Welcome to Lighthouse Counseling. I provide compassionate and empathetic counseling to support you throughout your treatment as you work toward your desired goals and outcomes. Everyone deserves the opportunity to live a happy and balanced life. You have taken a very positive step in deciding to seek out therapy. The outcome of your treatment depends on your ability to engage in this process. There are no miracle cures, and the therapeutic process may sometimes result in discomfort when addressing feelings and emotions. You will have to take an active role in your treatment and be willing to participate in assignments inside and outside the counseling session. I will provide support, guidance, encouragement, and empathic listening to assist you in clarifying what you would like for yourself. Please review the following information that will serve as clarification on how I can help.

Professional Standards: I am a counseling intern under the supervision of Anna Atkins, LPC. All diagnoses, notes, and cases are reviewed, staffed, and monitored by my supervisor. I follow the ethical standards of the American Counseling Association (ACA). My office is a space where you will be respected and supported without judgment or criticism.

Education and Experience: I received a Bachelor of Art in Biblical Studies from Cedarville University, a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and is currently a graduate student at Columbia International University. I am completing my final courses and plan to graduate with my master’s in clinical counseling in May 2026. I am a resident of Virginia gathering education and experience through my practicum and internship at Lighthouse Counseling.

Therapeutic Orientation: My orientation to counseling is based on an integrative approach that uses Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, and Client-Centered, Strength-Based approaches, Gottman Method, Emotion-focused Couple Therapy. The Cognitive Behavioral approach is based on the premise that our beliefs influence our thoughts, which impact our feelings and behavior. The Psychodynamic approach is based on the premise that many of our beliefs are influenced by our family of origin and childhood experiences. The Strength-Based approach encourages, supports, and challenges people by relying on their strengths to gain confidence in making changes in their lives for improved emotional health and well-being. The Gottman Method helps couples to build stronger relationships through research-based skills and assessments. Emotion-focused therapy helps couples to reach a more fulfilling relationship by identifying and breaking dysfunctional relational patterns. I will integrate religion/spirituality as requested by the client. I will respect you and your beliefs, cultures, and values.

Statement of Multicultural Issues: I am dedicated to providing holistic client service by incorporating genuine and transparent discussions regarding multicultural issues and clients’ experiences from diverse backgrounds. I am committed to advancing my multicultural competency and skills, and I am passionate about delivering client-centered therapy to honor clients’ worldviews, religions, and cultural identities and practices. The treatment goals and interventions will be collaborative in nature and adapted to my clients’ sociocultural contexts.

Before beginning therapy, we will discuss and agree on goals and a treatment plan. Working collaboratively is essential to building a positive therapeutic alliance. You are free to refuse to participate in counseling at any time. We will discuss the risks and benefits of treatment, often reevaluate our treatment plan, and adjust goals as needed to meet your needs.

The session, diagnosis, history, and all treatment material will be confidential. Since I am under supervision, my supervisor will discuss and review your case. Limitations of client-held confidentiality include the following: (1) If you threaten or attempt to harm yourself or commit suicide, (2) If you threaten or attempt to harm or kill another person, (3) If I have a reasonable suspicion that you are the perpetrator, observer, or victim of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or neglect in a child under the age of 18 years or an elder person, (4) If a court of law issues a legitimate subpoena from a judge for specific information. Otherwise, I will not disclose any of your information to anyone about you or your case without your knowledge and consent.