Violeta Lucas

MS, LMFT-A

“It’s never too late for you to become who you might have been.”

I have a strong belief in the positive nature of human beings. I believe in the uniqueness and worth of every individual and that everyone deserves respect to choose their direction and values in life.

In our work together, I place a high value on the relationship that we develop together. I hope you will experience me as a genuine person with a non-judgmental attitude. I will work to create a trusting relationship between us that will provide a safe space where I hope you will feel accepted and understood.

I believe that you are the only expert in your inner world and the only person who knows how you feel. Together, we can work collaboratively to find a way for you to reach your therapeutic goals. During this process, I will ask questions to better understand your situation and context and sometimes challenge you to bring a different perspective on the discussed issue.

Being in therapy can be overwhelming and scary at times. However, therapy can be beneficial for bringing self-awareness, personal growth, and a better understanding of your presenting concerns. It takes time for things to get better, resolved, or clarified. However, no matter how difficult it can get, together, we can walk through and come out on the other side where the light shines brighter and the road doesn’t look so steep and graveled. So, please be kind and compassionate to yourself during the journey of healing and growth.

As a military spouse, I am aware of the hardships and sacrifices our service members and their families endure. In addition, my cosmopolitan experience also makes it easy for me to understand the negative thoughts and feelings of people living and working in a foreign country, such as issues with integration, identity, and cultural and language barriers.

As far as my personal background, I was born and raised in Bulgaria. Later in life, I moved to the United Kingdom, where I studied and worked. During my time in England, I met my husband, who was stationed there. In my spare time, I enjoy woodworking, traveling, spending time with my husband and dogs, and catching up with family and friends.

Education:

  • South-West University Neofit Rilski, Bulgaria, Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
  • Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom, Postgraduate Certificate in Counselling and Interpersonal Skills
  • Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom, Postgraduate Diploma in Counseling and Psychotherapy
  • Valdosta State University, United States of America, Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

Professional Experience

It is a myth that Marriage and Family Therapists can only work with families and couples. I work with individuals as well. My professional experience encompasses working in various settings, including group and community mental health non-profit organizations. I also have experience and am passionate about working with adult survivors of incest.

Specialties:

  • Bilingual Services (Bulgarian)
  • Sexual Trauma, PTSD
  • Women’s issues
  • Setting up boundaries
  • Anxiety
  • Life transitions
  • Relationship challenges
  • Self-esteem
  • Suicide ideations
  • Depression
  • Self-awareness and personal growth

Therapeutic Lens:

  • Systems
  • Person-Centered
  • Trauma-Focused
  • Collaborative
  • Culturally Sensitive
  • Experiential/Gestalt
  • Mindfulness