Elizabeth Papa, LMHC, LPC-S, Registered Play Therapist
For over a decade, Elizabeth has been helping clients in the therapeutic environment to construct a life they are proud and excited to live. She is a graduate of the University of Mississippi where she obtained her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and specialist degree in Play Therapy. She has worked in a wide range of mental health environments including intensive in-patient treatment, schools, non-profits, and her outpatient private practice. Elizabeth has been providing online, telehealth services for clients in both Virginia and Florida. Her love of the counseling profession extends to supervising interns and residents who are seeking clinical licensure. She is also a proud military spouse whose home base is in Pensacola, FL.
Credentials:
Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)(#MH16693) and Qualified LMHC Supervisior
Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) (#0701006635) and Qualified LPC Supervisor
California Licensed Professional Counselor (LPCC) (#2781)
Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
Counseling Residents and Interns
Kathryn “Kassie” Welch, M.A., is a Marriage and Family Therapist Resident who works with adults and couples navigating communication challenges, relational stress, trust injuries, life and financial transitions, anxiety, and ADHD-impacted relationship dynamics. Her approach is warm, structured, and collaborative, offering clients a space to slow down, understand their patterns, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Kassie integrates evidence-based approaches including the Gottman Method (Level I & II), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD-related concerns. She blends insight with practical tools to help clients strengthen emotional regulation, communicate more effectively, and reconnect in ways that feel steady and secure.
Before becoming a therapist, Kassie spent more than two decades as a Realtor and Mortgage Consultant, guiding individuals and couples through major life decisions, high-stakes emotions, and financial stress. This background uniquely informs her interest in financial therapy and her ability to support clients at the intersection of money, identity, and partnership.
Kassie welcomes clients from diverse backgrounds and relationship structures, including LGBTQIA+ couples, blended families, and adults exploring attachment, identity, or readiness for change. She believes therapy works best as a true partnership—collaborative, curious, and grounded in the belief that healthy relationships are built through clarity, compassion, and intention.
Credentials:
Resident in Marriage & Family Therapy (VA #0730000806)
Gottman Method, Level I & II
Jessica is a pre-licensed Social Worker based in Virginia. She earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Liberty University and her master’s degree in social work from Campbellsville University. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Law and Policy, further expanding her expertise in advocacy, systems, and policy impacting mental health care.
Jessica believes that owning and sharing one’s story is an incredibly brave act. She is passionate about creating a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space where clients can express themselves and begin their healing journey. Her work is centered on helping individuals discover their worth while ensuring that each person feels seen, respected, and understood.
Recognizing that life can become overwhelming with the weight of old habits, shame, trauma, anxiety, pain, and mood disorders, Jessica takes an eclectic approach to therapy. She tailors her work to each client’s unique strengths and goals, blending modalities such as Attachment-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Jungian methods, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Psychodynamic Therapy, and holistic practices to help clients find balance and thrive.
Her professional experience includes working with children, veterans, first responders and individuals impacted by domestic violence, substance use, autism, and those who benefit from animal-assisted therapy. Jessica brings a culturally sensitive approach to her work with adults, teens, couples, and children navigating anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, and relationship issues.
Jessica understands that taking the first step toward healing is a significant decision. She welcomes new clients to reach out with any questions or to schedule an appointment, and looks forward to the opportunity to walk alongside them on their wellness journey.
Credentials:
Virginia Licensed Social Work Resident
Rochelle Banos-Diaz is a dedicated, bi-lingual registered counseling intern based in Jacksonville, Florida. She holds a Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University.
She brings a wealth of experience from her community involvement, which includes working with refugees to build sustainable lives in the United States. Additionally, Rochelle has experience supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and trauma.
Rochelle is deeply committed to an empathetic, person-centered approach, meeting clients where they are to foster self-discovery and growth. She incorporates evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy.
Her goal is to help clients achieve their desired quality of life by equipping them with the necessary skills to build healthy, fulfilling lives.
Credentials:
Florida RMHI
Kaniyah Bennett is our counseling intern based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
She is pursuing her Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Throughout her education, she has been granted great opportunities to grow her experience and involvement within her community. These include assisting individuals with emotional distress and regulation, depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, and more.
She is extremely passionate about fostering safe and supportive environments for teens transitioning into adulthood. Being a teen today isn’t easy—and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, questioning your identity, struggling with self-esteem, or just trying to make sense of your emotions, Kaniyah is here to support you.
Kaniyah use approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-centered Therapy, and Mindfulness to help you better understand yourself and handle the challenges life brings your way.
Credentials:
Mental Health Counseling Intern
Evidenced-Based Approaches with Compassionate Care
Approaches Include:
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialetical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Child-Centered Play Therapy
Couples Counseling
Gottman Method Relationship Therapy