Our Therapists

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    Michael S. Weissman, PhD, Clinical Director

    Princeton University, 1970. University of Massachusetts, 1974, PhD Past President, Tidewater Academy of Clinical Psychologists Past President, Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists Listed in National Register of Health Care Providers in Psychology.


    Individual Adult Psychotherapy, Family, Marital, Psychological Testing


    Past President, Tidewater Academy of Clinical Psychologists Past President, Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists Listed in National Register of Health Care Providers in Psychology. Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science, adjunct faculty, Eastern Virginia Medical School

    Churchland and Norfolk offices.

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    Sara Litt, LCSW, President

    University of Virginia (1998), BA

    Columbia University (2001), MSSW

    Sara Litt has over 20 years of experience in helping individuals with anxiety, depression, grief, and marital issues. She is certified in EMDR, and specializes in helping young adults struggling to become independent. Sara also loves working with parents facing obstacles, and helping them to succeed. She places great value in the therapeutic relationship, and believes that having a strong, personal connection to the client is crucial for success in therapy.

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    Jody Alperin, PsyD

    Oberlin College, BA (1990) Virginia Consortium for Professional Psychology, PsyD (1995)


    Individual Psychotherapy with Adults, Couples and Marital Therapy, Co-parenting, Diagnostic Evaluations


    Treatment Orientation: Eclectic including Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Trauma Informed therapies. I have been working in private practice since 1995. I consider myself a generalist and have experience working with individuals seeking help with a variety of issues (anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship) and with diverse backgrounds. My post-doctoral education has included training in mediation, collaborative divorce, EMDR and certifications in prolonged exposure and cognitive processing therapy.

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    Thomas J. Scott, MS, MSW, LCSW

    Accepts most insurances and employee assistance programs.


    Forty years of clinical experience with adult and adolescent individual and family therapy. Primarily a cognitive-behavioral therapist with the capacity to provide online services.


    Churchland, Mon., Tue., 8 AM – 7 PM

    Norfolk, Wed., 8 AM – 6 PM; Thu., 8 AM – 7 PM

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    Susan M. Asprey, LCSW, CSAC

    Master of Social Work, Norfolk State University, 1995 Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Old Dominion University, 1984. Mental health provider since 1986. Acknowledged in Who’s Who for her expertise in the treatment of military families, personality disorders, and depressive disorders. Trained in dialectical behavior therapy for treatment of PTSD dual diagnosis and multiple addictions. Addresses multiple facts of life – mental, physical, psychological, and social. Provides treatment for adults and adolescents.


    Substance Abuse, Multiple Addictions, PTSD, Stress Disorders, Anxiety. Provides individual, marital/couple, family and group therapy. Certified member National Certified Social Work Supervisors to provide supervision for graduates from master’s programs in social work for licensure.


    Member, National Association of Social Workers, Academy of Certified Social Workers, and Psi Chi.

    Churchland; flexible hours per client need.

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    Muriel M. Ricker, LMFT

    Villanova University, MS in Counseling; Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic, post-graduate work in Marriage and Family Therapy


    20 years work with children of divorce. Provides Co-Parenting for divorcing parents to help them learn skills as they raise their children in separate homes.


    Her recently published book, When the Walls Come Tumbling Down, guides families through the divorce process. Marital Therapy. Treats children and female adolescents experiencing high anxiety and developmental problems. Proficient in using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with patients suffering from anxiety and depression.

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    Paul F. Dell, PhD, ABPP

    Pennsylvania State University, BS, 1970; University of Texas, PhD, 1977; University of Texas Medical Branch, Fellowship in Family Therapy, 1978


    Treatment of posttraumatic and dissociative disorders; Consultation/Supervision for therapists learning to diagnose and treat dissociative identity disorder


    National Register of Health Service Psychologists, Member; International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, Past President; Author: 2 books and 75 articles.

    Norfolk office

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    Denise Keely, LCSW

    I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 40 years experience in the mental health field as a registered nurse and a psychotherapist. I offer a collaborative and strengths based approach to assist adult patients in reaching their goals.

     My specialities include the treatment of depression, anxiety and life changes. Additionally, I have a subspeciality working with adults in the LGBTQ community and am experienced working with Gender Dysphoria and Transition. I am able to provide referrals and required letters for gender transition surgeries and am a member of WPATH.

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    Michael Sullivan, PhD

    University of Oregon, Ph.D., M.A. Boston College, B.A.


    trauma, anxiety and depression, chronic pain


    License: State of Virginia licensed clinical psychologist I bring years of wide-ranging experience to work with my clients. I have worked in inpatient and outpatient settings with a variety of clients over the years. I have been a consultant and workshop presenter. I have taught college-level courses and I am a published author. My private practice focuses on therapy with adultsand couples. I believe every client and his or her situation is unique. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. I use EMDR, cognitive-behavioral, solution-oriented, or other approaches as they fit clients’ needs. I also use plain old common sense and humor in liberal doses. I consider therapy a joint effort, a partnership, a “We’re working on this together” experience.

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    Brittany Zharnest, LCSW

    Brittany Zharnest is a licensed clinical social worker and has been working in the mental health field for over 10 years in varying capacities, which have included sexual assault and trauma response court advocacy, psychiatric inpatient treatment, acute psychiatric emergency care, education, private practice, nonprofit grief support, and community practice. Brittany graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor’s in psychology and later pursued her MSW through Norfolk State University.

    In 2022, she became a Certified Grief Educator. Brittany is clinically trained to provide support across a broad range of diagnoses, including both mental health and substance use struggles.   

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    Amy Miller, LCSW

    Amy graduated from Longwood University with her Bachelor of Science in Social Work in 2009. She then completed the Advanced Standing Social Work Program at Virginia Commonwealth University, graduating in 2010 with her MSW.


    Throughout her career, she has found a passion in supporting individuals experiencing their most vulnerable and fragile moments. She has supported individuals in their homes and communities, in crisis centers, and hospitals. More than anything, Amy values the therapeutic relationship. She strives to create a judgement free space to foster honest conversation and personal growth. Amy enjoys working with adolescents and adults in an individual therapy setting. Her clinical interests include: anxiety, depression, pregnancy and the transition into parenthood, as well as supporting individuals with chronic medical conditions.

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    Lauri Ann Kern, LCSW

    B.S. Human Services Counseling, Old Dominion University M.S.W. Virginia Commonwealth University


    Specializes in Adolescents, Bipolar Disorder, Women's Issues, Generalized Anxiety and Panic Disorders. LCSW for over 20 years.

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    Jeanne Burger, EDD, LPC, LMFT, TEP

    University of Virginia, BSN, 1967 Old Dominion University, M.S. Ed. 1990 College of William and Mary, EDD, 1994


    Adult Individual Therapy—Licensed Professional Counselor Couple and Marital Therapy— Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist


    Treatment orientations include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Solution Based Therapy Experiential Therapy__Psychodrama when wanted_ Certified Practitioner and Trainer Trauma Informed Therapy_ selected therapist for ONSITEworkshops in Tennessee and California In practice since 1990 Experienced working with couples and relationship issues, anxiety and depression, stress management, trauma and grief. Sessions are on-line and at Colley Avenue office in Ghent in Norfolk.

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    Ray Smith, LCSW

    Ray Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Erie, PA.  He received his Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Lock Haven University, in Lock Haven, PA in 1999.  He continued his academic career at the University of Pittsburgh, in Pittsburgh PA, obtaining his Maters in Social Work in 2001. 

    Although his initial desire was to work in the school setting, he has gained a host of experiences in multiple areas in the field; in-home direct practice, school, child welfare foster care system, forensics in criminal justice, as well as psychiatric inpatient and emergency hospital social work.  He has spent the last 15 years in practice in MD and recently began doing travel social work over the country for the past year. 

    He is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and also a Qualified Clinical Social Worker, a credential recognizing him as a highly sought after Clinical Social Worker by the board. Throughout his professional journey of more than 25+ years, he has always worked part-time doing therapy for varying populations.  As a child he has always had compassion for others around him, which has naturally driven him to the helping profession.  He is multi licensed in MD, DC, VA, WY, MA and AK. 

    Ray is also the proud owner of Comprehensive Social Work Services, LLC, a mental health private practice that works with adults who may be experiencing some form of mental instability, and need assistance with developing strategies to find the happiness they seek in life.  Professionally, he truly has a passion for developing up and coming social workers in the field, therefore, he provides clinical supervision to help them achieve their own professional goals.

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    Leigh Northrup, LCSW

    Leigh Northrup is committed to supporting diverse populations, including individuals experiencing depression, bipolar disorder, and various women’s issues. She specializes in addressing the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQA community and the older population.

    Leigh operates from a belief that every individual deserves to find happiness and fulfillment. This guiding principle shapes her approach to therapy, fostering a supportive and empathetic environment for clients.

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    Dorescia Paige-Perry, LPC

    “Be anxious for nothing” (Philippians 4:6). This verse guides my life and the work I do with those I have the privilege to support. My goal is to help each individual I work with find peace, strength, and hope as they navigate life’s challenges.

    My name is Resi Paige-Perry, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) offering both telehealth and in-person sessions. I specialize in working with children, teens, adults, and families, addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-esteem, and family conflict. Rooted in my Christian faith, I welcome individuals of all backgrounds into a space of compassion, respect, and understanding.

    Using a person-centered and strengths-based approach, I draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to create personalized, practical plans for growth. While I bring expertise in mental and behavioral health, I believe you are the expert in your own life. Together, we will honor your unique story, uncover your strengths, and create solutions that work for you.

    It would be an honor to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and self-improvement. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to support you in building a life filled with hope and resilience.

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    Cynthia Holshoe, LCSW

Our Office Staff

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    Julie Van Gosen

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    Janet Myers

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    Terry Murphy