Hi, my name is Menzo Faassen. I received my B.S. in Psychology in 1999 from Middle Tennessee State University and I received my M.S. in Community Counseling from Austin Peay State University in 2009. I got my initial hours for my licensure in a community mental health center. My experience there gave me skills and abilities to work with a wide variety of people and issues. I go my first counseling license in Tennessee in 2015. I was licensed previously in New Mexico and Kentucky. Currently, Virginia is the only state where I am actively licensed. Due to telehealth laws, if you are not physically in the state of Virginia during a session, we will have to reschedule. I work full time in Richmond, Virginia (moved here in January of 2022). I work in an outpatient clinic in the Richmond, VA area. I have worked in a variety of therapy settings including outpatient, Intensive Outpatient, Residential Substance Abuse, and Partial Hospitalization. I have worked with clients with a variety of issues but my areas that I am most adept at are trauma, addiction, depression, grief/loss and LGBT issues. I am also a proud member of the LGBT community. My approach to therapy starts out with the basic Rogerian (person centered approach). But, I also incorporate Psychodramatic techniques into my therapy (I can only do this in video sessions). Psychodrama was created by J. L. Moreno and seeks to use a persons creativity and spontaneity in the healing process. Some techniques from this method include doubling (helping you speak your unspoken truth), role techniques (role play, role taking, and role reversal) and empty chair. I'm also fluent in cognitive behavioral therapy and utilize the unconditional positive regard of Carl Rogers. I start where you are. I believe that you are the expert on you and that this is your therapy not mine. The methods and techniques I use will be guided by what you want out of therapy as a whole and what you want out of each session. A few things to be aware of: 1. While you can send messages to me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you will not get an immediate response. BetterHelp is not a crisis line or appropriate for crisis situations or situations where you need an immediate answer. My work for BetterHelp is a part time, weekend structure. So, if you send me a message during the week you may not get an answer until the evening (between 7 PM and 10 PM Eastern Time in the US) or on Saturday or Sunday. If you need someone with more availability, you should chose a different therapist as I will not be able to meet your needs. 2. Prior to beginning therapy I request that you send me your home address and phone number. If you prefer you can send a copy of a photo ID. I request this information for a few reasons. The first is so that if there is an emergency (you present with a plan to hurt yourself or somebody else, or I suspect there is child abuse involved) I can alert the authorities in your location. It is also my ethical duty to assure that I am licensed to provide services in the state you reside. 3. Sending messages back and forth is fine, but you will get more value out of BetterHelp if you schedule a live chat, phone or video session with me. You can do that by selecting the schedule session on the right hand side of the screen. 4. As I said in section 1, the techniques and methods I use will be informed by the goal you have. I will start each session with the question "What do you want to get out of our time today?" Based on that information, I will gear my methods to accomplishing that goal for that session. As I said earlier, I do use Psychodrama techniques. I may have you using a chair or an object to "stand in" for a person or part of you. I may have you take the role or and speak from the role of that person or part. This may involve moving. So, when you meet with me, it is important that you have an idea of what you want to work on, be in a quiet private place and in a space that allows for some degree of movement. I realize that the first few sessions will be getting to know each other and me getting some background information. We will not be working on traumatic issues or a lot of deep work in the first session. 5. The more information I have about you the better. So, in way of introduction, some things you may want to share include (your childhood information, any traumatic events, previous relationships, current relationships, work history, family background/relationships, your previous therapy experience, etc.). In other words, use the first message to give me the autobiography of you. I have been in counseling myself and know how scary it can be to enter into the process and I try to make this as comfortable as possible. I look forward to walking with you as you begin this journey of healing and transformation.

Therapy should be interactive and dynamic and this is generated from focusing on a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach with a strong grounding in Strengths Perspective. A variety of issues to include Depression and Anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, men's issues, and personality disorders are areas in which I have particular experience in treating. The relationship between therapist and client should be one of trust and competence and it should promote open communication and honesty for change to occur. My clinical experiences began in acute psychiatric treatment facilities and have taken me through a variety of environments and populations to include adolescents as well as adults. I feel the therapeutic relationship can produce change through hard work and guidance as well as creativity and persistence. The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important foundations for change. The following information regarding Live Text Chat sessions is important ..please read over!!! Please take some time to read through the following guidelines. For optimal experience please be sure to have either Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox installed as your browser or have the BetterHelp app on your mobile device. Please be sure to log into BetterHelp at the time of your appointment and remain on the therapy page - your therapist will initiate the live session. If your live session hasn't started even when you are logged in and are on the therapy page, message your therapist to let them know you are ready. Live sessions are usually 30 to 50 mins (please check with your therapist). Please be punctual so you can get the most out of your time with your therapist. If you need to cancel or reschedule your session, please do so up to 24 hours prior to your session start time. This will free up your therapist to help other members.

I am a professional counselor with 27 years' experience previously licensed in Florida, currently licensed in Virginia. I started my career in substance abuse and codependency. I have worked with all populations on the issues of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, domestic violence, and dual diagnosis. I am a certified parents of divorce instructor for the state of Virginia. Change is hard, but rewarding. It is difficult to make change, tell people your story or go on a different path. Everyone's journey is at a different pace. Let me help you on yours. I look forward to working with you.

I have over 20 years of experience as a clinical social worker providing individual therapy for adults across the age spectrum. I have experienced with a diverse population with focus on life transitions issues of grief, aging and anxiety. I use an approach that includes working with a person's strengths and encouraging their capacity to change. I see clients and develope treatment goals and improve the quality of life in order to develop a more positive self-image and a more effective way of coping and decreasing stress.

I am licensed in Virginia with over 20 years of professional experience working with adults navigating stress, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, professional burnout, and major life transitions. My approach is structured, trauma-informed, and purposeful. We do not spend weeks “warming up” to therapy. We begin the work in the first session by identifying what is happening, what is getting in the way, and what needs to change. Therapy with me is collaborative, honest, and focused on movement—not just insight. My style is direct, which can initially feel challenging. What we will challenge are ways of thinking and being that no longer serve where you are now. I ask clear questions, offer straightforward feedback, and stay focused on what will actually help you move forward. The goal is not comfort—it’s progress. I pay close attention to patterns—how you think, respond, cope, and get stuck—so we can understand what’s keeping things from shifting. Sessions are focused, grounded, and connected to your real life. Schedule with me if you’re ready to stop ruminating on the issue and start changing it.

Tikita Ficklin is a Licensed Professional Counselor for the State of Georgia, and a National Certified Counselor who specializes in Anger Management, Self Esteem and Confidence boosters, along with several of specialties. Tikita utilizes different modalities that fits the needs of the client . Tikita is a graduate of Mercer University with a Bachelor in Science of Social Science (Human Service) , and a Master of Science Degree, in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Tikita also has 3 years of Doctorate education in Marriage & Family Therapy from NorthCentral University. Tikita’s passion is to inspire others to run after their destiny, by understanding who they are and their unique purpose, while healing from their past. Tikita’s Motto: Just trust the process.

As a licensed therapist in Virginia with over two decades of professional experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping adults struggling with social anxiety, phobias, and substance use challenges. I bring a compassionate, evidence-based approach to addressing stress, anxiety, and substance misuse, creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. My commitment is to walk alongside you, offering guidance and understanding as you work towards healing and empowerment.

As a licensed therapist in Virginia with nearly four decades of clinical experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate profound personal experiences, including trauma recovery, grief, women's issues, and family dynamics. I bring deep expertise in addressing depression, posttraumatic stress, attachment challenges, and caregiver support. My approach is compassionate and holistic, focusing on understanding each person's unique journey and empowering them to discover meaningful paths forward. My therapeutic work spans diverse areas including young adult challenges, multicultural concerns, sexual assault recovery, chronic illness adaptation, and family systems healing. I am committed to creating a supportive environment where individuals can explore their experiences, process difficult emotions, and develop resilient coping strategies. With extensive training and a person-centered approach, I aim to walk alongside my clients, honoring their strengths and supporting their growth through life's most challenging moments.

I am licensed in Virginia with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Virginia with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Virginia with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I have 20 years of experience supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges, transitions, and possibilities. I believe that each person’s life is a unique story, and therapy is a space where insight, healing, and meaningful change can unfold by bringing that story into focus. My approach allows clients to explore both their inner emotional world and the broader life narratives that shape identity, beliefs, and relationships. I view therapy as a collaborative and reflective process guided by each client’s goals, values, and lived experiences. I offer a grounded, compassionate environment where individuals can understand long-standing patterns, navigate difficult transitions, and create a more intentional and meaningful life.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia with over Seven years of experience working in clinical practice. I work with clients who experience a wide range of symptoms and concern, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, self-esteem issues, and grief and loss. I have also worked with many people who have experienced trauma and emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach is cognitive behavioral and solution-focus. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first step towards change. If you are ready to take that step. I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience providing therapy and case management across inpatient psychiatric, substance use, and community-based settings. I work with individuals navigating severe mental illness, co-occurring disorders, and life stressors, and I bring a strong foundation in assessment, treatment planning, and clinical collaboration. My therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), helping clients identify unhelpful thought patterns, build effective coping skills, and create meaningful change. I aim to provide a supportive, culturally responsive space where clients feel understood and empowered in their healing process. Outside of the therapy room, I am a marathon runner, a practice that strongly influences my therapeutic approach. Distance running has taught me the importance of consistency, patience, and resilience—qualities that are just as essential in mental health work as they are in training for a race. I often encourage clients to view therapy as a process rather than a quick fix, honoring progress one step at a time.