MEET OUR STAFF
Our clinicians serve clients across Virginia with a wide range of specialties. No matter what you’re facing, you’ll find a caring professional ready to support your journey.
Heather Whitney
MA, MSc, LPC, LCMHC, NCC,
OWNER, CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Heather has over 27 years of counseling experience. She has worked in many varied settings, including schools, universities, community mental health clinics, juvenile justice centers, local police force, and forensic settings in the United States, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. She has experience providing Individual counseling, Couples counseling, Family counseling, and Group therapy. She opened her first private practice 25 years ago in Ireland.
Her original experience included working with Children of all ages, Adolescents, and Young Adults. Throughout the years she has also provided Individual, Couples, and Family therapy. Her focus is CBT and mindfulness, and she specializes in Grief, Trauma/PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, she is trained in Complex Trauma and EMDR and is EMDIRIA qualified. She is a state-certified supervisor for professional counselors working towards full licensure in Virginia and Massachusetts. Anam Therapy Counseling is her group practice, and was founded with the goal of assisting all of our clients to live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
Georgia Gibson
Resident in Counseling, MA- LMHP-R
I work with teens, young adults, and women who are navigating today’s stresses while working toward independence and growth. I believe the client is their own expert, and it is my job to walk beside them on their journey of self-discovery. I work with people navigating life’s stresses, helping them build independence, growth, and meaningful change. I aim to meet clients where they are, support them in achieving their goals, and guide them toward a deeper understanding of themselves.
I have experience addressing addiction, trauma, self-esteem, goal planning, and everyday life transitions, and strive to create a supportive space where clients can explore challenges and develop coping skills for lasting growth.I’m trained in CBT, DBT, EMDR, and the STEP parenting training model. I provide trauma-informed talk therapy for clients of all ages.
MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Liberty University
MA Teaching, Webster University
BA Psychology, University of Missouri
Karen Johnston
LPC, MA- LMHP-R
Wherever you are in your life currently and whatever you’ve faced in the past, my philosophy is to meet you right where you are at and work together to find the right tools to set you traveling down the path to a happier and more content future. Sometimes this may be using CBT techniques and other times that may be exploring the past and patterns that have developed over time due to past trauma or abuse. I believe in using an eclectic approach in counseling because one size does not fit all. Everyone is different and individual and counseling should be designed for each individual, working together to meet you where you are and explore the best ways to help you attain your goals.
I received my masters degree in counseling from Regent University in 2014 and am currently a resident in counseling working towards full licensure as an LPC. I’m open to clients of all ages and specialize in adolescents/young adults, military members and their families and people who have experienced trauma in their lives. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression or if life has just gotten overwhelming for you, we can work together to uncover new ways to cope with the stressors of life. You are not alone in whatever you may be going through. Reaching out for support is the first step along that journey. I look forward to speaking with you, and joining you as you embark upon this journey.
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Regent University
Cindy Dehne
Resident in Counseling, M.Ed-LMHP-R
Cindy obtained a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from William & Mary. She is client-centered and committed to helping clients achieve their goals. She is an U.S. Army veteran and served in both the Army Active and Reserve Components. She enjoys working with adults of all ages who are navigating daily challenges and life transitions and the military and veteran community. As a military veteran, she is familiar with the unique challenges that the military, veterans, and their families face.
She is dedicated to helping people change their lives, heal previous trauma, and navigate barriers preventing them from achieving their goals. Her goal is to empower clients through a strengths-based, person-centered approach. She also has experience helping clients navigate grief, depression, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and she has experience implementing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. She will tailor interventions based on your unique
needs, issues, and goals.
M.Ed. Clinical Mental Health Counseling-Military/Veterans Counseling, William & Mary
Avivah Knowles
LPC, NCC, CCTP-II, CIMHP
I offer consultations and assessments individually or in tandem with your current team within my scope of practice. Please see the areas listed below.
I'm a Gen X, bicoastal individual from a military family, with professional roots in business, education, and healthcare. I began my counseling career in 2009 and have worked in Residential placements, Community Counseling, Crisis On-Call & Response, and Professional Education. As a Certified Somatic Therapy Foundations Practitioner and a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional, I believe that focusing on the mind-body connection is essential to healing. Many I support enter counseling with roadblocks due to trauma, human connections, or chronic illness. Additionally, I can provide support across belief systems within the areas of religious/faith abuse, exploration, & deconstruction; and experiences in high-control groups. I follow an eclectic model tailored to what you feel will be best for your journey. Primary models include Somatic Therapy, ACT, and Integrative/Holistic Therapy, and T.I.S.T. for trauma. Therapy sessions also include the ability to offer a Pastoral Counseling element supporting all religions, practices, and belief systems (including the philosophies of Atheism and Agnosticism).
Education:
B.S. Religion, Liberty University
M.A.R. Religion: Pastoral Counseling, Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Messiah University
Populations Served:
Teen, Adult, Geriatric, Individual, Couples
Assessments – All ages
Certifications:
Trauma: CCTP,-II CATP, CFTP
Personality Disorders: C-PD, NATC
Other: Anger Management (CSAM), Shame-Informed Treatment (CSTS), Autism Clinical Specialist (ASDCS), Mental Health & Nutrition Clinical Specialist (CMNCS)
Certified Somatic Therapy Foundations Practitioner (CSTFP)
Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMPH)
Mood Disorder Professional (CMDP)
Certificates:
Women's Mental Health Specialist
Holistic Mental Health Specialist
Affirmative Care Specialist
Trina Webb
Resident in Counseling, MA
Trina is in the process of obtaining a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walsh University. She has a passion for working with children and families and is a strong advocate for her clients. She works with children and teens to manage today's stressors, manage anxiety and depression, and to help them feel happier and more satisfied with their lives. Trina works with children ages 4-18 years old and specializes in working with foster children and cps involved families. She will be providing Individual Counseling services, Couples Counseling, and Facilitating Groups including DBT and emotion management for children and teens.
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Walsh University
Sandra Yanes
Intern
Hi, I am Sandra Yanes, and I am currently obtaining a Master's in Clinical Counseling with Adults and Children. I work with all Ages. With over 16 years of experience supporting children and their families across multiple counties and diverse settings, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of connection, empathy, and play. My work has spanned schools, community programs, and clinical environments, deepening my understanding of the emotional needs of both children and their caregivers.
Recognizing a growing need for accessible, child-centered therapy, I provide a virtual therapeutic play platform that meets children where they are, whether online or in person. Through therapeutic play, I help children express themselves, build resilience, and navigate challenges in a safe, nurturing space. I also work closely with parents, offering guidance and therapeutic support to strengthen family dynamics and promote healing at home. I also provide PCIT services to enhance the relationship between the child and parent and to decrease meltdowns and behavioral issues at home and in the community. Whether you're seeking support for your child, yourself, or your family, my approach is rooted in compassion, creativity, and a deep commitment to helping every client thrive.
I specialize in providing Individual Counseling, Couples Counseling, Family Therapy, Therapeutic Play with children, as well as PCIT and Facilitating Groups, including social skills and emotion management for children and Teens.
“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation" – Plato.
Ibrahim Tairou
Intern
Ibrahim is a warm and dedicated MSW Intern from Grand Canyon University, offering telehealth services to individuals and couples of all ages. He is passionate about helping others create meaningful change in their lives and focuses on understanding emotions, behaviors, and the connections between them. Ibrahim is committed to advocating for vulnerable populations, promoting social justice, and supporting overall community well-being. He strives to provide a safe, empathetic space where clients can explore, grow, and heal.
Address
In-Person Address: 3330 Bourbon Street,
Suite 107 & 108,
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
Billing Address: 4700 Leeward Ct,
Chesapeake, VA 23321
Connect
Virtual counseling across Virginia