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.

Professional Standards: I am a Licensed Resident in Counseling (LRIC). My residency work is supervised by Beth Hunter, LPC. My supervisor may be reached via email at beth@lighthouse-counselingllc.com. I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor. I will treat each client with kindness and respect and believe that wholeness and healing are possible with the help of God’s grace and a therapeutic client/counselor partnership.

Education and Experience: I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from James Madison University in 2003 and a Master of Education degree in Counseling from Old Dominion University in 2009. I have had additional training in the areas of trauma, Eye Movement Integration, couples counseling, multiculturalism, child development and play therapy. Before coming to Lighthouse, I worked as a Licensed School Counselor and coached couples and individuals at my church. 

Therapeutic Orientation: My goal is to match my counseling approach to the client’s specific needs. During the initial visits, information is gathered to identify problems and discuss treatment goals. Assessment may include questionnaires and psychological testing. After the assessment is complete a decision will be made about whether your needs can be best met by me or another counselor.

My orientation to counseling is based on the premise that our beliefs produce our thoughts, which produce our feelings, which then produce our behavior. This is a Cognitive/Behavioral approach. I believe that many of our beliefs are influenced by our family of origin and childhood experiences. This is generally known as a Psychodynamic approach to counseling. I also use elements of Emotionally Focused Therapy and attachment theory to help couples build healthier dynamics. If the client choses, I will integrate faith based counseling into our work together.

Code of Ethics: I 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.