Naglaa Moussa, LPC (Founder)
Everyone is unique, therefore, I get to work with individuals in therapeutic, supportive, and collaborative approaches that are tailored depending on their needs. My focus in therapy is to ensure that you integrate deep-rooted insights and self-awareness into your behaviors patterns, along with a stable though process and emotional reactions. In therapy, I will assist you to process difficult life experience in order to increase your sense of control over your choices, healing from past hurts, resolving life issues, developing coping strategies, and overcoming obstacles.
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Virginia. My areas of expertise consist of depression, anxiety, self-esteem, suicidal ideation, codependency, addictions, divorce, relationship issues, family conflict, marital problems, parenting, spirituality, coping skills, Christian counseling, intellectual disability, and acculturation.
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I also enjoy working with different populations from diverse backgrounds, including Arab populations due to my fluency in speaking, reading, writing and understanding of the Arabic language, along with knowledge about Middle Eastern culture.
Melissa Addessi, LPC
Sonya Vanessa Quiroz, LPC-r
The only thing that is certain about life is change. Along with life can various transitions that can come with certain obstacles and challenges. Without the knowledge or tools how to navigate them, and most importantly, support, it can feel even more difficult. That’s where therapy can become a guiding light. My goal is to foster emotional well-being and personal growth with a holistic approach through a multicultural lens. That being said, there is no blanket statement and each client will be looked at individually for their unique strengths and abilities with a client-centered approach. As a counselor, I firmly believe a collaborative, trauma informed approach helps empower the client and is the best route towards successful outcomes. I aim to be honest, open and transparent with all my clients. I encourage clients to provide continuous feedback to ensure best quality of care.
I am EMDR trained and have experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, addiction, mood disorders, and life adjustments. A few evidence-based interventions I frequently use are cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and expressive arts therapy. I do my best to filter each approach through a trauma informed and multicultural lens.
Valeria Cuzzi-Marruffo, LPC-r
I have always said that treatment is not one-size-fits-all and must be tailored for the person and their needs. It is also essential to build genuine trust and a safe space for a client aiming to better their sense of wellbeing. As a resident in counseling, my focus is to allow room for vulnerability, genuineness, and empathy.
I am a resident in counseling in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I graduated with my M.Ed. in Counselor Education specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Ohio University. I am experienced in cognitive behavioral theory (CBT) and psychodynamic approaches to work with trauma-related disorders, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, conduct disorders, relationship issues, self-esteem, and phase-of-life problems. I am EMDR trained to further expand treatment for trauma related disorders
I believe being a counselor is an extension of oneself, so I always ensure a sense of genuineness in the therapy room. I work with all different groups, including young adults and adults. I am also experienced working with diverse backgrounds culturally and socioeconomically. Coming from a Hispanic/Latinx background myself, I am fluent in English and Spanish, allowing me to work diligently with individuals from the same background.
Kelly Kramer, LPC-r
As a resident in counseling, I’m committed to helping people who have experienced trauma in their life, people who are looking for someone to help them make sense of what has happened to them, or people who feel like they have no one to turn to for support. I have experience working with adults and adolescents who have experienced single instance and chronic trauma, interpersonal trauma, childhood/developmental trauma, domestic violence, sexual trauma, and relationship concerns.
My approach is an integrated cognitive behavioral and experiential approach. I am trained in EMDR through EMDRIA-Approved training, an evidence-based therapy that reprocesses traumatic memories and decreases symptom severity, as well as a certified Facilitator of Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), which allows for facilitating opportunities for you to create felt experiences and decision-making in your own body. I am currently offering Trauma Sensitive Yoga in individual and group settings.
My goal is to support and work collaboratively with you to better cope with everyday stressors, as well as to learn and process your trauma. I believe in the client being in charge of their own therapy experience, and I’m passionate about validating and uplifting you to be more independent and fully experiencing your own life.
Nadia Mihai, LPC-r
I believe in the value of therapy and am passionate about helping individuals overcome their challenges and achieve their full potential. Through a combination of empathy, active listening, and evidence-based techniques, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment to empower clients to explore their feelings and work toward lasting change. I am dedicated to helping people lead fulfilling and joyful lives.
Sometimes, our life may seem out of balance, whether the issues pertain to home, relationships, or work. My focus is to help you find the peace and joy you need. I have expertise in treating low self-esteem, depression, behavioral problems, ADHD, and anxiety. My style is supportive, empathic, nonjudgmental, and collaborative, respecting your needs and preferences. I will promote solution-focused strategies to help you achieve your goals.
My training allows me to provide therapy to individuals of all ages, couples, and families. As an immigrant, I can relate to individuals struggling with adapting to a new culture and personal experiences and help you learn how to deal with them. I am fluent in Brazilian Portuguese and can assist clients who prefer a therapist who speaks their native language.
Sharon Jones, LPC
Living a life with more joy and fulfillment is truly possible for you. With a full heart, I will walk with you to develop a healthier sense of self, nurture positive behavioral and thought patterns that leads to personal growth and healing. My personal model of therapy integrates your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while providing a way for you to drive your therapy sessions to a place where you feel acknowledged and empowered. As a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Virginia, my core competencies center around my work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
With more than 24 years of counselling experience, I have worked with issues such as attention deficit, depression, anxiety, abuse, relationships, parenting, grief, Christian counseling, obsessive compulsive behaviors, self-esteem, coping skills, suicidal ideation, personality disorders, pre-marital counseling, and traumatic events such as PTSD, abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault.
I believe that individuals and families deserve support and care to make changes in areas that will lead them to stand with confidence in their choices while moving beyond past hurts, choices, and circumstances. I cherish the opportunity to offer a listening ear while sharing insight and thoughtful guidance as clients navigate their way to healthier and more life fulfilling outcomes.
Alessia McIntosh, LPC-i
Marion Burke, LPC-r
Painful past experiences and current life stressors can tremendously impact our mental health, challenge our relationships with others, and affect our sense of self. We often have to find strategies to adapt and survive difficult circumstances of disconnection, criticism, invalidation, and trauma. Without realizing it, we may develop beliefs about ourselves that are limiting and self-defeating, and we continue to operate from old patterns long after they have stopped serving us. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, empathic, and nonjudgmental space for you to share, learn, grow, and heal. I am passionate about helping others break negative and self-destructive patterns, overcome their challenges, and lead healthier, happier lives.
My therapeutic approach is based on authenticity, compassion, and connection, as I believe healing takes place through our genuine, growth-fostering relationships with others. I use a person-centered holistic style in counseling to meet clients’ needs, and I have experience with trauma-related disorders, anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, PTSD, low self-esteem, family-of-origin issues, relationship concerns/domestic violence, as well as sexual trauma.
I am a resident in counseling, and I hold a M.Ed. in Counseling and Human Development specializing in Mental Health Counseling. I am also a Licensed Applied Psychologist as well as a Board Certified Coach. I enjoy working with a diverse population of adults of all ages and from various cultural/socioeconomic backgrounds. I am familiar with the military community due to my own experiences as an Army wife. As an immigrant from Germany, I have knowledge of the German culture; I am fluent in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding the German language.
Ruth Gahsu, LPC-r
Supporting you on your journey toward healing and personal growth is my deepest commitment. I strive to create a warm, empathetic environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy and collaboration, recognizing it as a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and growth. My goal is to walk alongside you, offering support and understanding as you navigate your emotions and experiences. My expertise includes working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
I believe in the significance of the biopsychosocial model, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of biological, psychological, and social factors in shaping mental health. This holistic perspective allows me to understand and address the complex elements of your life, integrating emotional, physical, and environmental influences into our work together.
With a multicultural background, I offer a rich, nuanced perspective, particularly sensitive to the unique challenges and strengths that come with navigating multiple cultural identities. This experience enhances my work, enabling me to provide a more inclusive and understanding approach to therapy. I utilize evidence-based, client-centered methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Holistic Therapy, and Mindfulness. What truly guides me is a deep respect for your unique story and perspective.
My experience includes working with a range of issues such as anxiety, relationship challenges, parenting, grief, Christian counseling, self-esteem, adjustment disorders, coping skills, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Additionally, being bilingual in English and Tigrinya has allowed me to serve the Eritrean/Ethiopian community in Northern Virginia, providing a range of clinical services to support their mental health and well-being.
I firmly believe in the power of connection and understanding. My aim is to be a supportive guide as you navigate life’s complexities and work towards a more meaningful and balanced existence.
Nina Garland, LPC-r
With experience working with clients of all ages, I have worked with conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, adjustment disorder, and bipolar disorder. Using therapeutic methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, I collaborate closely with individuals to help them define and achieve their personal goals. It’s truly a privilege to be a part of each client’s journey toward healing and fulfillment, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Elisabeth Baker, LPC-r
The process of healing and recovery can be a daunting experience. But with every challenge and every hardship, comes an opportunity for growth and transformation into a stronger and healthier version of oneself. I firmly believe in the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to explore their emotions, while still being able to develop healthy coping mechanisms and positive mindsets. I believe in caring for the whole person, tending to the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of the individual in need.
I am currently a resident in counseling in Virginia and have received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Franciscan University of Steubenville. I have experience working with adults and children, but especially enjoy working with children and teenagers. I have worked with children & families in trauma, as well as provided individual counseling and group therapy in educational settings.
I provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I specialize in self-esteem issues, behavioral problems, trauma-related disorders, anxiety and depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, Christian counseling, eating disorders, attachment disorders, and adjustment disorders.
I am here to walk with you, your child, or your family, as you embark on your journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. Together, we can work towards creating positive change and achieving a greater sense of well-being.
Basma Armanious, LPC-i
Feeling like you’re living a life that isn’t truly yours? Struggling to find your purpose, feeling lonely, stressed, or anxious as a result? I can guide you through these thoughts and emotions to find harmony and fulfillment in your life. My unique journey, transitioning from a 20-year career in dentistry to finding my purpose in counseling, provides me with a distinct perspective. As an Egyptian-American Christian, I intimately understand the challenges of cultural assimilation, offering a diverse and empathetic outlook to my clients. My dedication to helping others find purpose and satisfaction extends beyond my clinical practice through my involvement in mission trips to Greece, Egypt, India, and Nepal, where I’ve provided physical and emotional support to underserved communities.
My therapeutic approach is influenced by my experience in patient care, as well as my roles as a mother and wife. Additionally, I have received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I am passionate about working with individuals of all ages and specialize in assisting clients with managing stress, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, self-shame, and negative self-talk. My holistic approach is designed to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can freely explore their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. Through identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and developing effective coping strategies, I aim to empower my clients to take charge of their mental health and cultivate a resilient, positive mindset to find satisfaction and purpose in life. Fluent in both English and Arabic, I am dedicated to providing empathetic, culturally sensitive care that respects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of my clients.
Sandra Hiatt, LPC-r
Healing difficult experiences from the past, managing the stress life throws at you and trying to become the best version of yourself doesn’t have to be done without support. As a therapist my goal is to help my clients become the best versions of themselves through an accepting and compassionate lens. My expertise includes trauma, anxiety, ADHD, women’s and minority issues, and life transitions. I have experience working with individuals (9+), couples and families, as a bilingual therapist, I can facilitate sessions in English and Spanish.
The work I do with my clients includes providing tools for processing and understanding trauma, improving communications, healing difficult relationship dynamics, resolving conflict and improving self-identity.
I believe in a judgment-free, holistic, person-centered approach. This means I adapt to the needs of my clients and work with their perspectives and lived experiences to improve wellness. Together, we work as a team to navigate symptoms, set goals, and enhance understanding and self-acceptance. With the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Trauma focused therapy (TFCBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness practice, I guide my clients towards improvements in their mental health journey. Together, my clients will feel empowered to manage the challenges in their life and experience a sense of wellness both mentally and physically.
Shaunda Thompson, LPC-i
Guided by the wisdom of vincit qui se vincit — “he who conquers himself conquers” — clients in my care embark on a journey of self-mastery, turning inward to overcome internal challenges while pursuing meaningful personal and professional growth. I have experience working with children, adolescents, men and women in early, middle age to late adulthood. Working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, I bring an inclusive and holistic perspective to issues ranging from career transitions and Christian counseling to self-esteem, life phases, grief, and anxiety. With certifications in the Strong Interest Inventory, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and CliftonStrengths, I am well-equipped to help clients gain a clear, actionable
understanding of their unique strengths and potential. These assessments, combined with my background as a Counseling Intern, enable me to guide clients toward making purposeful decisions that resonate deeply with their authentic selves. My approach is both collaborative and client-centered, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused, creative therapy, and spiritually-based counseling. By tailoring these evidence-based interventions to each individual, I empower clients to unlock inner strengths, set intentional goals, and embrace transitions with confidence and clarity. I am dedicated to creating a therapeutic space grounded in openness and mutual respect. Together, we aim to conquer internal barriers, transforming
challenges into powerful opportunities for growth and building a resilient foundation for lifelong self-discovery, purpose, and fulfillment.
Wahida Talukder, LPC-r
Embarking on a career as a Licensed Professional Counselor Resident (LPC-R) in the Commonwealth of Virginia, I am passionate about guiding individuals towards mental wellness and personal growth. My counseling philosophy is grounded in the belief that effective therapy is a collaborative journey, uniquely tailored to each client’s specific needs and experiences.
I completed my MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Texas Permian Basin. My therapeutic toolkit includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic approaches, which I employ to address a range of mental health concerns including trauma-related disorders, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem challenges, and phase-of-life problems. Additionally, I am certified in play therapy, expanding my ability to work effectively with younger clients.
My practice focuses on creating a safe, empathetic space where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and emotions. I work primarily with young adults and adults from diverse backgrounds, always striving to understand and respect each individual’s unique life experiences and cultural context.
As a counselor, I believe in bringing my authentic self to each session, fostering genuine connections with my clients. This approach allows for a therapeutic relationship built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect. My goal is to empower clients to develop coping strategies, gain self-awareness, and work towards their personal goals for improved mental health and overall well-being.
Joining the team at Renewal of the Mind, I am excited to contribute to a community dedicated to fostering mental health and supporting individuals on their path to personal renewal and growth.
