About Me
I’m Annetta Thomas, owner and psychotherapist of Purposely BE, LLC (PBllc). I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), mental health advocate, life coach, and loving mother to a princess.
My journey to becoming a therapist was liberating for me. Initially, I thought I would become a doctor, but after taking 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 curiosity about healing drove my formal education and training.
I love being a therapist and practicing the techniques I encourage others to try. Having been a client myself, I understand the privilege it is when people allow me into their sacred and vulnerable space during difficult times. I strive to honor individuals’ experiences and unexpressed feelings as they navigate their healing journeys.
Endurance in this field requires compassion, self-awareness, strong boundaries, ethical reasoning, and ongoing personal and professional growth. By adhering to these values, I have been able to effectively guide others on their paths to wellness.
My professional experience has provided me with numerous opportunities to work with diverse populations. I am particularly passionate about honoring and supporting women of color who are navigating overwhelming stress, trauma, complicated relationships, workplace conflict, and career transitions. Additionally, I have worked as a Mental Health Specialist and Employee Assistance Counselor for the government, which has given me insight into the pressures of seeking professional treatment while maintaining an active security clearance. I also served as an Adjunct Professor at Marymount University, where I taught a course on the Psychology of Law Enforcement.
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.
I maintain a good alignment with my professional life through meaningful relationships with close family and friends, faith, good wine, travel, and fun with my princess.
“Be intentional about your healing journey so you can live the life you deserve."℠

-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)