Our Clinicians

Joy Szafraniec, MA, LKPC, CCTP

My story.

I was born in Elkins, WV and although I couldn’t wait to move when I graduated from high school, country roads brought me back home in the fall of 2020. My ticket out of Elkins was bought and paid for by the US Navy. I served onboard ships, with mobile construction battalions, along side US Marines, and became fluent in sailor mouth if I’m being honest. Those experiences allowed me to immerse myself in culture and learn to truly see people as they are. Although I gained a lifetime of memories and experience, I believe my mom is still mad at me for leaving-sorry mom! As an adolescent, I struggled to find my voice and understand who I was. Ya’ll know, Appalachian culture has a way of shaming us into a nicely wrapped box of who we should or shouldn’t be. Here’s the thing….I felt like a circle in a square peg! I was a curious, brave, passionate, highly intuitive and insanely wild with love and curiosity for the world. Because of these experiences, I‘ve dedicated my adult life to creating a unique space for folks like me: high functioning people that want a secure, non-judgmental space to make sense of themselves and their relationships. Basically, I wanted to be a sideline coach for my clients. When life’s bell is ringing, I wanted to be in my client’s corner.

My Training:

My first educational experience was provided by the school of hard knocks, AKA The US Navy. In the Navy, I served as a Religious Program Specialist. Basically, I was the assistant and bodyguard to the chaplain. Yes, bodyguard…. It’s a long story. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Saint Leo University. I also hold a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University. No, I‘ve never met Pat Robertson but, I did sneak on the set of The 700 Club, once. Just kidding-maybe! I completed my residency hours doing crisis intervention counseling in Norfolk, VA and addiction counseling for Chesapeake City, Probation and Parole.

During my residency, I quickly learned that “research supported methods” weren’t enough. Sure, they help minimize some symptoms which was helpful but, my empathic and intuitive nature told me it was human connection and relationships that produced profound change. Without judgment, my client’s felt free to be themselves and explore parts of themselves they never knew about. They could slow down, express themselves, and trust the process. The relationship between client and counselor helped my clients experience themselves more wholly and thus, more capable to make clearer, more empowered decisions. The work and process would allow them to remove old patterns, scars, and self-defeating beliefs. My client’s trusted me with the most hidden and lost part of themselves. My intuition turned into a different way to do counseling. A human centered approach that is a balance of science, humor and human kindness.

My Commitment

I truly believe the relationship you have with your therapist, is like no other. I trust the special role that a therapist is in a person’s life. I’m committed to keeping it real with you, looking out for you, and helping you move through the barriers holding you back. You can count on me to be non-judgmental, supportive, smart, funny, and genuinely supportive.

Ashley Battle, MA, LICSW

My story.

My name is Ashley Battle and I am a licensed clinical social worker with over five years of experience working with teenagers, adults, and families. I have worked in a variety of settings such as schools, residential, in-home, and outpatient facilities. My therapy style is warm, relaxed, and supportive, yet direct. I provide a client-focused and culturally competent approach to therapy with a primary treatment modality grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT's primary focus is on thinking patterns. Managing our emotions and behaviors, by changing the way we think about our situations. I specialize in helping clients with depressive symptoms, stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, and anger management. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to provide support in that process.Throughout the course of therapy, I aim to assist my clients with navigating challenges, processing feelings, creating personal goals, providing interventions to implement in daily life, and discussing the effectiveness.I am ready to assist you overcome any obstacle life sets before you.

Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, ADHD, Family Problems, Postpartum Depression, Pregnancy and Childbirth, Self-Love, Women's Issues, Workplace Issues, Young Adult Issues

Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy

Ronda Suder, Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor

My story.

If you’re considering therapy, I’ve been in your shoes, and I appreciate how critical it is to work with someone you feel you can trust to help you through this journey of life. A few years ago, I was struggling to the point that I lost my ability to work and maintain my livelihood. It turns out that I had PTSD that had gone undiagnosed for years, resulting in severe and complex PTSD. Fast forward, and thankfully, I quickly got into treatment to process the trauma after being diagnosed, and within a few months, I was finally functioning again at a level that allowed me to rebuild my life.

All that to say, I know firsthand what it’s like to feel lost, confused, numb, overwhelmed, afraid, and many of the other feelings that go along with dealing with mental health and life challenges. I get how difficult it can be to wonder if you’ll ever feel better, get your life back, or feel like yourself again.

Using a person-centered approach, I’m here to support you in healing and recovery to reclaim your sense of self and wellbeing, whatever that looks like for you. I see the therapeutic relationship as a collaboration between the therapist and client, navigating the best approach and resources to meet you where you are and support you in achieving your goals.

With hundreds of hours of experience working directly with clients and patients, I’ve worked in outpatient community, integrative-care, school-based, and private practice settings to treat and work with several types of mental health conditions, including PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, and Substance Use Disorder. I specialize in working with teens and adults who have faced challenges like PTSD, complex trauma, domestic violence, childhood abuse, and sexual abuse. Additionally, I’m experienced in addressing relationship dynamics, career, chronic illness, self-esteem, and personal identity concerns.

Training and Education: My initial experience working with human behavior and interactions was as an HR professional for large organizations following graduate school for a Masters in Human Resources in 2001. I worked extensively on the operations and employee relations side of HR, often bridging the gap between leadership and employees, supporting employee and manager relationships, and navigating, developing, and implementing HR policies and procedures. However, it was through and after my experience with PTSD that I wanted to be better able to support others in navigating mental health and trauma experiences. I now hold a Masters in Education in Counseling and Development and certifications and training in trauma-focused approaches.

Areas of Focus:: PTSD, C-PTSD, Stress Injury, Complex Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Chronic Illness, Career Counseling, Childhood Trauma, Sexual Abuse, Domestic Violence, Interpersonal Relationships, Self Efficacy/Increased Self Awareness, Women’s Issues, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, Workplace Concerns, Telehealth, Group Counseling, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy