Dawn Feldpausch, LCSW

Diana Veliz, LCSW, obtained her MSW from Fordham University. Diana has over 3 years of experience providing client-centered therapy. Her practice is sensitive to race and culture, and trauma-informed. Diana has experience working with adults, and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. She has worked in outpatient/inpatient clinics and in an educational setting supporting children with social emotional learning. Diana believes that the best approach is to work collaboratively with the client while also considering that each person's experience is individual to them. The client is an expert in their lives, and as a clinician, she is there to meet the client where they are at and begin the healing journey through non-judgment and compassion. Diana uses cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused approach, and psycho-education. She also considers the client's place in society and how culture and race can contribute to challenges. Diana takes passion in working with clients to improve self-esteem, recognize schemas, regulate emotions, and develop self-awareness.

Alysha Wilbanks is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. After completing her Master's internship with Lutheran Social Services working with families, children, and adults with mental health concerns, Alysha worked with adults with addiction and mental health concerns in an inpatient detox and rehabilitation hospital. She then transitioned to working at Mayo Clinic as an outpatient psychotherapist working with all ages. Alysha has been providing psychotherapy through telehealth online since the beginning of the pandemic. Alysha specializes in working with teens, people with addiction, and people with a trauma history. Her style is laid-back and approachable when treating individuals who suffer from various diagnoses. She provides supportive psychotherapy and utilizes psychodynamic therapy skills to address the patient's current stressors and identify the root of their concern.

Rebecca Burns is a licensed clinical social worker with a vast range of experience working in the mental health field. Rebecca has worked directly with individuals of various backgrounds and age ranges. Rebecca attended Fordham University for her Bachelor's degree and attended Rutgers University where she received her MSW. To date, Rebecca has been practicing for 4 years as a clinical social worker in an outpatient setting. Over the years, Rebecca has worked with diverse clients seeking relief from a wide range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, OCD, childhood/adult trauma, relationship issues, personality disorders, life transitions, stress, and navigating loss and grief. Rebecca is trained and certified in cognitive-based therapies, including CBT and TF-CBT. Practicing from a biopsychosocial lens, Rebecca integrates evidence-based treatments, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Strengths-Based Approaches to individualize treatment plans for each client. It is an important aspect of treatment to identify which approaches and interventions work best for each client's unique needs. Additionally, one of Rebecca's biggest priorities is to create the space for each client to build a trusting, non-judgmental and therapeutic relationship.

Jessica Vassallo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in the area of mental health. She has worked with patients of various demographics including World Trade Center responders, college students, patients with severe and persistent mental illness, dually diagnosed patients, patients who have or have had cancer, and patients with impoverished backgrounds. She received her Master's Degree at Adelphi University in 2003, became certified that year and received her license in clinical social work in 2008. Jessica has been practicing in social work for 20 years, focusing on anxiety, depression, and PTSD. She uses an eclectic approach in therapy with a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness therapy, and supportive psychotherapy. She develops an individualized treatment plan for all patients to focus on their goals. She believes that the person is impacted by all the larger systems they are in (family, workplace, community, larger society) and is committed to providing a non-judgmental, warm, and empathetic space to help clients feel understood and comfortable exploring the roots of their issues.

Michelle Shya, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) at Talkiatry, has provided care in the field for almost a decade. Working with individuals and families, she has connected and fostered ties with a broad spectrum of clients, including adolescent, adult, and geriatric services. Michelle's practice style centers on providing a safe and understanding space for clients to share, learn, identify, and address their unique therapeutic needs. Using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Michelle focuses on the relationships between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to assist the client in discovering their personal strengths and motivation to realize their individual life goals. Michelle completed her undergraduate Social Work education at Millersville University. Later at Marywood University, she earned her Master's in Social Work, with a specialization in Child and Family Practice. Michelle has had a wide variety of experiences working as a Social Worker in therapeutic and social service settings. She has provided case management and therapeutic care in domestic violence shelters, treatment foster care, community organizations, and hospice in-home support. In Michelle's experience in providing therapy, she has maintained a generalist practice, working with a variety of individuals facing personal barriers and challenges. By taking a step-by-step therapeutic approach, the client is able to better understand and process their thoughts as well as feelings to drive actionable change.

Candace L. Gillespie is a therapist at Talkiatry. She has worked with clients in many settings including as a school counselor, a private practice therapist, and for major virtual therapy platforms as well. Candace received her Master's of Education degree in School Counseling with Community Counseling hours from Delta State University. She has an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, an Educational Doctoral Degree in Organizational Leadership, and a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management. She is multi-state licensed in Mississippi, Tennessee, & and Georgia as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is licensed in Idaho as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Candace is also a National Certified Counselor and National Certified School Counselor by the National Board for Certified Counselors. Treatment modalities include Client Centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Motivational interviewing, & and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.