About Me
I’m Annetta Thomas, owner and psychotherapist of Purposely BE, LLC (PBllc). I’m a licensed professional counselor (LPC), clinical supervisor, mental health advocate, life coach, and loving mother to a princess.
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My journey to becoming a therapist was liberating for me. Initially, I thought I would become a doctor, but with the setup of my first year of college and a biology course, that vision became a hard no for me! Subsequently, I took time to reflect on the woman I was becoming and how to advance in helping others. As a result, psychology shifted from my minor to my major. Of course, like most clinicians and clients, I was no stranger to adversity, loss, and life transitions. My desire to understand human behavior and my curiosity about healing catalyzed my formal education and training.
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I love being a therapist and practicing what I encourage others to try. I’ve been a client before. It’s a privilege when people allow me into their sacred and vulnerable space during difficult times. I honor individuals’ experiences and unarticulated feelings while on their journey of healing and wellness. Endurance requires compassion, self-awareness, expert boundaries, an ethical mind, and continued personal and professional growth. Observance of these values has allowed me to achieve results as a guide for others’ healing.
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My professional experience has granted me many opportunities to work with various populations. One of the areas that I’m most passionate about is honoring and supporting women of color who are overwhelmed by stress, trauma, complicated relationships, conflict at work, career transitions, etc. Additionally, I’ve worked with the government as a Mental Health Specialist and Employee Assistance Counselor. I understand the pressure of seeking professional treatment while maintaining an active security clearance. When requested, I served as an Adjunct Professor at Marymount University, teaching the Psychology of Law Enforcement.
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I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology from Frostburg State University and two graduate degrees in forensic psychology and clinical mental health counseling from Marymount University.
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I maintain a good alignment with my professional life through meaningful relationships with close family and friends, good wine, fun travel, and playtime with my princess.
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​ “Be intentional about your healing to live the life you deserve.” â„
-Annetta Thomas, NCC, LPC-S
Education
Marymount University, Arlington, VA
M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling 2014
Marymount University, Arlington, VA
M.A. Forensic Psychology 2007
Frostburg State University, Frostburg, MD
B.S. Psychology 2003
Minor: Sociology
Certificate in Child and Family Psychology
Credentials
Licensed Professional Counselor, Supervisor (LPC-S) - VA
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Certifications
Brainspotting Phase I & Phase II
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained*
DRiV
Emotional Intelligence (EQ-i 2.0)
Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation-Behavior (FIRO-B)
Memberships
Chi Sigma Iota (CSI)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA)
American Counseling Association (ACA)
American Psychological Association (APA)
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