Student Health & Counseling 

Briana is a recent graduate from Robert Morris University, where she received two degrees: Bachelor of Science in Clinical and Sport Psychology and Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. While at RMU, she was a student-athlete and member of the Division I Softball team for four years. As a former Division I student-athlete, she understands the unique set of challenges, demands, and expectations of student-athletes as well as the stigma that can sometimes be attached to seeking mental health support. Briana specializes in working with student-athletes who want to seek assistance for their overall well-being or any mental health concerns, who experience injuries or trauma, and who want to optimize their sport performance by learning about their well-being. Although her primary interest is working with student-athletes, she wants to provide support for all students. Briana completed her internship at Duquesne University where she counseled university students on mental health issues including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, drug and alcohol use, grief, relationship issues, performance issues, trauma, perfectionism, and academic issues. Briana views counseling as a collaborative process and tends to take a holistic approach. She has an integrative theoretical orientation, knowing that no two individuals or situations are alike. Briana looks forward to working with W&J students!

Damarion is originally from Dayton, Ohio and a recent graduate from Longwood University. While attending Longwood University, he was able to receive his bachelor’s degree in Sociology and his master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. Damarion was also a part of the Longwood’s Men Basketball for six years. He spent his last year at Longwood completing his internship at Longwood’s Counseling and Psychological Services in which he met with students on a daily basis. Damarion pursued the counseling profession due to his own mental health struggles while being a college student and having a family member being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at birth. Damarion views counseling as a collaborative process. The client and counselor must be able to effectively work together in order to determine the best solutions for the client. Damarion values honesty and trust and believes the development of them is essential to the relationship with the client. Damarion has worked with a wide range of concerns such as anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, interpersonal issues, and identity issues. Damarion is excited to join the Washington and Jefferson community and wants students to know that he is committed to making sure clients will be safe, comfortable, and heard in our work together.

Welcome. I am a licensed clinical psychologist and the director of the Student Health & Counseling Service. I grew up in Pittsburgh and moved back home to work at W&J in 2018. I graduated from a small liberal arts college much like W&J and believe there is nothing as life-changing as a liberal arts education. These can be years full of self-discovery and transformation! I have specialized in college mental health for the past 30 years, and like working with all the issues that affect young adults: adjustment to college, relationship concerns, anxiety and depression, identity exploration, family issues, sexuality, and becoming an adult (developing independence, intimacy, connection, identity and values). I view therapy as process of interpersonal discovery, meaning-making, and change in the context of a nurturing, respectful, and warm relationship. I have been trained and practice from an integrative theoretical orientation, as I believe that all psychotherapy traditions hold some aspect of wisdom and truth, and that each client may require a different approach depending on their cultural context, their history, and their needs.

Brian completed his MA. in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University, where he is currently studying to pursue a Psy.D in Counseling Psychology. The city of Pittsburgh played a significant role in shaping his personality and instilling a set of core values, which he carries with him throughout his life. Before embarking on his journey in the field of Psychology, Brian served as a corporate account manager for an international travel company located in Los Angeles, California. Brian’s most cherished activity is spending quality time with his two young sons, aged 2 and 5. Brian is passionate about creating a friendly and confidential therapy environment where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves openly, exploring their thoughts and emotions without fearing judgment, and working towards positive change. He has worked with clients experiencing various issues including anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship problems, trauma, and identity concerns, among others. He believes fostering a strong and effective partnership with his clients is the key to unlocking the best possible outcome. To help his clients, he utilizes various therapy methods, such as CBT, DBT, interpersonal, and existential approaches. He works diligently to understand better the client's unique needs, challenges, and goals. He regularly seeks feedback and maintains open communication to align treatment goals while exploring cultural, biopsychosocial, developmental, and social aspects of the client's lived experience. With his client-focused approach, he strives to provide individuals with the knowledge and tools to overcome challenges while building on personal strengths.