Welcome to Lighthouse Counseling. Therapy is based upon boundaries and trust. Please carefully review the following information since it is the foundation on which the counseling relationship is built.

I work with adult individuals and couples who are struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief/loss, infertility/pregnancy loss, marital issues and difficult life transitions, including military lifestyle.

Professional Standards: I am a Licensed Residence in Counseling (LRIC) with a Master’s Degree in Community Mental Health Counseling, under the supervision of Jessica Salinas, LPC (Jessica@Lighthouse-counselingllc.com).  I believe that my office is a space where one can feel safe, heard, and understood. Anyone who walks through my door has inherent dignity and is deserving of respect.

Code of Ethics:  As stated before, I am a Licensed Resident in Counseling in the state of Virginia. I am required to follow the ethical and professional standards of the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics. This code of ethics outlines my responsibilities to uphold a professional and appropriate relationship with clients. Outlined in this code are the values of the counseling profession and the purpose of the therapeutic relationship between counselors and clients. Following the ACA code of ethics will allow me to function at my highest potential and to do what is in your best interest as my client. At the same time, the direction given in my therapy sessions is clearly influenced by both my Christian faith and counseling theory.

Education and Experience: I received my Master’s degree in Community Mental Health Counseling from Regent University and a double Bachelor’s degree in English and Psychology from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I have worked in the Mental Health field since 2003.  Due to being a military spouse, I moved frequently. I now permanently reside in Virginia. I am currently working towards my professional license, LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in the state of Virginia.

Therapeutic Orientation: I work with multiple modalities in therapy, and I match my approach to what you need. I also use different assessments/questionnaires to gather information to better understand you. After the intake session, we may decide that my abilities do not match with your needs and will make a referral if needed.

I combine a Person-Centered approach with elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral (DBT) for a holistic journey toward healing. I often draw from other therapeutic techniques as necessary. I am also certified in Eye Movement Integration (EMI) as a treatment for trauma and other stressors/triggers. I am passionate about joining clients in the process of growth toward self-esteem, healing, wholeness, and restoration. I do provide spiritual interventions when requested by the client, such as prayer and faith-based discussions where they apply to the client’s needs. Clients are never required to participate in any modality, either clinical or spiritual, at any time. I utilize The Gottman Method (Gottman Level 1) when working with couples. All these different approaches to therapy work well with one another and I can tailor my approach to what works for you at this moment.

I respect the beliefs of all my clients. At the same time, the direction I give is influenced by my Christian beliefs. If we differ in our beliefs, please know that you can talk to me about it. I am here to support you in your journey, not here to judge you. Ask me any questions you may have about the counseling process at any time and share any concerns you may have. I know that taking the step to counseling is not always an easy one and I want you to feel comfortable and confident that this is right for you.