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Meet The Team AT

Brookside Family Therapy

DeShia Holmes, Licensed Marriage and Family Resident

DeShia Holmes“We have so much coming in as sisters, when is our interior life ever put at the forefront? We constantly want to give to other people … Too much of not caring for yourself is not a good thing. We’re bad at that as achievers. Self-care is a priority and we have to do it more.” ~Ava DuVernay

  • Specialties: Couples, Generational Trauma, LGBTQIA+, Life transitions
  • Populations: Ages 18+. Individuals, Couples, and Families
  • Fees: Insurance is taken; Self-pay $90
  • Availability: Evenings (after 4pm) except Thursdays and Weekends (9am-12pm) In-person hours are the same as her regular hours.
  • holmesmft@protonmail.com
  • 571-946-0834

DeShia is bold, honest, and adventurous and maybe a bit direct at times. She believes in providing a safe and non-judgemental place for her clients. She has a collaborative approach to therapy, using an open ear and mind to connect with clients to meet them where they are in life to ensure a smooth therapeutic journey. She expresses to her clients that therapy with her is like talking to your human form conscious.  Her sole purpose is to ensure the client receives the therapy that will speak to them in their own words.

She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Family Studies from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, MS and obtained her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University.

She was born and raised in Florida and has lived in multiple states across the east coast over the past 11 years. She has lived in Dumfries, Virginia since June 2020 and enjoys exploring the city including D.C. She also loves spending time with her family, traveling, cooking, and beaches.

Does your relationship sound like this?  Blog Article

Jamika Poole, Licensed Marriage and Family Resident 

Jamika Poole

  • Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Anger Management, Family Conflict, Relationship Issues, LGBTQIA+ ally, Men’s Group
  • Populations: Children and Adolescents, Individuals, Couples and Families Ages 12 and Up
  • Fees: Self pay $100, Brookside Family Therapy also accepts most insurances.
  • Availability: Telehealth only Evenings (after 6pm), and Weekends ( 10am to 1pm)
  • 757-880-5193
  • Jamika.PooleMFT@proton.me

Hi, my name is Jamika, and I am Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy. After graduating high school, I served in the US Army for 10 years and loved that I got a chance to travel outside of my little Maryland bubble. I was born and raised in Maryland, but currently reside in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.

I obtained my bachelor’s degree in psychology from The University of Phoenix in 2018 and my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University 2023.

I love to work with children, couples, biological families, blended families, and individuals. I have experience working with clients who exhibit ADHD adjustment issues, anxiety, behavioral concerns, depression, family conflict, grief, relationship issues, and trauma. Also, as an individual who served 10 years in the United States Army, I can understand the military lifestyle and the adjustment period that comes with transitioning into a civilian.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, as you are the one who knows your story best. What are your concerns? And how can we address them? When working with children and Families, I lean more towards Structural Family therapy, where I aim to help you readjust your family rules, roles, and boundaries.

My goal is to help you grow individually and relationally. As you walk through your storms, I will be there to encourage you along the way, as you essentially realize that not all storms will last forever. I aspire to provide you with not only a safe, non-judgmental space to be vulnerable, but also, the tools you need in preparation for any other future storms you may encountered.

Barbara Folcini, Licensed Counseling Resident

  • Bilingual ( English-Spanish)  Counseling Intern
  • Specialties: Adjustment Disorders, Anxiety, Depression, Divorce, Marriage, Parenting
  • Populations: Individuals and Couples ( 18 to 65 years old )
  • Fees: $50 for self pay Brookside Family Therapy also accepts most insurances.
  • Availability: Tuesdays  ( 9 am to 6 pm),  Wednesdays  ( 12 pm to 6 pm), and Thursdays (12pm to 6pm)
  • bfolcini@protonmail.com
  • 954-696-4012

Life is a journey where we are not alone. Family, friends and acquaintances play a key role at different moments. Communication is key to identifying our challenges and opportunities and I speak your language. I am committed to understand what you are going through and jointly design a plan that is suited to your needs.

As we go through life we face several changes and there are phases that may prove challenging for us. Going to college, having a child, moving, marriage, divorce, career changes etc. Are you feeling overwhelmed? Talking will help.

As an immigrant in the United States since 2001 I have experienced myself several changes and challenges that forged who I am. I lived and worked in different countries and environments that provided the sensitivity to understand and connect with several groups and cultures. Living in Latin America connected me with the characteristics and needs of the Hispanic population and the US provided the structure and result orientation that is key to accomplish one’s goals. I learnt the importance of active listening and connecting with the situation that we are presented with as the first step to be able to help and develop an effective counseling plan.   

I have a Bachelor and Master in Psychology, Universidad del Salvador in Argentina and am a current Master in Mental Health Counseling student at Fort Hays State University and a bilingual therapist.

En Espanol

La vida es un viaje en el que no estamos solos. La familia, los amigos y los conocidos juegan un papel fundamental en diferentes momentos. La comunicación es clave para identificar nuestros retos y oportunidades y yo hablo tu idioma. Me comprometo a entender por lo que estás pasando y juntos diseñar un plan que se adapte a tus necesidades.

A medida que avanzamos en la vida, enfrentamos varios cambios y hay fases que pueden resultar desafiantes para nosotros. Ir a la universidad, tener un hijo, mudarse, casarse, divorciarse, cambiar de carrera, etc. ¿Se siente abrumado? Hablar te ayudará.

Como inmigrante en los Estados Unidos desde 2001, he experimentado varios cambios y desafíos que forjaron quien soy. Viví y trabajé en diferentes países y entornos que me brindaron la sensibilidad para entender y conectarme con grupos y culturas variadas. Vivir en Latinoamérica me conectó con las características y necesidades de la población hispana y Estados Unidos me brindó la estructura y orientación a resultados que es clave para lograr las metas. Aprendí la importancia de la escucha activa y de la conexión con la situación que se nos presenta como primer paso para poder ayudar y desarrollar un plan de consejería efectivo.

Soy Licenciada y Master en Psicología de la Universidad del Salvador en Argentina. Actualmente estoy estudiando una Maestría en Consejería de Salud Mental en Fort Hays State University. Terapeuta bilingüe

Toni Morato, Licensed Counseling Resident

  • Specializes in working with Teens, Adults, Individuals and Couples
  • Groups: Divorce/Separation/Break-up Support; Veterans PTSD Support;Men’s Group
  • Availability: Monday & Wednesday 10am-5pm virtual only  Tuesday 10:30am-3:30pm In-Person only Thursday 1-6pm In-Person only Friday10am-3pm Virtual only Will see ages 8+
  • Fees: Insurance, self-pay (sliding-scale), open-path
  • ToMora070913@protonmail.com
  • 571-601-2825

Toni received her BS in Sociology from American Military University in 2013 and her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University; she holds a Residency in Counseling License in the state of Virginia and is working on completing her requirements to become a Licensed Professional Counselor.

Toni is a United States Military Veteran and has supported her husband throughout his military career.  Her combined professional and life experiences help her connect with clients from all backgrounds; she takes pride in providing a trusting and supportive space for clients to work towards their resolutions. Toni promises to approach clients with unconditional understanding by remaining curious.

Toni employs a combination of therapeutic approaches tailored to each individual client’s needs; these include CBT, DBT, Solution Focused, Mindfulness, among others.  Her primary goal as a therapist is to help people acquire the skills necessary to work through difficult experiences, past or present, and learn to navigate thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Isn’t it time to begin to live life on YOUR own terms?

If you’re experiencing problems adjusting to life changes, suffering from anxiety and/ or depression, have unresolved trauma, are having relationship issues, or simply have a desire to better yourself, Toni will work with you; she believes that you can grow through what you go through. 

You don’t have to “do life” on your own, call or book your appointment today!

Mommy’s Little Helper = ADDICTION? Blog Article

Charnelle Little, Marriage and Family Therapy Intern

Charnelle Little“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”  ~ Maya AngelouSpecialties: Children, Teens and their families, couples

  • Populations: Individuals and Families ( 6 to 65 years old )
  • Fees: $50 for self pay Brookside Family Therapy also accepts most insurances.
  • Availability: Mondays ( 8AM to noon), Tuesdays and Thursdays  ( 6:30pm to 8:30pm), alternating Fridays (1pm-4pm), Alternating Saturdays (10am to 12pm) In-person hours same as Friday and Saturday.
  • 540-300-6304
  • charnelle.littlemft@proton.me

Charnelle is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University.  She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Management from Saint Leo University.  After receiving her bachelor’s degree, she began working in the healthcare field, both clerically and clinically.  She has worked in a variety of specialties, including Nephrology and Pediatrics.  While she spent time working in Pediatrics, she had the opportunity to work with at- risk youth and youth that had migrated from other countries, in an outpatient setting.  The stories that they spoke about and the hardships that they faced at such a young age showed Charnelle that they weren’t the only ones who were experiencing life’s hardships.  These children were dealing with anxiety, depression, gender dysphoria, PTSD, and ADHD.  It was then that Charnelle realized she wanted to make sure that children and adolescents had a safe place to speak.  She wanted to make sure that she was able to support children and their families. 

Starting a therapeutic journey can be challenging, but she applauds everyone who takes those first steps in finding the help and assistance that they many  need.  Every client has different goals and reasoning for seeking therapy.  Her goal is to provide a safe space, free of judgement, and that allows individuals the opportunity to be their most authentic self, in every session.  Her interpersonal skills, and ability to conduct interviews, allows her to create that safe and secure environment, fostering positive emotional well-being for clients.  She is dedicated to building strong therapeutic relationships and facilitating personal growth in clients.  Most importantly, she has the passion to help clients see that they are more than the issues that they may be faced with, and they don’t have to become them. 

She is originally from Central Florida, currently residing in the DMV area.  Although she relocated to Virginia trying to escape the Florida weather, once Spring comes around you can find her taking in all the sun.  In her free time, she enjoys dancing, listening to music, reading and watching anything sci-fi and all things Disney.  Growing up in Central Florida, she naturally enjoys spending time at theme parks even though she is not as adventurous as she once was.

 

Morgan Scribner, Marriage and Family Practicum Student

  • Populations: Individuals and Families (Ages 5 and up)
  • Fees: $50 for self-pay, Brookside Family Therapy also accepts most insurances.
  • Availability: Mondays (2pm to 7pm), Wednesdays (12pm to 6pm) 
  • Contact Information: morgan.scribner@proton.me

Morgan is a Graduate Intern, currently earning her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University. She holds a dual Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Music from Wesleyan University and a Master of Education in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Morgan is committed to cultivating a positive and safe therapeutic environment to support youth clients, families, and couples on their healing journeys. With training in Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST), she focuses on a client-centered approach that respects each individual’s unique experiences. She collaborates with clients to address their unique challenges within systems, working to identify specific needs and tailor plans to strengthen relationships, overcome obstacles, and pursue personal growth and self-discovery. Morgan believes it is an honor to support others through their most vulnerable moments and is excited to work with diverse populations and complex systems.  

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