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.

Hello, welcome to Lighthouse Counseling. I provide compassionate and evidence-based counseling to support you throughout your treatment journey 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 Licensed Resident in Counseling (LRIC) under the supervision of Meichell Worthing (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 Arts in Biblical Studies from Cedarville University, a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling from Columbia International University. I am a resident of Virginia completing my residency hours at Lighthouse Counseling. I have years of experience working with teens, young adults and immigrants in ministry & clinical settings to overcome different struggles. I am constantly engaging in continued education to advance clinical skills to treat individuals and couples with diverse backgrounds.

Therapeutic Orientation: I use an integrative approach to help clients meet their unique goals and needs, utilizing principles and skills from TF-CBT (trauma-informed Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), IPT (Interpersonal Psychotherapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), Narrative, Psychodynamic and expressive arts. My style is person-centered, strength-based and creative. I also use Gottman’s method and attachment theory to counsel couples. In short, CBT helps people by changing unhelpful thinking patterns into helpful beliefs that positively influence feelings and behaviors. DBT and ACT improve health through incorporating emotion regulation, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance skills into clients’ committed values. IPT and Narrative help people by improving relationships and redefining their life stories. The Psychodynamic approach helps by exploring our early childhood experience and impacts on our beliefs and behaviors. The Gottman’s Method strengthens couples’ relationships through research-based skills and assessments. I also integrate spirituality into therapy as requested by clients. 

Statement of Multicultural Issues: I am dedicated to providing cultural sensitive service by incorporating transparent discussions about multicultural issues and experiences important to clients. I am committed to using multicultural competency and skills to honor clients’ cultural background, worldview, faith tradition, and cultural identities/practices. The treatment goals and interventions will always be collaborative in nature and adapted to clients’ sociocultural background and preference.

Counseling Process: Before beginning therapy work, clients and I 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.

Confidentiality and Exceptions: 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 confidentialityinclude 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.

Referrals and Complaints: If you have a complaint about the services provided to you, please contact me or/and my supervisor immediately to address your concerns. My supervisor, Meichell Worthing, can be reached at meichell@lighthouse-counselingllc.com. If I am unable to assist you in resolving the problem, or you feel that you have been treated unethically by me or any other counselor, please reach out to the Virginia Board of Licensed Professional Counselors at Perimeter Center 9960 Maryland Drive, Suite 300 Henrico, Virginia 23233-1463 (800) 533-1560. You will have the opportunity to have an explanation of your rights as explained or file a complaint. You have the right to request a referral or change your therapist at any point during our work together. Your comfort and progress are my priorities.