Sandplay Therapists in 22101

Sometimes it is difficult to navigate life and the curve-balls that it throws at us! Having to get through the day and struggling with anxiety or feelings of depression are just a few. Maybe you endured a traumatic event and it's been causing you trauma and distress. Perhaps you have a child that has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit hypo/hyperactive Disorder? If so, your child may be having difficulty with paying attention, controlling emotions, communication or social interactions. I'd love to help build upon your strengths and help you further succeed in this world that we are navigating!

Child: “I fell and hurt my knee!” Parent: “Don’t cry. It’s OK. Don’t be sad. You’re fine. Just be more careful.” The Whole Brain Child, Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. This is a common exchange between children and caretakers. Children are often seen as resilient and expected to suppress their emotions and “be strong.” However, children are small adults. They experience similar emotions as adults, yet developmentally are not equipped to process them in the same way. A child’s primary language is play. A child’s emotions are real and important, no matter how frustrating they may seem to us.

Do you have concerns about your child or have work/personal issues? Barbara specializes in working with school-age children, age four through preteens, their families, and adults who are dealing with anxiety, grief, ADHD, school challenges, adjustment, family, friendship, work place issues. She strongly believes that through counseling one can make life changes and develop the life and social skills needed to overcome obstacles and live more satisfying and successful lives. She uses a variety of approaches: solution-focused, client-centered, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation and mindfulness, play, art therapy, and role play with children.

To get to know me better than I could describe, read my 14 unsolicited 5-star REVIEWS on my Google listing. PC users, click the 'Website' button to left. Mobile users, scroll down and click on the 'My Website' link. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor native to McLean, VA. For 24 years I’ve had the opportunity to use my training, skills and experience to make a positive difference in the lives of many, from young children (5+ yo); to tweens and teens; and to adults. By meeting people where they are and not where they are expected to be, I empower my clients to lift themselves up to a place in life where they want to be.

Feeling overwhelmed and/or stuck? Are you struggling to enjoy your family or loved ones? Welcome to my practice and I look forward to working with you. Providing a safe and comfortable environment, I will listen to you and offer fresh perspectives on challenging and/or overwhelming life circumstances. With 20 years of experience, my areas of focus include but are not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, adjustment and transitions, and crisis management. I enjoy working with children, adults and families. My practice includes consultation, assessment and evaluation and when warranted I will provide in-home and school observations.

My practice is designed to help children, adolescents, and adults with healthy development, personal confidence, and more satisfying relationships. I offer individual and group therapy to help kids with labeling and identifying feelings, developing and maintaining friendships, reading social cues, and increasing self-esteem. In working with adults, I create a supportive environment to explore a better life balance, manage stress, and improve close relationships. I value comprehensive treatment, and work with schools and other professionals to assure positive treatment outcomes.

I help DC area professionals, couples, families and adolescents address anxieties due to past trauma or current life transitions and circumstances. Together we can work to identify the thoughts or habits that serve as obstacles to your productivity or happiness. I also have extensive experience working with survivors of abuse (sexual/physical/emotional) and individuals in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. I work with couples to address the underlying issues that may contribute to their discontent. I offer a compassionate and holistic approach to help improve your emotional well-being.

You deserve to live a life you are excited about! I want to help you on your journey of self-discovery, mental empowerment, and personal growth. As a licensed psychotherapist, I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where my clients can begin to heal and learn to live healthier, happier, and balanced lives.

My work with adults includes those with a trauma history, depression, anxiety, grief, relational issues, somatic symptoms with no medical explanation, feeling stuck or sensing that something is just “not right”, as well as healthcare providers & other first responders who have experienced increased stress during the COVID crisis. My experience with children includes those with a trauma history, adoption, depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, divorce, school refusal, low self-esteem, difficult peer & family relationships, immigration, & cross-cultural adjustments.

For the past 15 years, I have been committed to working with preschool and school-aged children and their families who are struggling with anxiety and other emotional and behavioral regulation difficulties. I also support children and families through the complicated emotions of divorce, adoption, and other losses as well as the stress and threats to self-esteem that can accompany learning challenges, ADHD and social difficulties. I partner comprehensively with children, parents, schools, and other involved professionals with the aim of building the strongest possible foundation from which children can grow and thrive.

Do you find yourself struggling to understand or help with your child or teen's emotions or behaviors? Do you sometimes feel like what you’re doing is not enough? Children and teens are developing at a rapid and different pace than adults are. They have different ways of understanding their own world, expressing and managing emotions, and interacting with others. While at times, guardians may feel stuck, the child or teen may feel the same way, yet struggle to process and understand how they’re feeling. Without proper coping tools, support, and warmth, they may find themselves struggling further. This is where I can help.

I help children, adolescents, and adults overcome challenges and traumatic events that shape their development, self esteem, and interpersonal relationships. I utilize a psychodynamic, client centered treatment approach to address each individual's educational, occupational and interpersonal goals. My specialties include child and adolescent development, couple's communication and parenting, separation and divorce, and the treatment of complex trauma.

I have over 14 years of experience in practice, and I have a background working in a variety of mental health settings. I work with children, teenagers, and adults using techniques tailored to the needs of the client. My primary therapy approach involves skills-based Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I offer Individual Therapy, Group DBT Skills Training, and Parenting Work. I treat issues of mood, anxiety, relationships, personality traits, as well as behavioral and social issues. Our practice also provides IQ testing for independent school admissions and Advanced Academic Program appeals.

Sometimes life can become complicated, overwhelming, or difficult to manage. Life situations can change suddenly or maybe you have been struggling with an issue for a long time. Regardless of your situation, counseling can help you navigate through many things that you may experience. I provide effective counseling and work with you to address your concerns and reach your goals in a safe environment. I take a holistic approach to treatment and believe in establishing individualized treatment plans. I believe that everyone has the ability and power to make changes and work through life's challenges.

Congratulations on taking the first step toward a major life change! The decision to begin counseling is an immense gesture of self love and courage. Finding the right fit is so important to the therapeutic process. Whatever brings you here - the loss of a loved one, a major life transition, troubling relationship patterns, chronic illness or pain, or feeling stuck and confused about the future - will be explored with openness, curiosity, and acceptance. Things can feel easier, when explored without shame or judgment. I believe that we all have the innate ability to heal with the right connection and understanding.

I specialize in individual and family therapy and couples therapy. I work with children, adolescents, and adults in a LGTBTQ+ affirming environment. I have over 30 years of direct mental health experience and my areas of focus include child and family therapy including play therapy, parenting, trauma, attachment disorder, adoption, autism spectrum disorder, and more.

I work with a variety of children, adolescents, and families with mental health diagnoses and personal struggles including anxiety, depression, self-harm, trauma, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, interpersonal conflict, and behavioral concerns. I believe that one of the most important aspects of therapy is collaboration. With that in mind, I work with my clients and their families to develop an individualized treatment plan based on respect and compassion to help guide them throughout their journey of self-discovery.