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.

Hello! Welcome to the BetterHelp community! My name is Lisa McCarton and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, practicing in Virginia for 20 years. I have specialized in psychotherapy and social work with children, adolescents and families. I have been providing psychotherapy for a wide variety of issues and populations, to include: behavioral problems; trauma issues; family relationships; mood disorders; school issues; and sexual abuse issues, among other areas. I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2000 with a Masters in Social Work. I began my post-masters clinical work in a residential treatment facility for emotionally and physically abused children. I provided therapy, as well as case management, for children and families. I would describe my approach as goal oriented, and client centered. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Problem-Solving Therapy and Strength-Based Approach. All of these modalities are hands-on, practical approaches to problem-solving. CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns and/or behaviors. The goals are to change patterns of maladaptive or unhealthy thinking in order to improve behavior and life situations. This helps people identify faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking and learn better ways of coping with life's full variety of stressors. Difficult and painful times are part of the human experience. I understand seeking help can be a vulnerable step to take. Exploring the healing process or enriching one’s personal growth, first and foremost, requires establishing a trusting and an emotional supportive relationship. Change is not easy, but it is possible.

I am licensed in Virginia with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with LGBT-related issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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.

Welcome ! Something in your life has initiated this search for support and you have come to the right place. I applaud you. My name is Victoria, and I am both a licensed professional therapist and a Nationally Certified Counselor in the state of Florida. I have worked with individuals experiencing a variety of issues including substance abuse, depression and anxiety, family conflict, trauma, stress-related issues, communication challenges, self-esteem, and many more. I have extensive experience working with Trauma and am trained in providing Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. My choice to work in this field comes from the belief that everyone deserves to be understood, heard, and supported while working towards becoming their best selves. I would describe myself as being someone who is compassionate and open-minded. My belief is that everyone has needs that should be met in order to be their best. I also come from the view that our thoughts shape our way of being in the world and affect our patterns of behavior. It would be my privilege to become a partner in your journey while helping you figure out and achieve your mental health goals. I will provide not only support and understanding but a clear direction, and both solution-focused and CBT strategies to get you to the place you deserve and want to be. Whether you are seeking change for a healthier happier life, or just need a non-judgmental ear to listen, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

I have 30 years experience as a counselor. I have worked in many different environments including, private practice, local mental health clinics, inpatient mental health and substance abuse clinics. I work with people to help them be the person they are and become the person they want to be. I am a real bearded Santa but am not religious. I related to the natural world in a way that I describe as spiritual, although it may not be what most people consider to be spiritual I served in the US Army both active duty and National Guard. I am a Vietnam Veteran with a total of 23 years service. I was a MFLC and worked with active duty soldiers and airmen for several years mostly at Fort Bragg but other facilities as well. I am married, have four children and eight grandchildren.

Greetings! My name is Poythress and I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Virginia. I have over 20 years experience working in the mental health field. I have worked in a variety of settings including residential, Case Management, outpatient, in-home, and addictions. I have worked with a broad range of clinical situation. As a therapist, my philosophy is to bring an effective blend of experience, expertise, clarity, concerns to the counseling process in order to maximize outcomes and provide genuine healing and wholeness to individuals. I have discovered that this approach encourages and empowers my clients to make positive changes in their lives. I understand that making the decision to seek help can be difficult, so when you come to my individual sessions, you will find that I am compassionate, direct, and non-judgmental.You will experience a warm and welcoming environment where you will feel supported in your counseling journey. I offer the following services for individuals and families to promote optimum mental and emotional health. Evaluation of mental stressors and substance abuse issues Identifying issues and assistance in creating goals Teaching coping mechanisms for stress management Developing and implement treatment plans Providing guidance and support Specializing in: Anxiety Coping Skills Depression Anger management Grief Stress Trauma and PTSD Professional Training: Masters in Art (MA), Norfolk State University Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) Certified Advance Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Human Service Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) Contemporary Theory in Couple and Family Systems

I have been a licensed professional counselor in the state of Virginia since 2001. I have worked with a variety of clients ranging from children and adolescents to adults and families. I feel that my purpose as a counselor is to help someone be the best that they can be and to navigate whatever issue they may be facing. I have worked in a variety of settings: local mental health clinic, private practice and school settings with students with mental health challenges. My approach to counseling is accepting, warm and encouraging. I use solution focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and client centered therapy as my main approches in working with others. I have significant experience in working with parenting issues, step families, ADHD, couples counseling and grief. I work very hard to stay up to date on the most current trends and resources available.

I am licensed in Virginia with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Virginia with 43 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping Children, Teen and Adult clients with relationship, family, spirituality, career, work issues, stress and anxiety, depression, sexuality and identity issues, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I use a cognitive behavioral and existential therapeutic approach to help people progress to a more fulfilling life. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Hello, My name is Jillian Holguin and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am licensed in New Jersey, Virginia and Florida with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in providing therapeutic services to individuals, couples/martial counseling, group, and family therapy as well as within a higher level of care settings. I have worked with an at-risk early childhood to late adulthood populations as well as having the honor of working with military personnel, and veterans. I specialize in trauma, and am a certified trauma provider. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, and the desire to create healthier patterns. My style is both warm and direct—I will hold space for you with empathy, while also encouraging insight and action. From approaches such as CBT, EMDR, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness-based practice. I went to Seton Hall University for my Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. From there, I completed the accelerated MSW program at Rutgers University graduating Summa Cum Laude. I also received a certificate in advanced assessment and diagnosis from New York University, a certificate in pharmacology from Harvard University and a certified Telehealth practitioner from Thomas Jefferson University. Seeking therapy is one of the bravest steps you can take toward healing, growth, and self-discovery. As a therapist, I believe every person carries an untold story, and within that story lies the strength to overcome challenges and build a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. My role is to help you uncover that strength while offering compassion, guidance, and evidence-based tools tailored to your unique journey.

Philosophy of Care, Hello, I am Annisha Dunaway, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in, Delaware, North Carolina, and Virginia who has experience partnering with adults and teens seeking help with depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, PTSD, and empowerment. I am an Army veteran and work as a victim specialist with law enforcement. I believe healing through therapy is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment. Goals are developed following the client's lead and what you want to accomplish. Rather than adopting one methodology for all individuals and issues, I draw from various methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. I consider myself warm, open, encouraging, and direct as a therapist. I try to create a space to process without judgment safely and nurture the courage to be imperfect. I believe that challenges and changes allow individuals to examine their lives and draw from their inner strength the ability to redirect their life’s path. Obstacles are only opportunities for your future. I hope to speak with you soon.

I am licensed in Virginia with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, coping with life changes and the aging process. My approach to therapy is based on the individual needs of each client. I use an eclectic style based upon the identified needs. My style is a good fit for all ages of adults with a lot of experience working in the older adult population. 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. My communication style is calm, personable and comforting.

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.