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Meet Brandi

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

What to Expect

I want to start by saying that I am genuinely honored to be granted the trust of each individual I meet, and I know how much strength and courage it takes to recognize a need,  be willing to be vulnerable, and seek help. My name is Brandi Long and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia. For the past 10 years I have worked with individuals facing a variety of different mental health challenges, helping them learn the skills they need to live a better life. My promise to each of my clients is to be fully present, in the moment, by your side with whatever you bring through the door and provide you with the tools you need to improve your well being. 

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I find that it is often helpful to know what to expect when starting something new. In therapy with me, you can expect to find a safe, warm, calm, supportive space where you can be free to explore what has been coming up for you in your life. My style is relaxed and flexible. I create an environment that is comfortable and open. I tend to focus on the here and now, what is coming up for you in the moment, and giving you practical skills to take with you to apply in your life. I believe that we all have an inner desire and innate capacity to improve ourselves and our lives. I will help you become aware of the obstacles that are getting in the way of this and tap into your strengths and values to build a meaningful life.

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Therapeutic Approach

I primarily work from the approach of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), fondly known as the third wave of CBT. ACT is a different approach to helping people struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings. It is based in acceptance and connection to what is valued and important in your life. In ACT we learn to accept, rather than control and avoid, our painful inner experiences. In doing so, you free up energy to live life more fully and invest in what truly matters. Research shows us that suppression and control of inner experiences leads to more distress. You will learn practical skills to lessen the influence of these painful experiences on and take steps to change behavior that is no longer working in your life. In letting go of the struggle of trying to control our thoughts, emotions, and the world around us, we gain control back in our lives.

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While ACT is the approach I primarily work from, I am also adaptive and sensitive to each individual's needs and will draw from my training and experience with a number of different evidence-based practices including DBT, CBT, Mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing. I have cultivated my therapeutic approach over 10 years, helping people of all backgrounds, circumstances, and needs successfully overcome their obstacles to live a rich and meaningful life.

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Credentials and Experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (#0701006906) in the state of Virginia. I received my Master's in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Massachusetts Boston in 2010 and a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from Longwood University.

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I have had experience working in a variety of settings with many different populations including:

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  • In-home Therapy with youth and families

  • Supported residential mental health counseling

  • Outpatient counseling of adults with Serious Mental Illness

  • Intensive Outpatient Substance Abuse Counseling

  • DBT Skills Training and Consultation Groups

  • Anxiety and Self-Acceptance Groups

  • Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model (TREM)

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In addition, I have specialized professional training in Mindfulness, ACT, Trauma Therapy, Self-compassion, and DBT

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