Our Clinicians
Philosophy of Care
Kyra Watkins is a Resident in Mental Health Counseling that enjoys providing individual therapy to adolescents and adults. Kyra has experience working with clients presenting with a wide range of complex diagnoses including but not limited to OCD and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and mood disorders, as well as ADHD and Autism. Her clinical focus includes issues with self esteem, body image concerns, gender identity and sexuality, recovery and healing from gender and sexual based violence, and childhood trauma. Kyra completed her Bachelor’s Degree with a double major in Spanish and Political Science. After entering the workforce and trying out a variety of settings including schools and the nonprofit sector, she found the most fulfilling and rewarding work to be connecting with and supporting others, leading her to return to school and obtain her Master’s Degree of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Outside of work, Kyra enjoys spending time in nature, prioritizing quality time with friends and family, reading, and doing anything arts and crafts related. Kyra holds space for each of her clients to share their story without judgment, prioritizing validation of their feelings and experiences. Helping clients reflect on their life story thus far, as well as identifying goals is a collaborative approach and integral to the therapeutic process. Kyra uses an eclectic blend of evidenced based approaches to support clients in identifying areas of life that feel unbalanced and developing skills and strategies to make the changes they want to see in their life. Drawing from Relational Cultural Theory, Narrative Theory as well as Feminist-Queer Theory, Kyra guides clients in painting a picture of their identity while using cognitive behavioral techniques to support the client in learning and implementing personal and interpersonal skills to navigate life stressors with more ease and confidence.
Education
Masters of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Old Dominion University, 2022)
Bachelor of Art in Spanish Language and Literature; Bachelor of Art in Political Science (University of Mary Washington, 2017)
Specialties
- Body Image/Confidence
- Anxiety
- Depression
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum
- PTSD/C-PTSD
- Gender and Sexual Identity
- Interpersonal/Gender and Sex Based Violence
Philosophy of Care
Kacey Bunting is a licensed resident in counseling, providing services to individuals, ages 14 and up, and couples. She works with clients experiencing – but not limited to – anxiety, OCD, depression, anger, trauma, stress, chronic illness and pain, relational conflict, low self-esteem, issues of identity, life transitions and adjustments, as well as challenges common to neurodivergence, such as ADHD.
Rooted in the belief that every individual has the capacity to heal, change, and grow, Kacey understands counseling as an organic and collaborative process guided by evidence-based modalities. Foundationally, her therapeutic approach is holistic and person-centered, while using a blend of theories such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), positive and strengths-based psychotherapy, solution-focused therapy, expressive arts, mindfulness, and trauma-informed approaches. Her hope, and ultimate goal, is to see clients have healthy and fulfilling lives, by helping them to cultivate self-awareness, build resilience, and develop the skills and insight necessary to navigate life’s challenges and increase well-being.
Kacey earned her Master of Science in Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in East Asian Studies from Old Dominion University. In addition to her degrees, she has completed extensive coursework in psychology and speaks an intermediate level of Spanish and French. Along with her therapy practice, she works as a research assistant with the International Institute for the Advancement of Counseling Theory at Old Dominion University. She is involved in a research project, “An Investigation of South American Perceptions of Counseling Theoretical Frameworks and Indigenous Healing Practices.”
Aside from her professional life, Kacey enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, learning about and experiencing different cultures, visual and other expressive arts, and reading. She loves dogs and cats. As she does with clients, Kacey uses strengths-based work in her own life. Her top eight character strengths are love of learning, curiosity, spirituality, fairness, judgment, perspective, appreciation of beauty, and gratitude.
Education
Master of Science in Education, Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Old Dominion University, 2024)
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Related Disorders
- Depressive and Mood Disorders
- ADD/ADHD
- Trauma, PTSD, and Complex PTSD
- Health, Illness and Chronic Pain
Philosophy of Care
Joy Daigle Book is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who provides individual, couples, and family therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. Joy treats children as young as 6 years of age. Joy has experience working with children diagnosed with anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Her clinical work includes issues relevant to women, such as balancing career and parenting expectations, managing workplace prejudice and inequities, recovering from sexual assault, healing from childhood trauma, developing assertive and confident communication patterns, and managing anxiety. Additionally, Joy collaborates with parents and guardians to develop parenting strategies and approaches that cultivate a healthy, empowering family atmosphere. She has also worked with many families navigating the challenges of divorce and custody issues by providing counseling to the children.
Joy completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Cross-cultural Studies, her Master of Divinity with a specialization in Cross-cultural Studies, and an Educational Specialist degree in Mental Health Counseling. Outside of work, Joy enjoys spending time with her family, singing and playing with her children, attending and participating in community events, reading a lot of fiction, baking, crafting, and attending cultural events.
Joy provides an individualized approach to each person and family that works within each unique situation, utilizes strengths within that system, and raises awareness to specific hurdles that may be hindering wellness. Utilizing play and art therapies, Joy seeks to create a safe, welcoming environment for children that empowers them with social skills, coping strategies for managing emotions, and behavioral training that builds personal responsibility. She utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches targeted to specific client needs. Joy strongly believes in celebrating strengths and past victories in establishing treatment plans for current challenges. As such, she incorporates many different techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative and solution-focused therapies, mindfulness and spiritual practices, play and art therapies, and career construction theory.
Education
Education Specialist in Mental Health Counseling (Old Dominion University, 2016)
Master of Divinity with a specialty in Cross-Cultural Studies (Fuller Theological Seminary, 2005)
Bachelor of Arts in Cross-Cultural Studies (North Central University, 2001)
Specialties
- Anxiety
- Autism Spectrum
- ADD/ADHD
- PTSD
- Spiritual and Religious Trauma
- Gender Identity
Philosophy of Care
Ariane “Ari” Karpf is a Resident in Counseling (RIC) with 25 years of experience in mental health, substance abuse, and dual diagnosis working with teens and adults in a variety of settings including outpatient, community based, rehabilitation programs, and hospitals.
Initially focused on education and research, she pivoted to provide community-based mental health services, education and street outreach to adults and children with moderate to severe mental illness and substance abuse issues in the home and community setting. range from stress-related and adjustment problems to mood dysfunction (depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety), thought disorders (schizophrenia), and personality disorders.
Born and raised in Europe, Ari is genuinely curious about people, and appreciates individuality and cultural diversity. As part of the LBGTQ community, she is sensitive to personal, cultural and social pressures, and promotes tolerance, acceptance, and inclusion.
Ari received her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology and Bachelor or the Arts (BA) in Foreign Languages, with a minor in Sociology. She attained her Master of Science (MS) in Rehabilitation Counseling at Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College
As a clinician she strives to provide a strength based, person-centered, solution-focused and collaborative approach to therapy, tailored to the individual’s needs and goals. Her hope is always to provide the support, experience, expertise, and creativity in a safe and relaxed space.
Education
Master of Science in Rehabilitation/Counseling (Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia, 1999)
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology and Bachelor of the Arts (BA) In Foreign Languages and a minor in Sociology (Virginia Commonwealth University, 1994)
- Individual/Couples and Family
- Mood and Thought disorders
- Anxiety
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- LGBTQ
- Personality
- Addiction
- Dual Diagnosis
Contact Us
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19801 Russwood Rd.
South Chesterfield, Virginia - Office (804) 701-GROW
- andrew@growinggroundedcounseling.com