Individual Counseling
Alexandria, Virginia
Starting therapy is an act of self-care.
It takes courage and vulnerability to open yourself up to a therapist and to seek support. Taking this step is an act of self-empowerment and demonstrates a commitment to your own well-being. By reaching out, you gain tools to improve your mental health and enhance your relationships with others. Life isn't meant to be experienced alone; Seeking support and taking action on behalf of your mental health is a healthy step towards personal growth, gaining insight, and developing tools that will lead you to live a more fulfilling life.
As a licensed mental health therapist with over 29 years of experience, I am dedicated to helping people navigate life's challenges and in discovering their individual path toward healing and growth. I am passionate about providing a safe and accepting space for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to explore their emotions and experiences.
Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, or struggling with a life transition, I am here to support you.
My areas of expertise include:
Anxiety: Living with anxiety can feel exhausting and overwhelming. I work with my clients to identify triggers, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and to learn to manage symptoms more effectively.
Depression: Depression is a pervasive and overwhelming feeling that can impact every aspect of your life. Through therapy, we can address negative and impairing thought patterns and behaviors that are holding you back from realizing your potential and work towards building healthier habits and a more balanced sense of wellbeing.
Life Transitions: Whether it's a new job, figuring out what you want from life, or navigating relationships, life transitions can be challenging. In our therapy sessions, we will develop an understanding as to what is holding you back, explore what you are seeking in your daily and in long-term goals, and build your confidence as to how to live authentically with respect to your values.
Relationships: Relationship issues can cause significant distress and affect our overall well-being. I work with individuals and couples to improve communication, build stronger connections, and foster healthy boundaries.
Family Conflict: Family dynamics can be complex and emotionally draining. Families are interconnected and every member’s actions impact the whole of the family. I support families by providing psychoeducation on naturally occurring developmental stages, and help them to develop skills for better listening, engagement, and communication, which fosters healthier family interactions and relationships.
Parenting: Parenting can be challenging and overwhelming at times, especially when caring for a child with mental health issues. That's why I offer support and guidance to parents who may feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to navigate their child's well-being.
Trauma and PTSD: Traumatic events can have long-lasting effects on our mental health. Through therapy, I help clients recognize and process their experiences and develop healthy coping mechanisms to move forward in their daily lives.
Grief: Grief is a natural response to loss and can feel as if it's too much to endure. As clients grieve, I provide a safe space for them to express their emotions and help them to take the next steps in their lives.
Stress: In today's fast-paced world, stress is unavoidable. Through mindfulness techniques and targeted coping strategies, I help clients to recognize their stress triggers and assist them in adopting healthier practices to reduce their stress.
Therapeutic Approach
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This method helps process and heal from traumatic experiences, reducing their emotional impact over time.
Motivational Interviewing: With the therapist's support, this approach supports the client to explore their readiness for change and self empowers them to make decisions that align with their personal values and goals.
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT): ACT helps individuals learn to accept their thoughts and feelings instead of trying to avoid or push them away. ACT empowers clients to reduce their tendency to overreact or avoid discomfort, enabling them to accept, adapt, and cope more effectively with challenging situations
Humanistic Therapy: I believe that every individual has the ability to realize their full potential. Through humanistic therapy, I guide clients toward greater self-awareness, self-acceptance, and personal growth.
Integrative Therapy: Every client’s situation is different, and sometimes it takes a blend of multiple approaches to achieve the best results. My integrative approach combines various therapeutic techniques to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses the unique needs of each client.
Internal Family Systems (IFS): IFS is a compassionate and integrative approach that helps clients heal their internal conflicts by fostering a relationship with all parts of themselves. IFS helps clients to experience greater emotional well-being and personal growth.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in creating a comfortable and collaborative relationship with my clients. Together, we delve into past relationships and explore underlying thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and patterns that may be impacting your mental health. Some of the techniques I use include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a goal-oriented approach that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors to improve emotional well-being.
Mindfulness Techniques: Mindfulness and breath-work techniques are incorporated to enhance self-awareness, decrease stress, and reduce emotional dysregulation. In practicing these skills, I support clients to feel grounded, connected, and more present in the moment.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Whether you’re struggling with the complexities of a life transition, the weight of depression, or the challenges of family conflict, I provide a safe and nurturing environment where you can explore your emotions and discover paths to healing.