Trish McCoy Kessler, LPC, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist & iaedp Approved Supervisor
(In Person & Telehealth)
Hello! I am honored to work with you or your loved one. When working with clients who struggle with disordered eating, I many times replace the word recovery with wellness. Wellness is an individualized, and an "active" pursuit for an optimal life.
After completing my Master of Arts Degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University I founded Empower Counseling, PC in 2016. Prior to attending graduate school, I was a business and marketing professional in the fields of advertising and pharmaceuticals. I am also a musician and have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with a concentration in Voice from Lynchburg College.
Throughout the years, I have sought out specialized training in Eating Disorders from Sheppard Pratt Health System, River Mend Health Institute, Veritas Collaborative, and Laureate Eating Disorders Program/St Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma; in addition to providing group and individual therapy with Prosperity Eating Disorders and Wellness in Charlottesville, VA. I am a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) through iaedp, International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals with certification as an Approved Supervisor to Licensed Clinicians seeking CEDS certification. I am also certified in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Adolescents Coping with Loss, Acute Stress, Grief and Trauma, and certified in Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA) to treat substance abuse in adolescents. I enjoy working with all populations and genders, ages 10 and up: children, adolescents, individuals, and groups.
Recently, I became certified to teach Restorative Yoga under the direction of Cyndi Lee, founder of the Om Yoga Center, in addition to becoming a General EMDR Practitioner through EMDRIA. I am also in the process of completing certification as a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS). I look forward to incorporating these interventions with my clients. More information to come!
Sherri Meyer, MS, RD, CEDS
Certified Eating Disorder Specialist
(In Person & Telehealth)
Sherri Meyer, MS, RD, CEDS
Certified Eating Disorder Specialist
(In Person & Telehealth)
Sherri Meyer is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist with over 20 years of experience in the nutrition field. Sherri began her career in Dallas, Texas where she obtained her Masters in Nutrition Science & developed her passion for eating disorder work. Sherri went on to practice clinical nutrition at teaching hospitals such as Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas & Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Upon her move to Lynchburg, Sherri worked as the corporate RD for Meriwether-Godsey, inc., where she provided numerous educational programs to schools & assisted in menu development. It was during this time she discovered the influence that diet culture has on young teens and vowed to work toward change. Most recently, Sherri works as the Health Clinic campus RD at the University of Lynchburg, where she provides collaborative counseling to students suffering from disordered eating & body dysmorphia.
Sherri believes clients can begin healing from their eating disorders by developing compassion and trust within their own bodies. She embraces the non-diet principles of Health at Every Size & Intuitive Eating & continues to seek out specialty training in Eating Disorders. Sherri recently earned her certification as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) and Intuitive Eating Counselor. She is a member of iaedp (International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals) and EDRD Pro (Eating Disordered Registered Dietitian Professional Group). Sherri is excited to partner with Empower Counseling & Empower Wellness and looks forward to helping clients heal their relationship with their mind, body & food.
Dr. Sandra Noble, PhD, LPC, CEDS, NCC
(Telehealth)
Dr. Sandra Noble, PhD, LPC, CEDS, NCC
(Telehealth)
Hello and welcome- I am so glad that you are here! I seek to come alongside each client and provide a safe, empowering, and authentic environment for you to heal, learn, and grow. I consider it an honor to work as a Licensed Professional Counselor with those struggling with concerns such as eating disorders and disordered eating, body dysmorphia and body image challenges, trauma history, identity development, depression, and anxiety. I work with each client to identify goals that are important for you, but my overarching goals for my work with all clients include providing hope and helping you develop a more loving and compassionate relationship with yourself and your body. I recently completed my doctoral degree and focused my research on developing embodiment-based creative interventions for eating disorders, and I love integrating these approaches into clinical work! I have also presented on these concepts at national, state, and regional professional conferences.
My work in the mental health field started with working in a residential setting in 2009, and since that time I have worked with individuals, families, and groups of all ages in outpatient and acute inpatient settings. I am trained in the Embodied Recovery for Eating Disorders (ERED) model and am an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained therapist. I use a client-centered therapy framework and integrate practical and evidence-based concepts from cognitive, dialectical behavioral, existential, and attachment-focused therapies. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and am currently completing my certification as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS). Outside of the office, I can usually be found exploring new places, connecting on my yoga mat, or chasing after my sweet and spunky pup, Bailey. I look forward to connecting with you and helping you discover a more connected and embodied life!
“Owning our story- and loving ourselves through that process- is the bravest thing we’ll ever do” -Brene Brown
Lina Ramirez, Resident in Counseling
(In Person & Telehealth)
Lina Ramirez, Resident in Counseling
(In Person & Telehealth)
Hi I’m Lina! I am a Resident in Counseling with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University, currently pursuing licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
As a counselor, I am committed and passionate about walking alongside you in your journey towards seeking answers, purpose, healing, and long-lasting freedom in whichever areas you may be struggling in. I strive to provide a safe, nonjudgmental and client -centered approach, where you will feel comfortable sharing at your own pace and decide what works best for you. I invite consultants to experience the counseling relationship as a conduit for personal awareness, transformation, and growth. I have experience working with teenagers, college- aged as well as adult populations in diverse settings and enjoy providing both individual and group counseling services. I am passionate about working with folks who are struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating and body image concerns. I’ve also had the privilege of providing services for individuals walking through depression, anxiety, self-esteem, life transitions, women’s issues, migration and cultural adjustments, among others.
In sessions, I draw from different therapeutic approaches including, Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT) as well as Narrative therapy, always prioritizing consultant’s needs and integrating evidence - based practices. I provide faith-integrated counseling upon client’s request. Having been born and raised in Colombia, South America, I always look to integrate a diverse and multicultural approach to counseling and provide bilingual services when needed (Spanish & English).
In my free time, I enjoy reading, journaling, water coloring, playing tennis, dog sitting and spending time with family and friends. My all-time favorite activity is sunset/sunrise watching.
Gabbie Mauk, LPC
(In Person & Telehealth)
Gabbie Mauk, LPC
(In Person & Telehealth)
Gabrielle is a Licensed Professional Counselor and for the past 9 years she has worked in a variety of settings within the mental health field. She completed her undergraduate degree in Behavioral Science through Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City in 2014, and completed her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Liberty University in 2018. She has experience working with a diverse population of clients including community-based care, inpatient hospitalization, case management and crisis services, and in-home services. Working with adolescents and women in all stages of life by providing client-centered and trauma-informed support is her primary focus. Gabrielle believes that every person has a unique story composed of many lived experiences, and by revisiting these stories healing can be found. She places great emphasis on the importance of identifying strengths and using them in the therapeutic process to build relationship, self-confidence, and the ability to overcome the stressors clients face in everyday life. Gabrielle primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) but also incorporates elements of Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Systemic Therapy, and Art Therapy into her sessions. She has strengthened her skill set by completing advanced training in the Adolescent-Community Reinforcement Approach (A-CRA), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Her clinical experience includes working with anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, mood disorders, anger management, stress-related disorders, trauma, and substance abuse. Gabrielle is passionate about providing evidence-based treatments to her clients which helps them regain hope and achieve lifelong change.
Outside of the counseling office one could find Gabrielle enjoying a cup of coffee or a glass of diet coke, reading a psychological thriller, practicing her photography skills, solving a mystery game, traveling, or spending time facetiming her friends and family back home in Pennsylvania.
Beth Girts, Resident in Counseling
(In Person & Telehealth)
Beth Girts, Resident in Counseling
(In Person & Telehealth)
Hi I’m Beth! I am a Resident in Counseling who has received a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have experience working in-home counseling, crisis stabilization, and outpatient therapy for individuals, couples, and families. I also have experience working partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) for eating disorders. Currently, I am working towards my certification as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist with iaedp.
I am excited to hear about your counseling goals and tailor your treatment plan and therapy interventions specifically around the growth you are hoping to gain from this experience. The therapeutic approaches I most often use for individuals are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Narrative Therapy. For marriage and family counseling I most often use Bowenian Therapy.
As a counselor I strive to create a safe and empowering environment where individuals feel respected, seen, heard, and supported. I am passionate about the counseling relationship because I believe it provides individuals with the support, education, and empowerment needed to create lasting change. I desire to help individuals find hope and courage in their journey toward emotional and physical wholeness.
Kendall Holloway, Resident in Counseling
(Telehealth)
Kendall Holloway, Resident in Counseling
(Telehealth)
Kendall is a Resident in Counseling who has experience in providing individual, group, and family therapy services for clients. Kendall completed her Master's of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Old Dominion University and her Bachelor's of Science degree in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise from Virginia Tech. As a therapist, Kendall has past experience working with individuals who have had previous traumas including but not limited to: sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking.. Her other experiences include working with individuals experiencing eating disorders, anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief/loss, substance use disorders, and other mental diagnoses. She strives to help clients gain insight, process their emotions, and help the client improve their life by obtaining the goals set out by the client at the beginning of treatment. Kendall primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a part of her therapeutic modality, incorporating Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) as needed. She recognizes that this theory does not fit everyone, thus she strives to adjust to meet the client's needs. She believes that recognizing how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect and influence our lives can be a powerful insight into improving different life-stressors. Kendall finds counseling to be the most successful when the client's voice is heard, understood, and incorporated into the treatment goals and plans.
Outside of work, Kendall enjoys spending time with her dog, Sadie, and her hamster Rosenesmee. She is an avid horror movie watcher, romance and fantasy book reader, foodie, and winery goer. Kendall's life motto is, "It's a great day to have a great day."
Gwen Seiler, Resident in Counseling
(In Person & Telehealth)
Gwen Seiler, Resident in Counseling
(In Person & Telehealth)
My career background before pursuing my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling was as a Registered Nurse and then as executive director of a nonprofit ministry for women dealing with Eating Disorders and more. I also helped organize and lead the Empowered Families Group here at Empower Counseling, PC to educate and support family members of those with an eating disorder.
When assessing a client I try to take in the whole person, body, mind, and spirit, considering how each of these components is impacting the others. If a client chooses, I am willing to incorporate Christian faith-based counseling, in addition to a mix of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengths-Based, Person-Centered, Gestalt, and more. I also provide couples counseling.
I have been married for 34 years and we have three grown daughters (two of whom are married), one grandchild, and two doodle-pups. I love watching sunrises and sunsets especially over mountains and beaches, traveling, horseback riding, exploring, and spending time with those I love.
Emily Woody, LPC
(In Person & Telehealth)
Emily Woody, LPC
(In Person & Telehealth)
Emily is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has been working in the field for 14 years. She earned her BS in Psychology from Virginia Tech, and her Master's Degree in Clinical Counseling from the University of Lynchburg. After earning her degree, Emily worked with children and their families through a private counseling agency in Lynchburg where she did structural family therapy through in-home counseling. Later she transitioned to a community agency providing Emergency Services, where she assessed children and adolescents who were in need of inpatient services along with providing Outpatient Counseling. She has been working at University of Lynchburg as a Clinical Counselor for the past 8 years providing outpatient counseling to young adults with various mental issues. She recently stepped into the new role of Assistant Director for Counseling services at the University. of Lynchburg.
Emily has a passion for working with individuals dealing with matters such as transition to adulthood, relationship issues, Eating Disorders, and trauma history. She uses a variety of techniques when developing rich relationships with her clients to help them overcome their challenges. Emily believes in all around wellness with the body and soul, and incorporates this into her therapy sessions. She has training in Telehealth Services, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) , TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and is currently working on her Certification to be a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist.
When Emily is not working she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and three children; they love spending time outside, going to football games, participating in sports and taking trips. In her own time, Emily enjoys reading and water activities such as paddle boarding.