Byron Branham, M.A., L.P.C., N.C.C

​Byron received his Masters in Counseling from Regent University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. He is also a Nationally Board Certified Counselor, member of the American Counseling Association, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, EMDR therapist (EMDRIA approved), and a Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist. He received his Bachelors degree in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College and an Associate’s degree in Religious Studies from Liberty University.

Byron strives to create a safe and supportive therapeutic experience where the client feels empowered and accepted. He provides treatment for emotional challenges such as: anxiety, anger, and depression, as well as relational problems, marriage and family issues, grief, ADHD, autism, sexual and process addictions, and intellectual disability. Byron counsels children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, and is available for educational talks and presentations on a variety of mental health topics.

Byron is a U.S. Navy veteran. His military experience led him to enter the mental health field, specializing in the treatment of trauma and PTSD. He has effectively assisted a broad spectrum of clients from many walks of life, including military veterans and first responders, their families, and survivors of tragedy and crime.

Byron enjoys the outdoors, literature, and playing gospel and bluegrass music. He is married and has an adult daughter and step-son.

David W. Peterson, D.MIN., L.P.C.

​As a Licensed Professional Counselor, David founded Total Life Counseling, Inc. (1980) and Psychiatric Day Hospital (1987). His preparation and ongoing education include studies in General Science from Houghton College, Psychology at Syracuse University, Marriage and Family Counseling at Virginia Tech, Theology at Dallas Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Liberty University.

David’s passion is to assist people with anxiety and worry, depression, stress management, communication, and esteem issues. Also, he works with reconciling, broken marriages, and directing children on the path to maturity.

I had the privilege of assisting Dr. Robert Brown to teach the Mental Health Course and co-author The Textbook for Mental Health for use at The University of Virginia. I am a Past President of Virginia Association of Clinical Counselors and have taught internationally. The Total Life training materials have been translated into Greek, Hungarian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, and Spanish. I have taught a Bible study for 27 years.

Carolyn and I are the parents of four children and nine grandchildren. We enjoy family gatherings, boating, kayaking, and biking together. I, also, enjoy golfing and oil painting. I hope to have the privilege of working together with you to thrive in a challenging world.

DaQuana (Dee) Carter, MS.Ed, Resident in Counseling

Dee has worked with children, individuals and families for five years in the field of mental health. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Drexel University, a Juris Doctorate from Villanova University School of Law, and a Master’s of Science in Education in Counseling and Mental Health Services from the University of Pennsylvania.

Dee uses a combination of Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy to treat adolescents and adults who have experienced interpersonal violence such as sexual and domestic violence. Her clinical expertise includes treating depression, anxiety, panic, anger, grief/loss, substance abuse, addictive behaviors, abuse (sexual, physical, and emotional), and identity issues related to their race and gender. Dee also enjoys working with relationships and marriages in order to improve communication skills and strengthen their significant commitment to each other. Dee seeks to create a safe space where individuals are empowered, accepted, and able to set and enforce boundaries.

Dee is a former foster parent and has one adult son. She enjoys reading, cooking, and travelling.