Her professional career consists of providing service with inpatient and outpatient services, In-home services, school settings, and hospice. 

Kandice received both her Bachelor's in Psychology and Masters of Professional Counseling at Liberty University. Her main approach to counseling is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) but also incorporates Gestalt therapy, solutions-focused therapy (SFT), and person-centered therapy to help improve quality of life, self-awareness, and coping skills.

Kandice believes in maintaining a safe space, encouraging each of her clients to share as they feel comfortable. She'll support you as the unique individual that you are, helping you to achieve your identified goals.

Jacob Sitton is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has experience working with adults of all age groups and in individual, couple, and group contexts. Though Jacob has worked with clients experiencing a variety of issues and conditions, he most consistently finds himself counseling individuals struggling with chronic anxiety, depression and suicidality, low self-esteem, grief, relational difficulty, and both men's and women's issues. In addition, Jacob has had the privilege of working with clients who are overcoming trauma, battling addiction, or living with borderline personality disorder.

Jacob completed his master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. He adopts a collaborative approach to counseling, acknowledging the client as the expert on their experiences. Jacob's role is to help the client foster the awareness necessary to evaluate their experiences free from any unhealthy measures of worth, and to equip them with the tools to respond appropriately to those experiences.

Jacob holds a deep reverence for the resilience and perseverance his clients exhibit by pursuing mental health, and he regularly finds himself inspired by their progress. Even taking this first step toward wellbeing by exploring potential counselors deserves recognition. If you are willing, Jacob encourages you to take the next step as well and reach out.

Lora "Leanne" Dudley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has over 10 years of experience in providing clinical assessment and therapeutic care to adults and couples seeking assistance with depression/anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and post-traumatic stress. Leanne completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Radford University.

Leanne seeks to establish a caring and therapeutic relationship with you in order to assist in building on your strengths to assist you in meeting and living your best life. She is respectful and nonjudgemental in her work. Leanne utilizes collaborative, strength-based, mindfulness-based, and emotionally-focused approaches to therapy; being mindful of flexibility in order to best meet the unique needs of all individuals and couples.

Brittany Bonner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisee with 15 years of experience in settings including outpatient care and prison systems. She specializes in working with adults who struggle with a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness, postpartum/parenting struggles, and relationship and familial issues. Brittany believes many factors influence general health and well-being, including environment, lifestyle choices, and mindset. She takes a holistic approach to care by looking at all areas of an individual’s life.

Brittany holds a Master’s in Social Work from Appalachian State University. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused approaches and has a special interest in mindfulness-based practices. Brittany is trained in mind-body stress reduction and has led mindfulness groups for adolescents and adults.

Seeking therapy can leave us feeling vulnerable, and Brittany respects how difficult it can be to seek help. She is honored to meet clients where they are and walk alongside them to ensure they are heard, supported, and guided to discover their unique strengths.

Toy Draine is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. With over 25 years of experience providing career and academic counseling to students, she specializes in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, body positivity, career counseling, work stress, domestic abuse, family conflict, grief, marital and premarital concerns, narcissistic personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, trauma, PTSD, and more. Toy works with individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan.

Toy holds a Master’s in Public Health from The George Washington University and a Master’s in Counseling and Student Personnel Services from Fordham University. She utilizes a strengths-based, evidence-informed approach to help clients build resilience, navigate challenges, and work toward personal growth and relational harmony.

Life's twists and turns can leave us feeling lost and overwhelmed, but you deserve the guidance and support to navigate them. Whether addressing mental health concerns or life transitions, Toy is dedicated to creating a compassionate, safe, and empowering environment for all clients. Take the first step towards a brighter future by reaching out today.

Cassie Stolec is a Resident in Counseling with 2 years of experience helping clients navigate anxiety, stress, identity development, and significant life transitions. She is dedicated to fostering personal growth and emotional resilience in a safe, compassionate environment. Throughout her career, she has worked with children, young adults, and middle-aged adults, providing tailored support for each stage of life. Cassie’s personalized care empowers clients to gain insight and promotes long-term emotional well-being.

Cassie received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy to help clients challenge negative thought patterns, build emotional resilience, and develop practical coping skills.

Cassie understands that seeking help can feel overwhelming, but she believes in the power of growth through support and self-discovery. With compassion and a client-centered approach, will work with you to navigate challenges and find balance. When you are ready, Cassie is here to help you take the next step toward healing and personal growth.

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Stephanie Pitts-Riley is a Resident in Counseling with 4 years of experience. She is dedicated to helping others navigate life transitions, process grief or trauma, and explore their identity. Stephanie’s ideal client wants to collaborate to regain control of their narrative. Motivated by her own experience navigating mental health, Stephanie is committed to supporting children, adolescents, and adults on the journey toward embracing their authentic selves. She works with all populations, backgrounds, and diagnoses.

Stephanie holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She blends counseling theories and techniques to tailor interventions to meet each client's specific needs. Stephanie offers EMDR, traditional talk therapy, and children's therapies and is bilingual in English and Spanish.

With an extensive background in mental health services and social work, Stephanie effectively advocates for clients in a hands-on manner. She fosters accountability and personal growth by creating a space of acceptance, respect, and kindness. Reach out to start your path to healing and self-discovery!

Bryan Hunsley is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has 5 years experience working alongside children, adolescents, adults, and couples who are seeking help with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse, and crisis intervention. 

Bryan completed his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Religion and his Master of Arts (MA) in Professional Counseling at Liberty University. He utilizes an eclectic approach toward counseling and incorporates techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and solution-focused therapy. 

Bryan enjoys providing support and encouragement through the counseling process. He seeks to engage with clients in a meaningful way to help them understand how to move forward in meeting their goals and continue their process of personal growth. 

Heather Duncan is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia and an experienced counselor with 6 years of outpatient counseling and assessment experience and 14 years of experience working with severely mentally ill individuals within a variety of community mental health agencies. Heather graduated from Liberty University with a master’s degree focused on Professional Counseling. She is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and couples by approaching individuals uniquely while holding space and joining with individuals throughout their distinct healing journey as they work to live a more fulfilling life. Heather specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship issues, major life transitions, men’s and women’s issues, life transitions and adjustments, peri and post-natal challenges, chronic pain, and chronic illnesses.

Heather Duncan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia and a member of the Virginia Counseling Association. Heather has demonstrated work experience within the mental health industry. Heather is skilled in crisis intervention, premarital and couples counseling, grief/loss, group therapy, behavioral health, training, and psychotherapy. She is passionate about partnering with individuals and investing time in the development of a strong therapeutic rapport. Heather’s passion, supportive style, and unique clinical approach to individuals fuel the treatment and quality of care you will receive. Heather utilizes multiple therapeutic person-centered treatment approaches including mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, prepare and enrich, and family systems therapy.

One of the most challenging and important aspects of wanting to start the therapeutic process is finding a counselor that you feel comfortable with! You have already made THE most important decision regarding your well-being and that is simply to just begin. When you develop a relationship with a caring, attuned therapist, you will find new ways to solve problems, know and accept yourself, heal old wounds, and change the way you live your life. We all deserve a little help and support sometimes, and that’s what led you here! If you’re feeling like something is missing or needs to give, please reach out to Heather and schedule an appointment today. She would be honored to be of help.

Joshua Kee is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with more than 12 years of clinical mental health experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families who have experienced various symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger management, parent/child difficulty, mood disorders, stress management, ADHD, impulse control issues, and family and relationship issues, among others.  

Joshua is highly skilled in building rapport and trust with his clients in order to create an effective therapeutic alliance. He received his Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in 2014. Joshua utilizes an eclectic approach that is rooted in cognitive behavioral techniques (CBT), dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT), trauma-focused cognitive approaches (TFCBT), and mindfulness and meditation-based approaches. 

Joshua works to address negative thought patterns and habits while restoring self-regulation and improving daily functioning. He seeks to provide a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable environment for his clients to achieve their therapeutic goals. 

Jonathan White is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has 3 years of experience. He has walked with patients through a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, panic disorders, body dysmorphia, eating disorders, PTSD, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. He has worked in the adult population with experience in adolescent care.

Jonathan earned a Doctorate in Nursing from the University of Tennessee. He has experience integrating motivational interviewing techniques, Christian counseling, and cognitive behavioral therapy with pharmacological treatments. This experience continues to serve him well as he advocates for the well-being of each of his patients.

Jonathan believes that to help someone, you have to first hear them. In meeting you where you are, he believes that there can be healing. He believes in a patient-centered approach that empowers you as the patient to set and achieve goals that result in you obtaining your highest quality of life.

Jesse Byers is a LPC in the state of Virginia. The client-centered and cognitive approach that Jesse uses has shown to be helpful for clients who are facing issues such as, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, addiction, relationship conflicts, infidelity, men's issues, impulse control, life changes, and premarital counseling. Jesse maintains that people are multifaceted and that spiritual, physical, physiological, emotional, and historical factors can play a role in whether we are living healthy, fulfilling lives. Jesse’s aim is to build trust and respect throughout the counseling relationship so that the experience is positive and clients have the support needed to thrive.

Jesse encourages a safe, therapeutic environment so that clients can explore root causes for hang-ups and begin to make conscious decisions for the positive changes that they seek. He provides feedback and gives clinical assessments throughout the counseling process so that you have all the information that you need to track progress and reach your goals.

Jesse believes that every person is made in God’s image, holds intrinsic value, and is worthy of mutual respect and love by others. Therefore, he encourages clients from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, and cultural perspectives to reach out for counseling. He has experience using faith-integrated and psychology-based interventions for therapy.

Ethan Zehr is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 5.5 years of experience in the mental health field. Ethan has worked as a therapeutic mentor, CASA volunteer, crisis stabilization clinician, outpatient clinician, and emergency services clinician in Virginia. He is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and couples address their challenges and increase overall functioning. Ethan specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, men's issues, relationship issues, major life transitions, and building mindfulness/coping skills, etc.

Ethan completed his Bachelor's in Religion at the University of Georgia and his Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. Ethan utilizes multiple treatment approaches including person-centered techniques (Rogerian), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness.

As overwhelming and unpredictable as life can be, we can all use professional help at times. Ethan meets clients where they are and works to help clients improve their overall functioning. If you are ready, please schedule an appointment with Ethan.

Danielle Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and couples address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Danielle specializes in trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, and substance misuse.

Danielle completed her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. She utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, somatic breathing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy (SFT).

Our trauma impacts us everyday but doesn't have to. Healing is challenging but it is worth the effort. If you're ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today.