Meet our Counselors

Brian Cowart, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

*Brian offers online counseling

I’ve worked in the field of psychology for 14 years, serving a diverse population in various roles in the home, the community, and inpatient settings. I draw skills from many forms of therapy including Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. I have training and experience in treating a variety of behavioral issues, mood disorders, personality disorders, and other mental illness.

I have found over the years that many people feel stuck because they are living their life from a script that others have written for them.  My goal as your counselor is to empower you to write your own script for how you would like your life to be! I work from a strengths-based perspective. I strive to help clients not only manage mental health challenges, but also to maximize their potential to be their best possible version of themselves.

My areas of specialization include, but are not limited to:

• Couples, Relationships
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma
• Stress
• CBT
• Mindfulness
• Academic, Career, Occupational Issues
• Grief and Loss

Brianna Mcmillan, LPC

**Brianna offers online counseling

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, it is my joy and honor to embark on life’s journey with you! Life can be difficult with a variety of unpredictable challenges; therefore, it is my goal to provide a safe and supportive environment to find victory in your situation.

I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and solution-focused therapy to encourage clients to process their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and subsequently implement any necessary changes. By utilizing these approaches and other strategies, together we’ll empower you with new tools and the strength to overcome.

My areas of specialization include, but are not limited to:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Depression
• Trauma
• Parenting
• Addiction
• Anger Management
• Grief and Loss
• Motivation
• Relationships

Fia Midboe, LCSW

Life can be beautiful.  It can also be challenging, isolating, and scary at times.  While it is easy to spend a majority of our energy thinking about what we should do or who we should do for, there are times when we forget ourselves in that process.  Entering into therapy is a chance to work in a non-judgmental atmosphere toward finding peace, remembering what is important to you, and becoming vulnerable in the hopes that a clearer path will emerge.  Whether you are going through a period of profound struggle or need to sort through obstacles on your path to moving forward, it can help to have a partner to join with you with to gain perspective and explore new ways of problem-solving on your journey toward growth.  I believe that the endeavor of therapy is to find what is truly meaningful to you, to develop a healthier mindset, and to rediscover the joy in the journey of life.

I use a range of therapeutic approaches depending on the need presented, including narrative therapy, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MIT), and solution-focused treatments, to work with those who are wanting to see positive change in their lives.  I look forward to embracing the journey together!

My areas of specialization include, but are not limited to:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trauma, Stress Related Disorders
• Grief and Loss
• Health/Medical Issues
• Mindfulness
• Stress

John N. Toliver, Jr., LPC, NCC

** John offers online counseling

Life is an expedition, and on the trails of life we find ourselves at times satisfied on top of towering and enthralling peeks, while in other moments we wonder unsure into lonesome and frightening valleys. It is safe to say that wherever we roam, having the right tools for the moment can go a long way in shaping the outlook of your journey. Every traveler needs a guide, and that is exactly how I view my role as a therapist. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) I have walked down varying paths with individuals from many walks of life. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, life transitions, or grief; I believe in your ability to walk the path you envisioned. Sometimes we have just forgotten how. In those moments, counseling can be a very effective tool to light the way.

One truth I have discovered along the way is that our greatest pursuit in life is not the pursuit of happiness, but rather the avoidance of pain. I often utilize Contextually based interventions, specifically Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people learn the skills to face the challenges of life without the need to avoid them so that they can persist towards their valued goals. Because we are thinking beings with personal stories, at times I employ Cognitive and Narrative-based interventions to address unhelpful thoughts that have become blueprints for the way we live our lives.

Daring to reach out for help can fill us with apprehension and uncertainty. Taking the first steps to do so takes an enormous amount of courage. When you feel lost or unsure of what to do next sharing the journey with an empathic other can be a life changing experience. I am glad you are here, and I would love to walk with you for a while. Where to next?

My areas of specialties include:

• Adults
• Adjustment Disorders
• Grief and Loss
• Stress Management
• Relationships
• Depression
• Anxiety

Maria Tarquinio-Kuhn, LPC

**Maria offers online counseling

Hi, I’m Maria! I’m friendly, welcoming, caring and I’d love to help you reach your goals, overcome your fears, deal with your struggles; all while providing guidance and understanding.

​I ​believe in and respect your ability as a person to learn, to grow, and to thrive.  My job, as your therapist, is to provide an emotionally safe space and supportive relationship.  In our therapy sessions, you’ll be encouraged to understand old patterns, resolve old issues, and most importantly, you’ll learn new, more positive ways of dealing with difficult emotions, obstacles in relationships, and other problems in living that interfere with our experiencing peace of mind, satisfaction, and contentment in our daily lives.

​Regardless of how long our therapy relationship lasts, my commitment to you will always be to respect your choices, to facilitate your self-determination and healing, and to offer the very best of my experience, skills, and seasoned judgment in support of you, and your goals.

Both my personal and professional experience has inspired my interest in helping people enjoy a fulfilling life, and manage life transitions in a healthy way. Sometimes change throws us off balance, or even into a tailspin. You may feel frustrated, angry, overwhelmed, sad, alone, defeated or just plain stuck. You may experience racing thoughts, or poor concentration. How we handle change and manage stress has a huge impact on our quality of life, not only for our present well-being but also how we grow beyond our current circumstances.

Much of my work with clients involves sorting through complex issues, gaining insight, discovering new paths, and making sense of things. You’ll find that I’m a good listener, but also an active participant in our work together. I look forward to meeting you and working collaboratively towards meeting your therapy and life goals!

My list of specialties include, but are not limited to:

• Couples/Marriage/Relationship Counseling
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Depression
• Trauma
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy(DBT)
• Mindfulness
• Work issues
• Adoption/Foster care
• Anger Management
• Grief/Loss/Bereavement
• Health issues
• LGBTQIA

Rasheede Hicks, LPC Va., LCMHC NC

**Rasheede is available for online counseling

Rasheede Hicks: LPC Virginia, LCMHC North Carolina

Have you ever felt like no one can relate to your feelings and thoughts?
Have you ever felt all alone?
Have you ever felt the urge to confide in someone only to believe that you have no one to confide in?

Well, I am here for you with 20+ years of Mental Health Experience. My approach is holistic. If people have imbalances such as physical, emotional, or spiritual in their lives, it can negatively affect their overall well-being. I’m also a big believer in Mindfulness and the “Art of Focusing on the Here and Now” and learning how to move forward in your journey. It is my goal to meet my clients where they are in life and grow from there. Any therapeutic approach utilized is highly individualized for the unique needs of each of my clients. I am also trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Grief Counseling, and Anger Management.

What differentiates me as a provider? My experiences, past and present. My passion and drive. My tolerance and understanding. My ability to identify/discern what my clients are seeking and need.

Overall care philosophy and objective for patients? Everyone has a hidden gift. My objective for my clients is to help them with building up their inner strength so that they may be able to identify their gift. Knowing that you have a gift and learning what to do with that gift is key to understanding your purpose in this world.

I work with a wide variety of mental health issues. In addition to being a Certified Grief Counselor and Certified Anger Management Counselor, some of my specialties include :

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief
• Anger Management,
• ADHD/ADD
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Mood Disorders
• Couples Counseling
• Parenting Skills
• Women Issues
• Workplace Stress

Rasheede is Licensed in both Virginia and North Carolina

Cassie Ramus, LCSW

**Cassie offers online counseling

After going through some trying times in my own life, I realized that I wanted to help others through their own difficult situations. These experiences along with my education allow me to provide an empathetic approach using a variety of techniques to work with you through your own unique situations.

No matter how young or old you might be, life can be difficult.  It can be tough during these times to ask for help but as your counselor, I will provide an encouraging and supportive environment where you are free to express yourself.  I am here to help you reach your goals. Whether it be mental, physical or relational, I am here to walk through these trying times with you.  Let’s take on this wild thing called life together!

My areas of specialty include, but are not limited to:

• Couples/Marriage/Relationship Counseling
• Anxiety
• Stress
• ADHD/ADD
• Depression
• Mood Disorders/Bipolar Disorder
• Expressive Arts Therapy
• Mindfulness
• Anger Management
• Grief/Loss
• Health/Medical Problems

Brianne Burden, LPC

I believe, that most often times, it takes an individual to experience significant pain or dissatisfaction in their life in order for them to pursue counseling and change. I understand that the step to reach out and ask for assistance with life’s issues is a huge step and I do not take that lightly. As your therapist, it is my commitment to come along side of you and support you through the more challenging times in life.

The goal of my practice is to provide a safe environment where clients can discuss difficult issues which are free from judgment, and develop meaningful life change so that they can work towards their goals and have a better quality of life. My approach to counseling integrates several skill and evidenced based approaches into therapy such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), Motivational interviewing (MI), mindfulness, self-care, and boundary setting. I am experienced in working with teenagers, young adults, and adults. My areas of special interest are: depression, anxiety, grief, mood disorders, vocational counseling, spirituality, faith-based counseling, self-esteem, coping with physical illness and pain, relationship issues, substances use disorders, and life transitions.

My areas of specialization include but are not limited to:

• Depression
• Anxiety
•  Stress
• Panic
• Phobias
• Anger Management
• Grief, Loss, Bereavement
• Christian counseling
• CBT
• DBT
• Mindfulness

I look forward to meeting and working with you!

Ginny Puckett, LPC

** Ginny offers online counseling

Nobody is exempt from life’s challenges. We all experience major life transitions, overwhelming emotions, or self-limiting beliefs. Luckily, we all have the ability to heal and grow. Counseling simply offers an avenue to take on life’s challenges using your innate resources and strengths while also developing self-awareness and building resiliency.

I practice from an integrative approach. I believe that every individual is unique and that the therapeutic interventions should be specifically catered to the needs of the client. My goal is to help my clients develop insight, create meaning, and establish concrete tools that can be used long after our work has been completed. I do this by creating a positive and supportive environment that allows for vulnerability and growth. I work solely with adults 18 and over, and I look forward to meeting you!

My professional interests include:

• Addiction
• Adjustment Disorders
• Anxiety
• CBT
• DBT
• Depression
• Existential Issues
• LGBTQ
• Life Transitions
• Stress Management
• Trauma
• Women’s Issues

Julie Neely, LPC

** Julie offers online counseling

A Counselor-Client relationship, like any other, is based on mutual respect, trust, and a willingness to share life experiences. However, if we are not emotionally well, it can feel almost impossible to engage in many life experiences. I would like to join you on your journey, providing you with a listening ear, useful skills, and strategies to move from a place of “emotionally unwell to emotionally well."

In my years of experience, I have worked with adolescents, teens, and adults in settings including community mental health and school based environments. I come into our therapeutic relationship with a person-centered approach in order to give each person I work with the space to feel safe and comfortable.

I utilize cognitive behavioral techniques, solution focused strategies, and talk therapies as needed with my Clients. This will provide a setting for you to safely learn new skills and become empowered to face difficult situations. I welcome the opportunity to work with adolescents, teens, and adults.

My areas of interest include but are not limited to

• Anxiety
• Stress Management
• Panic
• ADHD/ADD
• Depression
• Trauma and Stress Related Disorders
• CBT
• Attachment Based Therapy
• Mindfulness
• Adults 18+
• Women's Issues
• Faith-based counseling

Kelly Cummings-Karkenny, LPC

** Kelly offers online counseling 

"Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don't belong.” -Mandy Hale

As a Licensed Professional Counselor I consider it my goal to help you through times of pain, growth, and change. Taking the first step of attending counseling is a brave and challenging decision, but I am here to offer support and to teach you the tools necessary to reach your goals.

I take a person-centered approach with my clients, and actively listen while prompting personal growth. I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and brief solution-focused therapy to facilitate the recognition of how thoughts and feelings influence behaviors, and to encourage clients to make the changes they desire. I use a variety of therapy tools; including play, art, journaling, and talk therapy.

I look forward to meeting and working with you!

My areas of specialization include, but are not limited to:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Panic
• Phobias
• Depression
• Trauma
• Health and Medical Issues
• Anger Management
• ADHD
• ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder)
• LGBTQ+
• Mindfulness
• Academic and Work Concerns
• Peak Performance

Click here to find out if this provider takes your insurance.

Renee Anderson, LPC

** Renee offers online counseling

As your therapist, I'll provide a safe, neutral, collaborative, and purposeful space to find ways to improve your life situation. I believe that even times of crisis can be opportunities for growth. While any change can be uncomfortable, unexpected or even unwanted, it can be navigated with a strong, integrated support system. Life transitions in relationships, family or career, can be overwhelming to even normally competent coping mechanisms.

Let me help you manage any anxiety, depression, stress and other responses to the changes in your life. We'll work on finding a new understanding of yourself, and enhance your coping skills. We may even discover strengths you never knew you had. Let's get you on your way to becoming a strong, confident individual!

Some of the issues I treat include:

• anxiety
• stress
• depression
• trauma
• grief and loss
• motivation
• life transitions
• sports performance

Sarah Bertolo, LPC

** Sarah offers online counseling

Hello!  I am a dedicated therapist who brings over 10 years of working in the mental health field with a wide cross-section of clients into my practice.  My main goal in counseling sessions is for you to be able to address, process, and make progress in the areas that you identify are important to you.  I provide an inclusive, non-judgemental space to talk about the things that you want to work on, are struggling with, or want to make changes in. My main approach to counseling is a client-centered approach.  I truly believe that you are the expert in your life, and my role is to help you be able to achieve your goals through a collaborative relationship.

I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-based techniques and believe that each individual client can benefit from an approach that is unique and tailored to their needs.  I also believe in incorporating wellness and integrative techniques into my therapy, because the link between mind and body is powerful.  I am always open to feedback, and I strongly encourage my clients to let me know if my approach isn't in line with what they are looking for in therapy.  I am always flexible, and want you to get what you want out of your counseling experience!   I have worked in a variety of settings that have brought me experience and competence in working with a wide variety of clients.  I look forward to working with you, and providing a safe, empathetic space to work on the concerns that bring you into counseling!

Some of my areas of expertise are:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Chronic mental/physical health issues
• LGBTQ+ issues
• Addiction
• Physical and emotional trauma
• Parenting
• Stress and Anxiety management
• Women's issues
• Bipolar Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Sam Cowart, LPC

** Sam offers online counseling

Counseling is inevitably a very vulnerable experience. It’s one that gently asks you to let your guard down a bit, and it’s a way to get to know yourself better, regardless of what you’d like to work on. Maybe you’re going through a particularly hard time, or maybe you find yourself feeling like there’s something in your life you’d like to change. Whatever the reason may be, my number one goal as your counselor is to provide you a safe, nonjudgmental environment so that you can feel comfortable navigating these things. From there, I’d love to help you figure out coping strategies that work best for you!

My areas of specialty include, but are not limited to:

•  Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Depression
• Adjustment Disorders
• Trauma
• OCD
• Anger Issues
• Relational issues
• LGBTQ+
• Parenting strategies
• Individual counseling
• Family counseling
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
• Tapping

Brandi O’Quinn, LPC

** Brandi offers online counseling

For over ten years, I have been dedicated to working with individuals who struggle with the many challenges that life has to bring.  While we all face challenges, sometimes there are hardships or circumstances that leave us feeling like things are out of our control. If you're going through some difficult times, or if you just want to become the best version of you, I'd love to meet you!  I am passionate about providing the support and tools to help overcome these things and help you get to a place in your life where you can thrive.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I take a very person-centered approach to the counseling relationship and experience. I incorporate various therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused, and existential therapy. I have worked extensively with people who have faced severe challenges in their lives. This has given me with a significant and unique insight which I believe is beneficial to my clients. I promote and provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can freely express your thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

Making the decision to see a therapist can be difficult and scary, but I can provide you with support throughout your journey and personal growth.

My areas of expertise include, but are not limited to:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress Management
• Self-Esteem
• Anger Management
• Grief
• Abuse/Trauma
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

Courtney Sutphin-Hebdon, LCSW, CMHIMP

** Courtney offers online counseling

In my years as a licensed clinical social worker, I have come to understand that the relationship of therapy can and should look very different from person to person. My experience has enabled me to tailor my approach to fit individual needs, from adolescents and emerging adults to parenting to seniors, at some point we all have a need for support as we tackle life's obstacles.

I believe strongly that mental wellness is critical to overall health and well-being, and that we can not separate physical and mental health. Becoming mired in life's problems is exhausting and can be debilitating, and as a therapist my job is to help you move through whatever you are facing. I take a holistic approach to mental health, incorporating cognitive therapy, mindfulness skills, and motivational interviewing skills into this process.

I'm a Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider, focusing on helping individuals meet their potential by combining effective psychotherapy techniques with lifestyle and wellness factors.

My areas of expertise include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Abusive relationships
• LGBTQ issues
• Addiction
• Physical and emotional trauma
• Parenting
• Chronic health concerns
• Women's issues
• Integrative Medicine for Mental Health

I look forward to working with you, supporting your choices, and assisting in your growth. I believe that everything is figure-out-able and that together, we can do hard things!

Johanna Jones, LPC

** Johanna offers online counseling

Life can begin to feel out of control. You can run out of energy, out of good ideas – or maybe someone else is trying to make decisions for you. But it really can get better, and perhaps I can help. In my work with substance-abuse recovery, severe mental illness and getting through tough times, I’ve had two decades of experience counseling people with challenging issues.

My own bumpy road to learning who I was and what I wanted made me eager to help others who were struggling, too. My solid educational background in evidence-based therapy has given me tools I can share. These come from many sources, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Reality Therapy, to name a few - proven interventions for beating addiction, increasing motivation, and living life on your own terms.

My focus is adults, and I have a special place in my heart for LGBTQ populations, the mentally ill and those who identify with Asperger’s Syndrome. Things can get pretty bad, and support can make a difference; sometimes it’s hard to think outside the box alone.

Give me a chance to walk beside you for a while, and help transform the life you have into the life you want.

My areas of specialty include but are not limited to:

• Adjustment Disorders
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Behavioral Therapy
• Co-dependency
• Chronic illness/disability/pain
• Couples Counseling
• Depression
• Grief/Loss
• LGBTQ
• Mood Disorders
• Panic Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• PTSD Schizophrenia
• Sexual Abuse
• Stress Management
• Substance Abuse
• Trauma

Mia Mickenberg, LPC

** Mia offers online counseling

"I believe that "one life is a world." I hope you'll let me into the world you live in, and to help you thrive and grow in both your world and the world at large. I believe that counseling is not a one size fits all process - everyone is different and their counseling process will differ as well. I provide a safe space to explore life experiences and help you to identify and learn new solutions and coping skills to life’s challenges. Through the ebbs and flows of life we can hit hard times. My goal is to help you through these times. It can get better, and counseling can help.

I use a holistic and integrative approach to counseling, because as people we are not just our minds or physical selves but a combination of the two. I draw from various theories and techniques, including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Reality, Solution-Focused, mindfulness and motivational interviewing, as well as incorporating the creative arts. My time working in various settings, including schools, homes, a college counseling center and a substance abuse prevention center has equipped me to work with diverse populations and many different issues. I enjoy working with and have a great deal of experience in counseling youth, adolescents and adults. Whether you're struggling, or want to work towards thriving and being the best version of YOU, I'd love to join you on your path.

My areas of specialty include, but are not limited to:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Depression
• LGBTQIA
• LGBTQIA - adolescents
• Substance Abuse
• ADHD Counseling