Meet the Therapists at Coastal Counseling Center

The clinicians at Coastal Counseling Center are licensed in their respective disciplines of LCSW, LPC, PsyD, and LMFT. All clinicians at Coastal Counseling Center are committed to provide quality professional services. Some providers work as independent contractors while others are employees. Our approaches are family, individual, group, and marital counseling. During the initial assessment session, a treatment plan will be developed with the client to focus on the particular area of intervention that needs attention first.

Resident-in-Counseling

Veda King

Antoinette Sinues
LCSW

Antoinette Sinues

Monir Feezor
Supervisee-in-Social Work

Monir Feezor

Shaylene Perry
Provisional Registered Art Therapist

Shaylene Perry

Brandy Bower
Resident-in-Counseling

Brandy Bower

Brittney Twisdale
MSW, LCSW

Brittney Twisdale

Resident-in-Counseling

Veda King

Is your child struggling behaviorally in school, at home, or in the community? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or feelings of hopelessness? I will provide a safe place for you to be transparent while we create a plan that is unique to you or your child’s needs. As a Resident in Counseling, I approach therapy with a deep sense of compassion and empathy.

I have many years of experience working with children and adolescents with behavioral issues and their families in various settings within the community, at home, and in schools. I also work with adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or feelings of hopelessness.

My integrative and collaborative approach includes using interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy. I love helping individuals overcome life’s challenges, learn new skills, feel heard, and supported. Current and immediate availability!

LCSW

Antoinette Sinues

Antoinette Sinues is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a focus on supporting children, adolescents, and their families through various emotional and psychological challenges. With expertise in addressing issues related to emotional regulation, relationship dynamics, and life transitions, Antoinette offers a compassionate approach to therapy. Her experience encompasses assisting those dealing with behavioral problems, interpersonal conflicts, and mental health conditions such as ADHD, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.

In addition to her work with younger clients, Antoinette extends her services to young adults navigating significant life events. These include moving, career changes, or coping with milestones like marriage or bereavement. Her therapeutic skills include play therapy, expressive arts, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, along with trauma-informed and strength-based strategies. These methods aim to alleviate emotional suffering and bolster resilience.

Antoinette’s commitment to her clients is evident in her willingness to provide individual and family counseling sessions, tailored to address specific concerns and promote symptom relief. Please consider scheduling an appointment to discuss your specific concerns and how we can partner together to bring about positive change.

Supervisee-in-Social Work

Monir Feezor

Monir Feezor, MSW is registered as a Supervisee in Social Work with the Commonwealth of Virginia. Monir has been offering psychotherapy services since 2021, supporting clients  at crisis, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient levels of care. Using skills gained from her graduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University and other advanced trainings, she applies cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, somatic therapy, and attachment-based therapy to help her clients make their desired life changes.

Monir’s multifaceted 25 years of human service experience prior to becoming a psychotherapist—working in somatic healthcare, education, and advocacy—informs her holistic, mind-body-environment approach to care. Monir shares that her primary goal as a therapist is to build healthy relationships, beginning in the therapy room: “Each session, I intend to genuinely show up for my clients, listen deeply, and offer a compassionate presence.” The therapeutic relationship is just the start. As she explains, “therapy offers the opportunity for clients to learn more about and even shift their relationships with themselves, their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations, as well as with others in the world.” Monir primarily works with adults experiencing difficulties related to stress, trauma, anxiety, and depression; she also offers services to adolescents 15 and up. Monir welcomes individuals of all sociocultural identities and ways of expression, vowing “every person will be respected and valued here.”

Provisional Registered Art Therapist

Shaylene Perry

Art therapy is for people of all ages who feel like other forms of therapy have not gotten them to their goals, are looking for a non-verbal way to express themselves and want a better quality of life.

Often, words are not enough to describe or make sense of our feelings, memories and experiences. Distressing and traumatic events can leave us feeling fragmented, isolated, on high alert, panicked, stuck in our traumatic memories and feeling hopeless or uncertain about our future. No previous art experience or training is required for art therapy, as the focus is on the creative and unconscious process. I strive to foster an atmosphere of unconditional regard, acceptance, collaboration and understanding.

Art therapy applies art and the creative process to support, maintain, and enhance health and wellness. Like other forms of psychotherapy, art therapy encourages growth and self-awareness. It offers clients a safe approach to access feelings which may be difficult to clearly articulate. Making art can be both therapeutic and empowering.

The path to wellness and growth is a journey. I work with clients from an integrative approach. I am person centered first and foremost, believing the client should feel safe, respected and collaborate on identifying treatment goals. I will integrate motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, Gestalt, trauma informed care, and more when appropriate.

My experience as an art therapist includes working with clients with trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, addictions, behavioral challenges and those seeking to improve their self-esteem, growth and self-awareness. I welcome clients of all ages, race, gender, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Resident-in-Counseling

Brandy Bower

My clients describe me as an empathetic and genuine Resident-in-Counseling who brings authenticity, warmth, and humor to our sessions. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for growth and healing.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, client-centered, and strengths-based. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly. Together, we will utilize evidence-based practices to help you gain insight, develop coping skills, and foster resilience. Our work will focus on achieving your goals and empowering you to lead a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

I specialize in supporting individuals navigating challenges related to anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQ+ identity, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. Honestly, I enjoy working with anyone who is simply having the human experience.

I entered this field because I want to dedicate myself to a profession where I can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I look forward to joining you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery.

MSW, LCSW

Brittney Twisdale

Brittney Twisdale earned her Master of Social Work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2005, specializing in Clinical Social Work. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and holds a certification in Advanced Hospice and Palliative Care Social Work (APHSW-C). She has over 18 years of experience working in medical social work providing support to perinatal, pediatric, and adult patients in hospital, home health, and hospice settings.

Brittney works with children, adolescent and adult clients coping with depression, anxiety, trauma, life stressors and transitions, with specific expertise in medical complexity, chronic or terminal illness, grief and loss, high risk pregnancy, and perinatal loss.

She utilizes humanistic therapy and believes that the client is the expert in their own life and experiences. She believes the therapist’s role is to provide a safe, supportive, and empathetic environment for clients to share feelings without judgement. Her approach is person-centered and strength-based with elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy to promote self-awareness, emotional regulation, and effective problem-solving. In working with children, she also utilizes creative modalities such as play and art-based activities to help build rapport and facilitate communication. Brittney is dedicated to creating a therapeutic space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered on their healing journey.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THERAPISTS

What do the letters mean?

LCSW- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LMFT- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
LPC- Licensed Professional Counselor
PhD- Doctor of Philosophy-Psychology
RIC- Resident in Counseling– Someone who has completed their formal education to include some hands-on training but, still needs to gain more experience while being mentored by a fully licensed supervisor.

What is the difference between one therapist and another?

This question is complicated by the unique way the provider chooses to practice. In theory, psychotherapist provide a slightly different path to the same place of wellness. This can vary widely based on the provider’s experience after training and/or the needs of the client.

In short, psychotherapists differ based upon the philosophy of their training and in some cases, the education level.

For therapists, a master’s degree is the minimum education level. Degrees can be in psychology, education, counseling, or other related areas. All therapists identify patterns of thought and behavior that could be improved upon to increase an individual’s level of social functioning as well as quality of life. The therapists will use various techniques to increase the client’s awareness and understanding of these complex patterns or additional assistive resources. Some therapists seek additional training to specialize in a particular age group or diagnosis.

LCSW

LCSW’s typically focus on helping people cope with issues in their everyday lives, deal with their relationships, and solve personal and family problems. Social workers also work in a variety of settings (schools, hospitals, government agencies), to help individuals, families, and groups restore or enhance their capacity for social functioning.

Psychologist

Psychologists have a doctorate degree. Psychologists take a scientific approach to study human thought and behavior, both normal and abnormal. Psychologists typically use diagnostic testing or other assessment tools to formally diagnose and treat people with mental illness.

LPC

LPC’s work to form a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to meet their goals.

LMFT

LMFT’s focus on brief, solution focused interventions and treat the entire set of relationships as one unit no matter how many people are in the room.

What should I expect when meeting with a therapist for the first time?

Therapists will conduct an interview that aims to put you at ease and make you feel safe so that you may more clearly reveal the area where you can use help. You will cover the limits of confidentiality and provide an overview of the process. The space will be private and the provider’s attention will be dedicated to you. There is no need to lie on the couch and stare at the ceiling.

During the appointment, a therapist will ask specific questions to help identify problem areas and personal strengths. The therapist will most often reveal very little about themselves. The interview and treatment should remain focused on the client to get the most out of treatment. The provider may ask to speak with members of you family, friends, or other treatment providers to help understand the entire picture.

There will likely be some discussion about ways to cope with issues that are identified during the session. Towards the end, the therapist will summarize their concerns and the proposed treatment plan.

How long will the appointment last?

Usually, 1 hour will be allocated to your first appointment. Each additional appointment will last from 45 – 60 minutes usually.

When will I be seen again?

If the therapist accepts your case and you agree to treatment, then you will likely be seen once every week or two for a few months. As symptoms resolve and client becomes more skilled at “becoming your own therapist” then the therapist will likely space out sessions to every month or even recommend discharge. Some clients may choose to stay in therapy for many months or even years.

How can I identify a “good” therapist?

It is very difficult to find a “good” therapist from a website, advertisement, based upon education level, from a friend, or even years in practice. There is no way to know who will be a “good” therapist for YOU without meeting the therapist for a few visits. Some things to consider.

A “good” therapist should make you feel comfortable, safe, and supported unconditionally.
A “good” therapist should challenge you.
A “good” therapist should help you restore or enhance your health.

Please visit these trusted websites for more information on psychologists, therapists. and counselors:

 

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