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Inside the Criminal MindDuring the month of November, National Counseling Group has been honored to present a Tidewater region training conducted by clinicial psychologist, Dr. Stanton Samenow. Dr. Samenow is one of NCG's most valued professional associates, who has made a number of contributions to understanding the criminal mind and personality. He is the author of the landmark book "Inside the Criminal Mind". Dr. Samenow presented his thoughts on why children develop criminal minds and how counselors and parents can help break the cycle. He covered errors in thinking, tactics used by clients, and effective ways to respond and assist in corrective thinking. On November 17, 2010, Dr. Samenow presented his materials to NCG staff and community professionals in Norfolk, Virginia (Southeast Region). The event was held at Gesthemane Community Fellowship Baptist Church on East Brambleton Avenue in Norfolk. We want to thank the Gesthemane Community Fellowship Baptist Church, Reverend Dr. Kirk Houston, Sr. and his wife Sharon Houston, for their warm hospitality and catering services to make the event a wonderful success. We are also honored to have Delegate Lionell Spruill Sr. in attendance, who offered assistance with drawing names for our door prizes and with retrieving questions from the audience during the Q&A portion of the training. Thank you! Click on the images below to see photos from this event. Thank you to Denielle Warner, Virginia Beach Supervisor and professional photographer, for the great pictures!
Randy Wilson, Business Development Specialist for Richmond and Petersburg Offices, was the keynote speaker for the Senior Connection RSVP Annual Reception Brunch on October 29, 2010, in Richmond, Virginia.Randy's presentation focused on speaking to volunteers about providing services to Senior Connections RSVP, and how the volunteers and the local community can work together to be supportive of the elderly members in the surrounding area. Check out photos from this event below.
On October 22, 2010, National Counseling Group hosted an Open House at our Warrenton Office.The site leaders- Regional Director, Stephanie Ney, Site Director, Julie Turner- and Warrenton staff were introduced and got to know many local referral sources and community professionals.Special guests included Sheryl Wolfe, Fauquier County School Board, and Terrence Nyhouse, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Fauquier County. Click on the image below to view photos from the event. Special thank you to Jacquie Scherr, Office Coordinator in Warrenton!
Sean Alvarado, Eastern Shore Site, joined National Counseling Group as a Clinical Supervisor in September 2010.Along with being a talented college athlete and artist at The University of Kansas, Sean has also teamed up with KU to help kids from disadvantaged backgrounds flourish in the academic realm. In collaboration with Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs [GEAR UP], Sean hosted an exhibition of his artwork titled "Everyday Faces, Everyday Places" at The University of Kansas, Strong Hall. Click on the website below to find out more information about Sean Alvarado, his artwork, and the GEAR UP program KU. http://www.oread.ku.edu/2006/december/11/kids.shtml Nationally Recognized Community-Based Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counseling Group Hosting an Open House in Fauquier County in the month of October.The National Counseling Group, Inc., a leader in the provision of quality mental health and substance abuse treatment for over 17 years, is inviting our friends and colleagues to join us for fellowship, food, and door prizes. The Open Houses listed below will be great opportunities for professionals and community members to learn more about NCG’s philosophy and best practices used by some of the most well-trained and respected clinicians in the region to treat children, adults and families. THE NATIONAL COUNSELING GROUP TO HOST OPEN HOUSE IN WARRENTON ON OCTOBER 22, 2010 Click here to view Press Release… First Annual Lynwood Lewis Eastern Shore Golf TournamentOn October 1, 2010, National Counseling Group's Holly Duggan, Regional Site Director, John Konkel, Site Director, and Jonathan May, Operations Analyst, attended Lynwood Lewis's First Annual Eastern Shore Golf Tournament in Cape Charles, Virginia. This golf touranment was a fundraising event for Lynwood Lewis and his campaign. NCG sponsored two teams. Special guests included Garrett Dunham, Attorney with Dunham Law Group, P.C., John Tupponce, Principal at B.C. Charles Elementary School, and Tracy Matthews, Probation Officer with Newport News CSU. On September 29, 2010, National Counseling Group hosted an Open House at our Newport News Office.The site leaders- Regional Director, Holly Duggan, Site Director, Karen Matthews, Assistant Site Director, Tina Washington- and Newport News staff were introduced and got to know many local referral sources and community professionals. Special guests included United States Senator, Mark Warner, Senator John Miller, Delegate Glenn Oder, and Delegate Lionell Spruill. Click on the images below to see photos from this event. Thank you to Denielle Warner, Virginia Beach Supervisor and professional photographer, for the great pictures!
2010 Wolf Trap Ball: Canada-Keep ExploringOn September 24, 2010, National Counseling Group's Thomas Minnick, Frank Viera, Trevor Schrotz, Joan Green, Jamie Clancey, and Jonathan May attended the 2010 Wolf Trap Ball: Canada-Keep Exploring with many special guests. The annual ball is a fundraiser for Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, whose mission is to help individuals of all ages in arts and education programs. Thomas Minnick is part of Wolf Trap's Board of Directors, and National Counseling Group was a Diamond sponsor at this years event. Special guests included Senator Dave Marsden, Delegate Lionell Spruill, Delegate Ward Armstrong, Mayor Dwight Jones, Chairman Sharon Bulova, Jeff McKay (Fairfax County Board of Supervisor), Mary Agee (President of Northern Virginia Family Services), Mike Clark (President of Access National Bank), James Dyke (Partner of McGuire Woods and Chairman of the Greater Washington Board of Trade), and Kerry Wilson (President of Reston Interfaith). On September 22, 2010, National Counseling Group hosted an Open House at our Virginia Beach Office.The site leaders- Regional Director, Holly Duggan, Site Director, Karen Matthews, Assistant Site Director, Brenda Ridley-Garris- and Virginia Beach staff were introduced and got to know many local referral sources and community professionals. Special guests included Delegate Lionell Spruill, Delegate Matthew James, and Senator Mark Warner's Representative, Sandy Bodenhamer. Click on the images below to see photos from this event. Thank you to Denielle Warner, Virginia Beach Supervisor and professional photographer, for the great pictures!
From National Counseling Group Martinsville Office, Bobbie Jo Seamster (Site Director), Sarah Hamblen (Clinical Supervisor), and Leanne Martin (Clinical Supervisor) attended a mental health vendor fair in Martinsville, Virginia.The fair took place on September 16, 2010 at the Martinsville National Guard Armory to market local Mental Health companies to the surrounding community. The event was very successful and helped NCG further their introduction into the Martinsville community. All individuals and businesses stated they were very pleased with NCG and the service they provide.
In December 2009, National Counseling Group donated $300 to the Girls Track Team at Highland Springs High School, located in Richmond, Virginia. NCG was also featured in the 2010 Summer Edition of their school newsletter.
Pictured from right to left: Trendell Clark (NCG), Randy Wilson (NCG), Michael Wright (Principal of Highland Springs), Debbie Sikes (NCG), Coach Gregory Ford (Girls Track Coach at Highland Springs) Nationally Recognized Community-Based Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counseling Group Hosting Open Houses in the Tidewater Region in the month of September.The National Counseling Group, Inc., a leader in the provision of quality mental health and substance abuse treatment for over 17 years, is inviting our friends and colleagues to join us for fellowship, food, and door prizes. The Open Houses listed below will be great opportunities for professionals and community members to learn more about NCG’s philosophy and best practices used by some of the most well-trained and respected clinicians in the region to treat children, adults and families. THE NATIONAL COUNSELING GROUP TO HOST OPEN HOUSE IN NEWPORT NEWS ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2010
THE NATIONAL COUNSELING GROUP TO HOST OPEN HOUSE IN VIRGINIA BEACH ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2010
During the month of August, National Counseling Group has been honored to present regional trainings conducted by clinicial psychologist, Dr. Stanton Samenow. Dr. Samenow is one of NCG's most valued professional associates, who has made a number of contributions to understanding the criminal mind and personality. He is the author of the landmark book "Inside the Criminal Mind".Dr. Samenow presented his thoughts on why children develop criminal minds and how counselors and parents can help break the cycle. He covered errors in thinking, tactics used by clients, and effective ways to respond and assist in corrective thinking. On August 11, 2010, Dr. Samenow presented his materials to NCG staff and community professionals in Roanoke, Virginia (Southwest Region). Click on the images below to view photos from this event. On August 18, 2010, Dr. Samenow presented his materials to NCG staff and community professionals in Richmond, Virginia (Central Region). Click on the images below to view photos from this event. On August 20, 2010, Dr. Samenow presented his materials to NCG staff and community professionals in Dumfries, Virginia (Northern Region). Click on the images below to view photos from this event. Look for updates on NCG's Tidewater Region Dr. Stanton Samenow Training in the upcoming months. Pictures coming soon. National Counseling Group's Thomas W. Minnick, Trevor Schrotz, and Jonathan May attended a reception honoring Texas Governor, Rick Perry in Richmond, Virginia.On August 16, 2010, the special guest accompaning Governor Perry was Governor Robert McDonnell, Governor of Virginia. This event was hosted by Thomas W. Minnick.
Pictured: Trevor Schrotz and Governor Perry; Jonathan May and Governor Perry On Saturday, August 7, 2010, National Counseling Group's Petersburg Office Site Director, Ashley Kemnitz attended Delegate Dance's fundraiser event.There were many prestigious individuals present, such as Delegate Rosalyn Dance of the 63rd District, Delegate Joseph Morrissey of the 74th District, Delegate Robert Brink of Arlington, Delegate Roslyn Tyler of the 75th District, Mayor Annie Mickens, Vice Mayor Horace Webb, Dr. Keith Miller, the President of Virginia State University, and Honorable Dama Ric
Pictured: Delegate Rosalyn Dance and Ashley Kemnitz, Petersburg Office Site Director.
Interview with Alani Franis, Kelly Athey, and Kim Stanley, Vice President of Operations at COX RoanokeFrom National Counseling Group Roanoke Office, Alani Francis, Community-Based Counselor, and Kelly Athey, Foster Parent Trainer and Case Manager, appeared on COX Connections, a news station exclusively broadcasted in Roanoke, Virginia. Alani and Kelly discussed community-based and therapuetic foster care services and opportunities in the June 2010. On the evening of June 23, 2010, Paul Lawrence and Katie Spina attended a dinner event with Governor McDonnell at the 2941 Restaurant in Fairview Park in Falls Church.It was a dinner to thank and recognize key supporters of theGovernor and his campaign. Paul and Katie were the representatives for National Counseling Group, one of the few invited guests.
Pictured: Governor McDonnell and Katie Spina (NCG) On June 11, 2010, National Counseling Group hosted an Open House at our Martinsville Office.The site leaders- Regional Director, Nicholas Ptacek, Site Director, Bobbie Jo Seamster- and Martinsville staff were introduced and got to know many local referral sources and community professionals. Special guest included Mayor Kimble Reynolds.
On June 9, 2010, National Counseling Group hosted an Open House at our Roanoke Office.The site leaders- Regional Director, Nicholas Ptacek, Site Director, Pam Brant- and Roanoke staff were introduced and got to know many local referral sources and community professionals. Frank Valentine, NCG Fredericksburg Site Director, will be conducting two workshops on Teen Self-Esteem for the Tree of Life Teen Summit on Saturday June 5, 2010.The event is sponsored by the Fredericksburg Boys and Girls Club. For more information please visit their website www.bgcgw.org On June 4, 2010, National Counseling Group hosted an Open House at our Manassas Office.The site leaders-Regional Director, Stephanie Ney, Site Director, Marie Thomas- and Manassas staff were introduced and got to know many local referral sources and community professionals. Click on the images below to view the event photos.
Of those who attended, special guests included Virginia State Senator, Charles Colgan, Vice Mayor of Manassas City, Andrew Harrover, Manassas City Councilman, Johnathan Way, and Delegate, Miller Jackson. On Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010 from 2pm-3:30pm, Patrick Slifka, NCG's Director of Training, will present to the Community Services Board, District 19, a private training to the agency Social Workers called Brief Strategic Family Therapy.Director of Training for National Counseling Group, Patrick Slifka, presented to Goodwill Industries of Virginia on the topic of Motivational Interviewing. He presented at the GI headquarters in Richmond on Friday, May 28th, 2010 from 9am-12pm.On May 26, 2010, National Counseling Group hosted an Open House at our Richmond Office.The site leaders- Regional Director, Sean Blair, Site Director, Lakesha Barrett- and Richmond staff were introduced and got to know many local referral sources and community professionals. Special guests included Mayor Dwight Jones of Richmond, Delegate Joseph Morrissey, Former Mayor Walter Kenny, Delegate Betsy Carr, and Delegate Luke Torian. Click the images below to view photos from the Open House event.
On May 21, 2010, National Counseling Group hosted an Open House at our Culpeper Office.The site leaders- Regional Director, Stephanie Ney, Site Director, Krista Hale- and Culpeper staff were introduced and got to know many local referral sources and community professionals. Special guests included Dr. James Dyke and Mayor of Culpeper, Chip Coleman. Click on the images below to view the event photos. On May 19, 2010, National Counseling Group hosted an Open House at our Eastern Shore Office.The site leaders- Regional Director, Holly Duggan, Site Director, John Konkel- and Eastern Shore staff were introduced and got to know many local referral sources and community professionals. Click on the images below to see photos from this event.
On May 14, 2010, National Counseling Group hosted an Open House at our Winchester Office.The site leaders- Regional Director, Stephanie Ney, Site Director, Paul Scardino- and Winchester staff were introduced and got to know many local referral sources and community professionals. Click on the image below to view photos from the event. Special thank you to Mr. Roy Young!
Working with Substance Abuse in a Culturally Diverse FamilyJ. Patrick Slifka, LCSW, CAC Learning Objectives Participants completing this workshop will be able to:
Why Are So Many Youth Cutting Themselves?On May 10, Cumberland CSA Office and National Counseling Group are supporting a training event to help professionals and parents understand the growing number of youth who cut or otherwise harm themselves. Patrick Slifka, LCSW, CAC, and training specialist for National Counseling Group will be talking about the reasons involved, discussing how to assist these youth, and answering the questions of those who attend. Patrick has worked with these youth and has shared his experiences in trainings in other areas of Virginia. It has been noted, particularly by local guidance counselors, that more and more youth seem to be cutting or injuring themselves, but adults often don’t realize this behavior is occurring. Many try to hide this behavior or only share it with their best friends. When it is discovered, often the youth is quite involved in the process. It can also be a copied behavior or a shared experience between friends. Mr. Slifka explains the signs, symptoms, and some of the rational youth use when involved in self harm or cutting behaviors. The session for professionals who work with youth will be held at the Cartersville Rescue Squad Building, 1667 Cartersville Road, Cartersville, (between Rt. 60 and Cartersville) beginning at 1:30. This free event should be very helpful to any who are involved in schools, mental health professionals, social workers, clergy, and juvenile justice. Even if you have not met or worked with someone with this issue, the information is pertinent in today’s society. A second session for parents and relatives of children who self harm, or others who are interested in learning more about helping youth, will be held the same day at 6 PM at the Luther P. Jackson Center at Cumberland High School. National Counseling Group is partnering with Dr. Houston's church and community through the Garden of Hope on their counseling initiative and community development projects. We attended their fundraiser event and were a Gold Level sponsor in April 2010.National Counseling Group's Thomas W. Minnick, Jonathan May and Randy Wilson attended a reception honoring Congressman Eric Cantor, U.S. House Republican Whip on May 3, 2010 in Richmond, Virginia.Also the special guest in attendance was Dr. Condoleezza Rice, the Former Secretary of State.
Pictured: Jonathan May, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Randy Wilson, and Congressman Eric Cantor On April 30, 2010, National Counseling Group hosted an Open House at our Annandale Office.The site leaders- Regional Director, Stephanie Ney, Site Director, Gretchen Abell- and Annandale staff were introduced and got to know many local referral sources and community professionals. On April 23, 2010, National Counseling Group hosted an Open House at our Front Royal Office.The site leaders- Regional Director, Stephanie Ney, Site Director, Carol Lucking- and Front Royal staff were introduced and got to know many local referral sources and community professionals. Click on the images below to view the event photos.
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Seeing up close the magnitude of the devastation caused by the earthquake… |
A bed sheet tent is where Henry and his family are now sleeping. Henry described his life after the earthquake. |
NCG Fredericksburg staff counselor, Darius Coulibaly, recently visited Haiti to help with earthquake recovery efforts. Darius has made huge efforts to give himself locally to the Fredericksburg community and internationally to those in need in Haiti. He is raising funds to collect items to forward to those in need. Darius also manages an international non-profit organization called "Empowering the Poor" that helps indigent populations globally. You can contact Darius at darius.coulibaly@nationalcounselinggroup.com.
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The meeting will be attended by 30 to 40 physicians who work in the ES community health care system.

Pictured are Jeanie Slifka, Randy Wilson, Senior Economic Advisor for Governor McDonnell: Bob Sledd, President of the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce: Kim Scheeler, and Chamber Employee: Tim Grimes.
Holly is also a member of the Community Advisory Board of the Newport News Healthy Families Intiatives and participates on the Blue Ribbon Committee to coordinate events for Child Abuse/Neglect Prevention month in April.
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On Saturday, March 20th from 11 am- 3 pm at Martinsville Liberty Fair Mall, Martinsville Site Director, Bobbie Jo Seamster, and Clinical Supervisor, Sarah Hamblen, attended the "Community Awareness" event to showcase NCG to the community and discuss with other businesses the services which we offer at NCG. This event was sponsored by the Starting Place and Project Connect-Mental Health coalition for Health and Wellness. The event was a huge success! At the NCG booth, an Easter bunny was given away to individuals who signed up for the door prize. The big prize, an Easter bunny and candy, were given to a child who won the drawing.
The site leaders- Regional Director, Sean Blair, Site Director, James Rankin- and Harrisonburg staff were introduced and got to know many local referral sources and community professionals.
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The site leaders- Regional Director, Sean Blair, Site Director, James Rankin- and Harrisonburg staff were introduced and got to know many local referral sources and community professionals.
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Also in attendance were Secertary of Education Gerard Robinson, the Deputy Secertary of Administration Charles James, Director of the Daily Planet Dianne Reynolds-Cane, Owens & Minor Consultant Angela Wilkes, and McGuire Woods Partners George Martin and Jackie Stone.
Speakers included Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling.

Pictured are Randy Wilson, Eric Cantor, and Ashley Kemnitz.
He will be discussing Compassion Fatigue how professonal counselors deal with the experience.
LOCATION:
Backyard Grill
7421 Sudley Road
Manassas, VA 20109
703-365-0932
On February 6th, 2010, thousands braved the chilly Atlantic Ocean wearing nothing but swimsuits and zany costumes - all for a good cause - including National Counseling Group's Virginia Beach Office Clinical Supervisor, Denielle Warner, and Community Based Counselor, Kristi Robinson. Proceeds from Saturday's Polar Plunge benefit Special Olympics Virginia. Since 1993, more than 26,000 plungers have raised more than $4.7 million for Special Olympics Virginia. Both Kristi and Denielle pledged to raise $200 for the Special Olympics. |
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Please send any clothing that you would like to donate to the Haitian relief efforts to our office located at 4099 Foxwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 before February 12th, 2010 care of Karen Matthews, Site Director. Thank you for your support!
The station is 95.3 FM (http://www.theriver953online.com), and was facilitated by the NCG Site Director in Front Royal, Carol Lucking. You can hear a podcast of the show here.

Pictured from left to right: Katie Weaks (NCG), Randy Wilson (NCG), Paul Lawrence (NCG),
Reverend Joe Ellison, Sam Gray (NCG), and Antoine Green
(Photo Credit): Photo by TR Cook of Cook's Photo Art Studio, Vienna, Virginia
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