Find a Therapist in Forest, VA

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.

Debra Crowder is a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor who understands the struggles faced by adolescents and adults alike. Individuals experiencing feelings of sadness, irritability, or emptiness, as well as those dealing with concentration issues, panic attacks, or distressing memories from their past, can find solace and support in her therapy practice. With significant experience in helping clients navigate the complexities of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, Debra skillfully employs a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). She creates a safe space for her clients to explore their challenges and recognize their strengths. Together, they develop an actionable plan aimed at overcoming obstacles and fostering emotional resilience. Debra is committed to guiding her clients through their journeys, especially those coping with trauma, life transitions, and relationship difficulties.

Sophia D. Strange, MA, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 14 years of dedicated experience in supporting children, adults, and families in overcoming mental health challenges, communication needs, and adjustment issues. Specializing in Autism, she effectively works with young people on the spectrum across a range of settings—from the least to the most restrictive environments. With a strong foundation in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Sophia is also equipped to address Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, and Behavioral Concerns, including Oppositional Defiant Disorder, while fostering healthier family dynamics. Her welcoming approach and extensive training in diverse therapeutic modalities, including Art Therapy, Play Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), make her an invaluable asset for those seeking guidance in navigating their mental health journeys.

Marsha Divers-Wiggs is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree in Education (MEd) and the credentials of an LPC. She passionately serves teenagers, adults, and elders (65+) in navigating their mental health journeys, particularly those dealing with depression, trauma and PTSD, and anxiety. Marsha’s therapeutic approach is rooted in mindfulness-based practices, humanistic values, and solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT). She utilizes a blend of Rogerian and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, tailoring her practice to meet the unique needs of both individuals and couples. With a commitment to fostering emotional healing and resilience, Marsha provides a warm and welcoming environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings with care and compassion.

Meet Sara Goins, a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 12 years of experience in mental health services. Sara's primary focus is on providing client-centered therapy, ensuring that each individual feels comfortable, supported, and heard throughout their journey. She tailors her sessions to meet the unique needs of preteens, teens, adults, and elders (65+), incorporating each client’s strengths and interests into the therapeutic process, which may include art, writing, crafting, and music. Known for her warm personality, she believes in the power of laughter and often integrates humor when appropriate to create a relaxed atmosphere. Sara has extensive experience working with a variety of diagnoses, including trauma, depression, anxiety, and more, within diverse settings such as schools, detention centers, and the community. She is skillfully trained in various modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). With a strong commitment to providing non-judgmental support, Sara walks alongside her clients during both the highs and lows of their therapeutic journey, considering it an honor to hear their stories and witness their growth. She is ready to guide individuals in discovering their path forward in a compassionate and empowering manner.

Empower Counseling is a lovely and inviting atmosphere that offers a safe and confidential haven for clients to explore their needs and emotions. Jane Elizabeth Snider, a licensed professional counselor with a BA and MSEd, embodies a commitment to supporting those who are ready to address their issues and work towards resolution and healing. While the practice primarily serves women, adolescent and pre-teen girls, and families, it also warmly welcomes men and boys, ensuring an LGBTQ friendly environment. Specialties include addressing all forms of trauma and abuse, anxiety, depression, healing from relationships with narcissistic and sociopathic individuals, and navigating life transitions. In addition to traditional therapies like CBT and DBT, Jane incorporates EMDR, Wholetones, and offers referrals for yoga, tai chi, and lifestyle changes. Empower Counseling also provides frequent, vibrant workshops designed to equip clients with valuable skills and tools for their journey.

Kim Epperly is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia, boasting over 23 years of experience in diverse mental health settings with children, adolescents, and adults. Her expertise encompasses in-patient care and crisis therapy tailored for young individuals grappling with a range of mental health challenges. Kim has also provided therapeutic mentoring services to at-risk adolescents within the community. Passionate about fostering family connections, she offers family therapy to address issues that create barriers and hinder familial relationships, ensuring a supportive environment for healing and growth.

Heather Aldridge is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) dedicated to supporting women who feel trapped during times of transition. With a genuine curiosity for human behavior, she approaches her practice with an inquisitive yet non-judgmental attitude. Heather appreciates that these transitional phases can often accompany feelings of grief for what is being left behind. Drawing on her strong faith-based background, she actively incorporates clients' spiritual strengths to facilitate healing and adaptation to new realities. Specializing in individual counseling, Heather provides a safe space for women in crisis or those simply feeling stuck in their current patterns. Her personal experiences with counseling have shaped her understanding of the vulnerability that can arise when stepping into a therapist's office. With Heather, every day presents a new opportunity for change and growth.

Debbie Kleinsmith, PsyD, is a dedicated psychologist who specializes in empowering her clients through a collaborative and goal-directed therapeutic approach. With an academic background from the Florida Institute of Technology, where she graduated in 1994, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice. While she primarily focuses on adolescents and women, she warmly welcomes clients from all walks of life, including preteens, teens, adults, and elders. Debbie is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate the inevitable challenges and conflicts of life. Her therapeutic work emphasizes building confidence and resilience while addressing common issues such as depression and anxiety. Utilizing a range of modalities, including mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, positive psychology, and cognitive behavioral techniques, Debbie guides her clients toward healing and reaching their full potential. Her commitment to compassionate, strength-based therapy makes her an ideal partner on the journey to personal empowerment.

Caitlin M. Taylor, M.A., is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor with over 11 years of experience in the mental health field. She has a proven track record of providing personalized solutions to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families across multiple settings, including in-home, residential, school-based, outpatient, and inpatient environments. Caitlin specializes in trauma-informed care, assisting both adolescents and adults as they navigate the challenges of ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, behavioral issues, relational dynamics, and depression. Her collaborative work with local law enforcement agencies, guardian ad litems, social services, and the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office underscores her commitment to the community. Trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Caitlin brings a compassionate and comprehensive approach to every person she supports.

Kim Mascher is a pre-licensed professional dedicated to supporting adult women through various challenges. Her areas of expertise include anxiety, loss, spirituality, life transitions, and relationship issues. Kim creates a safe and compassionate environment where individuals can explore their unique stories. She believes that healing takes place within authentic and caring relationships, employing a relational and trauma-informed approach to therapy. Recognizing the challenges in finding the right therapist, especially during a global pandemic, Kim hopes that sharing her background and values aids in the search for the right support.