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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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​ “Be intentional about your healing journey so you can live the life you deserve."â„

-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
Certified Brainspotting Therapist
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)
