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About our CliniciansCarmen Wolf, LMFT, Owner
In 2015 I opened Atlantic Family and Adolescent Therapy with a goal of helping the Virginia Beach community. This goal continues to grow and we now have a fantastic group of clinicians dedicated to the same ideas and principles the business was founded on. Education and Experience I received my Bachelors of Art in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Rutgers University in 2008. In 2012, I earned my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University. For the last five years my professional experience includes working with adolescents, families, individuals, couples, and foster youth in a variety of settings. Also, I have extensive experience with dual diagnosis adults that include a variety of diagnostic criteria including Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Substance Abuse. This has included an assortment of clients including self-referrals and mandated individuals. As an added note I was a military spouse for 10 years. I understand how difficult the military lifestyle is and I have also worked with teens and children who needed various support pertaining to deployments, moves, etc. Finally, I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in the state of Virginia, license #0717001347. |
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Tess Hosier, LPC
Education and Experience I completed my Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a minor in Human Services from Old Dominion University in 2017. In 2020, I received my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Old Dominion University. My professional experience includes work with a non-profit organization in the Hampton Roads area in which I provided mental health counseling services to children, youth and adults in an individual, group, and family capacity. I have served clients within a variety of mental health programs including general mental health counseling, intimate partner violence, anger management, and trauma-focused counseling. I believe that counseling should be a collaborative and holistic experience that is tailored to meet the individualized needs of each client. I generally utilize person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and strength-based approaches, with an emphasis on trauma-informed care. I establish a warm and non-judgmental environment in which clients can become fully engaged in therapy and can feel more empowered to create change. I support clients in developing greater insight which can be harnessed to more effectively navigate the challenges they face in their daily lives. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, anger management, PTSD/trauma, Couples Counseling via EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy),adjustment difficulties, daily life stressors, relationship/interpersonal conflict, and self-esteem. As a military spouse for the last 7 years, I also know first-hand the unique challenges that military families face along with the incredible strengths that they possess. Therapy plays an important role in promoting overall wellness and I enjoy supporting clients in achieving greater quality of life through the therapeutic process! More about Tess and couples counseling here: http://www.atlanticfamilytherapy.com/couples-counseling.html -Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor #0701012636 -Colorado Licensed Professional Counselor #0021057 -South Carolina Telehealth Registered Professional Counselor Provider #1366, https://llr.sc.gov/TeleHealth/Counselor.html |
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Christina (Tina) Sanchez, LPC
Education and Experience I received my Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a minor in Counseling and Human Services from the University of Scranton in 2015. In 2019, I graduated with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Old Dominion University. My professional work includes a background in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Through this work, I have gained experience with children and teens specifically focusing on behavior and learning. I have spent 4 years providing intensive in-home therapy to children, adolescents, and their respective families with challenges such as anxiety, depression, aggression, anger, self-esteem, familial conflict, trauma, and/or crisis response. I have also spent time working in a residential facility for adults focusing on dual diagnosis including Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Substance Abuse. Additionally, I provide outpatient services to adolescents and families. Through personal experience, I have exposure to the military population. I can understand and empathize with the challenges brought upon by a transition. I believe an essential part of progress is the establishment of a warm, trusting therapeutic relationship that fosters growth and well-being. My goal is to promote an environment that feels both safe and accepting to those I work with. I aim to hone in on explored strengths and positive attributes in order to bring about positive change and achieve personal goals. -Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor #0701012986 |
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Lauren Acarino, LPC
Education and Experience I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Army veteran. I earned a Bachelors degree in Psychology from SUNY University at Albany in 2008, followed by a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Fordham University in 2010. My career in counseling began in a private practice specializing in the child, adolescent, and young adult population who experienced difficulties within the school system or their families. In 2015 I left the field of counseling psychology to pursue a military career. I was commissioned as a field artillery officer in the US Army, when women were introduced to combat roles. After leaving the Army, I briefly worked in DOD counseling services before joining the US Department of Veterans Affairs where I focused my work on complex trauma/ PTSD, treatment resistant depression, grief / bereavement, transition difficulties, anxiety, addressing impulsivity and anger, transition issues, resiliency and race based stress/trauma. I have worked with the full spectrum of ages and enjoy working with young children to the geriatric population, and I enjoy using my experience in the military to work with active duty, veterans and military families. My application of counseling psychology focuses on evidence based practices, integrating scientific principles with the warmth and empathy that are necessary components of therapeutic work. My philosophy and foundation of psychology is to assist each client in identifying what components of their life are not producing the results they desire, and consistently target those thoughts and behaviors until goals align with choices and behaviors. I believe that anxiety and depression are a shared experience that we all encounter in our lives during periods of time we experience heightened stressors, and that counseling is a helpful tool for anyone to use when those experiences last longer than we'd like or feel overwhelming. Oftentimes, I use a foundation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and emotion regulation concepts from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I enjoy implementing Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD treatment. Aside from implementing scientifically validated treatments, I am a strong proponent of the whole person perspective. It is important to me that I know much more about each client than the issue that brings them to therapy in order to understand who you are aside from a diagnosis. -Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor #0701007981 |
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Megan Burgan, LCSW
Education and Experience In 2014, received a Bachelors of Art in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Following this degree, I worked as a Habilitation Technician for Maxim Healthcare and as a Shelter Advocate for a youth shelter in Wilmington, NC until moving back to Virginia. I completed my Master of Social Work degree in 2019 from Virginia Commonwealth University and achieved licensure in 2022. Since moving back to Virginia, I have gained professional experience in a variety of roles such as Shelter Advocate and Administrative Assistant for a domestic violence shelter for women and children, Intensive-In Home Clinician providing intensive crisis focused therapeutic services to children and families, and Regional Mobile Crisis Responder through a local community services board. I have experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. I have worked with individuals experiencing a range of challenges such as depression, anxiety, life transitions, anger, self-esteem, identity exploration, relationship conflict, and crisis. I have also worked with members of the LGBTQ+ community, specifically trans adolescents or youth processing gender exploration, and have worked with survivors of domestic violence. I enjoy using CBT, TF-CBT, and DBT techniques in sessions to better explore and understand the impacts of stress and trauma, and learn ways to identify and accept difficult or conflictual feelings. Your therapy is just that: yours. I believe that as your therapist, it is my job to foster a safe space for you to express yourself and achieve your goals for your mental health. -Virginia Licensed Clinical Social Worker #0904014023 |
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Jahaira Tavares, LCSW Education and Experience I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2015 and have been providing therapy to teens, and their families, since 2011. I am originally from New York City and have recently relocated to Chesapeake, VA. I received a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from CUNY Hunter College in 2009, followed by a Masters of Social Work from the CUNY Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College in 2011. My experience is centered on the importance of building meaningful relationships. I have helped youth in crisis situations engage positively in school, at home, and in their communities through individual and family counseling. During my time as a licensed social worker, I’ve worked with several age groups, including very young children, teenagers and adults. My first internship while earning my MSW was a non-profit organization that provided preventative services to families of children 0-3 years of age. In that time, I did developmental work with families with a focus around attachment and ran Baby and Me parent groups. I practiced individual and family therapy for 5 years while working at an alternative to incarceration program, with a focus around family dynamics, improved communication and conflict resolution. I also provided case management services that addressed each family’s needs. I worked closely with parents around behavior management and provided support around addressing their child’s needs while providing structure. While working in schools, I was given freedom to apply several approaches including psychodynamics, CBT, motivational interviewing, strength-based, and narrative therapies. In addition, the experience allowed me to work with students facing all types of challenges including learning disabilities, suicide ideation, newly diagnosed mental illness, grief/bereavement, complex trauma, significant life changes, divorce and separation, loss of housing, poverty. I specialize in addressing anxiety, depression, ADHD, Bi-polar disorder, Schizophrenia, and suicide ideation. Finally, I have 4 years experience providing a supportive educational environment for MSW interns and enjoy teaching clinical skills to future social workers. I am fluent in Spanish, LGBTQ+ affirming and have worked closely with multicultural families throughout New York City. I believe that therapy can help young people and their families discover the tools they need to overcome adversity and manage change so that they can enjoy a full and present life. -Virginia Licensed Clinical Social Worker #0904014830 -New York Licensed Clinical Social Worker #083588 NY |
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Laura Bolt, LCSW
Education and Experience My educational background includes a B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California - Irvine, where I graduated magna cum laude, and a Masters of Social Work (MSW) degree from California State University - Long Beach. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 16 years of experience providing clinical services to children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings including outpatient mental health and residential treatment, as well as the child welfare system. I am originally from Los Angeles County, California, where I also started my social work career and gained my clinical experience. I am so happy to have recently relocated to the Hampton Roads area of Virginia and I look forward to continuing my work in this community. I am experienced in working with clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, adjustment difficulties, and daily life stressors. I also have significant training in perinatal/maternal mental health, and I have spent the last 6 years providing psychosocial training and consultation to OBGYN clinics regarding their perinatal patients. I enjoy working with clients to create a treatment plan that is unique to their needs and goals. I utilize a person-centered and strengths-based approach and draw from evidence-based practices including cognitive-behavioral therapy. I believe therapy should be a safe and non-judgmental place for clients to comfortably share their thoughts and feelings, learn about themselves, build upon their strengths, and gain confidence in approaching the challenges in their lives. -Virginia Licensed Clinical Social Worker #0904012852 |
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Lucretia Mahan, LCSW
Education and Experience With a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to providing compassionate and effective mental health care. My journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Labor and Employment Relations from Pennsylvania State University, followed by nearly a decade of service to military families as part of the Navy's Fleet and Family Support Program. Additionally, my experience as a military spouse of 23 years provides invaluable insight into the challenges military families face. Earning a Master of Social Work from California State University San Marcos in 2020 and subsequent licensure in Virginia in 2024 has equipped me with the necessary tools to address various mental health challenges. My clinical experience spans diverse populations, including underserved communities in San Diego County. This includes extensive work within child welfare services, school-based therapy for children and their families, and adult crisis intervention at a short-term inpatient facility. I specialize in supporting clients from adolescence to adulthood. Whether you're navigating the complexities of adolescence and teen years, facing the demands of adult life, or coping with the unique stressors of life, I'm here to help. With a deep understanding of anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions, I offer a compassionate and results-oriented approach. By combining evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy with a strengths-based perspective, I empower clients to build resilience, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and achieve their goals. I believe in creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where clients can feel heard and understood. I am an advocate and strive to empower my clients with a non-judgemental approach, offering tools and developing skills to help clients reach their goals and personal growth. If you're seeking a therapist who can help you navigate life's challenges, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can work through difficulties, build stronger relationships, and create a brighter future. -Virginia Licensed Clinical Social Worker #0904016905 |
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Elizabeth Miller, Resident in Counseling
Education and Experience Hi there! In 2017, I received my Bachelor’s of Science in studio art with a minor in psychology from Radford University. I moved to Virginia Beach in 2022 after living in northern Virginia for a majority of my life in order to pursue a degree in Art Therapy. In 2024, I received my Master’s degree in Art Therapy and Counseling from Eastern Virginia Medical School. I am a Resident in Counseling and a Provisional Art Therapist. I have had experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in school settings, residential facilities, hospitals, and intensive outpatient facilities. I believe in the healing power of creativity and art. Art therapy provides an opportunity for nonverbal expression and exploration, providing opportunities for building self-awareness and growth in a safe, supportive space. I provide a nonjudgemental, compassionate environment focused on supporting my clients by helping them develop healthy coping skills, recognize/build strengths, and reach their goals. Together we will build a treatment plan that will fit your unique goals. I have experience working with individuals experiencing difficulties with depression, anxiety, life changes, anger, identity, emotional regulation, crisis, self-esteem, and trauma. I draw from person-centered, strengths-based, and trauma-informed therapy, as well as ACT, DBT, and CBT. Therapy can provide overall support and a safe place for exploration and expression of feelings and experiences, and I believe I can provide that safe place and support to help my clients reach their goals. -Virginia Resident in Counseling #0704017390, Supervised by Carmen Wolf, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #0717001347 |
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Wendy Youngsmith, LMFT
Education and Experience I received my Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology from St. Olaf College in 2003. In 2011, I earned my Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University. I came to the world of therapy after trying on a few careers, including teaching, advertising and journalism. The common thread for me was always a passion for peoples' stories about themselves and the world, and how this influences their growth, behavior and relationships. I find inspiration in books, music and movement, and enjoy helping others find healing through their individual passions and strengths. In the last decade, I have been fortunate to serve teens/transition age youth and their families in a variety of settings (school based, foster/adoption, substance abuse, psychosis, inpatient and outpatient). I've sat with high achievers struggling with perfectionism, and worked through depression where brushing teeth in the morning was a success. I work with families, teens, and adults. I work to help clients improve their life satisfaction. Whether that’s addressing depression or anxiety, working toward health in relationships, healing family of origin wounds, addressing trauma or a life transition, my aim is to guide clients toward a better understanding of themselves and what they want. With couples, I help them change the negative patterns that they have fallen into, to guide them to a healthy, secure relationship. I have been trained in the first step of Emotionally Focused Therapy and pull from that frequently. It is my aim to help clients understand both themselves, and their relationships more fully. I've journeyed with clients through intense trauma, and shared their joys as they learn to integrate their stories and own their strengths. It's important to me to meet people where they are, to listen, help them define their own goals, and grow their unique strengths. I use a variety of tools, including CBT, Narrative Therapy, humanistic/client focused, and family systems to cater to individual needs. I have a deep respect for the phases of our lives that bring significant transition, recognizing that these can bring enormous challenge, and also the opportunity for deep and lasting growth. -California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist#121278 -Colorado Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist#0001859 -Virginia Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #0717002171 -Texas Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist#204810 |
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Olivia Marks, LPC
Education and Experience I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Creighton University in 2014. In 2019 I completed my Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Nebraska Omaha. I have worked in a university counseling center helping students address life changes, identity development, trauma, anxiety, depression, and relational issues. I have extensive experience with youth and families through residential, outpatient, and in-home settings ranging from mild to intensive severity of needs. For the last two years I worked in a community mental health setting with youth and families who have been impacted by complex trauma. I have received specialized training in mindfulness, trauma informed yoga interventions, trauma treatment, polyvagal theory, play therapy, somatic interventions, LGBTQ inclusive care, and EMDR. My passion is working with youth, adults, and families impacted by complex, generational, and acute trauma. I believe that trauma can present itself in myriad of distressing symptoms including but not limited to outbursts, isolation, dissociation, difficulty in relationships, anxiety and fear, and loss of self. I use a whole-person, client-focused approach to work with clients to regain a sense of self and autonomy in the healing process. I begin by creating a safe environment and identifying the areas that bring the most suffering or conflict. My foundational theories include attachment theory, Trauma Systems Therapy, and existential. I use a variety of evidence-based practices including EMDR, ego-states, CBT, mindfulness, and body-based interventions. -Colorado Licensed Professional Counselor #0017458 -Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor #0701014014 |
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Preeti Bakshi, Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy Education and Experience Hello everyone, I am a resident in Marriage and Family Therapy. I obtained my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University in 2024. I have experience conducting individual, family, and couples therapy. A few areas of clinical interest include family systems, parenting, attachment, couples work, and mindfulness as well as supporting clients as they navigate grief, anxiety, communication, and adjustments/transitions in their daily lives. Prior to starting my career in marriage and family therapy, I worked in the education field with children of all ages and had the privilege to understand the true struggles of a family with children. I am an educator, wife, and mother to a lovely daughter. In my spare time, I like to read books, travel and cook delicious food for my family. I also like to exercise in my free time to maintain a healthy body and mind. I am an excellent listener and dedicated toward my work and believe in the saying: “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” I will be truly honored to work with you and your family in the journey of healing. -Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy # 0730000773, Supervised by Carmen Wolf, LMFT #0717001347. |
Atlantic Family and Adolescent Therapy
1120 Laskin Rd Suite 104
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
1-757-650-5346
1120 Laskin Rd Suite 104
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
1-757-650-5346
