The Life Enrichment Counseling Center in Gainesville, VA is located in Prince William County at the intersection of Heathcote Blvd., and Heritage Village Plaza.

Our office is accessible to individuals and families living in Haymarket, Warrenton, Bristow, Manassas and Centreville, VA.

The Gainesville Office #1 is located at:
7230 Heritage Village Plaza, Suite 202
Gainesville, VA 20155
Phone: (703) 754-0636
Fax: (703) 754-0646

Directions: click here

At Life Enrichment Counseling Center, we strive to support our clients by providing holistic services to meet their mental health needs. We collaborate with you in your treatment to enable you to have the necessary tools to thrive when therapy is completed. When we go through life’s challenges in our and when traumatic experiences turn our lives upside down, our clinicians are here to help. Oftentimes, divorce, death of a loved one, unexpected job loss, and other life transitions can be difficult to maneuver alone. It’s important to reach out for help and not isolate. We will provide supportive and compassionate services to help you in your time of need. We believe in your ability to heal and live a life that’s fulfilling and whole.

Our Gainesville, Virginia office has been in existence for over a decade. We provide counseling to children, adolescents, adults, families and couples. Services include counseling in areas such as depression, anxiety, marital conflict, grief and loss, conduct disorders, and substance abuse. Our skilled and knowledgeable therapists can provide you with techniques to help in your healing journey. Some of the treatment approaches that are utilized include cognitive behavioral therapy, solutions focused therapy, family systems techniques, and Gestalt therapy. Treatment approaches are based on the needs of our clients. We strive to provide you with quality services to help you soar.

The following services are offered in the Gainesville Office:

Individual Psychotherapy:

Individual psychotherapy involves regular scheduled meetings with a therapist for one-on-one counseling to address current or past problems, experiences, and/or feelings. The purpose of the sessions is to reduce struggles which may occur in the form of problematic behaviors, feelings, and beliefs. Counseling sessions are 45 to 60 minutes in length and is provided by a licensed therapist.

Family Counseling/Psychotherapy:

Family therapy may help to promote better relationships and understanding within a family. Family counseling often occurs with all members of the family unit present although this may not always be the case.

Adolescent Counseling:

Adolescents generally find it difficult to eloquently verbalize their feelings. They are often overwhelmed and even confused by the number of complex feelings that come as they move toward adulthood. However, for teens, most conflicts involve differences between family members or issues over expectations of parents, in addition to peer and school pressures.

Child Therapy and Counseling:

Sometimes children encounter difficulties that parents and caregivers find difficult to help them navigate. Oftentimes externalizing behaviors such as tantrums, defiance, and inattention can extend past the scope of normal developmental behavior and signal a more significant underlying issue.

It is important to note that the aforementioned behaviors are considered part of the normal developmental process; however, at times they can be so disruptive that they interfere with a child’s ability to socialize appropriately with peers, succeed in school, problem-solve, and maintain safety within the home.

Some of the problems elementary and middle school children encounter include academic failure, bullying, difficulty making friends, struggles with attention and follow-through on tasks, difficulty expressing emotions appropriately, and family issues including but not limited to grief, divorce, abuse, moving, and being a part of a military family.

Art Therapy:

We offer a range of services designed specifically for individuals to heal from traumatic experiences and develop healthy coping strategies through art.

Christian Counseling:

We believe that faith and spirituality can be powerful tools for healing and growth. Our counselors integrate Christian principles and values into their counseling approach, providing guidance and support to help individuals and families grow in their faith and achieve their goals.

Online Therapy:

Our online therapy sessions provide adult and adolescent individuals with one-on-one counseling sessions that are tailored to their unique needs in the comfort on their own home.

Other Issues Addressed:

Life Enrichment Counseling Center has experienced clinical staff members who are skilled in psychotherapy.
Below is a partial list of issues addressed:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Marital Conflicts
• Parent-Child Conflicts
• Adolescent Issues
• Women’s Issues
• Infertility
• Stress Management
• Grief Counseling
• Spiritual Counseling

Counselors & Therapists at The Gainesville, VA Life Enrichment Counseling and Therapy Center

Beverley Boothe, Ph.D., MSW, LCSW (Online Therapy)

Not Currently Accepting New Clients

Beverley Boothe is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Virginia. She is also a Certified Imago Couples Therapist and Imago Workshop Presenter. Ms. Boothe established Life Enrichment Counseling Center in April 2005 in Gainesville, VA. She provides therapy to adults and couples at Life Enrichment Counseling Center.

Ms. Boothe has a Masters of Social Work degree from Howard University and undergraduate degrees in Social Work and Psychology from York University. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the American Counseling Association, and the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors. Ms. Boothe has worked as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1993.

She has worked in private, non-profit, and government agencies serving children, adolescents, and families. Ms. Boothe has experience in providing therapy to adolescents, individuals, couples, and families from a holistic perspective.

At Life Enrichment Counseling Center, she specializes in working with couples who are in conflict and adults with depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship issues. Ms. Boothe is able to incorporate Christian principles in the counseling session if requested.

Please feel free to contact Ms. Boothe directly: …

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Not Currently Accepting New Clients

Babak Alidoosti is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Virginia. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland (2005) and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Virginia Tech University (2009).

Prior to joining Life Enrichment Counseling Center, Mr. Alidoosti provided clinical services in a range of therapeutic settings, working with individuals, couples, adolescents, and families along the way. Most recently, he provided services at Foundations, a residential treatment program for adolescent girls on probation in Fairfax County’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. In this setting, Mr. Alidoosti worked closely with residents and their families on a variety of issues including depression, trauma, self-esteem, anxiety, substance abuse, anger management, and parent-child conflict.

At Life Enrichment Counseling Center, Mr. Alidoosti provides services to individuals, couples, adolescents, and families. He draws on a blend of therapeutic approaches, including Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Family Systems. Mr. Alidoosti uses a client-centered approach and believes that a good therapeutic relationship and providing non-judgmental support are essential to successful outcomes. Mr. Alidoosti’s main goal is to assist clients in navigating through the difficult issues for which they are seeking therapy, while cultivating lasting and significant change.

Please feel free to contact Mr. Alidoosti directly: …

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Mercedes Alonso, MSW, Social Work Supervisee (Gainesville, Online Therapy)

Ms. Alonso received her Masters of Social Work degree from Rutgers University and a certificate in the field of Gender Violence. Ms. Alonso has over 10 years of clinical experience working in diverse settings including inpatient, outpatient, violence intervention, non-profit, and child welfare. She also has experience in working with diverse clients, including serving individuals, groups, and families. Ms. Alonso has supported the family unit and parents through the entire child welfare continuum including support around parenting skills, building family strengths/protective capacities, managing conflict, communication difficulties, co-parenting, and addressing gender violence to include anger management/emotional regulation.

In her previous role, Ms. Alonso supported over 300 men, as a facilitator and trainer. She educates men about self-awareness, substance abuse, male socialization, and healthy relationships by teaching men how to be positive role models. She is also passionate about helping individuals and families deal with multicultural, immigration, and acculturation challenges. She is fluent in Spanish.

Ms. Alsono’s core focus is rooted in a person-centered and holistic approach. She integrates a blend of therapeutic approaches including strength-based, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and solution-focused. Ms. Alonso is currently pursuing her certification in yoga and hopes to incorporate it into her clinical approach.

Please feel free to contact Ms. Alonso directly: …

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Ali Cooper, LCSW (Gainesville, Online Therapy)

Ali Cooper is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Virginia. She provides therapy to children, adolescents, and young adults at Life Enrichment Counseling Center. Ms. Cooper has a Masters of Social Work degree from George Mason University and an undergraduate degree in psychology from Huntington University.

Ms. Cooper has clinical experience in a variety of settings including non-profit, school, and in-patient environments, serving children, adolescents, and families. She has provided individual child and adolescent therapy, family therapy, group therapy, crisis stabilization, and school-based mental health services.

At Life Enrichment Counseling Center, she specializes in working with children, adolescents, and their families with varying social/emotional challenges, including issues related to Autism Spectrum Disorders, anxiety, trauma, anger management, depression, and difficult behaviors. She uses a client-centered approach incorporating play-based strategies, mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) techniques. Ms. Cooper is a Christian and happy to incorporate Christian principles and perspectives into counseling sessions if requested.

Please feel free to contact Ms. Cooper directly: …

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Davida Johnson, MSW, Social Work Supervisee (Gainesville, Online Therapy)

Mrs. Johnson received her Master of Social Work degree from Walden University in 2020. Prior to that, she obtained her Bachelor of Social Work with an emphasis on Children and Families from Ferrum College in 2015. Mrs. Johnson has over eight years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families in various capacities. She has provided behavioral and mental health case management, worked closely with foster care children and their families towards reunification, and supported children and adolescents through mentoring, intensive in-home services, and individual therapy. She has also facilitated small groups in schools and community settings.

Mrs. Johnson utilizes a variety of treatment modalities, including a person-centered approach, art therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). In addition, Mrs. Johnson’s culturally responsive practices provide a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can develop self-confidence to thrive in everyday life.

Before joining Life Enrichment Counseling Center, Mrs. Johnson provided crisis intervention services to military personnel and their families and connected them to additional mental health resources. Mrs. Johnson enjoys working with children and families and believes in working with them from a holistic perspective to promote better overall health.

Please feel free to contact Mrs. Davida Johnson directly: …

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Jaana Kilkki, MA, ATR-BC (Gainesville Office, Online therapy)

Jaana Kilkki is a Board Certified Art Therapist. She is also a registered yoga teacher and a mindfulness meditation teacher. Ms. Kilkki provides art psychotherapy and trauma focused therapy to children (school age and up), adolescents and adults at Life Enrichment Counseling Center.

Ms. Kilkki has a Masters in Creative Arts Therapy Counseling from Hofstra University (2013) and undergraduate degree in Honors and Studio Art from Hunter College. She has experience working in both group and individual treatment in various inpatient and outpatient settings. Ms. Kilkki is also a Certified Trauma Therapist utilizing the ITR Method, an art based trauma treatment. She has extensive experience working with military service members and individuals who have experienced a variety of life traumas.

At Life Enrichment Counseling Center, Ms. Kilkki provides art psychotherapy to children, adolescents and adults who want to find ways to cope and deal with depression, anxiety, stress, and trauma related issues. Her approach is mindfulness and strength- based, as well as client centered with the goal of empowering clients to find relief from distressing symptoms. Art psychotherapy allows clients to express themselves without words and find resolution to past and current issues through utilizing the creative process. No experience in art making is necessary, and talk therapy is always an option. Ms. Kilkki also utilizes Narrative Sand Therapy, in addition to cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) concepts while meeting clients’ unique needs.

Please feel free to contact Ms. Kilkki directly: …

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Dr. Courtney Shaughnessy, Psy.D., LPC (Gainesville Office #1, Gainesville Office #2, Online Therapy)

Dr. Shaughnessy completed her Masters and PsyD for Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Rivier University in Nashua, NH as well as two bachelor degrees in Social Work and Psychology at Curry College in Boston, MA. She had the opportunity to work at Landstuhl Medical Regional Center in Landstuhl Germany, as well as other private agencies. She has experience with individuals, couples, adolescents, and groups. Dr. Shaughnessy has experience with adjustment/transition issues, family conflicts, recognizing expectations, LGBTQ, as well as depression, anxiety, OCD, and ADHD. Dr. Shaughnessy aims to break down wants, needs, understanding, and acceptance in relationships.

Dr. Shaughnessy is certified in trauma counseling. She also employs different counseling methods based on the needs of her clients. Dr. Shaughnessy is also trained in several evidence-based treatments including Cognitive behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused short-term therapy, and psychodynamic therapy.

Dr. Shaughnessy has been recognized through the Society for Brain Mapping for her clinical work recognizing motivational behavior. At Life Enrichment Counseling Center, Dr. Shaughnessy will serve adults using a variety of treatment modalities as needed.

Please feel free to contact Dr. Courtney Shaughnessy directly: …

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Ashley Wise, LMFT (Gainesville Office, Online Therapy)

Ashley Wise, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in the state of Virginia. She received her master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Virginia Tech in 2014. Prior to that, she received her Undergraduate Degree in Psychology from Virginia Tech in 2009.

Ms. Wise has over ten years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. She has worked in various therapeutic settings such as an adolescent day-treatment program for co-occurring disorders, an outpatient therapy program for youth and their families in a community agency setting, and as an intensive in-home counselor. Ms. Wise has a passion for working with adolescents and families that are in distress and supporting them in improving their family dynamics and functioning. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process between an individual and their therapist and looks forward to supporting individuals in identifying their goals for therapy and the changes that they are desiring.

At Life Enrichment Counseling Center, Ms. Wise provides therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Ms. Wise utilizes evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and Solution Focused Therapy to address concerns such as depression, anxiety, mood instability, anger, social skills, self-esteem, stress management, school refusal, family conflict, and trauma.

Please feel free to contact Ashley Wise directly: …

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