About us

Dr. Tim Barclay, Ph.D

Dr. Barclay is the clinical director of Advanced Psychotherapeutics. He has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. He is also a professor of Clinical Psychology at Liberty University and is the Asst. Director of the Center of Professional and Clinical Psychology at Liberty University. Dr. Barclay has a diverse background. In addition to his clinical practice, he is a retired police officer from the Pittsburgh, PA area where he served for 20 years in the patrol division and criminal investigations bureau. He is also a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School and served in the 7th Light Infantry Division.

Dr. Barclay maintained a clinical practice for many years and developed treatment programs for juvenile offenders for the Court of Common Pleas. Dr. Barclay completed his residency at Piedmont Psychiatric Center/Virginia Baptist Hospital in Lynchburg, VA.

He specializes in the treatment of ADHD, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addictions. He has received training from Harvard Medical School in the clinical and research applications of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques which he uses for ADHD, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Addiction, Depression, and Anxiety. He is a Fellow with the American Institute of Stress. Dr. Barclay is a trained practitioner of neurofeedback therapy.

Dr. Barclay is also a staff psychologist with the international telemedicine group Doctor on Demand. In addition to clinical practice and teaching, Dr. Barclay is a published author and researcher in resilience and the clinical use of positive psychology and the use of non-invasive brain stimulation in clinical practice. He has also authored and co-authored many academic publications and books.

Dr. Jared Pingleton, Psy.D.

Dr. Jared Pingleton is the Director of the Institute for Pastoral Vitalization and a Christ-follower, husband, father, and grandfather. He is also a minister, clinical and consulting psychologist, author, and speaker who is passionate about communicating Jesus’ love, mercy, and grace to a hurting and conflicted world. A respected leader in the Christian mental health field, Jared has been in professional practice since 1977 offering help, hope, and healing to thousands of individuals, couples, families, and churches. Dually trained in theology and psychology, he has been a professor at several Christian universities and seminaries, served on the pastoral staff of two large churches (where he founded and directed church-based community counseling centers) and has authored or co-authored eight books, including the innovative Making Magnificent Marriages (available at drpingleton.com).

Jared earned Doctor of Psychology and M.A. degrees in Clinical Psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology,  Biola University; an M.A. in Counseling from the University of Missouri-Kansas City; and a B.S. in Psychology and Biblical Studies (Summa Cum Laude) from Evangel University. He did additional graduate studies at the University of Kansas and at the Assemblies of God, Talbot, and Fuller Theological Seminaries. Dr. Pingleton currently serves as the Director of Mental Health Care and Ministry for the American Association of Christian Counselors. Formerly Director of Counseling Services at Focus on the Family, Jared was also in private practice for 36 years.

Dr. Pingleton has extensive national and international media experience–appearing as a guest, host, or co-host on hundreds of television and radio programs and in many leading print publications. He maintains several professional affiliations, has received five “Who’s Who” awards along with several other national recognitions, and is a popular national and international speaker and conference leader.

Jake Weatherholtz
M.A., CAADC

Jake is currently a Licensed Resident in Counseling working under the supervision of Dr. John Thomas. Jake earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. He also works for Centra Health, helping those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. His professional experience includes working with sex and pornography addiction, substance abuse, stress management, anxiety, depression, and marital problems. He believes that the counseling process is a powerful avenue to heal and enrich every aspect of an individual’s life. 

Jake takes a straightforward approach to help identify and process the areas of concern for each individual. Utilizing techniques from Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), his main goal is to understand the deeper meanings we make of our experiences, especially in areas that cause us grief, pain, stress, and shame. He believes that having a safe place to come, share, and be accepted is a key part of the healing process. Jake is also a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC).

Brittany Finch
M.A., LPC

Brittany Finch is a Licensed Professional Counselor and trained provider in sLoRETA neurofeedback and QEEG. She is trained in psychological assessment and EMDR. Brittany works with adolescents and adults with ADHD, depression, anxiety, and autism.  She also specializes in various non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to improve neurological function and symptom reduction.

Dr. John Thomas, Ph.D.

Dr. John C. Thomas is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC; VA 2022), a Certified Sex Therapist (CST; ABCST), Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT; IITAP), and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC; VA 268).

For overall 38 years, Dr. Thomas as counseled a wide-range of problems.  His specialties include sexual dysfunctions, sexual addictions, betrayed partners, marital problems, depression, anxiety, anger, and trauma.  He is trained in EMDR by its founder, Dr. Francine Shapiro.

Dr. Thomas is a Professor at the Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies at Liberty University.  He holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counseling and a Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Studies from the University of South Carolina. He also earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Organizational Psychology from Capella University.  Dr. Thomas received his Masters of Arts in Counseling and Bachelor of Science in Missions from Liberty Baptist College.

He has written many peer-reviewed professional publications, conducts marriage enrichment retreats with his wife, and speaks on mental health and organizational issues. He has co-authored numerous books including Enduring your Season of Suffering (Liberty Press), What’s Good about Feeling Bad: Finding Purpose and a Path through your Pain (Tyndale); and Therapeutic Expedition: Equipping the Christian Counseling for the Journey (Broadman & Holman Academic), a textbook to teach counseling skills.  In addition to the textbook, Dr. Thomas created a professional quality videos that demonstrates the counseling skills discussed in the book. His most recent is Counseling techniques: A comprehensive resource for Christian counselors (Zondervan/HaperCollins).

He and his wife, Denise reside in Lynchburg, VA.  They have two adult children, Katie and Stephen.

David Martin
LPC., CSAC.

David is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Substance Abuse Provider. He was instrumental in the launching and development of two Celebrate Recovery Ministries and has served in various capacities within the organization. David was previously employed for six years with Centra Health Inc. including time at Bridges Residential Treatment Center and Krise 6 Acute Psychiatry for adolescents as well as the Mundy 3 Acute Psychiatry Unit for adults.  David most recently served as Lead Mental Health Professional at Virginia Baptist Hospital and Pathways Recovery Lodge in Amherst, VA.

One of David’s most notable quotes is “If getting sober is tough, staying sober is even harder”. David identifies with research that validates Addiction Counseling and appropriate Mental Health Treatment coupled with Peer Support as the primary Evidence Based Treatment for Substance Abuse Disorders. David practices primarily from a Cognitive Behavioral perspective. A true Behaviorist, David challenges his clients with behavior modification techniques that facilitate habit changes to bypass additional damaging effects of continued Substance Abuse. David offers a unique perspective combining extensive education, training and credentials with real life experience.

Tim Wilson
M.A., N.C.C.

Tim Wilson is a licensed professional counselor who uses a holistic and strength-based approach to therapy. Using the framework of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, he takes into consideration his client’s values, which guide the therapeutic trajectory. Tim believes that development happens over the lifespan. Tim believes change happens when one is able to have: Compassion, for oneself and others; Courage, to move toward growth; and Connection with those who care. He strives to walk alongside each of his clients as they move along this path. His work focuses on trauma, anxiety, and emotion regulation; he especially enjoys working with parents and their children, teens, and young adults. Tim has trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment informed family therapy, and DIR Floortime. Tim also has training in various forms of biofeedback and non-invasive brain stimulation—as when one part of the self (body, spirit, mind) is out of sorts, it impacts the whole self; thus, a holistic approach is necessary for best treatment and positive outcomes.

Sophia D. Strange
M.A., LPC.

Sophia D. Strange, MA., is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has over 13 years of experience helping children, adults and families navigate the struggles of mental health problems, communication needs and adjustment demands. Her specialty is working with Autism, both children and young adults anywhere on the spectrum – from most to least restrictive. Sophia has had training in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) informed practices and the administration of the Autism Diagnosis Observation Schedule (ADOS)for diagnostic assessment of Autism Spectrum disorders. In addition to this, Sophia has also been trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – an advanced modality for treating trauma in children up to the age of 18 – and worked, for years, with children and families affected by trauma. She had additional experience treating Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Behavioral Concerns (including Oppositional Defiant Disorder) and family struggles. Due to her extensive work as a Case Manager for a local community services board, Sophia is adept at navigating complex federal and social services to access her client’s and families the resources they need to be the most successful versions of themselves. She is no foreigner to complex cases and colleagues have called her tenacious when finding solutions for her family members! Additionally, Sophia has experience in working with local law enforcement, guardian ad litems, social workers, foster agencies and the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. Her motto to the families that she serves is: “You can’t give up because I won’t give up.”

Carrie McKinney
MSN, FNP-C

Carrie McKinney, MSN, FNP-C is board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Frontier Nursing University in 2012.  As an FNP, Carrie has served in the Lynchburg community and been awarded Best Bedside Manner in Lynchburg and Southside.  She has had a diverse working history including family practice and immediate care. Prior to completing her graduate program, Carrie succeeded in bedside nursing as a Registered Nurse for over 10 years in Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit settings.

Carrie lives in the community she serves with her husband of 20 years, her daughter, and her three beloved dogs. She enjoys painting and reading and looks forward to working with all patients to achieve their best mental health, assisting them to become the best version of themselves. She thanks God everyday that he allows her to serve in this role.

Caitlin M. Taylor
M.A., LPC.

Caitlin M. Taylor, M.A., is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Development from Liberty University and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling from Liberty University. She has 11 years of experience within the mental health field working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Caitlin has provided services in a variety of locations, including in-home, residential, school-based, outpatient, and inpatient settings. Caitlin specializes in working with trauma in both adolescents and adults. She also works with individuals with ADHD, Anxiety, PTSD, behavioral issues, relational issues, and depression. She has experience in working with local law enforcement agencies, guardian at litems, social services, and the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office.  Caitlin has trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT),  and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Erin Foster
MS., LPC. 

 

Erin is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Science in Professional Counseling. She is certified in Adolescent Community Reinforcement approach (A-CRA), and is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Motivational Interviewing and Acudetox (auricular acupuncture). She holds five years of experience, specializing in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD and addictions amongst children, adolescents and adults. Within those five years, Erin has worked under the Cooperative Agreement to Benefit Homeless Individuals (CABHI) grant, providing free mental health and substance abuse counseling to the homeless population, ages 12-25. She has experience collaborating with the Department of Juvenile Justice to provide substance abuse treatment to adolescents. Additionally, Erin has co-facilitated mindfulness groups and substance abuse groups.

John Turner
LCSW-Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

John is a graduate of James Madison University where he received a BS in Sociology, and, Virginia Commonwealth University where he earned an MSW in family therapy.  He now holds an LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and is also certified to provide clinical supervision to MSW’s working toward LCSW licensure in Virginia.  He trained with some of the early pioneers in the family therapy movement and has received ongoing training in structural family therapy at UVA.  John has had clinical experience in a number of different clinical settings: a family service agency; a mental health clinic; a juvenile court; a crisis home for adolescents; and in several private practice settings.  John has worked with children as young as four and clients in their 80’s.  John enjoys working with couples and families as well.

Dr. David Dickey

Dr. David Dickey completed his graduate training at Texas A&M University, obtaining his PhD in Counseling Psychology.  He completed a two year postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at the University of Florida.  Dr. Dickey joined Advanced Psychotherapeutics after completing a 28 year career in the Air Force, retiring as a Colonel.

During his Air Force career Dr. Dickey was able to serve in a number of innovative positions and programs.  He was on the faculty of the psychology residency training program at Andrews Air Force base for five years and the deputy director of the program for two.  Also during this period he was the Air Force Wounded Warrior liaison for the National Capital Region, responsible for coordinating evacuation, family support and travel, and care for wounded Airmen during war operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  He was assigned to the Pentagon for two years as the Chief of Deployment Mental Health, advising the Air Force Surgeon General on policy and practice related to deployment and resiliency.  During that period Dr. Dickey was the lead for the standup of the Deployment Transition Center at Ramstein AB, a vanguard third location decompression initiative for the individuals and units who had high levels of exposure to morbidity/mortality.  He later served for four years as the behavioral health consultant to the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) leadership on all issues related to mental health and personnel selection within AFSOC.

 During his career Dr. Dickey deployed three times, including Baghdad, Iraq; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; and the United Arab Emirates.  He has authored or collaborated on numerous initiatives promoting mental health throughout his career.

Stella

My name is Stella. I’m an Australian Labradoodle. I’m a certified therapy dog. After I was born, I went through a tough vetting and selection process to go to school. I received the highest scores that allowed me to go to a special school where I was trained by a world class trainer in Indiana. At school I was trained to work with children and adults with PTSD, physical/sexual abuse, emotional and behavioral problems, and also autistic individuals. I can also accompany people to court and provide support if you have to testify about hard things that are difficult to talk about. Since graduating school, I’m glad to be at Advanced Psychotherapeutics. If you’d like to use me in therapy, let the receptionist know when you call for your appointment. I can’t wait to meet you.

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