Sterling VA Counselors and Coaches

Afua Ayim, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Each patient is a unique individual and should be treated as such. Work together with the patient to achieve patient’s desired goal while respecting the patient’s preferences.  Provide patients and families with accurate and detailed information about their diagnosis to empower them to participate in their care.

Education 

Specialties

• Ages 18+
• Medication Management

Beata Sims, PMHNP, ARNP, MSN

Philosophy of Care

Beata Sims is a double Board-Certified Advance Nurse Practitioner. She launched her career in 2007 and received her Master’s Degree in Primary Care and a Post Master’s Degree in Psychiatric Mental Health.

Her approach is based on integrative psychiatry including

• Prescribing medications
• Motivational, person-centered therapy
• Complementary medicine

She enjoys working with a variety of age groups and provides 100% confidential and non-judgmental environment.

She is licensed to practice statewide and conduct visits by a video call from the safety and comfort of your home. Telepsychiatry makes it possible to get support from anywhere.

Beata has helped thousands of people to regain their health with appropriate medication and therapy.

She speaks English and Polish.

“Life is like a camera. Just focus on what’s important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t work out, just take another shot.” Richard Branson

Education

Master’s Degree in Primary Care
Post Master’s Degree in Psychiatric Mental Health.

Specialties

• Life Transitions
• Anxiety and Stress
• Depression and Low Self-Esteem
• Bipolar and Personality Disorder
• Trauma and PTSD

Brent Burhite, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Brent Burhite is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in the state of Virginia who has over 24 years of healthcare experience.  He has worked as a nursing assistant, EMT, Registered Nurse and PMHNP.  He specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders, sleep disturbances and helping individuals cope with overall life stressors.  He completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Minot State University in 2005 and his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in 2018 and is currently serving in the United States Air Force.  

Brent emphasizes the use of evidence based psychopharmacology coupled with cognitive behavioral strategies to treat mental health symptoms.  He strongly believes in a holistic approach to mental health care and stresses interprofessional collaboration with peers to meet unique client needs.  He is a firm believer that medication management is only a portion of treating mental health concerns and will help clients utilize all resources available to meet their treatment objectives.  

Brent seeks to form an authentic relationship with his clients in order to achieve therapeutic goals.  He understands that building a strong client/provider relationship is key to successful treatment and strives to create an honest, open and comfortable atmosphere to foster growth and healing. 

Education

Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences
Doctor of Nursing Practice

Specialties

• Medication Management
• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Mood disorders
• Bipolar Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• Sleep disturbances
• Stress management
• Life transitions
• Relationship issues
• Grief & Loss
• Military issues

Bridget Famogun, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

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.

Education

Walden University
Master's in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Specialties

• Medication Management
• Psych Testing
• Autism
• Eating Disorders
• Mood Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders
• CBT

Camille Brenke, PMHNP

**Camille offers services in Spanish.

Philosophy of Care

Camille is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the state of Virginia who has experience working with children and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, psychosis and dementia. She completed her Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing at Virginia Commonwealth University. She also holds a minor in Spanish and certificate in Community Engagement.

Camille is a culturally sensitive and queer-affirming provider. She has a special interest in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders as well as alternative and complementary medicines.

Camille seeks to establish a genuine relationship with you and collaborate on creating a treatment plan that is both evidence based and centered on you. It will focus on meeting your goals and improving quality of life.

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
Master of Science

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Personality Disorders
• Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
• Alternative and Complementary medicine

Catherine Ben-Agu, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Catherine Ben-Agu is a board certified licensed Psychiatric Nurse practitioner in the state of Virginia who has 10 years of experience in nursing, six of which are focused in psychiatry. Catherine attended Walden University where she completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing and master’s degree in psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. Through her many years of experience, she has been able to partner with children, adolescents, adults, as well as geriatric clients who seek help with diverse psychiatric problems. Catherine specializes in facilitating significant improvement in their presenting symptoms through proper assessment, accurate diagnoses, prescriptions, treatment, and evaluation. She is experienced in various psychiatric disorders including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, ADD, personality disorders, SUD, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, and many more. Through great interpersonal and communication skills, Catherine is able to establish trust, and communicate with clients in a therapeutic manner that upholds respect and preserves client’s dignity and autonomy. She is culturally competent, nonjudgmental, and uses compassion, empathy, and active listening in all her interaction with clients. Catherine desires to collaborate with you in a caring/therapeutic relationship aimed to provide support, assist you in building your strengths as well as meet your healthcare goals of living a healthier more fulfilling life.

Education

Walden University
Masters Degree

Specialties

• ADD/ADHD
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Depression Counseling
• Eating Disorders
• Mood Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• PTSD
• Christian Counseling
• CBT
• Schizophrenia Spectrum
• Anger Management
• Self-Harm

Crystal Miller-Williams, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Crystal Miller-Williams is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner who is qualified to practice in both primary and psychiatry; diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication for children, adolescents, and adults. Some of her practice specialties include (but not limited to) ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, and Schizophrenia. Over the course of ten years of medical practice, Crystal has had the privilege of working in many practice areas, including primary care, family practice, gynecology, and internal medicine.

Crystal prefers the patient centered approach, along with the integration of  therapy, daily physical movement and improved sleep practices as foundations for care. Overall Crystal tends to be more conservative in her prescribing practices, especially in regards to prescribing controlled substances such as benzodiazepines.

Education

University of Michigan-Flint
MSN

Specialties

• ADHD
• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Medication Management

Fawn Workman, APRN, FNP-C, PHMNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Fawn Workman is a dual-board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner in the state of Virginia, and has more than 20 years of nursing experience in providing biopsychosocial care to patients and families of all ages and stages. Fawn’s experience as both a ‘physical’ and ‘mental’ health NP assists her in her holistic approach to care.  She completed her Bachelors in Nursing at Liberty University, and both her Master’s in Nursing degree (FNP) and post-master’s psychiatry specialization (PMHNP) at Frontier Nursing University. 

Fawn desires to work with you to develop a plan for treatment. She prescribes medication, when appropriate, as an add-on to non-medication therapies. These may include (as indicated and accepted by you): counseling and behavioral therapies; lifestyle, social, spiritual, and self-care needs; consideration of possible underlying medical/ health needs and conditions that can contribute to symptoms (in collaboration with your medical care providers); meditation/ prayer; and other therapies. 

Fawn recognizes that most people, at some point, have rough patches in life. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. She encourages you to reach out and discuss the issues that are most important to you on your path towards mental wellness, and together help you realize and strengthen your abilities, and work towards meeting your goals.

Education

Frontier Nursing University
Master's in Nursing and Post Master's Psychiatry Specialization

Specialties

• Medication management
• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Women’s mental health
• Special interest in Tourette’s Syndrome

Germaine Kelley-Pope, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Germaine is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certified to provide mental health and substance abuse services to patients across the lifespan. She has over 12 years of experience working as a nurse in the mental health specialty. She has special interest in mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD and substance use disorders. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing and her Master of Science in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a member of American Psychiatric Nurses Association, the American Nurses Association, and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honors Society.

As a dedicated and compassionate provider, she provides patient centered care that respects each patient's unique physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and environmental strengths and challenges. She works with patients to explore the root cause of problems and the best treatment plan for meeting the patient’s goal. This can include medications, psychotherapy or combination of both.

Life is full of challenges that can be difficult to overcome without inner strength, effective coping skills, and a good support system. Germaine strives to provide every patient with the support, skills, and unconditional respect they need as they embark on their journey to wellness and recovery.

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
Master's in Nursing

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADHD
• Sleep Disorder

Katherine Hughes, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Katherine Hughes is a dual, board-certified Nurse practitioner with specialties in family and psychiatric mental health. She received her undergraduate nursing degree from Georgetown University in 1996, her masters in family specialty in 2012 from George Mason University, her post master's certificate in psychiatric mental health specialty in 2019 from George Mason University and her doctorate from Maryville University in 2015.

Katherine's goal is to build a collaborative relationship with patients, listen to their unique needs and implement a plan that affects positive change. She utilizes a combination of medication management and psychotherapy when necessary, implementing cognitive behavioral, mindfulness and solution focused therapy techniques. As a nurse practitioner, Katherine looks at and values the whole person when considering treatment goals.

Education

George Mason University
Maryville University

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Dementia

Linda Modelfino, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Linda Modelfino is a psychiatric nurse practitioner in the state of Virginia who has  been working in healthcare for over 26 years. Linda’s background consists of  acute psychiatry in a hospital setting, ICU, management and education. She  assists her clients to overcome their difficulties with depression, anxiety, mood  instability, trauma, ADHD, behavioral and other disorders. She obtained her bachelor's degree in nursing from VCU/MCV and her Master’s degree in Nursing  from Wilkes University. 

Linda doesn’t just provide medication management to her patient’s but also seeks  to get to know her patients and understand what’s important to them, their  struggles, where they have been and assist them with helping to obtain their  goals for the future. She believes in a biopsychosocial approach to help patients  get to their highest level of functioning and life satisfaction. 

Life is always throwing curveballs, don’t struggle alone. Let’s collaborate together  and help your child who is struggling in school, your depression that keeps you  from being able to function or your mood instability that is causing problems  within the family. 

Education

Wilkes University
Master's in Nursing

Specialties

• Schizophrenia 
• Insomnia 
• Autism Spectrum Disorder 
• Personality Disorders 
• Trauma/PTSD 
• Adjustment disorders 
• Depression/Anxiety 
• ADHD 
• Bipolar disorders
• Child psychiatry

Meghan Rise, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Meghan Rise is a licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the state of Virginia who has been working in psychiatric care since 2013. Meghan has worked in many different capacities as a mental health provider including working with adults, children, and families across the lifespan. She received her Bachelor of Science and her Master of Science in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. 

Meghan is highly experienced in medication management and treatment for clients struggling with depression, anxiety, and mood disorders, as well as a variety of individual mental health disorders. She believes medication is a tool to help cope with mental health disorders and can be highly effective when paired with other treatments such as therapy. 

Meghan’s strength is listening to your needs and finding solutions to help meet your goals. She aims to build a warm and respectful partnership with each of her clients. She looks forward to working with you!

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
Master's in Nursing

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, OCD, and PTSD)
• Bipolar and Mood Disorders 
• ADHD 
• Postpartum Depression / Anxiety
• Grief / Adjustment Disorders

Nicole Powers, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

I believe in a holistic approach when it comes to treating my patients. I want to treat the person in their entirety; meaning therapy and medication management. I believe these are the building blocks for an excellent treatment plan and quality of life.

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Specialties

Medication Management

Sung “Sunny” Cheol Kim, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

Sunny Kim is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in the state of Virginia who has 3 years of experience working with the adults who are seeking assistance with psychotropic medication management for depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia and substance abuse. Sunny received his Master of Science in Nursing at Virginia Commonwealth University and is experienced in psychiatry and addiction medicine.

Sunny utilizes trauma informed care model to create collaborative environments to provide the needs of every unique individual. Previous experiences in psychiatry and addiction medicine enables Sunny to practice without the stigma against mental health and addiction with evidence based care.

Sunny seeks to establish a stigma free relationship to assist you in building the strength that you need to live the meaningful life that you desire.

Education

Virginia Commonwealth University
Master of Science in Nursing

Specialties

• Psychotropic medication management
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Substance abuse
• Bipolar disorders
• Psychotic disorders
• Panic disorders
• ADHD

Suvi Hyytiainen, A-GNP, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Suvi Hyytiainen was born in Finland. Suvi completed her undergraduate nursing degree in Finland and has worked in Finland, Sweden and the United Kingdom prior to moving to the United States. Suvi has completed the graduate nursing degrees in the United States. Suvi is a board-certified adult geriatric and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Suvi believes in humanistic philosophy of holistic care for both mind and body and has a commitment to individualized and comprehensive care for the patients.

In her free time, Suvi enjoys outdoors, hiking with her friends and rescue Australian Cattle dog, Topi.

Education

Wilkes University
Post Graduate Certificate, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialties

Walden University
Master of Science in Nursing, Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner

Pirkanmaa Polytechnic
Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Specialties

• Depression, Bipolar and Other Mood Disorders
• Anxiety Disorders, Including PTSD
• Grief and Adjustment Disorders
• Insomnia
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Reminiscence Therapy

Uche Umejei, PMHNP

Philosophy of Care

Uche Umejei is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and is licensed in the State of Virginia with over 20 years’ experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner.  She has been working in Mental Health and Behavioral Services for over 10 years.  She is experienced in treating adults with both medical and mental illnesses.  Being both Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, she applies integrative health care model in dealing with her patients.

Uche completed her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at Norfolk State University, Master’s degree at Hampton University as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Doctorate degree at Old Dominion University, all in Virginia.  She completed her Post Master’s degree at the University of New Hampshire as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, (PMHNP).  In her training as a PMHNP, she acquired extensive knowledge with children’s and adults’ mental health care such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Bipolar disorder, substance abuse and Insomnia.

Uche focuses on evaluating and diagnosing patients, along with treating them with psychotherapies. She prescribes medications and focuses on a holistic approach to healthcare. She diagnoses mental health issues, including substance abuse, depression, PTSD, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, anxiety disorder for both adults and children. With you working with her, she will be able to manage your mental illness and get you back to living your normal life. She is responsible for assessing your mental health status by studying your medical history, performing comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and identify risk factors that might be affecting your mental health. She manages your medications and ensures that your medications are accomplishing their intended job and also manage whatever side effects they may have.

She is compassionate and empathetic.  She educates and informs patients and their families about mental health issues and steps they can take to boost their care.  She takes care of mental illness of patients ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics and all people between.  She determines most effective plan of care by utilizing the knowledge of psychotherapy modalities and psychopharmacology, and in collaboration with other professionals to provide the best treatment for the patient.  She feels rewarded when she sees the changes and growth in her patients that she has facilitated.

Education

Hampton University
Family Nurse Practitioner

Old Dominion University
Doctorate

Specialties

• ADHD for both children and adult
• Anxiety disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Substance Abuse
• Insomnia
• Eating disorder

Kerrion Bryan, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Hi there! How nice of you to stop by.

Have you been struggling with feelings of sadness, brain fog, confusion or anxiety to name a few? Studies conducted prior to and after the pandemic, show that on a mass level people are feeling more anxious, worried, distracted and depressed compared to pre-pandemic. In addition to the recent life changes, the very real threat of a virus and the uncertainty of the end of it all, we are also living in a racism pandemic. With a background of working with patients in both the forensic and behavioral health setting, I know first-hand just how difficult taking charge of your mental health can be. Connecting with my clients, understanding their clinical needs and walking alongside them to further support their emotional goals, is a skill I enjoy utilizing. I practice an adaptable approach to the therapeutic process utilizing an array of appropriate clinical techniques.

I have a graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling and an undergraduate degree in Psychology. I have extensive experience working with individuals seeking support through recent life changes, maintaining sobriety, depression, anxiety and family issues. When I am not working as a therapist, I enjoy being a new plant-mom, spending time with my large family, being outside in nature, watching all the cool shows, reading and writing poetry. If you’d like to connect, please reach out so we can schedule our first session.

Education

Specialties

• Marriage Counseling
• Anxiety Therapy
• Stress Counseling
• Depression Counseling
• Christian Counseling

Sean Hayes, PsyD

Therapy can be a frightening idea, but you’re already making the first, courageous steps! I aim to make the following steps comfortable by forming warm, genuine relationships with my clients from the first session. You need to be heard, but it’s easier to share what you’re experiencing if you are comfortable with your therapist.

Now that you’re considering seeing a new therapist, whether it be for the first time or as a continuation of previous therapy, I hope that you will consider making an appointment with me. I welcome children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of needs, and I am happy to see couples as I have completed the Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. My approach towards therapy is integrative, meaning I have training in several types of therapy (psychodynamic, CBT, systems, etc.), and I use those types together in a way that fits for each client.

Shah Hasan, LMFT, NCC

** Shah is available to offer therapy services in Urdu, Hindi, and English 

Shah Hasan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Virginia and a Nationally Certified Counselor by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Shah has extensive experience working with individuals and families seeking help for an array of disorders and issues such as anxiety, depression, stress management, and family functioning. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Benedictine University, received his Master of Arts in Human Development Counseling (emphasis in marriage and family therapy) from Univeristy of Illinois, and is currently working towards completing his Doctoral degree in Medical Family Therapy from Saint Louis Univeristy School of Medicine. 

Shah facilitates therapy by using a family systems perspective when working with families and individuals. This is to better understand their identified family systems and how it has been impactful in shaping our worldview and in ways clients think. His therapeutic approach is tailored to the needs to each client, but the roots of his training and life experiences leads to a relational, attachment based, whole-person approach. Shah also utilizes collaborative and evidenced-based practices pulling from approaches such as cognitive behavioral, solution focused, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness- based theories. Shah believes the therapy relationship must be fluid in order to stay active and creative in addressing the clients needs, as individuals and as a whole. 

Shah focuses on teaching communication skills, encouraging self-acceptance, boundary setting, and emotional regulation. Shah aims to use humor where appropriate, and he offers acceptance of you wherever you are, whoever you are, and will try to help you provide the same self-love for yourself and your family. 

Shah’s Specialties: 

• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• Motivational Interviewing 
• Mindfulness 
• Grief/Death/Loss 
• Self-harm 
• Family functioning 
• Divorce/Separation 
• LGBTQA+/Sexual Identity 
• Trauma 
• Smoking Cessation/Substance Use 
• Adjustment to Illness (Cancer) 
• Children/Adolescents (5 to 20) 
• Play Therapy 
• Bowen Family Systems 
• Internal Family Systems 
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 
• Solution Focused 

Alexandra Keirstead, LPC

Warm and friendly, known for her infectious smile and positive outlook, Alexandra characterizes herself as a cheerful, compassionate counselor.  She understands the effort it requires to seek and use counseling.  Many people struggle with mental, emotional, and life issues, and Alexandra sees tremendous hope for those who make the effort to reach out to find help.

Alexandra is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a varied background in teaching, banking, and national corporations marketing and customer service.  Alexandra’s BA in Modern European History and Music from Brown University and MACC from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary inform her support of the client’s culture and worldview.  Her systems-focused approach views the client in an environment of relationships, occupation, and culture.  Individuals, couples, and families have internal and external influences in addition to mental health, developmental, and life-stage transitions challenges.  As a person-centered counselor, Alexandra seeks to support the client in identifying and achieving their own goals for the life they prefer to lead.

Alexandra’s clinical experience includes individual, couple, and family therapy; mental health issues including anxiety, depression, bi-polar, ADHD, PTSD, and complex trauma; and work with domestic violence and sexual abuse survivors and perpetrators.

Taylor Shay, LMFT

Taylor Shay is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Virginia Board of Counseling Certified Supervisor. She has over 16 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in individual, family, couples, and group counseling. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings, including home-based services, inpatient and outpatient dual diagnosis programs, and psychiatric in-patient hospital settings. She has been a clinical director and supervisor for the past 9 years and during that time has always made it a priority to continue facilitating direct client care. Taylor has worked with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, self-esteem and self-confidence issues, substance abuse issues, trauma, eating disorders and/or body image issues, educational/vocational issues, anger management, PTSD, personality disorders, divorce and separation, infidelity, domestic violence, codependency, assertiveness and communication skills, crisis management, suicidal and homicidal ideation, self-injurious behavior, difficulties with emotional regulation, grief and loss, parenting issues, LGBTQ support and gender related issues, culture/race/ethnicity identification and value clarification, stage of life issues, behavioral difficulties, stress management, interpersonal and relational difficulties, family of origin issues, cross addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorders, child and adolescent issues, and peer relationship issues. She specializes in helping couples and families reduce communication (verbal and non-verbal) triggers, reach emotional regulation and understanding, and work through difficult relational and interpersonal issues. 

[learn_more caption="Read More"]

She is passionate about the work she does with her clients and clients find her warm, friendly, caring, and direct. Taylor utilizes a variety of evidenced based practices, including, but not limited to, CBT, Motivational interviewing, Relational, Solution Focused, Strength- Based, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, Family Systems, Gottman Method, Family/Marital, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Taylor utilizes various techniques and interventions to ensure that treatment is individualized and to ensure the best possible results for clients to reach their treatment goals and increase ability to improve all areas of their lives.

Taylor believes that everyone deserves therapy and that therapy is a massage for the mind. Engaging in therapy does not make something “wrong” with you. It allows people to remind themselves of what is good and working in order to increase overall happiness and increase the “good”.  Taylor’s style of therapy is positive direction and guidance throughout the therapeutic experience and believes strongly that therapy is a collaborative experience and that clients are the experts in their life. Taylor strives to assist clients in empowering themselves to create positive change in their lives and develop a deeper understanding of how “problems” develop and can be corrected. [/learn_more]

Erika Flax, LCSW

Erika is excited to join the Thriveworks team as a therapist.  She has been providing therapy and mental health services professionally since 2011, and in the Northern Virginia region since 2013. Through her years of experience, she has developed a passion for helping those who find themselves stuck in the throes of depression and anxiety, and medications are only partially treating the illness. Erika is a strong believer in the effects of psychopharmacological therapy, but understands that without alternative coping strategies and behavior changes, relief and recovery are less likely to be obtained.

Erika has experience working with a wide array of diagnoses, but has special interests in serving those struggling with grief/loss, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance use, and major life changes. Clients can expect person centered individual and family therapy with a focus on behavioral interventions including DBT skills and CBT.

When Erika is not serving the community, she enjoys spending time with her family and dog.

Mylisa Ickes, M.Ed., LPC

Lisa is a licensed professional counselor who received her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Kent State University in Ohio as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from The University of Akron, Ohio. She has experience providing person-centered, cognitive behavioral (CBT), and dialectical behavior (DBT) therapy to clients in private practice, community , crisis intervention, and outpatient settings. Lisa offers clinical expertise to children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples in areas which include, but are not limited to, mood disorders (i.e.: anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder), obsessive compulsive disorder, PTSD, low self-esteem, stress/life management, grief and bereavement, relationships, parenting skills, behavior modification, and ADHD.  Lisa has a down-to-earth, non-judgmental style that encourages self-expression and a positive therapeutic relationship.

Chinyere Ugwanyi, DNP, PMHNP

Chinyere is a Board Certified licensed, Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a BSN degree from Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA, an MSN degree from the University of Cincinnati, Ohio and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA—all with honors. Chinyere has 13 years of healthcare experience with 12 years of that as a psychiatric nurse and 7 years of experience as a nurse practitioner, providing psychiatric evaluation, treatment and medication management to patients with varying degrees of mental illness, in inpatient/outpatient settings. In addition, Chinyere has worked in a major community mental health system alongside nursing homes and feels comfortable working with a variety of mental and behavioral health conditions, including serious mental illnesses She has expertise in treating mainly adult patients, but can work with adolescent patients as well. She treats patients with disorders that include anxiety, depression, personality disorders, ADHD, PTSD, substance abuse, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Chinyere’s approach to care of her patients is straightforward and clear. She is very professional, caring, respectful and strives to offer personalized mental health services. Chinyere seeks to build a lasting therapeutic relationship with you, while showing empathy with listening ears to your mental health concerns.

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