Dana Sommers, LCSW

Jodie Gardner is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Texas and California. She works with individuals, couples, and families ages 12 and older and has clinical experience addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, and life transitions. Jodie is certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and has extensive experience supporting clients from diverse backgrounds and identities, including providing affirming care for LGBTQ+ individuals, those in non-traditional or complex relationships, and individuals navigating mood disorders, caregiver stress, and intimacy concerns.

Jodie believes every person has a unique story and deserves an individualized approach to care. She views therapy as a collaborative partnership grounded in open communication and mutual respect. Jodie creates a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore thoughts and emotions at their own pace, using thoughtful questions to help clients uncover insight, strengths, and meaningful solutions.

In the first session, Jodie invites clients to share their story and what brings them to therapy. Together, they identify goals and begin developing a personalized roadmap for treatment. Her approach integrates evidence-based practices such as CBT and DBT with trauma-informed care and mindfulness to support lasting growth and change.

Beverly Toussaint is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker actively licensed in the District of Columbia and Virginia. She earned a B.A. in Psychology from UMBC and a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Beverly has over 15 years of independent clinical experience in the DMV, providing care in private practice, nonprofit, medical, federal, and military settings. Her background includes working with individuals, families, and military members, as well as offering clinical supervision, leadership support, and professional development services.

Beverly takes a collaborative and goal-focused approach to therapy. Sessions are centered on identifying personal goals and creating practical action steps to support meaningful change. She works alongside clients to help them build momentum in areas of concern while offering consistent guidance, encouragement, and accountability. Her priority is supporting each client’s individual goals and progress.

Beverly works with clients to identify needs, strengths, and motivation for change. She uses a variety of talk therapy approaches, including CBT, SFBT, DBT, and Narrative Therapy, to develop achievable treatment plans. Her style emphasizes motivation, accountability, and partnership, adapting support to meet each client’s unique needs.

Grace is a LCSW, and LISW-CP licensed in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with a specialization in Nutrition from Solusi University in Zimbabwe and a Master of Social Work in Clinical Practice from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI. Grace has 20 years of experience providing mental health and psychotherapy services to diverse populations in various settings, including telehealth, outpatient care, residential programs for youth and adults, Assertive Community Treatment, foster care, inpatient units, intensive in-home services, and private practice. Her approach is individualized, solution-focused, holistic, and goal-oriented, emphasizing clients' strengths and fostering a positive, affirming perspective. Grace specializes in treating individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, mood instability, anger, unresolved emotional challenges, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. She works with adults, couples, and families. Grace's therapeutic techniques include counseling for emotional and personal growth, fostering purpose and meaning, and empowering self-esteem. Grace draws on evidence-based practices tailored to each client's needs, including Trauma-Informed Care, CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Collaborative Problem Solving, Positive Behavior Support, and Family Systems approaches.

Paula Bennett, LPC, has been in practice for over 20 years. She specializes in CBT and individual therapy. Paula strives to provide a client-centered approach based on the individual’s needs.

Paula has a specific passion for victims of trauma. As a teen and young adult, she struggled with depression. There weren’t many treatment options at that time but she found a counselor who inspired her to help other with mental health issues.

Outside of work, Paula is known to enjoy reading, swimming, animals, spending time with family and watching movies. She also loves being able to help people and watch them grow.

‍

Jessie Gordon, LCSW, earned her Master of Social Work from the NYU Silver School of Social Work in 2020. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience practicing in private practice and community mental health settings. Jessie brings a broad understanding of therapeutic needs and is committed to helping clients navigate a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges.

Jessie offers a compassionate, friendly, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe to explore their experiences. She meets clients where they are and tailors her approach using a variety of therapeutic modalities. Her style is collaborative and supportive, focusing on client goals while working at a comfortable pace.

In the first session, Jessie spends time getting to know the client’s history, reasons for seeking therapy, and their goals. Together, they develop a personalized treatment plan. She regularly checks in throughout the process to assess progress and make adjustments, always moving at a pace that supports lasting growth.

Rebecca Johnson, LCSW, is a dedicated mental health professional with experience in a variety of settings. With a MSW from Louisiana State University and licensure in multiple states, she brings a well-rounded, evidence-based approach to therapy.

Rebecca’s work spans multiple roles across in and outpatient settings, with a strong focus on individuals facing substance use, domestic violence, and co-occurring conditions. At Lower Key Medical Center, she served as an inpatient social worker and the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) coordinator, where she provided crisis intervention, therapy, and groups. In her role as IOP coordinator, she managed IOP tracks, ensuring patients receive comprehensive psychotherapeutic support via group and individual therapy.

Previously, her work at the Guidance/Care Center molded her expertise in crisis response, relapse prevention, and intensive therapeutic interventions, in various settings. Finally, her work as a Clinical Counselor at the Children’s Home Society, working closely with parents involved in the child welfare system, providing therapy and court-informed treatment recommendations further solidified this knowledge.

Rebecca uses a person-centered and eclectic style, modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness-based. She believes in tailoring interventions to each client’s unique needs, fostering resilience and self-efficacy in their journey toward healing.