The environment and tone are warm, inviting, and comfortable, allowing you to express yourself freely.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) serving clients throughout Virginia. I have worked in multiple areas of behavioral health and health care in the Richmond area for over twenty-five years. I work with adult clients in individual therapy and couples therapy. My practice is client-centered, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy with a mindfulness-based approach. I have experience with grief and bereavement, trauma, Christian counseling, and familymarital counseling. I am culturally sensitive and I welcome clients from all walks of life. I work with adult clients, individually and in couples therapy. My communication style is compassionate yet direct. I strive to meet each client where they are in their particular journey and tailor therapy to their unique needs. From a very young age, I have always been fascinated by the stories of others and hearing about their life experiences. The objective to become a therapist was formed very early in my life. When it was time to choose a major in college, there was no question that I would pursue a degree in social work, eventually earning an MSW and then finally licensure. My path to becoming a therapist was somewhat circuitous, but it was always a steady and focused journey. Most of all, I seek to assist my clients in developing a strong inner sense of self, a strong inner core that guides them as they move through the world on their terms. Although the first session is largely involved gathering information from the client by conducting an intake assessment, I structure time to provide my new clients with coping techniques and strategies in order to allow the therapeutic process to begin from the very first visit.

Life can be very confusing. When a person walks into a therapy room for the first time, they are often emotionally bruised and looking for some clarity about their world and their own responses to events and circumstances. It is a privilege for me as a therapist to help the people I work with to make sense of it all. I help my clients learn to listen to themselves with respect, compassion, and curiosity. People can develop this courageous curiosity when they learn to have faith that whatever they find out about themselves makes sense and is coming from a decent place. It is often difficult to cultivate the habit of validating one's own thoughts and feelings (especially if one has long experience of doing the opposite), but it is extremely rewarding as the changes begin to be noticeable.

No matter how much you do, that inner voice insists, “You could be doing more.” You convince yourself you just need to work harder, sleep a little less, and spread yourself more thin. Then you’ll finally feel that sense of accomplishment. But the more you do, the louder the voice gets. The weight of the constant stress is exhausting. The tension headache at the base of your skull won’t go away. You can’t control your emotions– the other day you blew up at your best friend. Your mother keeps calling; she’s worried about you. You’ve sacrificed so much, but don’t know what it’s all for. This can’t go on. It’s time to try something different. Using talk therapy with Internal Family Systems, we’ll explore the root causes of your issues and identify the patterns that no longer serve you. Utilizing Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and EMDR, you’ll learn to listen to your body’s wisdom and use it as a guide for healing. Together, let’s access your inner power and strength to create lasting change. Don’t waste another minute feeling lost and alone. Find your footing again. Take back control and start living as your true self. Untangle these big emotions so you can have more clarity and confidence. A life of peace and calm is possible, and you deserve it. Click the links to call me now for your free 20-minute consultation, and let’s take the next step together.

Life can present you with difficult situations which are hard to process and move past. These challenges are not on your timeline and affect everything. Having worked in many healthcare settings, I am familiar navigating life-changing events and grief. I understand the territory of encountering loss, coping with trauma, the complexity of the medical system and living with illness. Together we will face any changes, fears, anxiety and emotions you are experiencing, allowing you to gain more grounding and peace. I will work with you from an integrative, holistic approach to determine together what is needed for your coping, healing and self-care.

I believe everyone deserves a safe space to heal and grow, no matter who they are or where they come from. With over 25 years of experience, I work with teens, adults, and families - especially women navigating life's challenges. I use practical, research-backed approaches that help you understand your thoughts and feelings while building skills that actually work in real life. Whether you're dealing with worry, sadness, trouble focusing, work stress, relationship issues, or major life changes, we'll work together to strengthen not just your mental health, but your overall sense of wellbeing. My therapeutic approach is warm, culturally responsive, and honors your unique story. I use strength-based methods to empower your wellness journey, reflected in innovative programs like my stress reduction intervention featured on the Calm Health app. In our sessions, your experiences are valued and your goals guide our work together.

Our world continues to change, with its weight sometimes growing overwhelming and crushing. You are not alone. Together we’ll explore your feelings & thoughts while comprehending patterns in your history and life experience that have shaped you up to this moment. We’ll find a new space that feels more authentic, free, and connected through this work. We’ll manage and reduce your feelings of anxiety, depression, and other distressing thoughts. It is never too late to take control and redefine yourself in a controlled, safe, and open place. Whether this is your first time or you've decided to return to therapy, this is a strong data-backed investment into yourself and your future. You’ve already taken the first step by searching for a therapist. While reaching out to me can be difficult and anxiety-provoking, it can also empower, potentially defining the next chapter of your life. After advanced psychoanalysis training in NYC, I moved to Washington, DC, where I've lived and worked for over eight years with a broad and diverse variety of patients just like you. Together we'll create a space in which you’re fully heard and seen, where we start the process of uncovering exactly how you show up in your life. Thank you for taking the time.

If we could think our way into the life we wanted, we would already be there. But healing and growth is not simply about thinking. It is about attending to our feelings, accepting ourselves where we are, and believing in possibilities. The Four Corners Counseling & Well-being way of therapy, practiced by the founder, Hetty Barnett, and all associates: For Thinking Women (and Men, too): Are you struggling to feel better about yourself and your life? If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed, if your relationships are causing pain or confusion, we can help. We know from hard-earned experience that being an intelligent "over-functioner" does not mean we can easily soothe our emotional pain and create a balanced life. My associates and I can help you tap into your inner wisdom and strength to create the life you desire. For couples on the brink: At Four Corners Counseling & Well-being, we believe that couples deserve a safe space and a competent therapist to help them navigate their relationship, and move beyond problems to possibilities. This work is sacred, and couples who seek our help are doing so not only for themselves, but for the benefit of their children (if there are any), for their families, and for future generations. We have no pre-determined expectation of how a relationship will unfold. We do firmly believe that any work the members of a couple do to speak for their feelings (not from them) and listen to their partner from a grounded sense of self can reap many benefits in the future, no matter what the outcome. People can grow; people DO grow as they work with me. It takes a village to raise a relationship, and we want to be part of that village. Internal Family Systems (IFS) model of therapy: We are trained in IFS, the fastest growing therapy model today. As a clinical treatment, IFS has been rated effective for improving general functioning and well-being. In addition, it has been rated promising for improving phobia, panic, and generalized anxiety disorders; trauma resolution; physical health conditions; personal resilienceself-concept; and depression and depressive symptoms. Internal Family Systems can help clients learn ways to better relate to themselves, and move toward the 8 C’s of Self-Leadership: calmness, curiosity, clarity, compassion, confidence, creativity, courage, and connectedness.

You are worthy of healing, even when your inner-critic says otherwise. If you are experiencing anxiety, you know that it is much more complex than excessive worrying. Often negative self-talk, guilt, self-doubt, and fear also run rampant, making it difficult to get through your day. On the outside, your loved ones or colleagues may think you have it together, but internally you are struggling. Trying to control everything around you - while at the same time feeling out of control leaves you exhausted and on edge. I help clients heal by reducing anxiety and restoring self-worth. When you work with me, we will uncover your strengths, process past wounds, and enhance your coping skills. I empower all clients’ growth by using a culturally-affirming, strengths-based approach. Modalities include CBT, DBT, and Psychodynamic Therapy. With me, you will get an inclusive space to grow, heal, and practice self-compassion. You don’t have to deal with anxiety on your own. I’m here to help.

At Laurel Fay and Associates, my colleagues and I are committed to providing you with a safe, caring environment in which we can address your unique situation. By carefully listening, I work to get behind the everyday surface of a situation to the underlying meaning. My systemic approach means I look to the dynamics between people rather than solely focusing on the internal workings of one person. Even in individual work, this approach can be helpful and empowering. I often use humor to gently but skillfully pinpoint specific issues and highlight areas of growth.

I'm a somatic therapist who works with clients to heal trauma and manage depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. In session, I help you connect with your body and use techniques that restore your relationship with yourself. Whether it's supporting clients with chronic illness and autoimmune disorders, or recovering from childhood and religious trauma, somatic methods help you repair physically, mentally, and spiritually. Together we process pain through breathing, movement, curiosity, and expression to find a new purpose. I can help you find liberation in your change, identity, and growth journey. My therapeutic practice is rooted in liberation, decolonization, and anti-racism. I have supported people across the lifespan for over a decade. I'm trained in many treatment methods of trauma including TF-CBT and somatic therapy, and I teach graduate-level trauma courses. I am licensed in DC, MD, and VA, and I offer a free 15-minute consult call. I am a therapist who will sit with you in your pain and hold space with compassion. I will also be direct with you in times when you don’t get that elsewhere. Whatever we're tackling in session, I'm invested in you and will remind you that you have what it takes to heal. I'll be there to help you find it, use it, and discover the freedom in that healing.

I offer clients a compassionate, trauma-informed, neurodivergence-affirming approach that honors both your history and your resilience. My work blends psychological insight with nervous system healing, so we don’t just explore obstacles, we build your capacity to regulate, recover, and reconnect to joy and meaning. Whether you’re seeking clarity through assessment (e.g., attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) evaluation, diagnostic testing) or healing through therapy (anxiety, burnout, relational stress), I tailor sessions to your pace, strengths, and life goals. Healing isn’t about masking pain, it’s about learning to feel more ease, joy, and steadiness in your body while living in alignment with what matters most.