Forest, VA Local Support & Community Resources

Katelyn Childs is a compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree in Counseling and extensive training, including a certificate from the EMDR Institute as an EMDR-Trained Clinician since 2021. She specializes in providing therapy for a diverse clientele, including preteens, children aged 6 to 10, teens, toddlers, and adults. Katelyn is particularly passionate about helping individuals navigate the complexities of trauma and PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other emotional challenges. Her therapeutic approach is rooted in evidence-based practices like Play Therapy, Attachment-based Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With a focus on building strong therapeutic alliances, Katelyn employs a variety of techniques, including trauma-focused interventions, EMDR, and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP). Her commitment to fostering resilience and promoting mental well-being is evident in every client interaction.

Tara Cothren is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor based in Virginia, bringing over 15 years of experience in diverse therapeutic settings. Her approach is deeply individualized and person-centered, focusing on the unique needs of adolescents and adults. Tara creates a nurturing healing environment where clients feel safe and empowered to collaboratively address their concerns. With an extensive background in trauma-informed care, she adeptly tackles challenges related to depression, trauma and PTSD, and anxiety, using evidence-based techniques. She embraces a variety of therapeutic modalities including Coaching, Positive Psychology, Trauma Focused approaches, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Furthermore, Tara is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDRIA certified) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). In her commitment to ongoing professional development, she will be advancing her education as a Ph.D. student in Counselor Education and Supervision at VCU starting August 2023.

Adam Cothren is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor (MEd, LPC) who skillfully supports individuals dealing with a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, and substance use. He understands that people may feel overwhelmed, fatigued, or trapped in difficult situations, and he believes strongly that everyone has inherent value and the right to lead a peaceful, fulfilling life. With years of experience in outpatient settings, emergency mental health treatment, and community mental health agencies since 2005, Adam specializes in working with adolescents and adults. His therapeutic approach is diverse and client-focused, incorporating trauma-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing, among other methods. Adam creates a warm therapeutic environment where he fosters strong bonds with his clients, helping them develop tools to navigate adversity and reach their personal goals. A part-time musician by passion, Adam has been a resident of Lynchburg since 2007 and appreciates the beauty of the area while recognizing that life can still present challenges. He is devoted to empowering individuals to build on their existing strengths and cultivate new ones, paving the way for them to experience the serenity they seek and achieve their aspirations.