Learn more about our staff and the providers at Insight Into Action Therapy by exploring the biographical information below. Each of our experienced and committed providers aims to serve clients with the best treatment possible. The providers at Insight Into Action Therapy come from diverse backgrounds and offer a variety of complementing skills to get you or your loved ones the treatment they need.
Our Founders
Cyndi Turner, LCSW, LSATP, MAC
Cyndi Turner has worked for almost three decades in both the public and private sectors, with a professional background that includes serving in clinical as well as supervisory roles. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP) and Master Addiction Counselor (MAC). As co-founder and Clinical Director of Insight Into Action Therapy, she provides a wide variety of services to include mental health and substance use disorders therapy, clinical supervision, community education, and court-involved assessment and treatment. She is also the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Insight Recovery Centerss, a Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services licensed intensive outpatient program and outpatient program (ASAM Level 1.0 and 2.1 level of care) for those struggling with substance use disorders. With Craig James, she co-developed the Dual Diagnosis Recovery Program© used in both companies.
Cyndi has written three #1 New Release books: Can I Keep Drinking? How You Can Decide When Enough is Enough; The Clinician’s Guide to Alcohol Moderation: Alternative Methods and Management Strategies, and Practicing Alcohol Moderation: A Comprehensive Workbook. She designed the Alcohol Moderation Assessment which determines a person’s likelihood of success of practicing alcohol moderation. She is a harm reduction therapist who challenges the traditional belief that all drinkers experiencing problems are “alcoholics” who must quit drinking forever.
Prior to founding Insight Into Action Therapy, Cyndi served as Clinical Director for Finding Solutions Counseling Centers. She has provided services in both inpatient and outpatient substance abuse and psychiatric settings, including the emergency services unit of a local Community Services Board. She also spent eight years providing intensive in-home services for adolescents, children and families. She believes in strong collaboration with other professionals in order to provide the most effective services possible.
Cyndi’s Areas of Expertise
Cyndi facilitates groups and provides individual and family therapy. In addition to her expertise in the field of substance use disorders and addictive behaviors, she has a special interest in the mind/body connection. As a former competitive swimmer whose career ended prematurely as a result of injuries, and nearly 30 years of vague symptoms that finally led to a diagnosis of Chronic Lyme Disease, she stresses the importance of exercise and nutrition. She enjoys working with athletes of all levels and provides therapy for players involved with the National Football League’s Program for Substances of Abuse.
Another of Cyndi’s special skills is her ability to form relationships with individuals of any age. She helps find the strengths in people in order to help them conquer the issues with which they may be struggling. As a therapist, she believes people are made up of more than just their problems, and explores creative ways to turn insights into action. She links families with supporters and develops coping strategies that will continue long after the therapeutic relationship has ended.
She is an approved Clinical Supervisor for Licensure and has been qualified as an Expert Witness in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the field of substance abuse and mental health counseling. She is also a nationally recognized trainer on the topic of alcohol moderation, Moderation Friendly therapist, and a topic expert/contributor for GoodTherapy.org.
S3 E10: On Moderating Drinking?! (Cyndi Turner, LCSW)The Sober Pod: A Recovery Podcast
Healthline: Navigating the ‘Pink Cloud’ Phase of Recovery
Healthline: How to Manage the Dreaded “Hangxiety” After a Night Out
Healthline: 8 Tips for Keeping Up With Recovery During a Pandemic
Healthline: A Beginner’s Guide to the ‘Sober Curious’ Movement
Healthline: Thinking of Ditching Alcohol? How to Make a Plan That Works for You
Healthline: How ‘Dry Drunk Syndrome’ Affects Recovery
How Has The Pandemic Changed Alcohol Support and Recovery? (Video)
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Cyndi Turner,
LCSW, LSATP, MAC
Clinical Director
Craig James, LCSW, LSATP, MAC
Director of Operations
Craig James is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner and Master Addiction Counselor working in outpatient private practice where he provides individual and group therapy to individuals, families, and couples. His clientele of adolescents, young adults, and adults includes students, business executives, professional and amateur athletes, and those with court involvement. He believes that because substance use occurs on a spectrum there is no one sizes fits all approach.
As the Co-Founder of Insight Into Action Therapy, he is the Director of Operations with the responsibility of ensuring the daily functions of the practice’s two office locations. This includes clinician orientation and development, marketing and business development, maintenance of the electronic health record system, and financial accounts. Craig holds a similar role as the Chief Operations Officer for his newest company, Insight Recovery Centerss, an intensive outpatient program and outpatient program for those struggling with substance use disorders.
Prior to launching Insight Into Action Therapy, Craig worked for approximately 10 years with Finding Solutions Counseling Centers where in addition to overseeing the daily management of the program, he co-developed the Dual Diagnosis Recovery ProgramÓ with Cyndi Turner.
In addition, Craig works with the local courts, schools, and Loudoun Chamber of Commerce. Craig was the 2019 runner-up for Loudoun Now’s Favorite Loudoun Psychotherapist. Finally, Craig is a local and national speaker on topics of alcohol moderation, mental health, substance use disorder treatment, parenting, and emotional indulgence. He is on the board of the Virginia Region Association of Addiction Professional, Dandelion Meadow, and Loudoun County Community Services Board.
He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from George Mason University in 1995 and in 2006 his Master’s Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. He also completed his externship training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT).
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Craig James,
LCSW, LSATP, MAC
Director of Operations
Matthew Christian, LCSW, LSATP
Executive Director
Matt Christian, LCSW, LSATP (Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner) is a therapist with over ten years of experience in the behavioral health field. He received his undergraduate degree in psychology from George Mason University and his Master of Social Work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Earlier in his career, his work centered on facilitating behavioral interventions for young adults on the autism spectrum.
As the Executive Director of Insight Into Action Therapy, Matt coordinates the Dual Diagnosis Recovery Program© and Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP) treatment services for court-involved clients. In addition, he manages the Insight brand though social media outlets and Insights & Actions podcast.
Understanding that reaching out for help can be difficult, Matt strives to create a warm, compassionate therapeutic environment. Clients have commented that his genuine, “down-to-earth” approach is helpful in developing strong therapeutic bonds.
Matt utilizes a strengths-based approach that leverages clients’ innate and acquired abilities and resiliency in the process of recovery. He enjoys working with adolescents, adults, and families. His work focuses on treating anxiety, depression/mood disorders, addiction, and trauma. His therapeutic approach often incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) skills in a practical, solution-focused way. Additionally, he has extensive experience as a practitioner in several meditation traditions and tries to incorporate mindfulness and meditation when appropriate, and if clients are interested in doing so.
In addition to his clinical work, Matt has a passion for audio and video production. He films, produces, and edits the Insights & Actions video podcast. Before entering the mental health field, he worked as an audio engineer recording, mixing, and mastering music.
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Matthew Christian
LCSW, LSATP
Executive Director
Therapist at Insight Into Action Therapy
Johnny Pierce, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Johnny Pierce is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Johnny earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from The University of Michigan, then completed his Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology degree from the Adler School, now known as Adler University in Chicago. Johnny utilizes an integrated approach to treatment emphasizing wellness as defined collaboratively with clients through the identification of their personal goals and needs. Johnny has experience with mild to severe mental health and substance-related challenges. He concentrates on helping clients overcome anxiety, anger, depressive/mood disorders, and trauma by employing a respectful, direct, and solution-focused style. Within family and couples work, he emphasizes the importance of understanding the self to assist in communication and bonding. He often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to initiate the change process and is comfortable incorporating mindfulness, meditation, as well as his clients’ respective faith/spirituality into their work when it is desired. Johnny has provided group and individual clinical services for over a decade. He primarily assists adults, couples, and families with accomplishing their therapeutic goals.
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Johnny Pierce, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist
Katherine Lutz, LCSW-S
Therapist
Katherine Lutz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisee. Katherine graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and earned her Master of Social work from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Katherine spent her initial years in the field specializing in working with children and adolescents, engaging children as young as four to develop skills in communication, expression, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. She then went on to work with juvenile offenders and families of at-risk teens to support positive change by targeting drivers of maladaptive behavior at the individual, family, and community levels. Katherine has gone on to expand her focus to include all ages and backgrounds.
Katherine is an enthusiastic proponent of the power of play, utilizing the “language of children” to guide youth in expressing, processing, and problem-solving in the therapeutic setting. She also has a soft spot for engaging teens who are hesitant – or flat out resistant – to the idea of therapy. Katherine is experienced in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma, and utilizes a person-centered approach.
Katherine is a Northern Virginia native and enjoys live music, spending time with family and friends, and playing with her dogs.
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Katherine Lutz, LCSW
Therapist
Shah Nadeem, MD
Psychiatrist
Dr. Shah Nadeem completed his medical training at Sindh Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan in 1991. He worked in internal medicine for nearly a decade before moving to a new career in psychiatry. He completed his residency in General Psychiatry from Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York Medical College program in 2007, followed by a fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry from North Shore LIJ University Hospital Center in 2008. Upon completion of his fellowship, Dr. Nadeem was employed by the Veteran’s Affairs Administration for six years and served as Chief of Psychiatry the last four years. He treats all types of mood disorders and monitors detox for patients at Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute and teaches residents rotating from George Washington University and Walter Reed. At Insight, Dr. Nadeem provides psychiatric evaluations, medication monitoring, and Medication Assisted Treatment for those struggling with substance use.
Dr. Nadeem believes that psychiatry is a field where he can make a resounding difference in the quality of people’s lives, both on their own, and in future generations. He feels that patients with addictions are an underserved population that requires specialty experience and training. His treatment philosophy is centered on helping patients achieve their goals. In addition to providing medication management, Dr. Nadeem is passionate about mentorship for future healthcare professionals, earning the Excellence in Teaching Award from George Washington University in 2016-2017.
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Shah Nadeem, MD
Psychiatrist
Siria Minaya, LPC, CSAC-S
Therapist
Siria Minaya, LPC, CSAC Supervisee is a therapist with almost ten years of experience working in the behavioral health field. She received an undergraduate degree in Psychology from James Madison University and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Marymount University. Siria’s approach to counseling integrates her professional and personal experiences and is led by the belief that everyone has the strength and capacity to change. Within the counseling relationship, Siria provides space for every client to safely reflect, build awareness, and develop skills to be better equipped when confronted with life’s challenges.
Along with her academic training, Siria has clinical experience with a variety of clients and concerns. Her clinical focus includes working with the LGBTQIA-GE+ community, substance use disorders, adolescents/young adults, kink/sex-positive community, and Spanish-speaking populations. Siria also works with individuals involved in the court system and Virginia’s Alcohol Safety Action Program (VA-ASAP).
As someone who grew up in a blended and bilingual household (English and Spanish), Siria is sensitive to the significance of culture on one’s unique experience of the world. Siria values humor and the relationships in her life, especially those of her chosen family and fur-babies.
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Siria Minaya, LPC, CSAC-S
Therapist
Danielle Rothman, PsyD
Psychologist
Dr. Danielle Rothman is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Dr. Rothman graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development degree from Cornell University, then earned a law degree from Harvard Law School. She then worked as a corporate lawyer. In 2015, she earned her Doctorate in Psychology from The George Washington University.
As a member of the Insight Into Action Therapy teams, she enjoys providing therapy services for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. She believes that a trusting relationship is the foundation of healing and growth, and offers a warm and supportive environment in which individuals can identify the underlying causes of the obstacles they face to overcome them.
Dr. Rothman specializes in working with children under the age of 10. She has a unique ability to connect with children who may not be able to convey their emotions in words, which can lead to behaviors that disrupt family functioning. She offers children the opportunity to express themselves in their language, using a combination of play and talk therapy, while working closely with parents to understand the needs of the family and restore harmony to the home.
She also conducts comprehensive psychological testing for children and adults. As someone who has navigated the journey of career changes herself, Dr. Rothman provides counseling to individuals who are contemplating a career switch.
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Danielle Rothman, PsyD
Psychologist
Stephanie Causey, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Stephanie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Virginia and Kentucky and provider for psychological therapies and assessments for adolescents, adults, and couples. She has enjoyed over twenty years as a mental health professional and served in administrative, supervisory, and clinical roles. Her professional experiences are grounded in the corporate, forensic, and therapeutic settings. She’s provided care in both community and private sectors, working for state and local governments, and non-profits alike. She’s an effective communicator, educator, and treatment provider. Stephanie led presentations on topics in the corporate setting, including balanced living, stress-reduction, and healthy communication while working with
Employee Assistance Companies. Her community-based experience includes work in forensics at The Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families in Orlando Florida, along with board membership with non-profits serving under-represented members of the homeless populations in her hometown, Kentucky. She founded a private practice in Kentucky in 2008, working as the clinical director, clinician and administrator for the Alcohol and Other Drug Entity (AODE) within the practice. Stephanie focuses on the treatment of adjustment disorders, substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, dual diagnosis, relational problems, grief, trauma, and self-esteem. Her primary therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Hypnosis, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy-Mindfulness, and Insight-Oriented Therapy. In the therapeutic setting she focuses on establishing a strong therapeutic alliance and helps each client to create psychological flexibility and new healthy, emotional responses. Research supports an increase in positive treatment outcomes when trust is built in the therapeutic relationship. Stephanie practices the latest evidence-based approaches, focused on re-training positive thought and behavior processes.
Stephanie is certified in Clinical Hypnosis and utilizes this approach when appropriate and requested by her clients. In addition, she is trained in an evidence-based prevention and intervention program for drug and alcohol risk reduction. This intervention is aimed to help people learn risk reduction to alcohol and other drug-related circumstances. Stephanie believes the healing process includes education and treatment components designed to ignite the ability to heal, which already exists within each of us. Stephanie is an experienced, caring professional, who is intent to listen, and help you discover and achieve your educational and treatment goals. She has a special interest in helping individuals and groups recognize their individual value and value to their community. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, graduating with honors from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Clinical Social Work Degree from the University of Kentucky. Also, Stephanie studied in England, where she furthered her interest in holistic healing and wellness. Using a holistic approach, diverse clinical skill set, and training in substance use prevention and treatment, she aims to provide her clients with the highest quality of care. Stephanie enjoys quality time with her family, animals, and in her garden when she’s not working. To re-energize she enjoys spending time in nature doing her two favorite outdoor
activities: hiking and gardening.
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Stephanie Causey, LCSW
Therapist
Sarah Wires, LCSW-S, CSAC-S
Counselor
Sarah Wires graduated from Boston University with a MSW with a clinical social work focus. Sarah has completed supervision for Certified Substance Abuse Counselor and is scheduled to take the exam. She is under the clinical supervision of Cyndi Turner, LCSW, LSATP, MAC for her LCSW.
Sarah completed internships at a men’s substance use treatment center and outpatient substance use center. In undergrad, Sarah completed an integrative studies degree with a psychology major where she selected coursework specific to her interest in conflict resolution, neuroscience, women’s issues and drug health.
Sarah’s first clinical experience was for ten years working as a psychometrician at a private practice, scoring and assisting in neuropsychological assessments. This provided her experience working with individuals as young as four to older adults, collaborating with teachers and families.
Sarah also worked in the community sector at Fairfax County Community Services Board. She completed brief internships in an opiate outpatient center (OBOT) and women and children’s substance use residential facility. Four years of her work with the county was spent working in the serious mental illness population, serving individuals with trauma, mood disorders, on the Schizophrenia spectrum with substance use challenges.
Sarah uses an eclectic, strengths-based approach and approaches her work from a mind, body, spirit perspective. She enjoys interactive group facilitation in addition to one-on-one work. Sarah is a certified Acudetox provider.
Sarah grew up in the Northern Virginia area and spent 16 years as a dancer and performer. She loves to find ways to connect creative expression into her work with individuals and believes creativity can be an important modality to healing. Sarah enjoys traveling internationally and, on the weekend, she spends time creating digital and paper visual arts, listening to music and dreaming of the day when she can once again have a Bichon Frise dog.
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Sarah Wires, LCSW-S, CSAC-S
Counselor