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Meet Our Counseling Team

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Virginia Diaz Counseling & Family Therapy

  •  As a cognitive behavioral and family system therapist, I view my role as walking with you, accepting you where you are, and working with you to pursue your goals. I will help you in your process of change and will encourage and challenge you. I specialize in treating individuals with PTSD, anxiety, depression, anger, family conflict, and physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. I know choosing a therapist is an important decision and I value your trust and look forward to partnering with you. 

  • Change can be scary and it can be difficult; it can also be empowering. Staying stuck in current patterns of thinking, in the negative beliefs we have about ourselves, or in feelings of anxiety, depression, and shame, can rob us of our joy, energy, and life. My specialized training and therapeutic approaches are designed to help you process and change these beliefs that have kept you stuck.


  •  On July 1, 2019, opened DPPC -  a collaborative team of like-minded professionals, working together in a collegial and positive work environment that allows clinicians the freedom to focus on their clients and deepen their sessions.  

  • I am also a Marine veteran, experienced in treating veterans, active duty military service members, and their families who are experiencing the effects of combat, service and military family related issues, and military sexual trauma. 


Specialized Training

  • EMDR – Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
  • IFS – Internal Family Systems 
  • CPT – Cognitive Processing Therapy
  • PE – Prolonged Exposure

Career

  • Began counseling as an intern for Judith Kettner, LMFT, LPC in private practice in 2015, where I worked with children, adolescents, families, and couples and provided individual and group counseling services.  
  • Counseled veterans, active duty service members, and their families at Jacksonville Readjustment Counseling Center, specializing in treating combat trauma, military sexual trauma , and readjustment issues.
  • Started private practice in August 2017, specializing in the treatment of trauma/PTSD, mood disorders, family issues, and premarital/marital counseling. 

Education & Affiliations

  • MA, Professional Counseling - Liberty University 2016
  • Clinical Fellow, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy
  • National Certified Counselor (NCC), National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)

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Anastasia Arauz, ma, LPC, RPT

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My Education and Career

  • I graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Elementary Education in 1996. From there I went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in Counseling at North Carolina Central University in May of 2003. I  completed a Post Master Certificate from University of North Carolina at Greensboro in Couples and Family Counseling in 2009.  


  • My work experience includes 5 years as a middle school teacher and 9 years as an elementary school counselor. In 2014, I earned a certification in play therapy and became a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). I have been serving on the Board of North Carolina Association of Play Therapy  (NCAPT) since 2013.

Licensure, Certifications and Volunteer Positions

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
  • Board Member for the North Carolina Association for Play Therapy
  • Zing Zumm Childrens Museum Board Member
  • National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT)

Professional Memberships

  • Association of Play Therapy
  • American Counseling Association
  • Licensed Professional Counselor Association of North Carolina

Services

 

  • Play Therapy  
    • Please click  the link below to learn more about this service.
  • Individual Counseling for children and teens.
    • Issues related to self esteem and  self-worth. 
    • School phobia and/or school problems.
    • Issues related to anger management and problems expressing emotions
    • Friendship and social issues
    • Divorce and grief/loss
  • Group Therapy for children and teens.
    • Friendship
    • Feelings
    • Divorce
    • Grief and loss
  • Family Therapy
    • Improve Interactions in the family system
    • Parenting 

My Website

 https://easternnctherapy.com/play-therapy 

Dr. Theresa Roman, PsyD, PSYCHOLOGIST

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Perinatal Mental Health

Pregnancy and the postpartum period can be an extremely emotional experience for moms (and dads).  From preconception planning to the time period after a baby is born, many changes happen mentally and physically that can make this time period challenging.  As many as 1 in 7 moms and 1 in 10 dads will experience a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD).  PMADs can occur at any point from conception through postpartum, sometimes extending into a lengthy course of time if not treated.  If you are a mom/dad with limited resources or therapeutic support, you might feel alone, helpless and fearful of how to ask for help with PMADs.


I provide screening and assessment in order to work with moms/dads in addressing perinatal mental health issues and ongoing individual therapy.  I welcome moms, dads or couples struggling with fertility or pregnancy loss concerns as these are particularly sensitive experiences that often evoke feelings such as shame, guilt and depression.  


I believe in the importance of bridging the relationship between clinician and client. I aim to make my therapeutic environment warm and welcoming. I believe that an efficient provider is one who has a strong community connection with other resource providers and can provide a well-rounded treatment model. 

Other Services Provided:

  • Forensic Evaluations
  • Child Custody (Best Interest of Child Evaluations)
  • Substance Use Evaluations
  • Disability Evaluations

My Website:

 http://balanced-wellness.org/ 

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Gina Mency, MA, LPC, LCASA

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About Me

 

  • Trained to work with individuals and families who have experienced trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, anger, family conflict, physical, emotional and sexual abuse. I enjoy assisting individuals and families with finding solutions without judgment and believe the recovery process is a combination of finding balance in our lives through mental, physical and spiritual wellness. If you are feeling "stressed out", "tired" or "lost", let's work together to work through those negative emotions to more positive emotions.


  • I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. In addition, I take an eclectic approach to therapy and tailor therapy to the individual or family and their unique needs.


  • Empathetic to people with a variety of disorders, my career has afforded me the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life. I have worked with children, teens, adults, geriatrics, inmates and the military. Through my experiences I have assisted with helping people find a better balance in their lives.

Specializations

  • Adolescents/Adults
  • Mood Disorders (Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar)
  • Self-Esteem, Anger Management, and other behavioral health related issues
  • Substance Use Disorders

Ryan Rote, MSW, LCSW

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About Me

  • Ryan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. She received her graduate and undergraduate degrees in Social Work with a concentration in mental health. 


  • Ryan has 9 years of experience working with active duty military service members. She has been affiliated with the Marine Corp for over 17 years and has worked in a variety of settings to include dialysis centers, inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, hospitals, and currently at the Wounded Warrior Battalion on Camp Lejeune, NC. 


  • Ryan enjoys working with retired, active duty service members, and their dependents utilizing a variety of clinically tested and evidenced based interventions.

Specializations

  • Combat and Trauma related PTSD
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • ADHD
  • Sleep Issues
  • Chronic Pain.

Lontonia Bryant, MA, LPC, LCASA

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L. Bryant Counseling & Consulting, PLLC

  • I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and an Associate Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist. I specialize in workingwith ADHD and depression in adolescents and teens. I have a passion for helping kids and teens create personal change and flourish. I commonly work with adults that are struggling with anxiety, addictions, depression related difficulties. My sessions integrate cognitive behavioral therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and motivational enhancement techniques to facilitate change.


  • I deeply and sincerely believe that when we feel we can be understood, safe and supported we can begin to observe our fears, negative perceptions and often unconscious distressing patterns with curiosity and gentleness. You can develop and build an awareness that allows for acceptance, questioning, and changing your(selves) and your relationships.


  •  It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. 

Specialties

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Chemical dependency
  • Depression
  • Mood disorders
  • Self-harming behaviors
  • Parenting Issues
  • Self-esteem
  • Career difficulties
  • Anger Management

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