About Us

Laura Johnson, LPC, NCC, BCPCC

Laura Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). She previously worked for Meier Clinic in Fairfax as the lead therapist for their Day Program.  She designed and was responsible for many of the group therapy programs at Meier Clinic.  These therapy groups included Communication Skills, Cognitive Restructuring, Spiritual Development, Relapse Prevention, Self-Expression and Trauma Shame issues.  As the lead therapist, Mrs. Johnson worked with clients having many different needs and conditions, and she integrates many of the above techniques in her individual counseling.

Specialty Training and Experience: Laura has experience and specializes in working with individuals with issues of co-dependency, depression, anxiety, sexual issues, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anger issues, eating disorders, women's issues and marital issues.  She has led and facilitated many groups, including Anger Workshop, Making Peace with Your Past, and Co-Dependency No More.  She is also licensed as a School Counselor in Virginia, and has many years experience with children.  She is knowledgeable about issues related to Attention Deficit Disorder, Sexual Abuse and Anti-Social Behavior.

Laura earned a Master’ degree in Human Services Counseling and a post-masters Certificate of Advanced Counseling Studies from Regent University. She is also a Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor (BCPCC).

Have you been putting a band-aid on your problems? Laura can help you get to the core issues that are motivating your behavior. Many negative problem areas in your life may be masking feelings that need to be identified. Laura knows with experience that within a trusting, compassionate relationship God uses sound clinical intervention to change lives.

Mrs. Johnson is a member in good standing with the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) and the American Counseling Association (ACA).  She is a network provider for New Life Ministries and other Christian associations. 

Robert Straub, M.A., M.ED., LPC

Premarital and Marital Counseling, Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Sexual Addictions Anger Issues, Developmental Disabilities and Spiritual Issues.

Education:  Robert Staub completed a Master of Arts in Counseling, and holds a Master of Education in Special Education from George Mason University.

Specialty Training and Experience:  Robert Straub worked with the Fairfax County Community Mental Health Services for 24 years.  In addition, he worked with Meier Clinic as a full time staff member seeing outpatient clients.  Mr. Straub specializes in addiction/recovery related to sexual issues.  He counsels individuals, groups and couples in a wide range of issues, with a special emphasis on men and couples torn apart by sexual impurity.

Special Interests:  Robert Straub's areas of professional interest include premarital and marital counseling, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, sexual addictions (e.g., addiction to pornography), developmental disabilities, spiritual issues and anger issues.

Robert Straub is a member in good standing with the American Association of Christian Counselors, the American Counseling Association, and the Virginia Counseling Association.

Amanda R. Goc, M.A.

Education:MA - Liberty University. Major in Marriage and Family Therapy

Specialty Training and Experience:Amanda is employed as a counselor with Christian Counseling, Inc. She has experience with Central Virginia Community Services as a counselor for children with severe emotional, psychological, and behavioral disturbances. She has conducted both individual and group therapy in an academic setting and also family counseling as well. Amanda has experience in working with individuals with issues such as depression, ADHD, low anger management skills. anxiety, ODD, and attachment disorders.

Special Interests: Her areas of professional interest include pre-marital and marital counseling, family counseling, play therapy, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and anger management.

 J. Paul Marks, D. Min.

Dr. Marks is trained in counseling, theology and psychology. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1994 followed by two Master degrees in Religion and Christian Theology in 1998. He also completed his Doctor of Ministry degree in Pastoral Counseling in 2007. Presently, Dr. Marks is completing a Masters degree in Professional Counseling.

Clinical Areas: Dr. Marks worked as an individual, premarital and marital counselor in a local church for the last ten plus years. His areas of specialty are premarital training, remarriage, step family conflicts as well as addiction and grief counseling. One unique area of specialty that he is developing is working with couples in full-time ministry and with pastors in transition.

Therapy Approach: Dr. Marks views therapy largely from a cognitive-behavioral approach. This means that he sees a person’s actions tied to their thoughts/beliefs. He approaches counseling with two basic assumptions. These are that all people function on their beliefs and that much of life is tied to patterns of relationship. His counseling takes into account the whole person which includes the physical, relational and spiritual aspects. The therapy process is viewed as a combined effort between the counselor and the client. Change is accomplished through actively taking steps in one’s life. Spiritually, Dr. Marks views the role of God in the counseling process as essential. For this reason he incorporates spiritual practices and prayer as needed.

Professional Associations: Dr. Marks is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors as well as a member of the American Counseling Association.

Greg Mears, MA

Transitions are an aspect of life that bring both joys and challenges. After 18 years in the medical field, God finally got my attention and allowed me to move into counseling; an area that had always piqued my interest. I continued to work full-time, being a husband to my wife and father to our two young sons while obtaining my graduate degree in counseling from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. After working in a local community agency for several years, God moved us to Lynchburg in pursuit of a seminary degree, only to find myself transitioning into the Ph.D. program in professional counseling at Liberty University. Looking back, it is remarkable how His hand has guided us along the way, bringing with it all of the pleasures and pain that attend life.

Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including inpatient, in-home, outpatient and school environments, and have encountered a variety of clients who have presented with an array of issues. My counseling experience, along with my medical background has placed me on the front lines of dealing with issues such as grief, loss, anger, depression, bitterness, anxiety, sexual abuse, sexual addiction, developmental disorders, attachment disorders, in addition to dysfunctional marriage and family relationships. I believe in God’s ability to bring healing into any situation and am convinced that He passionately desires to restore what has been damaged in our lives.

Research has shown that spirituality is a vital part in an individual’s life. Because of this, faith is integrated into the counseling session via my personal approach to therapy, but it is not a “one size fits all” type of approach. God works in ways that are not always evident, and He should be free to do so in the therapeutic setting. While faith is an integral part of my perspective, it is not demanded that any individual conform to my belief system, and respect will be shown to all, regardless of their personal views.

I am a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and am currently working toward licensure in the State of Virginia.

Beth B. Ulrich, MSW, ACSW, LCSW

Beth Ulrich joined the practice of Christian Counseling Services in October 2008 with over thirty years experience in outpatient as well as inpatient settings. She is currently the Program Manager for the Amherst and Appomattox Counseling Centers of the Central Virginia Community Services Board where she works with seriously and chronically mentally ill individuals.

Mrs. Ulrich received her Bachelors and Masters Degree in Social Work from Florida State University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Virginia. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Academy of Certified Social Workers in addition to the North American Association of Christian Social Workers.

Areas of expertise include individual, marital/family and group therapy addressing problems including depressive and anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders as well as issues related to Adult Children of Alcoholics, Grief and Divorce Recovery, Victims of Trauma in addition to women’s issues. A variety of clinical theories and techniques are utilized including Systems Theory, Developmental Theory, with reflection on Psycho-Social History and implementing Cognitive and Behavioral techniques, Assertiveness Training and Motivational Interviewing. Focus is primarily on the here and now with experiential learning related to using the therapeutic relationship to begin to assist individuals to make needed changes. In addition References to Scripture and the use of Prayer in sessions is a significant focus.

Mrs. Ulrich is available for appointments at CCS on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

W. Stephen Kelly, PhD, LPC, M.Ed., LMFT, NCC, NCSC

Stephen is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 10 years of private practice experience. He has a PhD in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and holds a Masters in Education (Counseling emphasis) from the University of New Orleans. As a retired military officer, Stephen is familiar with the unique stressors placed on military families. Stephen works with children ages 10 and older as well as adolescents, singles, couples, and families.

Stephen is an EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing) therapist. EMDR is an effective technique utilized with those who have experienced or are experiencing ongoing trauma as a result of combat, rape, assault, child abuse, near death experiences, complicated grief and loss, and anxiety disorders.

Stephen is a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, and a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, Christian Association for Psychological Studies, National Board of Certified Counselors, American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, and International and Critical Incident Stress Foundation.

Stephen’s areas of expertise include post traumatic stress and trauma, adolescents, depression, anxiety, and marriage and family counseling.