Dayna Kumar, LPC

I specialize in children, teens, families, and adults struggling with issues related to adoption, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and/or difficulties in their relationships.  I enjoy working with families who are experiencing more normative challenges, such as managing issues related to the pandemic, as well as individuals/families who have experienced significant trauma and/or grief.  With all of my clients, I am honored to provide knowledge and support to help you through your difficult times.

With young families, I work to help children express their needs more clearly and help caregivers recognize their children’s cues for soothing, independence, and/or support.  I hold a certification in attachment theory and guide families with both biological and adopted children towards creating healthy and secure relationships.  With older children and adolescents, I help families work together to manage emotions, improve communication, and solve problems as a team.

As a trauma specialist, I am a certified Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist.  My experience includes working with people who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, and/or physical/sexual abuse.  I work alongside my clients through their journey towards healing and, while the journey is difficult, I know that the outcome and relief is rewarding. I am honored to provide support through all of my work.

I live in Lynchburg with my husband and two young sons, one biological and one adopted from India. You can see me pushing a stroller around town or running the streets preparing for a half marathon. I provide face-to-face sessions in the Lynchburg office and teletherapy across Virginia.  I offer both traditional hour long sessions as well as multi-hour intensive sessions for those who live across the state.  I can be reached directly at dkumar@virginiafamilytherapy.com.  Please see below for services for other professionals.

Expert Witness:

I serve as an Expert Witness in cases of domestic violence, sexual assault and physical abuse with both children and adults. This work is done collaboratively with another treatment provider. For children going through divorce, I have worked with thier parents’ lawyers to provide therapeutic recommendations during the separation – however, I am not licensed or state certified to provide custodial evaluations.

I have also worked in the Universities to provide Contributory Health Impairment (CHI) assessments for university students who’ve undergone a violation of the Honor Code that is linked to a mental health diagnosis, and provide trauma evaluations for survivors walking through a Title IX process.

EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Board Supervisor:

I am an EMDRIA approved consultant for EMDR, currently accepting clinicians for individual and group consultation groups for certification and basic training requirements. I consult on cases of dissociative identity disorder, reactive attachment disorder and complex trauma. I am also a Clinical Supervisor for recent graduates and clinicians working towards their hours for licensure in the state of Virginia.