Meet the Team at Calming Waters Counseling

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
-C.S. Lewis

Hi there! Congratulations for taking the step to seek counseling. I’m Amy, a Licensed Professional Counselor and I am the co-founder and Clinical Director of Calming Waters Counseling, LLC. You might be faced with something that you aren’t quite sure how to navigate or just need a listening ear outside your circle. I’m happy to help!I am a graduate of Liberty University and have been working in the mental health field since 2008 in different capacities. My faith based approach helps bring people to a comfortable environment that makes it easier to talk through life’s challenges and leave feeling the weight being lifted because you know you have someone that is going to help you through this.

I am passionate about encouraging others, more specifically those who struggle with negative self-talk, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, boundaries and communication obstacles. The primary modalities that I work with are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Therapy.

Growth can come from hardships and healing can bring peace so let’s tackle whatever you are feeling challenging in your life right now together. I look forward to meeting you soon!

“If you follow your heart, your heart is connected directly to your higher self and soul. And your soul knows better than anyone for you. It knows better than the wisest or longest living entity in this universe. Because it IS you. It is part of you and it is what you need. So follow the heart and you will never be led wrong.”
-TReb Bor Yit-NE

Welcome to Calming Waters! I’m Valerie, a Licensed Professional Counselor and I am the co-founder and Clinical Director of Calming Waters Counseling, LLC. I started working in the mental health field in 2008, I am a therapist who brings authenticity and humor to my practice. I work with individuals and couples in an informal and compassionate manner to help them develop deeper connections to themselves, and stronger more fulfilling relationships with others. My sometimes-eclectic approach draws from many modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution Focused Therapy. 

I excel at collaborating with clients who struggle with many facets of the human experience from poor relationships with self and family to feelings of abandonment, sexual violence, grief, anxiety, depression and other types of traumas. No matter what has happened in your life we can work to mitigate the damage that has been done and shape your overall relationship with the world in a way that makes sense for you and your personal healing journey. 

I understand that there are some traumas which are particularly heinous because they are committed against an individual by a group or persons who are in a position of public trust. It is for this reason that I specialize in issues related to drug dependency as a result of medical intervention, military trauma, working with members of the police department and genital mutilation. Additionally, working with couples who are navigating challenges in their relationship is a passion of mine. I look forward to working with you! 

“Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it.”
-Tori Amos

Hi! Welcome to Calming Waters Counseling! My name is Chrissy Conde and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist! I have been practicing since 2016. I have extensive experience working with people of all ages in a mental health setting. I am passionate about helping people find their way when they are dealing with challenging experiences and situations. I have experience working in Crisis Stabilization, Outpatient Therapy as well as Community Based treatment.

As a therapist I have extensive training in treating depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, mood disorders and family conflicts. With a background in working with couples and families I understand the importance of helping and working with the whole system. In a non-judgmental, supportive and safe environment my goal is to help my clients reach their goals while also being able to explore their thoughts and feelings and help resolve any conflict that might arise. I believe that everyone has the answers within themselves to find their way on a healthy journey and to overcome the obstacles they face, sometimes they just need a little guidance and direction to get themselves there. I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy as well as motivational interviewing. I look forward to meeting you and helping support you on your journey of self-healing and growth!

“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable.”
-Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers)

Hello! Welcome to our practice! I am a licensed clinical social worker with ten years experience working with diverse populations in various environments. This has included outpatient, community-based treatment, crisis, and residential facilities. I take a relational approach to therapy and believe that the client-therapist alliance is integral to the success of a client’s goals.

My practice approach is integrative, but I often draw on attachment theory and trauma informed approaches to support clients working through anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, marital conflict, grief, and communication/boundary needs. I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment techniques, somatic strategies, internal family systems, and sensorimotor psychotherapy approaches. I have experience working with children, adults, and couples. My goal is to provide an open and safe space for my clients to work through life challenges and feel affirmed in their use of tools learned in sessions to better their lives. I look forward to meeting!

“If you change your mindset, you have the ability to change your world.”
-Damien Thomas

Hello! My name is Hayley Dunn, and I am a Resident in Counseling here at Calming Waters Counseling. Seeking counseling can be overwhelming, so as a Resident, I thrive to provide a comforting, non-judgmental space where people of all ages can feel confident in feeling supported and heard. 

Whether you’re on a journey of healing, self-discovery, personal growth, or simply navigating life’s challenges, I am passionate about walking alongside you every step of the way. I work with individuals of all ages and take care to tailor each session to your unique needs, ensuring our work together reflects your goals, experiences, and personal pace. I have extensive experience in assisting with anxiety, depression, grief, and managing overall life challenges. I look forward to supporting you on this meaningful, yet fun journey! 

“I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become.”
-Carl Jung

Hello, my name is Adrish and as a Resident Counselor, my primary objective is to assist individuals in overcoming life challenges and achieving their full potential. My experience working with adults with a range of disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, and personality disorders, has provided me with an enhanced awareness of the challenges that impact mental health. Currently, I am providing therapy and support to adolescents, adults, families, and couples.

As a Resident Counselor with experience in mental health skill building. Integrating my personal experience with mental health skill building into my counseling sessions provides a different insight with providing therapy to my clients. This approach fosters trust and rapport, while also providing my clients with a positive role model for developing their own mental skills. Additionally, I customize my sessions to meet the unique needs of each client. By utilizing my personal mental skill building experience, I can assist my clients in developing the necessary tools to manage their emotions and enhance their overall well-being.

David brings nearly 10 years of health insurance experience to his role at Calming Waters Counseling. As Office Manager, he helps ensure that day-to-day operations run smoothly and that clients receive efficient, supportive service from start to finish.