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.

Judy Griffin
LCSW, BCD

Judy Griffin

Maddison Schiafo
PhD

Maddison Schiafo

Ronna Adler
LCSW

Ronna Adler

Veda King

LPC

Linda Thimons

LCSW, BCD

Judy Griffin

Mrs. Griffin is very adept in the treatment of children, teenagers and adults. She provides marital, family and individual therapy for issues of divorce recovery, loss & grief, domestic violence, sexual abuse, ADHD, anxiety, depression and anger management problems.

 

PhD

Maddison Schiafo

Dr. Maddison Schiafo is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Sam Houston State University in 2020.  Dr. Schiafo has experience conducting psychological assessments and providing empirically supported treatment across multiple settings, including private practice, community clinics, inpatient hospitals, and probation departments.

Dr. Schiafo currently provides psychodiagnostic evaluations for an array of referral questions, including those relative intellectual functioning, ADHD, and other psychological disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD, personality disorders, etc.). She accepts clients ages 10 and up. In her free time, Dr. Schiafo enjoys spending time with her four dogs and working in her vegetable garden.

LCSW

Ronna Adler

Mrs. Adler has provided counseling services for over three decades. She counsels children over the age of eleven as well as adolescents, adults and geriatric clients. Mrs. Adler uses individual, marital/family therapy to enable individuals and couples to communicate more effectively. Mrs. Adler specializes in Behavioral Management Issues, Depression, Grief, Anger Management Skills, PTSD, Sexual Issues, Gay and Lesbian Relationships, Parenting Skills, Substance Abuse and areas affected by Attention Deficit Disorder. Mrs. Adler uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address issues of anxiety and depression.

 

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!

LPC

Linda Thimons

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with fourteen years of experience. My counseling approaches and interventions include person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma informed care, and more. I specialize in working with addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and mood disorders. I encourage my clients to define their success and progress by setting goals and defining what progress looks like for them. I will be that support and guidance on their path toward growth.

I approach psychotherapy as a partnership: I believe most people have the answers within themselves and need someone to help them uncover those answers. I communicate openly and honestly with my clients during therapy. I’m here to listen and to understand you. Our wounds can be excruciating, but they are our pathways toward growth opportunities.

The first session usually consists of introducing myself, letting my clients know what they can expect from me as a therapist, and gathering information about their background. Let’s figure out the answers within yourself, and I will be there to help you discover those answers. I welcome you to reach out and get started today!

 

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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** Same Week Appointments are Available for Medication Management **

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