MEET OUR STAFF
Our Team
Our psychiatric and psychotherapy practice includes clinicians from a variety of educational backgrounds, personalities, and professional interests. While we are all passionate about bringing Interpersonal Neurobiology to life in our work, we draw from other therapeutic approaches including Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Attachment Therapy, Experiential Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy.
Leecie Brown, LCSW
Psychotherapist
Leecie received her undergraduate degree in Spanish from Wheaton College (IL) and her Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan. She has worked in a variety of settings, including public child welfare, emergency mental health, and outpatient private practice. Her treatment influences include attachment theory and EMDR, and she likens her role with clients to that of a consultant or advisor as they seek to make changes and imagine the lives they want for themselves.
"I bring a spirit of curiosity into my work and find that my clients consistently surprise me with the depth of their courage alongside their pain and grief. I believe the work of the therapist is to allow clients to get in touch with their longings and fears, and to be a witness to their losses and victories. I most enjoy helping clients make connections between their past and present, allowing them to live the best version of themselves going forward."
Stephanie Christensen, MS
Marriage & Family Therapy Resident
Stephanie is a graduate of Virginia Tech and a resident marriage and family therapist. She works primarily with couples but also works regularly with individuals, children and whole families. She uses a unique integration of methods that focuses on thoughts (mind) and feelings (body). Her methods are informed by Family Systems Theory, Attachment Theory and Polyvagal Theory. She is trained in Emotion Focused Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy and Parent-Child Relationship Therapy. She is also trained and certified to conduct equine-assisted psychotherapy.
"I believe each individual has the potential and capacity to discover their ideal self. As a therapist, I take a holistic and systemic assessment and with understanding and gentleness, I help facilitate the awakening of awareness. With your newfound awareness of your mind's and body's patterns, together, we formulate solutions to transform your relationship with yourself, with others and your environment. In my therapy room, you can expect intentional interventions that help you make sense of your experience, an emphasis on progress towards your goals and above all, a safe place to bring your whole selves to the table."
Anna Graham, LMSW
Practice Manager & Social Work Resident
Anna is a resident in clinical social work. After 20 years of work with families and children in the field of adoption and international adoption, she has added an additional clinical focus as a therapist. She works with individuals, couples, and groups. Her methods are informed by Attachment Theory, Family Systems Theory, and Polyvagal Theory. She is trained in the Adult Attachment Interview and certified in Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI).
"I believe in, and have experienced first-hand, how deep healing and hope, grown in connection and relationship, can change people; their situations, their lives and their relationships. Inherent to our humanity is the complexity of pain and joy, never intended to be navigated or experienced alone. It is a gift and privilege to hold a front row seat in what this unique and courageous work offers to those who start the journey."
Courtney Morrison, LCSW
Owner & Psychotherapist
Courtney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She earned an MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University and an MALS from Georgetown University. Her approach is informed by Interpersonal Neurobiology, Psychodynamics, Psychoanalysis, and Attachment-based Theories.
“We all have a new story that is waiting to be written. It’s a story filled with more hope and joy than we could ever have imagined. It’s my goal to help clients imagine what could be, mourn what might have been, and move forward into their deepest longings. Along the way, I help clients to reflect on the impact of past events in their lives and identify new ways of being in relationship with themselves and others.”
Bryan Patrick, QMHP-T
Clinical Intern
Bryan is a Qualified Mental Health Professional Trainee (QMHP-T) in Virginia and will complete the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University in May 2024. Bryan’s clinical approach is informed by Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness-based interventions. Having previously served in pastoral ministry, Bryan is especially interested in coming alongside those who care for others through ministry and helping them navigate the unique mental health challenges that can come with serving in ministry..
“I am passionate about seeing people experience transformation of mind, body, and spirit, enabling them to live fully in their true story. Using the lens of attachment, we can address the trauma and relationship ruptures that prevent us from showing up in relationships as our true selves.”
Gail Smith, BSN-BC, CGP
Intake Coordinator & Psychiatric Nurse
Gail is a Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse. She earned a BSN from Hawaii Pacific University. Gail also graduated from the National Group Psychotherapy Institutes in Washington, DC, through the Washington School of Psychiatry with her certification in Group Psychotherapy.
“As a Psychiatric Nurse and Office Manager for the practice, my favorite work is connecting clients with staff who can help them integrate their stories and flourish with their desire to grow in wholeness and beauty. I am privileged to witness the transformative work that happens as our practice provides a relational community of being known and of developing the desire to be the best version of self.”
David Steele, LMFT
Psychotherapist
David is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He earned an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Virginia Tech. David specializes in issues related to family of origin, attachment, communication, and trauma. His work is informed strongly by Attachment Theories, Interpersonal Neurobiology, the Internal Family Systems Model, and EMDR.
“Counseling is courageous exploration and transformation of one's story into a narrative that is truer and more abundant. It's the joy of my life to be a companion to clients on their journey toward wholeness, shedding light on places of hurt and shame, inviting healing and restoration, and equipping clients to live life to the fullest.”
Finnegan P. Steele, CGC
Certified Therapy Dog
Finn is a Certified Therapy Dog, and he has completed this certification through Off-Leash K9 Training of Northern Virginia. Finn is also a registered Canine Good Citizen (CGC) with the American Kennel Club. Finn works alongside David Steele, LMFT to provide comfort and grounding to clients experiencing emotional distress in therapy. Animal assisted therapy is only available to clients of David Steele, LMFT at this time.
Curt Thompson, MD
Chief Purpose Officer & Psychiatrist
Curt Thompson, MD is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He graduated from Wright State University School of Medicine and completed his psychiatric residency at Temple University Hospital.
"As a psychiatrist, I am offered the privilege to bear witness to how hard people work, carrying their pain as they live on life’s edges, where brokenness and even hopelessness are commonplace. In addition to providing helpful medical care, I believe a significant part of my work is to listen well, ask (hopefully) meaningful questions, and wonder aloud about the possible discoveries that may lie waiting just outside the door of a patient’s awareness."