About Us

About Us

Welcome to our Christian counseling practice! We are a team of dedicated therapists who are passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families find healing and growth through the integration of faith and therapy.  We are a team full of different skills and abilities, hoping to use them all for the glory of God.

Our executive team is comprised of three long-term, dedicated individuals who bring a diverse set of skills and expertise to the table. Tina Motley, LCSW, our founder and CEO, brings a wealth of clinical experience and is in the process of completing a doctoral program in Behavioral Health leadership. David Hawxhurst, LPC, our Spiritual Director, has been with the company for a decade. He provides guidance, training, and support in equipping the team with the spiritual aspects of behavioral health. Finally, Emily Clifford, our Director of Operations, brings her strong background in operational efficiency and project management to ensure our strategic plan is effectively executed. Collectively, we have collaboratively developed a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at addressing the behavioral health needs within the church community. This plan encompasses a variety of approaches and initiatives that will cater to the unique needs of individuals seeking support and guidance in this critical area of their lives.

Stephen Handley, LCSW, our Ministry Liaison, has been diligently reaching out and forming connections with pastors throughout the state of Virginia in order to better understand and assess the behavioral health needs within their congregations. Through these efforts, he has been able to gain valuable insights and perspectives on how mental health and emotional well-being are being addressed within the church community. In light of this ongoing outreach, we want to extend a warm invitation to any pastors who may be interested in receiving additional support, guidance, or resources on how to effectively address and prioritize the mental health needs of their congregants to reach out and connect with us. We are here to offer a helping hand and provide the necessary assistance to ensure that all members of the church community are supported and cared for in their journey towards mental and emotional wellness.

Brandy Rucker, M.A., a highly qualified and experienced professional in the field, currently holds the esteemed position of Site Coordinator at our Midlothian location. With a master’s degree under her belt, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Brandy’s leadership style is characterized by its unwavering commitment and reliability, making her a trusted figure among both staff and clients alike.

Kelsey Moffatt, LCSW, holds the esteemed title of clinical supervisor for MSWs and is nearing the completion of her doctoral program in her chosen field. Known for her upbeat personality, professionalism, and dedication to her work, Kelsey is a pillar of trustworthiness in the social work community. Her thorough approach to supervision ensures that her students receive the guidance and support they need to succeed in their careers.

David Hawxhurst, LPC, a licensed professional counselor with years of experience in the field, offers comprehensive clinical supervision services to counselors who are working towards obtaining their licensure. With a deep understanding of the importance of combining faith and clinical judgment in therapy, David’s approach is not only effective but also highly impressive to those under his supervision. He is able to guide and support counselors in navigating the complexities of integrating their personal beliefs with evidence-based practices, ultimately helping them develop a well-rounded and ethical approach to counseling. Through his mentorship, our Christian counselors gain valuable insights and skills that enhance their ability to provide effective and compassionate care to their clients.

Our Mission

The mission of this organization is to carefully select and train a team of dedicated Christian counselors who possess both the necessary professional skills and a deep sense of calling to help others find healing and restoration. Our counselor s are committed to offering guidance and support based on the unwavering truth of the Bible, ensuring that each client receives the highest quality care in line with their Christian values.

man raising left hand, right hand on chest closed eyes standing outdoor under shade of tree during daytime

In order to provide the best possible care for our clients, we prioritize the integration of scientific knowledge with our Christian faith. Our counselors are well-versed in evidence-based interventions and techniques, all of which are delivered within the framework of a Christian worldview. By blending these two aspects, we strive to offer our clients a comprehensive and holistic approach to counseling that is both effective and spiritually enriching.

We understand that true healing extends beyond just the mind or the body, but encompasses the spirit as well. When you engage with our counselors, our goal is not just to address your immediate concerns, but to foster a sense of hope and encouragement that will inspire lasting change and growth within you. Through our interactions, we aim to support you in achieving a renewed sense of well-being that encompasses all aspects of your being.

Our Values

Over the past few years, we as a company have come to the realization that it is imperative for us to delve deeper into defining our identity not just as a business, but also as Christian counselors. This realization has led us to dedicate ourselves to fostering and upholding a Christian ethos within our organization. At the foundation of this ethos lie our core values, which include a steadfast commitment to Christ, a dedication to honesty, a sense of humility, a pursuit of competence, and an emphasis on emotional maturity. These values are not just words on paper; they are actively instilled and nurtured by our leadership team, who consistently work to integrate them into the fabric of our organizational culture. We strive to maintain a company culture based on the values we encourage in our clients.

In addition to valuing the provision of the most truthful and well-informed counseling possible, our commitment to continual personal growth and development is of utmost importance. We recognize that the counseling process is a two-way street, where as we seek to heal and allow God to improve us, we are able to better guide and support our clients in their own healing journey. Rather than viewing ourselves as the ultimate experts in the therapeutic relationship, we humbly defer to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, trusting in divine wisdom to lead us in our work with others.

Our Approach

We believe that every person is unique and has their own story and struggles. That’s why we take a personalized approach to counseling, tailoring our methods to meet the specific needs of each client.

Our therapists are trained in a variety of evidence-based therapies, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which is a highly effective treatment for trauma and other mental health issues. We also incorporate elements of mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other modalities to create a comprehensive treatment plan for each client.

But what sets us apart is our integration of Christian principles into our counseling approach. We believe that faith can be a powerful tool in the healing process and we strive to help our clients connect with their faith in a way that is meaningful and relevant to their journey.

Our Services

At our counseling center, we are proud to provide both telehealth and in-person options for Christian counseling services. Our goal is to make it convenient for all individuals, couples, and families seeking support to access the help they need in a way that works best for them. Whether you prefer the ease and flexibility of virtual sessions or the comfort of a face-to-face interaction, our team is dedicated to meeting your unique needs and helping you navigate through life’s challenges with a Christian perspective.

Our team of Christian counselors brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our practice, ensuring that each client receives the highest quality of care and support. We understand that every individual, couple, and family faces their own set of struggles and obstacles, which is why we are committed to offering a diverse range of counseling services tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients. Whether you are dealing with issues related to relationships, mental health, grief, or any other challenge, our counselors are here to provide compassionate guidance and support every step of the way.

Some of the common issues that our Christian counselors are skilled at addressing include relationship conflicts, communication difficulties, emotional trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, and many more. Our counselors have undergone extensive training and education to equip them with the tools and techniques necessary to help individuals, couples, and families overcome these obstacles and lead fulfilling lives grounded in faith. We believe that by integrating biblical principles and Christian values into our counseling approach, we can offer a holistic and impactful solution to those seeking healing and growth in their lives.

woman sitting while reading bookby Ben White (https://unsplash.com/@benwhitephotography)

EMDR Therapy

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a specialized therapy that has been proven to be highly effective in treating trauma, anxiety, and other mental health issues. It involves using dual attention, bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, to help the brain process and heal from past experiences that are causing distress in the present.

Our therapists are trained in EMDR and have seen firsthand the transformative effects it can have on clients. We are passionate about helping individuals find healing and freedom from the weight of their past through this powerful therapy.

Utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) within the framework of the Christian worldview allows us to offer a unique approach to trauma therapy that is infused with Christian principles and values. This specialized form of therapy incorporates the teachings of Scripture to help individuals renew their minds with the profound truths found within the Bible. Unlike traditional methods that rely on positive affirmations or beliefs, Christian EMDR leans on the promises of God and the eternal truths of the Holy Word to guide individuals towards healing and restoration. By integrating these spiritual elements into the therapeutic process, individuals can experience a deeper level of healing and transformation that goes beyond mere psychological techniques.

Christian Counseling

Christian counseling sessionby Alex Woods (https://unsplash.com/@alexwoods)

As individuals who identify as followers of the Christian faith, we have a deep appreciation for the significance of spirituality in shaping our lives. This understanding serves as the driving force behind our provision of Christian counseling services, as we recognize the importance of integrating faith into the therapeutic process for those seeking our assistance.

Our team of therapists possesses a comprehensive understanding of the teachings found in the Bible and the core principles of the Christian faith. These beliefs serve as the bedrock upon which our counseling methodology is built, guiding our therapeutic approach and shaping the foundation of our interactions with clients. We firmly believe in the power of God as the ultimate source of healing and aim to assist individuals in forging a meaningful connection with Him that fosters feelings of hope, tranquility, and personal growth.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

We offer different variations of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, but at this time, we do not offer the complete model designed by Marsha Linehan. We recommend Discovery Counseling at www.vadcc.com for the full program. At Fig Tree, we offer abbreviated versions of DBT skills class and at other times, we offer classes that incorporate DBT principles. Some of our Christian counselors are trained in DBT and incorporate it into their individual sessions.

We recognize that DBT has some underpinnings of Buddhism but we cipher all through the Christian worldview, and thereby, do not ascribe to all aspects of DBT. Regardless, the curriculum of DBT is incredibly helpful in learning how to regulate emotions, the value of mindful living, and basic conflict resolution skills. DBT is a skills based approach, not a psychotherapy, but used in conjunction, the two are a powerful duo.

We offer several groups such as sexual integrity for men, sexual abuse survivors for women, co-dependency groups and others. 

Please visit our Christian Therapy Groups page for a full list of groups we offer.

Our Christian Counselors

The team at our organization is comprised of a diverse group of highly skilled therapists who possess a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to assisting our clients in their journey towards healing and personal development. Within our team, there are licensed professionals with advanced certifications as well as pre-licensed therapists who are under the guidance and supervision of a licensed clinician. Each member of our team brings a unique set of specialties and backgrounds to the table, but we are all united in our shared goal of offering effective and Christian counseling services to those in need.

Open book in sun

by Aaron Burden (https://unsplash.com/@aaronburden)

Richmond Team

  • Tina Motley, LCSW
  • David Hawxhurst, LPC
  • Annie Kennedy, LCSW
  • Elizabeth Whittle, LPC
  • Kelsey Moffatt, LCSW
  • Lexi Rankin, M. Ed., Resident in Counseling
  • Jen Leftwich, LCSW
  • Bo Farrar, MSW, Supervisee in Counseling
  • Lauren Hetzler, LCSW

Midlothian Team

  • Brandy Rucker, M.A., Resident in Counseling
  • Misty Tafao, LSATP
  • Stephen Handley, LCSW
  • Michelle Kauffman, LPC
  • Rachel Mauro, M.A., Resident in Counseling
  • Stephanie Boarman, M.A., Resident in Counseling
  • Melinda Batalias, M.A., Resident in Counseling
  • Valerie Caleb, LPC

Virtual Only Team

  • Diane Marcelle, LMSW, Supervisee in Counseling
  • Scott Ellis, LPC

Our Location

We have two locations in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible for clients from all over. We have a warm and welcoming office space that is designed to create a safe and comfortable environment for our clients to share and grow.

How to Find Us

Office locationby Toa Heftiba (https://unsplash.com/@heftiba)

We maintain two offices. The first can be found at 6800 Paragon Place, Suite 420, Richmond, Va. 23230. It’s positioned on the intersection of Glenside and Broad Street, with abundant parking right outside our building. Our second establishment is situated at 9011 Arboretum Parkway, Suite 170, Richmond, Va. 23236 along Midlothian Turnpike. It also offers generous parking just outside the premises.

Contact Us

If you are interested in learning more about our services or would like to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you take the next step towards healing and growth.

Phone

You can reach us by phone at (804) 239-7688. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

Email

You can also email us at [email protected]. We strive to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.

Social Media

Follow us on social media for updates, resources, and inspiration:

  • Facebook: @figtreetherapy
  • Instagram: @figtreetherapy
  • Twitter: @figreetherapy
  • YouTube: @figtreetherapy

Takeaways

At our Christian counseling practice, we are dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families find healing and growth through the integration of Christian counseling and secular modalities. Our team of experienced therapists offers a range of services, including EMDR therapy and Christian counseling, to help our clients overcome their struggles and live a more fulfilling life. Contact us today to learn more and take the first step towards a brighter future.