Our Staff

Crystal D. Crosby, PhD, LPC, NCC, CCMHC

I grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina and at a young age developed an unrelenting passion for helping children. This was evident when I started working for the YMCA at the age of 15 as a counselor to elementary school aged children. As my interest grew so did my determination to learn more about psychology and children, therefore I went to Liberty University where I received a Bachelors of Science in Psychology specializing in child development. After graduating I was given an amazing opportunity to work overseas in educating and counseling youth of Botswana regarding HIV/AIDS. After working for over two years I recognized my need to further my education. I received a Master of Arts in professional counseling with a specialization in child therapy and trauma therapy from Richmont Graduate University. I began my work experience at a community mental health facility for three years where I developed a deeper understanding of trauma and how it affects children’s development. I then sought out training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy and received a certification in this field. I moved to Virginia Beach in 2013 were I worked as an in home counselor for a year while I obtained my license. Then I was an outpatient counselor at Coastal Virginia Counseling for over two years before deciding to go out on my own and create my private practice. Through this experiences I have blended my education with my background to develop a culturally appropriate stance to trauma and psychology in children. My passion and desire to help children and families has grown tremendously as I hope to continue my work locally as well as at a global level.

Education: I received a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology at Liberty University in 2005 with a specialization in child development. I then completed a Master of Arts at Richmont Graduate University in Chattanooga, Tennessee in Professional Counseling. I received specializations in child and adolescent therapy as well as trauma therapy. I then completed my PhD in International Psychology with The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2020.

Experience: I began my counseling internship at a community mental health facility in Chattanooga Tennessee where I counseled as an outpatient therapist for three years with children and adolescents. I then moved to Virginia where I was an intensive in home therapist for one year with children which lead to counseling in private practice for the last three years for children, adolescents and adults. My theoretical orientation is eclectic, drawing from several diverse counseling theories to meet the needs of each individual client. The base of my theoretical orientation is Cognitive Behavior Therapy which I combine with using art and play in therapy in order to teach everyday coping skills to improve emotional awareness. Person-Centered theory is also incorporated in order to build rapport and trust with each client. Some techniques used in my practice are identifying, challenging and changing distorted cognitions, evaluating self-talk, identifying cause and effect through problem-solving, setting goals, reframing, communication skills and many others. I believe through understanding how our thoughts, feelings and behaviors affect our lives and ways we can control these is essential to overcoming daily challenges.

Credentials: I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Commonwealth of Virginia since 2013. I am a National Certified Counselor as well as a Certified Clinical Mental Health Clinician with the National Board for Certified Counselors since 2012. I completed specialized training in becoming a Certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapist in 2013 and completed training for supervisors in 2023. I have a PhD in International Psychology with a specialization in Trauma from The Chicago School or Professional Psychology.

Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor: 0701005637

MAURIE BURTON, RIC, NCC

Maurie specializes in working with children and teens from the age 8 and up, and is truly passionate about utilizing digital play and art interventions into therapy. Maurie also understands how life can sometimes make it difficult to come in in person to a therapy office, so Maurie is passionate about utilizing telehealth therapy for kids and teens to make therapy more accessible. Maurie is a Resident in Counseling with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from zing digital play and art interventions in therapy. Maurie is a local to the Hampton Roads area who adores her two dogs and loves spending time outdoors. Whether you are looking for a counselor for yourself or a loved one, Maurie would love to work with you to build a happy and fulfilling life.

Education: Maurie received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Christopher Newport University in 2017. She then went on to earn her Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University in 2020.

Experience: Maurie began counseling at a small private practice in Norfolk, Virginia for her internship. She then finished her counseling internship at the Regent University Counseling Center where she counseled college students for three semesters. Her theoretical orientation is eclectic, meaning that she’s draw important concepts from several counseling theories so as to best meet the needs of each individual client. The majority of her theoretical orientation is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which she combines with aspects from Psychodynamic Therapy while using creative expression methods such as art and play. She also incorporates concepts from Person-Centered Therapy to build rapport and trust with clients. Some techniques she uses in sessions are identifying, challenging and changing distorted cognitions, evaluating self-talk, identifying cause and effect through problem-solving, setting goals, reframing, improving communication skills and many others. She believes that through understanding how our thoughts, feelings and behaviors affect our lives and ways we can control these as essential to overcoming daily challenges.

Credentials: Maurie has a temporary license as a Licensed Resident in Counseling from the Commonwealth of Virginia which she received in June of 2021. National Certified Counselor from the National Board of Certified Counselors in January of 2022.

Virginia Resident in Counseling License #: 0704014078

Jillian Phillips, RIC

Jillian graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (and a minor in children’s rights) in 2016. She subsequently obtained a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Development (with a concentration in clinical mental health counseling) at Radford University in 2021. Jillian is currently working as a resident in counseling in order to meet the requirements to be a licensed professional counselor. She enjoys incorporating puppets into her work when appropriate, with a history of acting and costume character dancing as her first job in her teen years. Additionally, Jillian is the proud dog mom of a male short-haired red Dachshund she calls Sunshine, whom she loves to hang out with as much as possible in her free time.

AREAS OF INTEREST

CHILDREN/ADOLESCENTS/YOUNG ADULTS

Jillian has worked with kids ages 2 to 22. Whether a young child or emerging adult, life can be rough. Finding the words to describe how you’re feeling can be tough. Managing big emotions can be a struggle. Jillian uses a combination of CBT and child-centered play therapy techniques to help youth express their feelings, use their voice, and excavate the truth she believes each person holds. Therapy is a conduit by which one can find healing.

LGBTQAI+ COMMUNITY

Whether you are grappling with your gender or sexual identity, journeying the difficult process(es) of “coming out,” or struggling to be accepted by friends and loved ones, you are valid, worthy, and above all deserve a safe space to process what is going on in your life.

GRIEF

Grief is not only felt in the absence of a loved one but also in any major loss in life. These feelings ebb and flow, sometimes you can rest your head just above the surface and other times you may feel as if you’re drowning in the wake of your loss. Processing your grief is not about “overcoming” it or “moving on” but instead about integrating your pain into your life in a way that allows you to move forward.

Virginia Resident In Counseling License #: 0704014493