Clinicians

Carla Batenga, LCSW

Carla Batenga, LCSW

• Philosophy: Carla believes in empowering individuals to help them work through issues in their lives. By utilizing a collaborative approach she helps individuals determine what areas of their lives they wish to change. As a Personal Life Coach, she will work with you in identifying goals and shifting your perceptions in order to create positive changes. Whether you are feeling stuck, struggling with stress, having interpersonal relationship struggles, having marital or parenting issues, she gives you her non-judgmental attention and will keep you focused on your goals.
  
• Education and Training: After receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Marymount University in 1994, she spent the past 21 years wearing different hats and working in a variety of settings with individuals from various backgrounds, ages and life situations. Carla had the unique experience of working at nonprofit agencies right out of graduate school starting as a case manager and eventually as Executive Director. She worked as a social worker and later opened her own home to foster children as a volunteer foster parent. This journey provided her the opportunity to see things from a variety of perspective while experiencing personal and spiritual growth. Carla’s education also includes a Master's Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a licensed clinical social worker with certifications as a Personal Life Coach, Parenting Coach and Executive Coach.
• Clinical Areas of Expertise: By utilizing various approaches to include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Systems and Client Focused Approaches, she works with every individual's potential to improve their quality of life.
• Services offered: Carla offers psychotherapy of children and adults. Making the decision to pursue therapy is not an easy task. It takes courage to take that one step towards finding a healthier, more fulfilling life. Carla welcomes the opportunity to take this journey with you.
• Favorite quote: “When you arrive at a fork on the road, take it.” - Yogi Berra
  

Lise Klerekoper, LCSW

Lise Klerekoper, LCSW, MAC

• Philosophy: By nature, all individuals possess strength and resiliency & are not only capable of making positive life changes, but can sustain that change with support, internal motivation and utilization of tools learned in therapy. We all have the desire to live healthy and productive lives, but at times, face challenges. A positive, validating and accepting relationship with a therapist can be an invaluable opportunity to focus on developing insight and awareness into past and present issues, & learning new skills. At the initial visit, Lise's goal is to establish rapport, & discover what challenges brought a client to seek therapy at this time, determine goals & expectations, & set a preliminary framework for future sessions. Therapeutic techniques can be adapted to short or long-term goals, depending on the needs and interests of the client.
• Education and Training: Lise has been a licensed clinical social worker in Virginia for over 20 years, & received both a BA & BS from Shepherd University, & her MSW from The University of Maryland. In addition, she's a professional member of ADDA, the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, as well as NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. Lise is a certified Master Addiction Counselor by the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCCAP). Lise has a keen understanding as to how ADHD affects clients, & how to develop paths to overall improved functioning. She recognizes the common challenges with time-blindness, poor working memory, inattention, disorganization, & impulsivity, & works with clients in creating strategies for improved life manageability. At the same time, Lise helps identify and build on a client's clear but sometimes unacknowledged strengths. Assistance with navigating the school & college systems to seek appropriate accommodations for improved learning & performance is available.
  
• Clinical Areas of Expertise: Lise has extensive experience working w/ ADHD, substance abuse, grief/loss/life transitions, women's issues, mood disorders, LGBT issues, & chronic illness & pain. Lise has particular interest & expertise in substance use and co-occurring disorders, & assisting clients & families in moving forward on a path of recovery.
• Services offered: Lise primarily sees adolescent & adults in individual therapy, though will periodically include others in the counseling process as part of treating the whole person. Treatment modalities vary, & include relational, family systems, CBT/DBT, brief, & solution focused therapies. Comprehensive assessments for those facing consequences for substance related offenses is available.
• Favorite quote: “Most of our insecurities in life come from comparing our behind the scenes to everyone else's highlight reel." - Steve Furtick

Marybelle Krzyzkowski, LCSW

Marybelle Krzyzkowski, LCSW

• Philosophy: Marybelle believes that a supportive, honest, positive approach brings about positive change.
• Education and Training: Marybelle earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina and her Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Houston. Marybelle is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with over 17 years of experience. Marybelle has experience in many areas of care, including psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, residential, group homes and outpatient services. Marybelle has recently completed Level 3 training in Gottman Couples Therapy.
• Clinical Areas of Expertise: Marybelle works with mood disorders, relationship issues, behavior problems, coping with general life stressors and transitions.
• Services offered: Marybelle offers psychotherapy to children, adolescents, individuals and couples.
  
• Favorite quote: "Don't forget- no one else sees the world the way you do, so no one else can tell the stories that you have to tell." - Charles de Lint
  

Ed Lucas, LPC, LMFT

Ed Lucas, LPC, LMFT

• Philosophy: Ed Lucas believes in the intrinsic worth and value of each individual and that treatment should be approached from the perspective of addressing the whole person (i.e. mind, body, and spirit), in a concise, effective, and non-judgmental manner.
  
• Education and Training: Ed earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southwestern University, his Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from East Texas State University, and was trained in the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in 1992 by its founder, Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. Ed is licensed as a Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist, with over 40 years of experience working with adolescents and adults.
• Clinical Areas of Expertise:  Ed specializes in working with depression, anxiety, PTSD, unresolved grief, behavioral issues, relational problems, and toxic shame, using a collaborative client-centered approach that includes supportive, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, EMDR, and insight-oriented strategies.
• Services offered: Ed offers psychotherapy to adolescents and individuals. If and when someone is in search of and requesting Christian Counseling, Ed is able to provide this service based on his 20 years of experience with a nationally known counseling group.
• Favorite quote: "Deserve is Satan's favorite word."  - Dr. Chris Thurman

Molly Mastoras, LPC

Molly Mastoras, LPC

• Philosophy: As both a pyschotherapist and psychometrist, Molly utilizes a person-centered approach. She aims to provide a safe place to explore thoughts, feelings, and abilities, and works to empower clients to enact positive change. 
  
• Education and Training: Molly is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia. She earned her master's degree in Counseling Psychology at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA and her bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of New Hampshire. Molly completed her graduate internship providing counseling and advocacy services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Boston area.  In Northern Virginia, Molly has worked in child welfare, as both a therapist and program administrator for a residential treatment program, and as a therapist in private practice.  Molly has worked as a psychometrist for DCBHS since 2013, providing both psychological and neuropsychological testing services under the supervision of  DCBHS licensed clinical psychologists.
  
• Clinical Areas of Expertise:  Molly has worked extensively with adolescents, adults, and couples in therapy on a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, relational issues, life transitions, and parenting.  She is trained to provide clinical supervision to clinicians working towards LPC licensure. Molly enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults as a psychometrist. 
• Services offered: Molly provides psychometric services including administration and scoring of psychological and neuropsychological tests and writing psychological evaluations. She also provides counseling services to a limited number of clients.
• Favorite quote: "The beginning of wisdom is calling things by their proper name." - Confucius

Damon Saunders, LCSW

Damon Saunders, LCSW

• Philosophy: Damon believes in using a variety of techniques designed to meet the needs of each client.  He places strong emphasis on building a strong therapeutic relationship with all new patients, confidentiality, genuineness and self determination.
• Education and Training: Damon Saunders received his Bachelor of Social Work degree from George Mason University. He then completed his graduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University receiving a Master's degree in Social Work. Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Saunders worked in Child Welfare for 9 years with an emphasis on child abuse and neglect. In that time, he gained a knowledge base in family dynamics, effective communication, and human behavior, as he worked in the home environment with adolescents and their families.  Mr. Saunders credits his years in child welfare as valuable and instrumental with his transition into psychotherapy.  
• Clinical Areas of Expertise: Mr. Saunders specializes in depression, anxiety, anger management, parent-child conflict, marital problems, life-stressors, men's issues, past trauma and work related issues. Treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Client Centered, Psychodynamic, and Solution Focused Therapy.
• Services offered: Mr. Saunders is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who practices individual, group, and family therapy with adolescents and adults.
• Favorite quote: "Everything you want is on the other side of fear" - Jack Canfield.

Patricia Schott, LCSW

Patricia Schott, LCSW

• Philosophy: Patricia believes the best way to help someone is to focus on their strengths, and to help support them as they develop tools and strategies to achieve their goals. One of the main modalities that Patricia uses is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which provides a safe and non-judgmental environment, and it will encourage one to make positive changes in their life. Patricia also assists clients in developing an Individual Treatment Plan, and this is designed to find solutions, and restore balance to their life.
  
• Education and Training: Patricia received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Rutgers University and her Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University. She has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia since 1993. Patricia has worked in a variety of Clinical settings, including residential treatment facilities; inpatient settings; and foster care services. She has also had specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Internal Family Systems; Dialectical Behavioral Skills; Psychoeducational Techniques; Couples Counseling- Dr. Gottman Training. 
  
• Clinical Areas of Expertise: Patricia specializes in Mood Disorders; History of Abuse; Behavior Problems; Anxiety; Depression; PTSD; Family Therapy; ADHD; Relationship Issues; Mindfulness Techniques; Stress Management.
  
• Services offered: Patricia provides services to adolescents and adults ages 13 and up. She offers Individual Therapy, Family Therapy, and Couples Counseling, as well as Clinical Supervision for aspiring therapists.
  
• Favorite quote: “Life isn’t about finding yourself- life is about creating yourself. “ - George Bernard Shaw

Nicholas Searle, LPC

Nicholas Searle, LPC

• Philosophy: Nicholas believes that all individuals have their own personal goals, however, sometimes mental health and problem behaviors can get in the way of accomplishing them. Nicholas aims to help individuals understand their thoughts, feelings and behaviors and will assist them in finding more appropriate and effective ways of getting their needs met. This includes teaching new skills and assisting families in creating environments in which all members feel they can be successful.
  
• Education and Training: Nicholas is a board certified licensed professional counselor and has been working in the mental health field for over 10 years. He is originally from England and completed his undergraduate in Psychology and Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Wales, Swansea. Nicholas then moved to the US and completed a Post-graduate Certificate in Positive Behavior Support at the University of South Florida and a Post-Master’s Licensure Certificate in community counseling at George Mason University. Nicholas has completed training in a variety of domains, including grief and trauma focused cognitive behavior therapy, attachment, regulation and competency (ARC) and a Professional EEG Neurofeedback Certificate Program. For the last 7 years Nicholas has worked as intensive in-home therapist, supporting children and adolescents with severe social, emotional and behavioral challenges.
  
• Clinical Areas of Expertise: Nicholas uses a variety of evidence-based practices in his work, including cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), positive behavior support (PBS) and attachment, regulation, competency (ARC). Nicholas tailors each intervention to the individual and works collaboratively with clients to identify goals that are realistic and achievable. Nicholas works with a range of issues, including mood and anxiety disorders, trauma and behavioral problems.
  
• Services offered: Nicholas provides individual and group therapy for children and adolescents. In addition to this he assists those with parent-child conflict and provides parent support and guidance.
• Favorite quote: “There is no such thing as failure, only feedback.” - Michael J. Gelb
  

Lawrence D. Smith Sr., Ed.D., LPC

Lawrence D. Smith Sr., Ed.D., LPC

• Philosophy: Dr. Smith believes that building a trusting relationship is essential in establishing the foundation necessary for positive therapeutic change. This is accomplished through unconditional positive regard, empathic listening, and genuineness in a safe environment. In short, the individual(s) sitting across from you must know and believe that you have their best interest at heart.
• Education and Training: Dr. Smith earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology from James Madison University and a Master’s degree in School Psychology from the College of William and Mary before embarking on his career in mental health. After working in the field for 12-years, Dr. Smith returned to college at Old Dominion University completing the pre-requisite requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Professional School Counselor. Dr. Smith later completed a Doctorate degree, with high distinction, in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Human Growth and Development at Regent University. Dr. Smith’s career spans nearly 25-years with experience working in children/adolescent residential treatment facilities, the K-12 public school sector, community mental health, higher education and private practice.
  
• Clinical Areas of Expertise:  Utilizing primarily a cognitive behavioral therapeutic approach with a person centered focus, Dr. Smith specializes with children/adolescents between the ages of 5- 18 years of age. Dr. Smith’s decades of experience with this population in multiple settings allow for various approaches in attaining treatment plan goals, in addition to therapeutic objectives. Dr. Smith has clinical expertise in addressing concerns related to depression, anxiety, ADHD, anger management, oppositional defiance, school difficulties, stress management, low self-esteem, interpersonal problems and grief/loss.
• Services offered: Individual, group and family therapy.
• Favorite quote: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela 

Brandon Tolley, LPC

Brandon Tolley, LPC

• Philosophy: Brandon believes in an existential humanistic approach to therapy as well as cognitive behavioral therapy approach. Individualized treatment plans are made for each patient to fit personalized needs.
• Education and Training: Brandon earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from George Mason University as well as his Master’s in education, with a concentration on community agency counseling. He is a certified Connect Attachment group facilitator. Brandon has worked in almost every clinical setting including hospitals, group homes, and residential care facilities.
• Clinical Areas of Expertise:  Brandon specializes in working with children, adolescents’ and adults who suffer from symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, behavioral issues, relational problems, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and video game addiction.
• Services offered: Brandon offers individual, group, and family therapy. Sibling sessions are also conducted.
• Favorite quote: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way” – Viktor Frankl

Kim Wiley, LPC

Kim Wiley, LPC

• Philosophy: Kim’s goal in therapy is to assist individuals and families in feeling they are in a safe and supportive environment while implementing changes in their lives. Kim considers herself a person-centered therapist who collaborates with her clients and utilizes multiple therapeutic modalities such as mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy, and hypnosis, among others.
• Education and Training: Kim has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland and a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Bowie State University. Kim has worked in the mental health field for over 11 years in various positions in community mental health and private practice. She is a licensed counselor in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Kim recently became certified in hypnosis as well.
• Clinical Areas of Expertise: She has extensive experience in the areas of Anxiety, Depression, Fears/Phobias, PTSD, Substance Use, Women’s issues, Relationship issues, Mindfulness-Based Stress Management, Anger issues, Adolescent and Teen issues.
• Services offered: Kim works with adults, teens and adolescents in individual therapy.
• Favorite quote: “Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” - John Wayne