Meet Our Team

Alisha McCanney, LCSW


Throughout Alisha's career as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker she has had the opportunity to work with different populations, but only noticed a gap in reproductive mental health when she was the one in need of support.  As she personally faced a reproductive health issue, she quickly joined a club that no one ever wants to be a part of...The Infertility Club. Almost immediately she began to realize how many others surrounding her were in this club that no one ever really talked about. She started speaking with women she barely knew who shared some of the most difficult moments of their lives with her as well as their frustrations with the lack of mental health supports. She then decided to start the journey of opening a practice where women could stop suffering in silence and seek the support that is critical in addressing their behavioral health wellness. Her experiences have shaped the way she approaches therapy as well as the way Willow Counseling Services operates.

Alisha's therapeutic approach is tailored to each person and often utilizes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) while using a client-centered approach. Alisha's clinical focus is within perinatal mental health to include infertility, traumatic birth, loss, postpartum depression and anxiety, NICU trauma and adjustment to parenthood. 


Michelle Adams, MSW/ Doula

Michelle Adams earned her Bachelor and Master of Social Work at Delaware State University.  She faithfully served 23 years in the United States Air Force where she resided at various overseas and stateside locations and was afforded the opportunity to provided medical support to a number of diverse populations in the capacity as an OB/GYN, labor/delivery medical technician.  Michelle also worked in a variety of settings and with diverse clients, including both long-term and brief interventions for the Department of Veteran Affairs as a Substance Use Disorder Social Worker, Christiana Care Health Services HIV Program and Mental Health Therapist at Dedicated to Women. Michelle understands that living can be filled with an array of challenges that requires a little more than “a rub on the back” or “It will be okay”. She is motivated by as she says “the privilege to see and support women experiencing these challenges become healthy, whole and embrace their new optimistic approach towards life. 

As a Doula, Michelle enjoys the unique blend of providing the necessary therapy to the woman who now requires pre and post-natal care as she enters into motherhood.  
Michelle is driven and committed to ensuring women adopt a healthier quality of life and mental wellness. 

Michelle's counseling philosophy and orientation incorporates, but are not limited to cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, solution-based, and motivational interviewing approaches. 
As a therapist, she strives to connect with people through compassion, empathy, kindness and respect.

Lindsay Griffin, LCSW

Lindsay Griffin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Delaware with over 10 years experience in the mental health field. Lindsay’s passion includes promoting mental wellness as part of a holistic wellness routine. Since graduating with her master's degree she has worked with youth and adults from various socio-economic, racial, and cultural backgrounds in starting the process towards hope and mental wellness. She firmly believes that having the right connection with a therapist is pivotal to encouraging healing and growth. She is dedicated to walking alongside her clients in the therapy process.

Lindsay specializes in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, family conflicts, stress with life transitions, and women experiencing infertility. Lindsay pulls from her own background and personal struggles with fertility to inform her work with others who are navigating their fertility journey. Lindsay utilizes a strengths-based and client-centered approach in her practice while focusing on realistic and achievable goals towards healing and change.


Vanessa Foulk, LPCMH

 A natural “Listener” type since childhood, Vanessa has long recognized the value of a safe space to pour out thoughts that would otherwise be kept under tight wraps. It was the love of lending an ear and hearing people’s life stories that led Vanessa to seek a career in counseling.


As a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH), Vanessa has found that finding true happiness often starts with being true to one’s self. The feelings of anxiety and depression can creep in little by little, and we can feel lost as to where to start in figuring out the answer to “what’s wrong.” Other times? We know just what the problem is, and therapy gently opens the opportunities of discovery that lead to understanding our unique ways of viewing the world, or patterns of thinking that shape our perspectives. We can learn what our underlying fears may be that hold us back. We learn how to tap into the courage previously deemed unobtainable, beyond our reach. 


It’s the journey of self-discovery and the unexpected “ah-hah” moments that make Vanessa most passionate in her work. Whether it’s a general anxiety that’s been building or a relationship issue that we no longer feel we can handle on our own, a little guided conversation (yes, therapy!) can be just the thing we need to tap into previously hidden strengths and insights.


Vanessa’s counseling style begins first and foremost with the building of a relationship that fosters warmth, encouragement, and trust. From this Person-Centered philosophy she then incorporates various therapeutic approaches. From the focus of finding our meaning and values in life (Existential Therapy), to the skills-based focus of challenging faulty thinking (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Vanessa enjoys the art of subtly weaving in various therapeutic strategies best suited for each individual.  


Megan O'Hara, 

LCSW, PMH-C

Megan O’Hara, LCSW, PMH-C has worked in the field of maternal mental health for
more than twenty years. She was the first clinician in Delaware to obtain Postpartum
Support International’s Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) and is a founding board member of the Delaware chapter for Postpartum Support International. She received the 2021 Governor’s Compassionate Champion Award for her work on implementing trauma-informed care initiatives in health care, which acknowledges the role trauma may play in an individual’s life and includes ways to help the person feel safe, provide comfort and offer support. More recently, Megan
was honored by Delaware’s General Assembly for her dedication to the treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) and advocating for better screening,
education and policies around PMADs.

She earned a master’s degree in clinical social work from Widener University in 2003 and completed her clinical training with sexual abuse survivors at SOAR, Inc. She has worked in integrated behavioral health settings for the past 16 years where she provides assessments, education and treatment to women and their families who are at risk for or experiencing perinatal mood disorders. She also provides clinical supervision to graduate students and provides professional education and
consultation, including sitting on the Maternal Mortality Review Board.

She is licensed in Delaware and Pennsylvania and provides virtual therapy at Willow
Counseling Services.

Erin Cliffe, 

LCSW CADC

Erin is an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Advanced Addiction and Drug Counselor (CADC), Certified ADHD Coach and Certified Trauma Specialist (CCTP-II) with 17 years of clinical experience. She has an extensive educational background, having graduated with honors from Widener University in 2004 with a BA in Psychology and certificates in Gerontology, Child and Family Services, and Counseling Psychology. She later obtained her Master's in Social Work from Delaware State University in 2014, again graduating with honors.

Throughout her career, Erin has been involved in various leadership roles, such as serving as Vice President of the Widener MSW Student Organization and being an officer on the Widener University MSW Advisory Board. She has also contributed to research as a research assistant on the topic of "Teaching Mobile Device-Based Leisure to Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability" alongside Nepo et al. Erin has also had the opportunity to serve as a clinical supervisor overseeing clinicians in an outpatient setting and teaching an LCSW prep course for other master’s level clinicians. 

Erin's current clinical emphasis is working with adult populations experiencing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, and Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders. She is well-versed in a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These modalities allow her to tailor her approach to each individual's specific needs. Additionally, she has experience in spiritual counseling, offering a holistic approach to her clients' well-being.

As a clinician, Erin is dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment for her clients to openly discuss their goals, concerns, and needs. She believes in delving deep into the core issues that may impact everyday functioning, even those that may go unnoticed. With her support and knowledge, Erin empowers her clients, believing that everyone has the potential to heal and live their best life. 

Holly Foraker, LMSW

Holly's background as a Licensed Master of Social Worker (LMSW) showcases her professional expertise and commitment to providing effective and compassionate support to a diverse range of individuals. With experience spanning from adolescents to late adulthood, she has encountered and assisted individuals grappling with various challenges and life stages.

As a mother herself, Holly brings a unique perspective to her work by understanding firsthand the complexities and impact of the role of motherhood on a person's mental well-being. This personal experience allows her to connect with her clients on a deeper level, providing them with a safe and supportive environment to discuss their concerns and challenges.

Holly's commitment to the whole person approach reflects her understanding that true well-being is influenced by various aspects of one's life. By examining all facets, including personal history, relationships, work, and environmental factors, she helps her clients develop a holistic understanding of themselves and their goals.

Her incorporation of evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques underscores her dedication to providing effective interventions. CBT enables individuals to identify negative thought patterns and behaviors and replace them with healthier alternatives, while mindfulness techniques foster self-awareness, stress reduction, and emotional regulation.

 

Katie Polkinghorne-Gibbs, LMSW

Katie Polkinghorne-Gibbs, a dedicated Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), brings a wealth of experience and a heart full of compassion to her role as a therapist. Throughout her career, Katie has had the privilege of working with diverse populations, honing her skills to make a positive impact in the lives of those she serves.

Katie's therapeutic toolbox is marked by a blend of positivity, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mindfulness practices. She firmly believes in the transformative power of these approaches to help individuals overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Katie's passion and mission extend to a deeply underserved population, the perinatal community. Recognizing the often-silent struggles of women during this pivotal life phase, Katie is committed to ensuring that no one feels alone in their journey. She believes that silence should never shroud the battles women face during this time. As an advocate for empowerment, Katie seeks to create a safe and welcoming space where women can openly share their experiences, find solace, and discover their resilience. It's not only okay to talk about these challenges; it's essential for healing and growth.

Katie's down-to-earth nature shines through in her approach, and she holds a unique belief in the power of animals to support our emotional well-being. She understands the profound connection between humans and their animal companions and leverages this bond in her therapeutic work.

 

Our Space

Conveniently located directly off of Route 13 in Dover, Delaware we offer ample parking and two entrances to ensure the privacy of each person. We hope you find the office to be a warm, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere! And if you prefer the comfort of your own home, we offer Telehealth sessions throughout all three counties of Delaware!