LGBT therapists in Sterling, VA

Hi there! I'm Courtney Goolsby, an LPC in the state of Virginia. I have been working in the mental health field for over 10 years and truly love assisting in the creation of change. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, and communication challenges.

Smart Duru is psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 10 years of combined healthcare experience. He attended University of Derby, England for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and a master’s in psychiatric mental health nursing with Distinction. Smart Duru obtained a Master of Science Degree with specialization in Psychiatry mental health Nurse Practitioner. He has extensive experience in Mental health, Primary care, Sub/Post-Acute Care, Long Term Care, Correctional Medicine, and Family Medicine.

I have been a counselor for more than 30 years. I remain passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and believe that genuine caring is an essential element to an effective counseling relationship. Over the years I have worked with clients with significant trauma and loss. I consider it a privilege to stand with another individual as he or she resolves great pain. I specialize in treating clients with trauma, relationship issues, and borderline personality disorder.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience in mental health and substance use services, and have a postgraduate Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. I work with adults, with a particular passion for supporting women, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC individuals, as well as those navigating post-psychedelic integration.

Our therapeutic partnership begins with the understanding that you are a whole person — not a diagnosis, a symptom, or a set of circumstances. Together, we will explore how the intersections of identity, lived experience, trauma, mental health, and substance use shape your inner world and outer life across biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions.

As a therapist, I believe in your story and your individual experience. A space that is safe, comfortable, & free of judgement is essential for your success. It is important that you are in control of your own therapeutic experience, and I believe my role as a therapist is to serve as a guide & emotional support for you through your own journey. To provide a more authentic process and promote psycho-education, I aim to actively engage with you through discussions and person-centered support. “Pain is real, but so is hope”, and that is the main goal of my therapeutic approach: instill hope.

I work with individuals, couples, and families of all ages. I have a Masters in Clinical Health Psychology and a Masters in Nutrition/Dietetics, which helps lend to a holistic approach to my work with clients. I commonly work with health behavioral change, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADHD, OCD, and relationship change. My treatment approach utilizes a biopsychosocial lense in long-term therapy based in psychodynamic, strengths-based, and integrative work in overall health. I utilize coping skills from CBT, DBT, ACT, and Mindfulness. I incorporated life-skills such a assertiveness, boundaries, and career.

I love the work that I do and the healing relationships I have been able to foster with my clients. I believe that therapy is a form of self-care and I want to be an advocate of that for my clients. I welcome anyone who thinks they may want some support, whether long-term or short-term to reach out to me and set up a brief phone consultation.

When was the last time you felt truly heard? Life can feel as though you're stuck in a maze without a map or sense of purpose. You may feel broken, alone, or depressed, but you're not. I've successfully helped clients work through challenges, learn effective coping skills, and view life in a realistic, positive way. I've helped clients with chronic illness maximize their quality of life. We'll set up a plan that meets your current needs, then empower you to reach your goals, together.