Grief counselors and therapists in Virginia

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who focuses on treating acute and relational trauma with teens, individuals, and couples. I have been working as a psychotherapist for over 15 years. I believe that we heal in relationship to another, rather than trying to do it all alone. My style is warm, attentive and an active participant in your healing journey.

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“If you’re ready to heal, reduce stress, and rediscover your peace, you’re in the right place. Be intentional about your healing journey so you can live the life you deserve.”

I’m Annetta Thomas, owner and psychotherapist of Purposely BE, LLC (PBLLC). I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), mental health advocate, life coach, and proud mother to a princess. My journey to becoming a therapist was both personal and purposeful. Though I once imagined becoming a doctor, my true calling emerged when I discovered the power of psychology and healing. I believe that resilience and healing are within reach for everyone.

I consider it a privilege to hold space for others during their most vulnerable moments. My goal is to help clients rediscover peace, clarity, and confidence as they navigate life’s challenges.

I have over 8 1/2 years of experience helping adults, children, and families learn how to heal and grow from dysfunction, trauma, addiction, and mental health issues of all kinds. I have worked with people from ages 3-80 years old so I have a multitude of experiences with all kinds of mental health issues including (trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, LGBTQIA+ related issues, and more). I am a licensed marriage and family therapist who has worked in community mental health and online.

My name is Amanda, and my practice was founded based on the power of connection, empathy, and grace. I really believe in the therapeutic relationship and enjoy walking alongside my clients. My background is social work, as I have truly always valued helping people. I received my bachelor’s degree in social work, as well as my master’s degree in social work. I have experience working within the hospital setting, within community mental health, within the court and administrative system, as well as working within the health department. Additionally, I have experience working within residential treatment settings, working with high acuity clients. My true passion is mental health, and I am blessed to be able to focus my intentions on helping to serve clients in my community. . I enjoy working with clients on a variety of areas that include anxiety, depression, life adjustment, relationships, family dynamics, trauma, and obsessive compulsive disorder.

I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner for over 5 years, and I am also a board certified adult nurse practitioner for over 12 years. I began my nursing career graduating from university of MD with my bachelors, and then attended Johns Hopkins University for my masters. I decided to further my education by attending Brandman University to obtain my Doctorate and psychiatric mental health certification in 2018.

Although I have a wide range of professional experience ranging from maternal/family health and parenting, to grief and trauma, my focus usually gravitates towards trauma, as it tends to be an underlying unaddressed symptom behind many different presentations. I believe everyone will be, at some point in their life, in need of help and because of this, everyone is thus also deserving of it. Unbiased, without judgement or fear of retaliation or criticism- just the ability to let go in a safe, trusting space. With my practice, you set the course- and I will provide the tools and support to get us there.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience providing evidence-based mental health services to adolescents, adults, couples, families, and elite athletes. Help athletes in their mental skills and performance.

My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and goal-oriented, helping clients develop practical strategies to overcome challenges while building resilience and lasting emotional well-being.

I earned my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Puerto Rico and have worked across outpatient mental health, crisis intervention, community behavioral health, and professional sports. I currently serve as a Mental Health Team Counselor with the Baltimore Orioles organization, where I support professional athletes in managing stress, anxiety, performance demands, life transitions, and overall psychological wellness.

My clinical experience includes treating anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment disorders, relationship concerns, grief and loss, stress management, self-esteem, and life transitions. I integrate evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy, and strengths-based interventions, tailoring treatment to each client’s unique goals and needs.

I believe that meaningful change begins with a trusting therapeutic relationship. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, empowered, and equipped with the tools they need to thrive both personally and professionally.

I have over 10 years of experience in a wide variety of clinical settings since obtaining my Master's degree and becoming a licensed clinician. I use a client centered approach that draws from my training in cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention, and a trauma-informed approach. I have worked with people struggling with addictions, a wide variety of anxiety related difficulties, ADHD, depression, and some bodily focused repetitive behaviors. I also have experience working with couples to address relationship needs.