We realize that most people have never been to a psychologist,
and may be unsure how a psychologist can help their child achieve
academic or personal success. As Adults, we are often skeptical
about if and when we should pursue services for our emotional
issues and well being. Like with any new experience, we encourage
and expect you to have questions. You will be offered an initial
consultation to discuss any questions you might have concerning
our practice and our services.
The Services we offer are:
- Motivational Achievement
- Full range of diagnostic services - psychological and educational
- Consultation for School Placement and IEPs
- ADD/ADHD Assessments
- Identify and remove roadblocks that prevent children and
adults from achieving academically, professionally, or interpersonally
- CBT and interpersonal interventions
- Academic Coaching
- Professional Coaching
- Counseling: individual, family, marital, group
- Workshops
- Gifted Children and Adolescents
Motivational Achievement
Understanding motivational difficulties can be complex; the primary
causes underlying these difficulties are emotional in nature.
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
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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.
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Meet the
Staff: Four
licensed clinical Psychologists
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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.
Mr. John S. Dooney, MA
Mr. Dooney received his masters degree in Industrial Organizational
Psychology from George Mason University. He is the 2008 recipient
of the George Mason Industrial Organizational Alumni Award for
his recent contribution to the field in the area of Human Capital.
He specializes in motivational issues in the work place.
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