Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I am trained in evidenced based interventions such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Dialectial Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and use these in my work when appropriate. My main focus is in DBT, an approach that can increase mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. I am also certified in EMDR, a proven trauma treatment that can help build a sense of safety, identify and change beliefs that are harmful, and to become less stuck in past pain.
Amy Kennel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MS
I joined Lifeworks Professional Counseling in May 2019 to help and support people going through a variety of problems. Since 2005, I have worked in community mental health settings where I did individual and group counseling, and conducted intake assessments. I received a BA in Art Therapy from Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. I received my MS in Mental Health Counseling from Longwood University in Farmville, VA, with honors from the Counseling and Education departments. I was also a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society for Counselor Educators.
The foundation to transformation and healing in therapy relies on mutual trust and respect.​ My past work experience with people in crisis honed my skills in holding space for difficult experiences and painful emotions. I provide encouragement, empathy, understanding, attention and acceptance, and give honest and caring feedback.
Through our work together, you can expect to establish goals and work
meaningfully towards achieving them. Our work may also include challenging
unhelpful thoughts, building and increasing a sense of safety, finding meaning
and purpose, improving your communication and connection with others,
recognizing unhealthy patterns, fostering hope and nourishing change, practicing
new skills, and adopting new habits. ​​You may also notice an improvement in
understanding yourself and expressing your feelings, managing emotions, problem solving, and an increased sense of resilience.
Nickie Dunn
Supervisee in social work, msw
When life feels directionless and overwhelming, taking the first step toward therapy can seem daunting. Perhaps you’re wrestling with feelings of shame, guilt, or fear of judgment, making the idea of being vulnerable even more challenging. You might be questioning whether therapy is truly necessary, or if it would even help at all. These doubts and anxieties are understandable, and they often stem from the very challenges you are hoping to address.
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I provide a supportive and empowering space for teens and young adults facing a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions. My approach is collaborative and strengths-based. I draw from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you develop coping skills, gain self-awareness, and create meaningful change. I believe you are the expert on your own life; my role is to support and guide you on your journey to healing and self-discovery. I recognize that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all, and I tailor my approach to meet your needs and address your unique concerns. Together, we can work to challenge thoughts and relational patterns that are no longer serving you, and create space to step into new ways of thinking and being. I strive to create a therapeutic space that feels safe, affirming, and authentic.
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I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University and currently practice in Virginia as a Supervisee in Social Work. I have completed the 4-day Externship training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) and hold a Reiki Master certification.
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Wherever you are in your journey—seeking deeper connection, healing old wounds, or navigating the joys and challenges of parenting—you don’t have to do it alone. I look forward to walking with you.
My clinical supervisor is Tiffani Ashland, LCSW
Megan Conrad Anaya
Megan Conrad Anaya, MSW, Supervisee in Social Work
Welcome. I offer a caring and supportive space where you can feel safe to share your story, understand what’s holding you back, and take steps toward a more connected and meaningful life.
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My clinical perspective is grounded in attachment theory and the neurobiology of connection. I believe that relationships—whether with partners, caregivers, children, or ourselves—are central to both our wellbeing and our distress. How we connect shapes our nervous systems, our sense of safety, and our capacity to heal.
I specialize in working with couples who feel stuck in painful patterns, disconnected from one another, or unsure how to repair after betrayal or trauma. Together, we focus on rebuilding trust, increasing emotional responsiveness, and restoring a sense of safety and closeness in the relationship.
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I also work with individual adults recovering from complex trauma, family dysfunction, or emotionally and spiritually harmful experiences. Whether you're navigating generational trauma, high-control environments, or subtle forms of abuse, I provide a grounded, compassionate approach to help you process what you've been through and reclaim your sense of self.
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In my work with parents and children (ages 0–14), I help families build stronger bonds through emotional attunement, playful connection, and developmentally appropriate support. I partner with caregivers to better understand their child’s behaviors, respond with confidence, and strengthen the parent-child relationship in ways that support lifelong resilience.
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My approach is trauma-informed and integrates talk therapy, play-based methods, and somatic tools tailored to your needs. I also work with clients exploring questions around belief systems, identity, and values—especially after high-control or spiritually damaging experiences. When desired, I integrate reiki and energy-based practices as part of a holistic treatment plan.