C. Douglas Finney LCSW BCD
is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Douglas has extensive training in solution-focused psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, clinical hypnosis and family therapy and has had extensive psychiatric mental health experience in the tidewater area since 1973.

She has also received extensive postgraduate training as a Personal Coach. A Personal Coach utilizes advanced communication and life skills to help individuals create a more fulfilling personal and professional life. Douglas has a specialty in Sports Psychology and especially enjoys working with adult, adolescent and child athletes and who are interested in reaching their potential for peak performance. She has worked with numerous individual athletes as well as teams from local universities, high schools, sports academies and youth leagues. These techniques also are very effective with musicians, singers and other performers.

Additional specialty areas include anxiety, depression, stress management, separation and divorce, relationship issues and parent child conflict. Douglas is often called upon to make presentations for local organizations She combines story telling with a sense of humor in her professional presentations.

Ms. Finney’s educational background includes an MSW from Norfolk State University and a BS from Old Dominion University. She did postgraduate work at the Family Therapy Practice Center in Washington. She has been active in the community on advisory committees, professional associations and is a member of Alpha Delta Mu, the National Honor Society of Social Workers.

Michele L. Zimmerman APRN CS BC
is a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatric nursing. She has over thirty five years experience in mental health and has completed two years of post graduate training in family therapy. Michele has considerable experience in treating adults, children, and adolescents with a variety of issues, including trauma, depression, ADHD, alcohol, and anxiety disorders. She treats singles and couples with relationship issues in a short term, solution focused model. Michele works with families experiencing the disruption of separation and divorce and does family assessments. She has been qualified as an expert witness in in child psychopathology and child therapy, family relations, Parental Alienation Syndrome, and related areas. She has published in the areas of addictions, child psychopathology, child sexual abuse, stress management, eating disorders and trauma and frequently presents at mental health conferences. Michele did her undergraduate and graduate work at New York University. She is Associate Professor Emeritus of Psychiatric Nursing at Old Dominion University.

She has particular skills in working with adults with mood disorders, including bipolar disorders. She has served in leadership positions in a variety of professional associations and received the Award for Excellence from Sigma Theta Tau, Epsilon Chi Chapter, National Honor Society of Nursing. She is involved with animal rescue and enjoys art and reading. Ms. Zimmerman works in clay as a sculptor.

Deborah W. Balak, LCSW
Debbie Balak has spent her professional career in the field of social work in public and private non-profit agencies, and for the past 20 years, in private practice. Her undergraduate degree is in Social Work from East Carolina University, and her Masters of Social Work degree from Norfolk State University. Debbie has advanced training in family systems theory, counseling children, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Her family systems approach to the treatment of adults, adolescents, and children addresses the functioning of relationships within the family as an alternative to placing blame. She focuses on building strengths, finding solutions, and developing healthier responses to resolve problems such as depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and trauma.

Debbie earned the Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor credential as a result of specialized training and experience in play therapy. Play therapy is an integral part of Debbie's approach to the treatment of children because play is "the language of children." By establishing a positive relationship with the child, she is able to help resolve childhood problems or modify behaviors (ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, grief, parental separation). She especially enjoys facilitating improved parent-child relationships and effective parenting. Debbie is active in providing education for both lay and professional groups.

Volunteer work in the community includes Red Cross Mental Health Disaster Response, and mentoring of youth and pre-marital couples. Debbie will be available for appointments in September in the Virginia Beach office.

Elaine Birk LCSW
Elaine Birk has been in practice in Virginia Beach for more than 20 years. She is well known for her competent, caring, warm and nurturing approach coupled with an evidence based approach to diagnosis and treatment planning.She is a skilled clinician with particular expertise in women's issues, including women in recovery. She treats ages 12 to senior citizens, and her modalities include invidual, family, couples and group. Elaine did her graduate work at University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Patients will be able to begin treatment with Elaine in September 2007.

Patricia T Carter LCSW
is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in work with children and adolescents. She earned her Bachelor's degree from New York University and her MSW from Smith College School for Social Work. She later received formal training in child treatment through a one-year Fellowship at the Yale University Child Study Center. While at Yale, she was a member of the Young Child Team, which assesses and treats children under five years. From 2000-2002 Ms. Carter was full-time faculty at >Eastern Virginia Medical School, where she taught behavioral health for the Department of Family & Community Medicine. She has been a guest lecturer at East Carolina University and the University of New England's College of Osteopathic Medicine in Portland, Maine. Ms. Carter works from a psychodynamic model (focusing on inner life, unconscious conflict or anxiety, ego strengths, and defenses). In work with adults or adolescents she tends to use insight-oriented 'talk-therapy' and views the therapeutic relationship as a vehicle for change. With young patients she uses traditional play therapy techniques, including sand-tray. Parents also receive guidance and consultation regularly. Her areas of interest include trauma, anxiety, depression, attachment disorders, developmental issues, and young children (3 -5 years).

Patricia M Fuss PsyD.
Dr. Fuss is a licensed clinical psychologist who works with children (age 3 and older), adolescents and adults. She has specialized training in working with emotionally disturbed children and adolescents and has over 15 years experience working with this population in various capacities. Dr. Fuss also has significant experience in working with adults dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, problems with self-esteem and various other concerns. Additionally, she is skilled in providing psychological testing for children 5 and up, adolescents and adults.

Margaret P. Fanney. LCSW
Margaret P. Fanney. LCSW, known as Peggy, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. She received her undergraduate degree in Education from the College of William and Mary and her MSW from Norfolk State University. She has a love for working with people of all ages for growth and change. Her professional life has included being an elementary school teacher; reading specialist; preschool teacher, coordinator for conferences; and workshop designer and facilitator in communication skills, group skills, teambuilding, discernment, conflict management, personal growth, and stress management for numerous organizations. Peggy worked for eight years at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters as a medical and mental health social worker.

In private practice as a psychotherapist she finds that her wealth of experience and training affords her an ability to tune in to people in diverse situations and use her creativity to help them move past barriers. Peggy has extensive training in play therapy, family therapy and modalities that assist with decreasing anxiety and stress. This informs her work with children who are anxious, angry or depressed due to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, learning disabilities, trauma, abuse, attachment disruptions, school/social issues, acute or chronic illness, parental separation, divorce, and grief/loss. Treatment of adolescents includes a focus on wise decision-making, learning from mistakes, school stress and grades, and transition to adulthood.Ê For the past two years Peggy has facilitated an adolescent girl's group. Peggy is trained in family systems, and is effective in helping people with communication, conflict and anger management, problem solving, parenting, military family issues, and couple's relationships. In addition, she is skilled in working with adults focused on resolving past hurts, improving present functioning, and planning change for the future.

Zoe Goranson LCSW
Zoe has been in clinical practice as a licensed clinical social worker for many years in Virginia Beach. She graduated from Norfolk Academy, Valparaiso University and received her MSW from Norfolk State University. Zoe is a skilled and intuitive therapist who works with young children, adolescents, adults and families with a wide range of presenting problems. She has an interest in integrating horticultural and art therapy into the clinical setting and enjoys boating.

Clare A. Houseman APRN CS BC PHD
is a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing. She has 30 years experience working with families, adults and couples with a wide range of problems. Dr. Houseman is skilled in working with issues of dual careers, depression, grief and loss, conflict resolution, codependent issues, and stress related problems. She has published on bereavement, AIDS, and is the editor of a Board review book in psychiatric nursing.

Rebecca G. Mcbride
Rebecca McBride received her Master's in Community Counseling from Regent University and is currently pursuing her PhD in Counseling at Old Dominion University. She is a Nationally Certified Counselor and is accruing hours for LPC. Rebecca has experience working with children and adolescents in a residential setting and with adults in an inpatient facility. Rebecca recently participated on a research team that investigated adolescent girl's perceptions of healthy and unhealthy relationships and will be presenting these findings at a national conference in October. She has also presented nationally on counselor's perceptions of ethical behaviors. Rebecca currently teaches undergraduate Human Services courses at Old Dominion University and was recently published in a multicultural group book. She will be facilitating the group for children whose parents are separating or divorced.

Clayton Maguire LPC CCMHC.
Mr. Maguire is a licensed professional counselor and licensed marriage and family therapist. Clay has been practicing outpatient psychotherapy, psychological testing and clinical hypnosis for over 30 years. Mr. Maguire specializes in work with trauma and the feelings of anxiety, depression, and anger. He works with young children (ages 2 and above), children, teens, and adults to age 70. He also focuses on assessing and treating all ages for ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and has specialized training in hypnotherapy. Clay currently is leading an Anger Management Group for adults (men & women). Mr. Maguire is active in mental health professional associations and was the recipient of the 1991 Clinical Counselor of the Year Award from the Virginia Association of Clinical Counselors. He received his Master's in Counseling at Eastern Kentucky University. He enjoys travel and gourmet cooking.

Michael Prince LCSW
Michael is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years experience treating children, adolescents, adults and families in a solution focused model. He has a specialty in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing and working with first responders. Michael is very effective with high conflict families, and leads the Adolescent Anger Management Group. Michael provides parent management strategies for families and children experienceing disruptive behavior disorders, such as ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. He has been qualified as an expert in mental health issues in several jurisdictions.

Mr. Prince has developed a new group for school age children to assist them with Social Skills. This is helpful for children with a diagnosis of ADHD, PDD, or who have had difficulties with others. Mr. Prince enjoys multiple outdoor activities: biking, kayaking, hiking, camping and likes to travel.

Roseann Smith LCSW
Roseann Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 13 years experience in the mental health field who has recently joined FPA. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and German from Virginia Wesleyan College and her MSW from Norfolk State University. Rose has presented both nationally and locally on the effects of perceived family support on positive treatment outcomes, post partum depression and the process of mental health evaluation.

Ms. Smith has extensive training in trauma therapy with survivors and crisis intervention. Her focus in chemical dependency and dual diagnosis has prepared her to assume management of the Adult Intensive Outpatient Program. Rose brings warmth, intelligence, integrity and excellent clinical skills to her practice. She is a well rounded, family centered professional who enjoys swimming, skiing, scrapbooking and travel. -->

Mark Wehrlin Psy.D.
is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. He specializes in psychological assessment, sexual abuse treatment, play therapy, and behavioral disorders including ADHD. Mark has extensive skills in psychological testing and working with educational issues.

Sherrill G. Marshall APRN NP BC
is a psychiatric nurse practitioner licensed to prescribe psychiatric medication. Sherrill has extensive and diverse experience in mental health, including administration, working with managed care and teaching. She is skilled in working with diverse populations and has a particular interest in treating older adults although she treats people as young as 16. Having grown up in a military family and served in the U S Air Force during Vietnam, she has a unique understanding of issues facing service personnel. Sherrill is skilled in treating depression and anxiety disorders, people with complex medical conditions and can combine psychotherapy with medication management. Sherrill recently completed the Harvard Psychopharmacology continuing education program.

Frank A. Roberto MD
Dr. Roberto is a Board Certified Child and Adolescent as well as General Psychiatrist. He has been in practice in the Tidewater area since 1981. Dr. Roberto treats all ages, from childhood to old age. He has particular expertise in working with mood and anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders. . Dr. Roberto views the individual in relation to family dynamics He utilizes psychopharmacological interventions in conjunction with a team approach to treatment. Dr. Roberto received his psychiatric training, including residency and fellowship at the University of Wisconsin Medical School in Madison. He also completed an internship in pediatrics at Yale University and Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut. He has been on faculty at Eastern Virginia Medical School and is currently Medical Director of Pediatric Psychiatry at the Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters.

Christine Truman MD
Dr. Truman is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who relocated to the area in 2005. She has expertise in psychopharmacology, psychiatric diagnosis, and disease management. She has clinical and research experience in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, including bipolar disorder, major depression, and disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period. She works closely with the other professionals at Finney Psychotherapy Associates to provide optimal and personalized treatment strategies for her patients. Dr. Truman attended medical school at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. She completed her internship at Yale University and Yale-New Haven Hospital and her psychiatric residency at the New-York Presbyterian Hospital of the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Prior to relocating to the Tidewater area, Dr. Truman was an attending psychiatrist at the Rhode Island Hospital of Brown University.



See the accompanying article on CBN.com:
No More Shame: Understanding the 'Baby Blues'

Sybil V. Berkley LCSW
Sybil V. Berkley, LCSW is known for her expertise in Bowen Family Systems theory and therapy. She first met Dr. Murray Bowen, a pioneer in family therapy, when she was Director of the Department of Social Work at Medical College of Virginia of Virginia Commonweath University. Since marrying Waverley L. Berkley III and moving to Virginia Beach almost forty years ago this has formed the core of her teaching and practice career. She practiced for many years at Family Services of Tidewater Inc. where she was Director of "The Institute for Family Therapy and Alcohol Studies."

Whether seeing an individual, couple or family group, the extended family system is in her mind, whatever the presenting symptom. "Any system can be stressed to the point that it breaks down. We all break down in the way our system is programmed. Too much anxiety is expressed in one of three ways—marital conflict, sickness of one spouse (physical, emotional or social-- alcohol or substance abuse, chronic unemployment etc.) or projection onto the next generation (the child carries the symptoms). In my office I want the strongest family member, the one who has the leverage to make change. I see a lot of guys these days."

Her passions in addition to her nearly forty year marriage include golf, the garden and especially her dachshunds. She received her MSW from Louisiana State University and still pulls for her Tigers in athletics. Sybil will be starting her affiliation with Finney Psychotherapy Associates in September.