The Services we offer are:

ACADEMIC MOTIVATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS -
Motivational problems arise when expectations are not in keeping with what the student is capable of doing. This situation usually arises not because such students lack the ability or intellectual capacity but because of obstacles which interfere with or delay their emotional development.

These students are bright, personable and are well behaved in the classroom. Teachers are often frustrated by the student’s sporadic performance, lack of organization, lack of drive and minimal output. Parents are concerned, frustrated and fear the impact this problem will have on the child’s future academic and career options. Students will often complain of boredom, just not caring or questioning the purpose of school, and of difficulties concentrating or finding it difficult to maintain the stamina of consistent effort, follow through and timely completion of projects and assignments.

ADULT SERVICES -
Each day we expend a great deal of our energy modulating our mood to optimize our professional and personal experiences. Intervention involves the identification of emotional defenses that block the path of emotional health. These barriers often result in symptoms of irritability, anger, anxiety, lethargy and depression. Additional contributing factors are biology and life events. The intervention process involves the awareness and ending of existing negative patterns of responding and reacting and the creating of new emotional habits.

This creates an emotional balance which restores emotional resiliency and improves everyday functioning.

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND EDUCATIONAL EVALUATIONS -
A psychological or educational evaluation is a valuable information-gathering tool for teachers and professionals used to identify areas of individual strength and weakness in a variety of domains, such as intelligence, thinking ability, academic achievement, leadership ability, and social/emotional functioning. These evaluations have multiple benefits, which include providing the individual with knowledge of what they do well, what they might find challenging, assisting professionals in better serving the individual's specific needs and identifying various learning and emotional difficulties as well as management styles. This information is useful for accommodations, treatment goals and objectives, school placement decisions including private school admissions and talented and gifted programs as well as independent evaluations for organizations and the Loudoun County Public Schools.

Dr. Karen L. Larson
Dr. Larson received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Georgia State University. She developed an interest in motivation while interning at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Emory Medical School. Upon completion, Dr. Larson returned to her native state of Virginia for a two year postdoctoral position in private practice prior to establishing her own specialty practice.

Dr. Larson is an active member of the national and state psychological associations. She is a member of the National Register a prestigious professional society which selects psychologists for their past achievements. She is also published in the Journal for Behavioral Analysis, and is a Phi Beta Kappa scholar. Her expertise spans the whole scope of services offered by the practice.

Dr. Jennifer L. Rashap
Dr. Rashap received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from George Mason University. She interned at Penn State's Geisinger Medical Center. Dr. Rashap provides psychological assessment and treatment services to children, adolescents, and adults. Her specialty/interest areas include anxiety, depression, and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Dr. Amy L. Wood
Dr. Wood received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from George Mason University. She also holds a masters degree in Developmental Psychology from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Wood interned at Alexandria Mental Health Center and the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute. Dr. Wood has provided adult and couples therapy in a variety of settings and has treated a wide range of presenting problems. Dr. Wood helps individuals better draw on their strengths, in order to cope with life's challenges more effectively. She utilizes a flexible approach in selecting the most appropriate course of treatment including cognitive-behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy. Dr. Wood conducts psychological and psychoeducational assessments as well.

Dr. Michael R. Dudis
Dr. Dudis received his doctorate from George Mason University and interned at the Carruth Center for Counseling and Psychological Services of West Virginia University. His clinical rotations have included adults, adolescents and children. His externship rotations included Georgetown University Counseling and Psychiatric Services, Catholic University Counseling Center and the George Mason Psychological Clinic. He specializes in Cognitive Behavior Therapy as well as helping individuals work through interpersonal difficulties. He also conducts psychological and psychoeducational assessments.