Washington Nutrition and Counseling Group

Cassandra Edwards is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor at Washington Nutrition Counseling Group. She has worked with various populations inclusive of adolescents, adults, and older adults, providing services to those who have depression, anxiety, anger issues, substance use, family and marital concerns, trauma, and other pervasive mental health conditions. Just the same, Ms. Edwards is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional who provides trauma-informed therapy, and has a history with working with eating disorders, understanding the need for control, acceptance, and balance in one’s life.

Ms. Edwards’ approach to therapy is holistic, person-centered and strengths-based. She creates a safe and collaborative experience for clients, believing that they are their own experts on life. Ms. Edwards draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and cultural experiences to tailor her approach for each individual client. Ms. Edwards understands that each client is different and recognizes the courage and humility that it takes to participate in therapy.

Outside of therapy, Ms. Edwards is athletic, family-oriented, and enjoys her Caribbean roots. She enjoys traveling and has a down to earth personality that connects with people from all walks of life. Her personality emerges in her work, encouraging her clients along their journey towards restoration and empowerment.

After landing an opportunity as a sexual assault prevention program intern during her undergraduate studies in 2011 Sarah quickly realized she had a passion for helping others heal and work through difficult and challenging situations.

Ms. Charmchi graduated in 2012 with a bachelor’s in Behavioral and Community Health and later on completed the requirement to become a certified health educator. She later attended Catholic University of America where she earned a Masters degree with honors and became a Licensed Social Worker (LISW) in both Maryland and DC.

Sarah has vast experience working with different populations including children, teens and adults in different capacities. She has received training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as Dialectical Behavioral therapy and utilizes both when working with her clients. She also utilizes a Solution Focused approach as well as Motivational Interviewing in practice to help clients in the most comprehensive way possible.

Stephanie Cook is a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Maryland. Mrs. Cook received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The College of William and Mary, and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Marywood University.

Mrs. Cook works primarily with adults using individual psychotherapy for weight loss via teletherapy, stating that the ability to working collaboratively with her clients is essential for success. Just the same, Mrs. Cook uses many treatment modalities including, but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing. She works from a Strengths-Based perspective to help her clients understand and improve on their own strengths and not just their deficits.

Mrs. Cook has experience in working with clients to treat: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Grief and loss, and life transition issues. She believes that you should use the treatment modality that best fits a client’s needs to ensure that you are providing the best care. Mrs. Cook is currently studying for her Licensed Certified Social Work (LCSW) licensure.

Brittany Fletcher, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the District of Columbia. Brittany completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and minored in Community Psychology at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Brittany also received her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Emporia State University in Kansas.

Areas of practice include working with teen and adult minority populations with a variety of disorders from depression, anxiety, PTSD, personality disorders, and more.

A native of NY and NJ, Adrienne has a passion for helping others and creating safe spaces for then1 to share. Adrienne is a graduate from St. John’s University (NYC) and Marymount University (VA).

With two Master’s degrees, in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Forensic Psychology, Adrienne has acquired and fine-tuned the skills needed to support people in reaching optimal mental and emotional wellness. Adrienne has worked in private practice, as well as, at large non-profit mental health agencies that served various populations and persons with varying symptomatic behaviors. A certified FFT provider, TST provider, LPC, and NCC, Adrienne looks forward to supporting you in addressing your mental and emotional concerns, with a warm smile and a listening ear-no concern/problem/barrier is to too big to overcome, as long as you are committed to the process.

Bentley Noland, LICSW, LCSW-C is a licensed clinical Social Worker in Maryland and the District of Columbia since 2004. Bentley obtained his masters of social work (MSW) from the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice and his Bachelors of Fine Arts (BFA) from Maryland Institute College of Art.

Bentley sees the developing person in terms of continuous growth and refinement of the body mind and spirit. Bentley believes that each person can unlock their potential by identifying and reducing barriers to optimum health including self limiting beliefs and behaviors. He is adept at stress reduction through the practice of meditation, Tai Chi and Yoga. Ben is knowledgeable in overcoming trauma, the treatment of mood disorders and issues of recovery from addiction of all types. Ben utilizes a combination of Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Cognitive Restructuring and exploring alternatives to unhealthy family dynamics in the treatment of adults, adolescents and children. He has worked in inpatient and in private practice settings and as a social worker in child welfare. Most importantly, Bentley believes in the art of listening as a means of developing a natural and intuitive path towards healing. Outside of the office, Ben practices visual arts and musical collaboration and believes in the power and passion of creative and occupational pursuits in building a healthy sense of self.

Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Masters Addition Counselor, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, Board Certified Coach, and holds a Graduate Certificate in Women Studies. She is a member of Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology, Member of the Center for Crisis Management and American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and several other related organizations. She has over 20 years of experience working with individuals, children, adolescents, and families who suffer from a variety of mental illnesses. She is an expert in Diversity, Multiculturalism/Cultural competency, and Minority populations. As a former Social Services (and child protective) worker with supervisory duties, Dr. Palmer is vast in working with youths and families. As a LPC, and a BCC, she has functioned in various capacities including consulting, training, coaching, and offered services to individuals, groups, military personnel, Employees Assistance Programs, DUI/DWI assessment, Ex-offenders, Immigrant and Refugees, Parenting, Anger Management and those with health issues such as HBP, diabetes, cancer and more.

Susan Fletcher, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a Master of Arts Degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She has well-rooted compassion for people and her therapeutic approach ignites comfort through holistic strategies that heal those suffering from the stressors that lead to addiction and mental disorders. Familiar with the manifestations and symptoms associated with depression, anxiety and poor self-image as well as various mental disorders, such as Bi-Polar Disorder and Schizophrenia, she is experienced in resolving the trauma and crisis that can occur as a result. Her training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other treatment modalities enables her to guide a diversity of clients in developing effective coping skills.

Mary Jouett Rodman, LCSW is a graduate from Jane Addams College of Social Work at The University of Illinois at Chicago. Mary encompasses a holistic approach when identifying and treating macro and micro needs of the community. Mary is focused on creating sustainable healing by incorporating strength-based systems of care. Her treatment approach as a clinical social worker includes motivational interviewing, integration of self-compassion principles, embodied practices and person-centered treatment approach.

Pulchery Afoakwah (Thelusma) is a Licensed Professional Counselor in MD with over 6 years experience in the mental health field. One of her strengths is to create an environment that allows her clients to find their way, learn about themselves, and grow to be leaders in their treatment. The approaches she uses use give clients the ability to take the initiative, evaluate and then make a plan of action. Making the decision to enter into therapy is a challenge in itself. But in the end her goal is to meet the client where they are at and go from there.

Where applicable, Pulchery uses Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness, play therapy, career/coaching and other modalities in practice. Her approach is Eclectic based in Reality Therapy in a Person-Centered format as it takes the belief that people are capable of change through self-direction and understanding in a supportive environment. Reality Therapy allows the patient to figure out what they want. Pulchery has experience in group, individual and family and couple therapy. She has worked with all age groups from youth (as young as 4) and beyond, but a lot of her experience has been in an addictions, dual-diagnosis and trauma work.

Creating an engaged therapeutic relationship is where we start. I became a therapist because I believe in the power of relationships.  Moved by my own experiences, I wanted to guide others to push past perceived limitations, obstacles, and fear to live a full and meaningful life. We all have the ability to grow and change.  In our work together, I will help you heal and move forward. 
I bring more than 20 years of experience.  My clinical experience has taken place in hospitals, inpatient treatment centers, residential treatment facilities, and outpatient clinics. I am a licensed Board-Certified Behavior Analyst Doctorate (BCBA-D), and a Clinical Social Worker.

I work with adults (18-65+) treating a broad range of diagnoses including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and ASD.  Specialty interests include family relationships, stress management, and life coaching. My areas of expertise are Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT). I utilize an integrated, transdiagnostic approach.

I love what I do and am committed to helping you define your needs and desires. Therapy is a joint process, and our partnership will provide a strong foundation to equip you with self-agency to develop new patterns and create a life closer to your ideal and recalibrate your relationship with yourself and others. Let me assist you in navigating to a new norm.

We offer affordable in network with the insurance companies, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health Care nutrition counseling with licensed registered dietitians, weight loss with licensed registered dietitians certified in weight loss, mental health counseling with licensed counselors, psychological testing with licensed psychologists, medication management with licensed psychiatrists , nutrition testing for metabolism, DEXA Body Fat and Bone Density Scan and Micronutrient Analysis Testing.

Licensed In States: Virginia

Years Experience: 16