Find a Therapist in Lynchburg, VA

Mariah Waller, a dedicated Resident in Counseling with expertise in a range of therapeutic modalities, is committed to walking alongside adult clients. She strives to help them cultivate a healthier understanding of themselves and discover positive, long-term solutions. Whether addressing family conflict or navigating the challenges of life transitions, Mariah aims to provide insightful guidance for self-understanding. With her empathetic approach, she gently encourages clients to challenge their current thinking and envision their future through a refreshed perspective. Mariah emphasizes the importance of integrated wholeness of self, facilitating this sense of unity not only within individuals but also in their relationships with loved ones and the community. Utilizing the Adlerian approach, she effectively addresses parent-child relationship conflicts, turning to the past as a tool to illuminate present struggles. Through the integration of analogies, educational insights, and talk therapy, Mariah helps clients reframe their experiences, fostering healthy understanding and new strategies for addressing both past and future concerns. Recognizing that each client is the expert of their own life, Mariah invites individuals to share their stories, understanding that such openness with someone new can be daunting. With deep respect for this journey, she is eager to learn from each client as they work together towards enhanced well-being and functionality.

Lisa Whitaker is a compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor with over 12 years of experience in helping individuals and couples navigate their unique challenges. She has a Master's Degree from Lynchburg College and has dedicated her career to addressing issues such as grief, relationship dynamics, and life transitions. Lisa believes in the transformative power of counseling to enhance quality of life and is deeply committed to forming strong therapeutic relationships. Whether clients come feeling hurt, confused, or simply curious, Lisa is ready to provide the support they need on their journey toward healing and self-discovery.

Nina Cassada, Ph.D., LPC, is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor offering outpatient therapy services across Virginia, Texas, and Georgia. As an adjunct faculty member at Southern New Hampshire University within the human services department, she exhibits a strong commitment to education and the advancement of therapy practices. Dr. Cassada employs a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), effectively addressing the mental health needs of both adolescents and adults. With a specialized focus on mood disorders, anxiety, substance use disorders, trauma-related disorders, and emotional distress, her practice prioritizes trauma-informed care. Dr. Cassada additionally possesses advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), equipping her to support individuals in their healing journeys from traumatic experiences. Her passion for counseling, coupled with her dedication to ongoing education, ensures that she remains at the forefront of therapeutic innovations, providing the highest quality therapeutic experience for each individual.

Genevieve Whittemore is a compassionate and experienced Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of dedication to mental health. She specializes in treating developmental trauma disorders, PTSD, ADD & ADHD, as well as anxiety and mood disorders using innovative techniques like neurofeedback and psychotherapy. Genevieve also supports individuals striving for peak performance and students managing test anxiety. Her approach is rooted in Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Positive Psychology, ensuring that her clients receive holistic care tailored to their needs. Prior to her private practice, she served as the Director of Therapeutic Day Treatment at Horizon Behavioral Health in Lynchburg, VA. Genevieve has held a prestigious position as an officer at the American Psychological Association, where she contributed as an editor for several publications. Currently, she is enhancing her skills with neurofeedback certification mentoring at the Virginia Center for Neurofeedback, Attachment & Trauma.

Elizabeth Farnsworth is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Fellow in Thanatology, with over 25 years of experience in assisting individuals through significant life transitions, including grief, anxiety, and depression. With a strong emphasis on providing culturally sensitive and trauma-focused therapy, she particularly thrives in supporting clients navigating the profound impact of losing a loved one, whether that be a child, parent, sibling, or friend. Elizabeth holds a PhD in Family Studies, which combines her deep understanding of counseling, sociology, and psychology to effectively address family dynamics and major life changes. Her expertise also extends to working with caregivers and individuals facing career challenges, making her a versatile resource for many. In addition to her therapeutic practice, Elizabeth has taught in higher education for nearly two decades, focusing on the mental health and adjustment issues of college students as they transition into adulthood. She is dedicated to creating a nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore their challenges, offering a sincere commitment to support their journey towards healing and understanding.

Kelly Bonebright, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), has a rich and diverse background that spans over a decade in various therapeutic settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and intensive in-home environments, as well as academic institutions and mental health agencies. Originally from Lynchburg, Virginia, and raised in Southern California, Kelly has called the Eastern region home since the early 90s. He earned his PhD in Professional Counseling from Liberty University in January 2013 and has shared his knowledge with graduate students, teaching skills in group therapy and individual therapeutic techniques. Embracing an eclectic counseling approach, Kelly utilizes a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), person-centered techniques, reality therapy, and trauma-informed practices to foster meaningful therapeutic relationships. He is passionate about helping individuals and couples navigate challenges across a spectrum of issues, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, divorce, grief and loss, spiritual identity, trauma, life transitions, adjustment disorders, mood disorders, and chronic mental illness. Kelly is dedicated to guiding his clients toward achieving lasting internal peace.

Meet Amir Cotton, a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner based in Virginia. With over 12 years of experience in the mental health field, Amir holds a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling and is also a National Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Mental Counselor, and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. He specializes in treating a variety of issues including Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, and Anger Management, utilizing diverse therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Person-Centered approaches. Amir believes in building strong, collaborative relationships with his clients as he views each counseling experience as an opportunity to learn and grow together. His passion lies in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate their unique challenges to achieve meaningful goals and foster personal development. Amir looks forward to supporting clients on their journeys toward healing and self-discovery.

Magda Evans is a compassionate Resident in Counseling based in Virginia, specializing in therapy for children, families, and adults. With considerable experience in assisting individuals facing trauma and stress-related disorders, as well as those grappling with depression, anxiety, and self-injurious behaviors, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice. Magda earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She employs an eclectic and person-centered approach to therapy, tailoring her methods to effectively meet the unique needs of each client. Utilizing cognitive-behavioral and other evidence-based techniques, Magda focuses on discovering and nurturing the strengths within each individual. By establishing a caring therapeutic relationship, she creates a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can thrive, working collaboratively to empower them in achieving their personal goals.

Jeanie Felty is a dedicated licensed professional counselor (LPC) based in Virginia, boasting a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Frostburg State University and a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. With extensive experience in outpatient community mental health centers and partial hospitalization/intensive outpatient mental health programs, Jeanie transitioned to Thriveworks in 2018, further enriching her professional journey. As an Adoption Competent Counselor, she offers a wealth of expertise, having received specialized training in Crisis Response & Trauma, as well as Christian Counseling. Jeanie has a profound interest in Maternal Mental Health, illustrated by her completion of the PSI and 2020 MOM Professional Maternal Mental Health Certificate Training and Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy Training. She employs a broad spectrum of therapeutic strategies, tailoring her approach to honor the unique needs and goals of her clients. Utilizing an eclectic methodology, Jeanie often integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, solution-focused brief therapy, narrative therapy, family-systems therapy, and person-centered therapy into her practice.

Geralyn Fortney is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor who is deeply committed to helping individuals navigate the challenges that lead them to seek therapy. With over seven years of clinical experience in the mental health field, she has provided comprehensive services in various settings including outpatient, inpatient, emergency mental health, and school-based services across elementary, high school, and university levels. Geralyn earned her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Lynchburg College. She employs a holistic, eclectic approach to therapy, integrating techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, gestalt therapy, and Adlerian therapy. With a focus on mindfulness practices, she guides her clients in developing skills they can carry beyond the therapy session. Geralyn holds a profound belief in the honor of accompanying clients on their journey and strives to cultivate a warm, empathetic relationship with each person she serves. Residing in Lynchburg with her husband and two dogs, she also enjoys volunteering and practicing yoga in her free time.

Laura Guise is a passionate, energetic, and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker who thrives on the art of engagement in therapy with individuals, families, and groups. She brings a wealth of experience working with adults, families, children, and adolescents, and is skilled in providing group-based clinical interventions. Having completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Laura focuses on a range of clinical areas, including individuals grappling with substance abuse issues, serious mental illness diagnoses, and family and role-related challenges. She is particularly adept at assisting children and adolescents facing behavioral difficulties, employing effective behavioral modification strategies and interventions. Laura has a profound commitment to supporting trauma survivors, with special emphasis on working with victims of human trafficking. Guiding her practice is the biopsychosocial model with a keen awareness of the interconnected relationship between brain-based responses and psychological functioning. She concentrates on the effects of trauma experienced in both childhood and adulthood, enhancing mental health and well-being.

Martha Gunter is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor with nearly 18 years of clinical experience, primarily focused on working with adults and older adults in a Mental Health Outpatient setting. In recent years, Ms. Gunter has provided compassionate support to families in a Hospice setting, guiding them through their grief after the loss of a loved one. She is trained in the Gottman Method Couples Therapy, having completed Level 1 Training, which further enriches her counseling repertoire. With a Master's degree in Community Counseling from Lynchburg College, Martha’s commitment to helping others is evident in her approach. She firmly believes that every individual possesses unique inner strengths and that through the counseling relationship, clients can uncover their resilience and personal capabilities. Known for her calming demeanor, Ms. Gunter focuses on fostering positive, supportive relationships with her clients to facilitate their healing and growth.

Christel Hammett is a compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over a decade of experience specializing in therapy for children from early childhood through adolescence and their families. She obtained 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. Christel is dedicated to helping individuals recognize their strengths and abilities, fostering a healing journey aimed at personal growth. With a focus on self-reflection, she empowers her clients to evolve through their treatment experiences. Christel employs an eclectic therapeutic approach, primarily utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), alongside techniques such as behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, psychoeducation, and attachment-based methods. She is particularly skilled in working with individuals facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and self-esteem issues, as well as those with developmental disabilities. By emphasizing a person-centered approach, Christel aims to enhance her clients' overall functioning and well-being.