Meet Our Therapists
— Frederick Buechne
Waller Thompson, LPC, SEP
Co-Founder
No one gets through this life without overwhelm, and even trauma at some point, yet few of us have the necessary resources and skills to navigate these rough waters without support, help, or guidance at some point.
I have made it my life’s work to hone these skills and become knowledgeable in how to support people through times like these. I was lucky enough to have several amazing guides along the way and this is one small way that I express my gratitude in the world for those times when I felt so lost and needed heartful and mindful companionship.
I began my career as a school psychologist serving the very young (0-7) and their families. I discovered how much I enjoyed providing therapy, so I went on to get my doctorate in counseling and eventually started my own private practice. However, I never strayed far from education. I’ve taught at the college graduate and undergraduate levels, worked as a consultant in schools, started a Waldorf School, and also taught parent-toddler classes. These days I mostly do psychotherapy with adults, but hold a special place in my heart and room in my practice for young children, babies and their parents, as well.
I am honored to walk beside so many brave souls who have made the decision to turn and face their demons, be it trauma, self-judgment, or failed relationships, and then support them in their journey towards health and healing. I have been on this path myself, have done the hard work of change, and literally felt the transformative changes that happen when I befriended both my mind and body.
I was the veteran of many years of talk therapy which was helpful in patching me back together and allowing me to function pretty well in the world. I knew, however, something was missing but didn’t understand that I needed to invite my body, my nervous system, into the conversation.
I came to understand that healing takes place in the here and now, so I needed to do my personal work in the present moment. That was when the real healing began for me. I understood a lot before and I was very successful in my life, but I didn’t feel it on the inside. I know many of these roads as I have traveled there myself and so I am honored to serve as your guide.
Professional Experience and Education:
License: LPC Virginia 0701010596
Graduate School: College of William and Mary
Doctorate (Ed.D.) in Counseling (1998); M.Ed. (1988) and Ed.S. (1990) in School Psychology
Other Training/Certifications: Somatic Experiencing Practitioner; Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist (BCST); Brainspotting Provider (BSP); Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) Provider; Transforming the Experienced-Based Brain (TEB) Provider; Inner Relationship Focusing (IRF) Provider; Extra Lesson Practitioner; NeuroAffective Touch (NAT) and Neuroaffective Relational Therapy (NARM) current studies; Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMADS) Certificate, Pre- and Perinatal Educator Certificate.
Elizabeth Holt, LPC-S, SEP
Co-Founder
Most of the individuals who seek my help have had talk therapy in the past and are seeking a more body/mind approach. While traditional talk therapy has been helpful, they may have reached a standstill or are circling without change.
Many have complex and developmental trauma histories and may be going through a stressful time. Many have histories of some anxiety or depression and may have recently experienced a loss and find they need support.
I also work with younger individuals who may be seeking support facing a life decision or transition period.
Another specialty I enjoy working with is those in recovery from either a substance abuse disorder or an eating disorder. I have extensive experience working with substance use disorders and dual diagnosis and have experience and understanding of recovery.
Many seek my help for Somatic-based therapy as I am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. This may be to work through a specific stressful event such as an accident or surgery or maybe more complex with more numerous events and /or relational traumas.
I am very honored to have had the privilege to do the work I do and welcome the opportunity to continue this deep and sacred relationship with others.
I have always been attracted to non-traditional approaches. I began my graduate work in Art Psychotherapy and continue to hold this as important to my professional identity.
I know we are designed to heal and grow. I believe in the wisdom of the body’s natural organismic process toward healing and health. I take much that I believe from what I see, from shat I have learned from nature. There is a natural life force in us all, but it can become thwarted and stunted.
I integrate a combination of dialogue, collaboration, movement, expressive arts, and at times touch. I use both a “Bottom-Up” (body) approach and a “Top-Down” (mind) approach for embodied integration in our work together.
Professional Experience and Education:
License: LPC Virginia 0701002411
Graduate School: Eastern Virginia Medical School
Other Training/Certifications: Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP); Board Certified Art Therapist ATR-BC; Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR); Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP); Somatic Resiliency and Regulation (SRR); Transforming the Experience-Based Brain (TEB); Transforming Touch
— Detective Josephus Miller, The Expanse, Season 2, Episode 5: Home
Erin Dabrowski, M.Ed, Resident in Counseling
Therapist
Are you someone struggling with a traumatic past or new changes in your life? Maybe you feel stuck or find yourself looping in old patterns that you just can’t stop. I love working with people who are going through transitional times and the difficulties of change. Often this comes from the hauntings of past traumas or current life moving too fast and too big. My work is to help you find space to slow down to find the safety within so that you can explore your life from different perspectives and discover new ways of being that perhaps you didn’t know were possible. I’m here to guide you to explore family dynamics, identity questions, and social issues.
I am well versed in mindfulness techniques as well as cognitive and solution-focused modalities that will help people break down challenges in organization, work-life balance and other life stressors. I also weave in experiential and somatic approaches such as Polyvagal-informed Therapy and Havening Technique, that go beyond the story, words and thoughts to support your nervous system to recalibrate and repattern.
I strive to always be genuine and create an atmosphere where clients can feel comfortable and quickly at ease. My clients often tell me that they appreciate my sense of humor and my ability to be down-to-earth and practical. I believe that laughter is essential to healing, and I strive to create an environment where my clients feel safe enough to laugh, even in the midst of difficult emotions. By working together in a trusting, supportive relationship, we can navigate life’s challenges with greater ease.
I understand what a big step it is to reach out to a therapist and I’m happy to support you in taking this brave step. During sessions, we will focus on building a support network and discovering strengths and personal insights while practicing autonomy and self-advocacy skills.
As a former school counselor, I am happy to work with adolescents and their parents, as well as all adults. I am both LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent affirming and have a special interest in supporting young adults through the challenging and exciting years of launching into their lives. I am also a strong advocate for parents and families who are navigating the complexities of community and school services.
I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2012 with a Masters in Counselor Education. My experience over the last decade includes being an in-home family systems counselor and a public school counselor at the middle and high school levels. I am excited about this next career step into private practice and am committed to supporting each of my clients to find joy and ease in their lives.
When I’m not counseling, I am keeping up with my vegetable garden, spending time with my family, and seeing live comedy and music. I also love brunch, the Buffalo Bills, and being a part of the local theater community.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ashley Daly, LPC
Therapist
Credentials
- Bachelor of Arts (University of South Carolina)
- Education Specialist (Ed.S) (University of South Carolina)
- Licensed Professional Counselor (South Carolina, #8419)
- Resident in Counseling (Virginia, #0704016091)
WHY I am a Therapist and WHY I like what I do?
I have difficulty encapsulating in words why I like what I do as I find this work such a heartful experience. There is something so special about sitting across from a client and embarking on a journey with them. We will never know everything or be the perfect therapist, which is a large part of why I love what I do. I am always learning and growing within this role and constantly being challenged. Therapists wear multiple hats, and no day is ever the same! We see our clients at their highs, lows, and everything in-between, and I genuinely enjoy getting to be a part of each of my clients’ individual journeys and I am so grateful that each of my client’s has chosen me to walk alongside them.
I work with
- Adolescents
- Young Adults
- Adults
Therapeutic Modalities
- Person Centered & Relational
- Emotion Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
- Mindfulness
- Somatic Skills
Areas of Interest
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self harming
- Life Transitions
- Body Image
- Disordered Eating
- Grief
- Trauma
Rae Filla, RYT
Trauma Sensitive Yoga and Breathwork Guide
My practice is inspired by the art of passionate embodiment. As an instructor, I lead clients inward to discover the buried aliveness that lives beyond pain and resistance. I intend to help my clients live life as their authentic selves. My classes utilize Breathwork and Trauma Informed Yoga modalities to help clients feel safe and present in their bodies. Everything is optional. Everything is your choice. Only you can know what is best for your body, and I strive to remind clients to own that truth. In my experience, it is from a deep sense of inner safety that real magic flows into life. Feeling safe in mind, body, and spirit allows us to navigate through our pain and align with the strength of knowing ourselves. What we feel, we can heal, and it is my honor to guide others upon the journey towards their deepest self expression.
Current certifications:
- Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher- 200 hours
- Certified Breathwork Guide
- Bachelors in Social Work with a Minor in Sociology
- Rae also receives ongoing supervision and training at HeartMind Resiliency in trauma-sensitive and resiliency-informed care
Jennifer Calhoun, LMT
Jenn is a Trauma-Informed Therapeutic Massage Therapist (LMT) who listens deeply to the needs of each of her clients. She supports their safe embodiment and healing by integrating her intuitive skills in Swedish and deep tissue massage, craniosacral therapy, Reiki and energy healing. She is passionate about helping others through touch to reconnect to their healing and wellness. Outside of her professional work, Jenn loves hiking with her dog, crafting delicious meals and enjoying time on the banks of the James.
Professional Qualifications:
- Massage Therapy with American Spirit Institute 500 hour
- Reiki 1 and 2
- Yoga RYT 200
- Craniosacral Therapy 1 - Upledger
- Frequencies of Brilliance Energy Healing
- Jenn also receives ongoing supervision and training at HeartMind Resiliency in trauma-sensitive and resiliency-informed care
Joan Advent, MSW
Transformational Empowerment Coach
- Life purpose
- Relationships
- Personal Empowerment
- Your Legacy/Business
- Clinical Social Work
- Child and Family Counseling
- Substance Use Issues and the Family
- Codependency and overcoming Self Betrayal
- Trauma and Recovery
- Experiential Treatment
- Inter Generational Healing
- Leadership Development
- Spiritual Development
- Psychic Development
- Money/Prosperity Healing
- Personal Empowerment
- Your True Essence
- Your Inner Wisdom
- Your Untapped Resources
- The Underlying Patterns keeping you stuck
Professional Experience and Training:
Masters of Social Work Virginia Commonwealth University 1992; Certified Sophia Circle Leader; WomanSpeak Circle Leader; Pathwork Helper (Retired); Sacred Money Archetype Coach; The Art of Money; Transforming Trauma into Soul Power; EMDR I and II; Exploring the Vagus System I, II, III and Supervision; Past Life Regression; Psychic Development Training I and II; Zapchen Somatics; Core Energetics; The Layers of the Heart; Continuum; The Secret Intelligence of Water; Intentional Creativity; Writing Raw; and Vocal Odyssey: Meeting the Spirit of Your Voice.\Ebook Author: The Radiance Equation: A Visionary’s Guide to Coming Out of Hiding, Owning Your Wisdom and Creating Your Greatest Impact
Podcast Host and Creator: Trust Your Sacred Feminine Flow
– Ram Dass
Lisa Zulawski, LCSW
Licenses and Other Credentials
- Licensed Master Social Worker (New York)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (New York)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Virginia)
- Masters in Social Work (University of Denver)
- Bachelor of Science (Ithaca College) in Cinema and Photography and Minor in Writing
- Certification in EMDR Therapist pending completion 2023
- Yoga Teaching Certification (RYT200)
- Certificate in Animal Assisted Social Work
- Conversational Spanish and Basic French
WHO I work with…
- Young Adults
- Adults
WHAT Therapeutic modalities I use…
- EMDR
- Somatic Modalities
- EMDR Natural Processing Level Two
- Mindfulness
- Yoga Teaching Certification (RYT200)
- Person Centered & Relational
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
WHY I am a Therapist and WHY I like what I do?
What are you excited about and want to learn more about?
What do I do for fun and self-care when I’m not at work?
Areas of Interest…
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Identity
- Members of Marginalized Communities
- Life Transitions
- Grief