General and complex psychotherapy for adults, couples, and families in Lynchburg, Virginia — psychodynamically oriented, integrative, and individualized.
Division logo forthcomingVirginia Foothills Psychotherapy
What does Virginia Foothills Psychotherapy offer?
Virginia Foothills Psychotherapy is the general and complex psychotherapy division of Integrative Psychodynamics LLC. Its clinicians work with adults, older adults, couples, and families on personality-related difficulties, trauma, addictive and compulsive behavior, and recurring relationship and family patterns. Sessions are offered in person in Lynchburg, Virginia.
//Areas of focus
Where this division concentrates.
Serving adults, older adults, individuals, couples, families. Each area leads to a fuller description of how the work is approached.
“Accepting yourself does not preclude any attempt to become better.”
Flannery O’Connor
//Clinicians
The clinicians at Integrative Psychodynamics.
Not every clinician works with every concern. Profiles describe each clinician's own approach, training, and the people they work with.
01 · Virginia Foothills Psychotherapy
Founder
Austin Nelson, M.A., LPC
Functioning from the principle that people are not problems to be solved, but instead, stories to be told and pieces of art to be understood, Austin works with individuals, couples, and families afflicted by personality pathology, addictive behaviors, and the lingering effects of traumatic experiences. Using a conversational tone and a gentle earnestness, he integrates psychodynamic ideas with empirically supported mechanisms of change to build a therapeutic relationship hallmarked by extended periods of deep listening, connection through humor, and therapeutic neutrality to facilitate autonomy.
Guided by mutually established goals, clients can expect a structured, yet dynamic therapeutic conversation oriented towards alleviating suffering, deepening understanding, broadening awareness, and aligning oneself with reality. While inspired by psychodynamic ideas, Austin strives to demonstrate transtheoretical integration of both theory and practice, as he pragmatically tailors his approach to the ever-evolving individual across from him.
If you have an extensive treatment history with little benefit, find yourself confused by your own complexity, or are skeptical of the entire therapeutic enterprise, Austin would love an opportunity to get to know you.
Degrees
M.A. in Clinical Psychology
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
B.A. in Speech Communications
License
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Training & Certifications
EMDR Basic Training
Associate Sex Addiction Therapist Candidate (ASAT-C)
Photo coming soonDr. John ThomasRecommended crop: 4:5 professional portrait
02 · The Institute for Sexual Restoration
Clinical Director
Dr. John Thomas, Ph.D., Ph.D.
With gentle humor and a genuine nature, Dr. Thomas patiently but persistently guides clients toward sexual restoration. Hallmarked by his outside-the-box interventions and witty candor, Dr. Thomas draws on his experiences to create open and honest therapeutic relationships.
Dr. Thomas also applies his 45 years of clinical experience to the classroom, as he is a Full Professor in the Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies at Liberty University. He and his wife, Denise, reside in Lynchburg, VA.
Professional values
Christ-Centered Compassion · Truth and Integrity · Respect for Human Dignity · Hope and Redemption · Humility and Dependence on God
Whom he works with
Dr. Thomas has over 45 years of clinical experience with a wide range of problems. His specialties include sexual dysfunctions, sexual addictions, betrayed partners, marital concerns, depression, anxiety, anger, and trauma.
Degrees
Ph.D. in Counseling and a Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Studies, University of South Carolina
Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology, Capella University
M.A. in Counseling, Liberty Baptist College
B.S. in Missions, Liberty Baptist College
License
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC; VA #2022)
Advanced Certifications & Trainings
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC; VA #268)
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
PREPARE/ENRICH and SYMBIS Marriage Assessments
Publications
Enduring your Season of Suffering (Liberty Press)
What’s Good about Feeling Bad: Finding Purpose and a Path through your Pain
Therapeutic Expedition: Equipping the Christian Counselor for the Journey (Broadman & Holman Academic) — a textbook to teach counseling skills
Counseling Techniques: A Comprehensive Resource for Christian Counselors (Zondervan/HarperCollins)
Photo coming soonAlexis NelsonRecommended crop: 4:5 professional portrait
03 · Virginia Foothills Psychotherapy
Resident in Counseling
Alexis Nelson, M.A.
Lexie meets clients exactly where they are, offering profound respect, compassion, and non-judgmental care. Pushing past the traditional, detached clinical hierarchy, she builds an authentic and transparent partnership centered on a client’s innate capacity to heal. Instead of reaching for quick fixes, Lexie works side-by-side with individuals to uncover their unique internal strengths and develop realistic strategies that foster lasting, meaningful growth.
Lexie works with women and men navigating some of life’s most challenging and vulnerable seasons. She supports individuals who have experienced sexual trauma, providing a safe and compassionate space to process their experiences, understand their emotions, and begin the journey toward healing and restoration.
She also works with betrayed spouses as they navigate the pain and uncertainty that can follow infidelity, rebuild trust, and find a path toward healing and clarity. In addition, she supports women experiencing maternal mental health challenges, women’s issues, major life transitions, and stressful or complicated family dynamics.
Degrees
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
B.S. in Psychology
License
Licensed Resident in Counseling
//Questions
About Virginia Foothills
What is Virginia Foothills Psychotherapy?
Virginia Foothills Psychotherapy is the general and complex psychotherapy division of Integrative Psychodynamics LLC in Lynchburg, Virginia, serving adults, couples, and families.
How is it related to Integrative Psychodynamics?
Integrative Psychodynamics LLC is the parent practice. Virginia Foothills Psychotherapy and The Institute for Sexual Restoration are its two clinical divisions, sharing the same office, clinicians, and standards of care.
Does every clinician treat every concern?
No. Each clinician's areas of work are described in their profile below. An initial conversation helps determine which clinician may be the most appropriate fit.
