Get to Know Our Clinicians

Get to Know our Clinicians

Whitney Lehman, BS, Counseling Intern

I come from a background in education and am passionate about the well-being of all people. I find great importance in clients feeling understood, safe, and respected. I believe that the success of the therapeutic process is dependent on the client-counselor relationship. My person-centered approach allows me to build a connectedness with clients and appreciate them for who they are. I may also use techniques from Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EBT) to help challenge unhelpful thoughts and promote awareness of how feelings influence our functioning.

I am currently a graduate student in Messiah University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program and will complete my master’s degree this upcoming fall. I also hold a bachelor’s degree and am dually certified to teach both regular and special education. Prior to entering the mental health field, I taught as an elementary special education teacher for 8 years where I supported the needs of students with various disabilities. In the counseling setting, I love working with older children and young adults, but am honored to walk alongside individuals of all ages through their counseling journey. Outside of my internship and coursework, I love spending time with family, listening to podcasts, and reading.

Christopher Brown, MDIV, BSW, PreLicensed Counselor

“I believe in the dignity and worth of all people and am especially passionate about men finding their passion and voice to strengthen and heal others. I have been blessed by spending time with some wonderful people from different cultures and walks of life that have walked with me on life's journey. Learning from these men and women in different countries and socio-economic backgrounds has shaped me and helped me be able to see people for who they are.”

Chris’s experience includes working with mental health in a variety of ways and believes in both the journey and the client’s need to experience success early on in reaching their goals for confidence and hope. Chris specializes in recovery treatment, general mental health, trauma discovery and healing, and spirituality development.

Chris and his family spent 7 years in East Africa and are grateful that their work is continuing there in the form of a football (soccer) club, spiritual training of community leaders and small groups, and various outreaches led by our national partners. Chris is fluent in Swahili. In his free time, Chris values family time and enjoys spending time with them on the weekends participating in sporting events, finding adventures, enjoying food and deep discussions.

Dave Clark, MA, LPC

I consider it a tremendous privilege to walk with clients through their fears, hurts, and life transitions. My passion is seeing clients experience healing and a renewed sense of purpose and vitality in life. My counselling style is warm, compassionate, and engaged. I believe that when clients feel valued and understood, they can find the safety to explore their feelings, wounds, and longings. As well, I take a collaborative approach to therapy and enjoys partnering with clients to work together towards their goals. I have experience working with youth, university students, adults, couples, and families, with a focus in the areas of: couple and family Counselling, trauma and crisis, anxiety and depression, grief and loss, and existential and spiritual exploration.

I received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of British Columbia, a Master of Arts in Theology from Regent College, and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Trinity Western University. My approach to counselling is influenced by my training, which includes Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, and Gottman Couples Therapy.

Cecilia Peters, MA, LPC

(Telehealth Only)

I aim to engage with clients both empathically and holistically in my work within sessions. Being present with authentic listening and positive regard are two powerful aspects I use for building a healing relationship with each client. I believe therapy is a space for safety, honesty, and finding a connection with your deeper self. Together, we will create an environment for positive growth in your therapeutic process. Using a combination of evidence-based, therapeutic modalities, I will tailor treatment to fit your individual needs. Approaches I may use include Cognitive Behavioral, Strengths-Based, Play Therapy, and Person-Centered.

In conjunction with counseling work, I am entering a Doctoral program to become a Clinical Psychologist, Fall 2022. I graduated with a Master of Arts in Mental Health and Wellness from New York University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Penn State University. My experience in the mental health field has extended over the last five years. In that time, I have gained areas of specialty working with individuals facing challenges with ASD. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life, meeting various challenges or stressors. I work with those of all ages dealing with anxiety, lowered self-esteem, depression, anger, life transitions, grief, etc. Outside of professional work, you can find me spending time with my dog and loved ones, traveling, hiking, painting, or baking.

Debra Belack, MA, LPC, NCC

I believe that maintaining and focusing on our mental health should be as normal as attending to our physical health, and just as important. Therapy is a way to work through the challenges of life, understand ourselves more fully, and work towards a place of wellness unique to each person. Therefore, I use multiple evidence-based modalities, coupled with a therapeutic style that is impartial, non-judgmental, and encouraging, specific to each person’s needs.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a certification in the treatment of trauma. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Bloomsburg University, with a concentration in Family, Children, and Youth, and a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. As a therapist, I’ve supported individuals with addictions, life stressors/transitions, and multiple diagnoses such as depression and anxiety disorders in outpatient, inpatient, residential, school, and community settings. More specifically, I specialize in working with women, children, and people who have experienced trauma. In the past 15 years I have worked with over 2,000 children (infancy through adolescents) and their caregivers, as well individuals who have experienced trauma (i.e. sexual abuse, domestic violence, car accident, etc). I look forward to beginning a journey of healing with you!

Sara E. Bupp, MA, LPC, NCC, CAADC

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have been working in the Counseling Field for the past nine years. I have trained as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor, having completed my Clinical Master's work at Messiah College in Mechanicsburg, PA . I have extensive knowledge and experience in working with most mental health diagnosis as well as addictions. In 2014, I completed post-graduate training with the ScreamFree Institute in their ScreamFree approach to Marriage. In 2016, I obtained my Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor credentialing.

My work over the past several years has taken me to inpatient mental health settings, outpatient mental health settings, residential & outpatient drug & alcohol treatment programs as well as medicated assisted treatment programs. Each of these environments has helped to educate me and inform my practice to make me a better counselor for you.

My preferred client is anywhere between 13 years old all the way up through older adults. I enjoy working with people as they journey through the many transitions of life.

My undergraduate degree is in Christian Ministries which allows me to be able to integrate faith and spirituality issues into sessions if the client desires this.

Outside of the office, I enjoy reading & watching movies. When the weather allows, you will most likely find me spending time in nature.