Therapists
About Us
At Thrive Therapy Center we have devoted ourselves to helping people navigate their lives and offer compassionate, supportive and confidential care. We utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, art therapy and EMDR. Our goal is to tailor services to meet the specific needs of each one of our clients. We believe clients are experts of their own life experiences and feel honored when they allow us to walk with them in their healing journeys.
Maria Ines Butler, LCSW
Founder
Pronouns: she/her/ella
Licensed in Virginia
I am trauma informed and believe that individuals are experts of their own life experiences. I am a bilingual (Spanish/English) and bi-cultural Licensed Clinical Social Worker with particular interest and experience working with issues related to loss & grief, trauma, relationship difficulties as well as life transitions and acculturation issues. I have almost two decades of experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma due to childhood sexual abuse, sexual victimization, intimate partner violence and trafficking. My work also focuses on working with clients coping with infertility, miscarriage, child loss & stillbirth.
I help clients develop their strengths by providing a safe space where they can gain insight, explore possibilities and develop healthy coping skills. I use a strength based client centered approach focusing on clients' resiliency. My goal is to provide a space for clients to do deep, meaningful and life changing work. I believe in the strength of the individual and their desire to change as well as in the power of a non-judgmental and supportive therapeutic relationship. I believe in empowering clients to live fuller, and more authentic lives, and I understand the importance of empowering clients to take an active role in their healing journey.
As a "Third Culture Kid" myself, I am aware of the importance of processing issues many TCK individuals face such as loss & grief, acculturation and adjustment issues, as well as the culture shock that often accompanies "returning home". As someone who had relocated five times and lived in five countries by the time I was 16 years old, I have had first hand experience with the struggles faced by many who relocate to new countries and cultures.
I received my Master's in Social Work from the Catholic University of America. I am licensed to practice in Virginia and provide Expert Witness Services nationwide. I am a proud recipient of the 2013, 2014 & 2015 Best of Fairfax Award in the Marriage Counselor category by the Fairfax Award Program. I am Certified in EMDR.
Wendy Velazco-Weiss, LCSW, LCSW-C
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Licensed in Virginia & Maryland
I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker, licensed to practice in Virginia and Maryland. I received my Master’s of Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
My approach to therapy is based on my clinical experience, training and my own journey, which allow me to work effectively with a variety of concerns, such as trauma, sexual abuse, anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships, life transitions, identity exploration, social justice, work/life balance, self-esteem and stress management. I am an inclusive therapist with particular interest in working with individuals that are healing from past traumatic events and dysfunctional family patterns.
It is my goal to provide a compassionate, warm and collaborative environment where you feel heard, understood and not alone. We are all survivors of something--our childhood, families, breakups, losses, careers, and other experiences. In therapy, we work together rewriting the stories in a liberating and transforming way, gaining insight, healing and creating lasting changes in your life.
I use an integrative and holistic approach that includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (I am EMDR certified), strengths-based, mindfulness and expressive modalities to help you navigate unpredictable change, adopt healthier ways of thinking, and foster a more compassionate relationship with yourself.
As a bicultural therapist, I am familiar with the complexities of growing and adjusting to a new culture, the challenges of raising multicultural children, and going through transitional phases. I work with adults of all ages, diverse backgrounds and sexual orientations. All of you is welcome--heart, body, mind and soul.
Lori Harkin Huse, LCSW
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Licensed in Virginia
I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Master's in Social Work and am licensed as a Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I am bicultural and bilingual (Spanish/English) and am proud of my Latin heritage. I have strong ties to the Latino cultural and have spent significant time abroad in Latin America. I am familiar with challenges immigrant populations face here in Northern Virginia related to acculturation and grief/loss. I have worked with families, children, adults, and adolescents for fourteen years.
I have particular interest and experience working with children who have experienced trauma, grief/loss, and other issues related to child abuse and neglect. I am also versed in working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, and specialize in treating women who are experiencing postpartum related issues. I offer individual and group parenting support. I enjoy working with new mothers around breastfeeding, nutrition, wellness, and self-care. We will work together to tailor your specific treatment goals to your needs.
When working with couples, I use the enneagram tool to begin discussions around deeper meaning and connection with your significant other. I utilize a multifaceted approach in partnering with individuals & couples to alleviate symptoms to live a fuller and more fulfilling life. I use mindfulness meditation and imagery techniques to build upon the strengths you have that you may not even know exist.
I am EMDR trained and I am attuned to the importance of the mind-body connection and supporting an individual's capacity to build upon his or her own mind-body awareness. I am certified as a Reiki Level Two practitioner and am working towards a Master Level certification and recently became certified as an Integrative Energy Therapist and am working to incorporate energy healing into my clinical work with children and adults. I provide a comforting space filled with peace and tranquility to begin your meaningful work towards your treatment goals. I look forward to partnering with you to experience the therapeutic journey together. I wish you peace and tranquility.
Kristina Kallini, LCSW
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Licensed in Virginia
I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Master’s in Social Work and am licensed as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Virginia with years of experience working with youth and families in addressing life stressors unique to individuals/families, supporting youth and families in responding to and dealing with crisis situations, and helping individuals make changes to better themselves and their relationships with others.
One of the aspects of growing up and living in Northern Virginia that I hold in high regards and value is the diversity in members of the community. My educational and professional practice experiences combined with my personal life experiences and relationships growing up contribute to my knowledge of common emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges and strengths across differences (in race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, etc).
I have experience providing individual, group, and family therapy as well as co-parenting counseling. I take a strengths-based, client-centered, eclectic approach in working with individuals which means that I do not follow any one specific approach or work from one theoretical frame. I work with individuals to help them in being aware of their individual protective factors, strengths, interests, and skills sets while working through challenges and offer a welcoming space to discuss and practice healthy ways for addressing and managing unpleasant thoughts, feelings, and stressful situations to achieve personal goals.
I value each therapeutic relationship and view information shared with me by children, youth, adults, and families (however a “family” may be individually defined) as a gift, acknowledging that I learn and gain from others during the therapeutic process. I believe that all individuals have strengths and qualities that can be utilized to help them be successful and overcome even the most challenging obstacles and that it is essential.
Andréa Nunes-Gardner, LPC
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Licensed in Virginia
I am a bilingual (English/Portuguese) Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with more than fifteen years of experience providing trauma-informed counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and groups addressing mental health concerns. I have a warm, compassionate, client-centered counseling style and believe in working in close partnership with my clients to collaboratively develop focused treatment goals that represent their values and chart their healing journey.
I create an authentic, non-judgmental, accepting, safe space for clients to heal, experience their authentic self, express emotion, explore their identities, and practice self-acceptance. I have a specialty in EMDR and expertise in the areas of trauma, unresolved emotional issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, self-empowerment, grief and loss, relationship issues, transformational work for personal and emotional growth.
I moved to the United Sates in 2009 to learn English. I accomplished my goal and unexpectedly fell in love with the United Sates and the amazing people that I have met here. I established roots in Virginia and ultimately decided to call it home. As an immigrant, I understand the cultural complexities assimilation can present for immigrants integrating here.
I am proud of my cultural background and hope to support others who also celebrate their heritage while acclimating to traditions and expectations here in the United States. I am excited to work with you on your journey of self-awareness, healing, empowerment, and self- compassion.