Adoption Therapists in Virginia

Seeking help is often the hardest part of the journey to a healthier way of living. I am here to help you through the next part. Everyone needs space to be seen fully and accepted unconditionally. It is the most humbling experience of my life to hold space for others through difficult moments.

I'm only seeing clients located in Virginia and fully virtual! I often work with parents who are preparing to bring a child into their family through adoption and those who have been a family for a long time who are struggling. Maybe becoming a parent through adoption was not what you expected. Maybe you are an adoptee yourself and struggling with things like feeling really guilty or wondering where you fit. My clients want to better understand themselves and their family dynamics to feel more whole and secure.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist. I consider therapy to be my life's work and find it an honor to be entrusted with being a vessel for others each day. I have vast experience working with children, adolescents, young adults and families. I specialize in working with issues related to adoption, foster care, sexual abuse, complex trauma, PTSD, attachment, depression, anxiety as well as grief and loss. I am passionate and committed to my work with children, adolescents and their families.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with many years of experience partnering with individuals in their journeys of healing and growth. It is my honor to assist you in navigating transitions and stressors throughout the lifespan. Each person experiences unique needs. I adjust my counseling approach to best meet your needs to support your success and growth. Together we will develop a plan to manage your current challenges and symptoms and to move you into a place of peace and betterment.

Everyone experiences loss. Seldom do we allow ourselves to fully experience loss or it's impact. When someone dies, we change jobs, or even have a child, there is loss. When we choose to address these losses, past or present, we can begin to heal, and with healing comes unlimited possibility. I work with families/individuals/children and the impact family dynamics have on their lives; adoptees and their families as they deal their losses; bereaved individuals and groups after the death of a loved one; transitional loss and role adjustment included "empty nest"; corporate downsizing; career counseling; and relationship issues.

Are you suffering from the end of a relationship? A job? Do you feel like you are in crisis, or no longer feel like yourself? Maybe you’re realizing that your life as it is in this moment is not working for you. Perhaps you feel alone, lost, or at a loss for what to do. Congratulations on taking the first step to finding relief and taking control. Life is too short to surrender to bad relationships, hold grudges, let trauma control us, or to be anxious or angry all the time. You may feel stuck, but there is hope.

Finding a therapist you connect with can feel so overwhelming you avoid it. But that is probably why you're here, because there have been things you've been avoiding and you're ready to get some help. Being foster and adoptive parents is way harder than most people understand, especially those who haven't experienced the invasive and arduous process. As a teen or young adult, you might be feeling lost or angry. You might be having a harder time than others figuring out who are you are and where you fit in the world. My style fuses warmth, humor, and directness.

Please visit the link beneath my picture to tour our website and explore all of the clinicians available at The Healing Project. Sometimes life is hard! When you find life challenging, I specialize in helping you find your true north. Together we will develop a plan to get you back on track by making healthy changes. Whether you are dealing with sadness, depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, fragile self-esteem, or just feelings of being overwhelmed with life, I am here to listen, guide and empower you to discover your inner strength, your courage and your innate ability to thrive.

The desire to experience relief in your current situation has led you to this very moment. We are here to help you. We work with clients who are ready to disrupt old patterns that no longer serve them and are experiencing circumstances like trauma (stemming from past/recent events), relationship concerns, stress, grief/loss, anxiety, divorce, parenting, transitions in life/work, seeking intrapersonal growth, money relationship/behavior struggles, self-esteem, family conflict, adoption/attachment, anger management and adjustment difficulties.

Are you ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and deep level healing? I utilize somatic therapy and trauma therapy approaches that helps you recognize our deep connection between the body and mind, offering you a holistic path to emotional well-being. I am committed to creating a safe and empathetic space where you can explore your experiences, uncover your strengths, and build a foundation for lasting transformation. I enjoy working with other mental health professionals and teachers, and I offer sliding scale for those who are just starting their profession.

Through my compassionate and holistic approaches, I aim to create a safe and nurturing space for my clients to explore and prioritize their mental health along the therapeutic journey. My therapeutic framework is grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, strengths-based approaches, and trauma-informed care which I use to empower clients to harness their inner resilience.

Note: I currently have a waitlist. I specialize in working with children and families ages 4 and up, using play therapy, attachment therapy, and CBT. I am a former special education teacher who enjoys working with children with special needs, such as ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities. I have experience with adoption, foster care, and ADHD, and love working with foster and adoptive families. I also have training in attachment and can provide Circle of Security Informed attachment therapy for parents and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) for families. I also work with adult females with anxiety or depression.

At times, we all struggle with the inevitable trials of being human. You may be a parent or partner in a significant relationship struggling with connection, and in need of both practical and emotional support. At times, feelings of anxiety, apathy, and depression arise, and feelings of disconnection and loneliness can take hold. For others, we may be at a crossroads in our life, brought about by divorce, relocation, caregiving for a loved one, or a desire to have a bigger impact in our communities and the world. We may be asking ourselves BIG questions, “what’s next”, “what should I do”, and “what do I want from life”.

Your teen’s grades are terrible and she isolates in her room, your adopted child struggles to have any healthy relationships or you are drowning in work and family and can’t find a moment to breathe? I get it! Together we will begin the healing process. I listen, you vent, we laugh and there are tears. Slowly the weight feels less heavy and, one step at a time, hope and relief turn into peace and joy . It's scary, but it's worth it! Take a chance on yourself

Katherine Leahey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) from Richmond, Virginia. Katherine believes everyone should have a safe and healing place to work through new roles, experiences, and circumstances as well as understand, process, and reflect on past challenges and traumas. Katherine utilizes a person-centered, trauma informed approach to her work with individuals, families, parents, and adults.

Please visit the link beneath my picture to tour our website and explore all of the clinicians available at The Healing Project! We live in such a busy and changing world. Sometimes it feels like we are drowning, like we can't possibly make it another day, or get all the things done. Too often we forget to step back and breathe, focus on what isn't working, and make positive changes to experience life to its fullest. Or maybe we don't know where to start, or the journey feels too daunting. If you are ready to simplify life, enjoy life, and find solutions, I am here to walk with you on that journey!

People come to me with the need for a non-judgmental space to explore their own lived experiences and express their thoughts and feelings. I specialize in supporting survivors of trauma and employ a client-centered, strengths-based approach. I help clients develop insight around factors influencing development, understand the mind-body connection, and explore individualized strategies for optimizing mental wellness. I have experience supporting clients around a variety of needs including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, neurodiversity, identity, special needs parenting, relationships, behaviors, and substance use.

I'm only seeing clients located in Maryland and fully virtual! I believe by exploring our past experiences and relationships we can find answers to better understand our own behaviors and thought processes. Our best healing happens throughout the context of a safe relationship and that is what I offer in therapy; a safe place where my client can explore their pain, trauma, hurt, and confusion in order to heal and live the most meaningful life possible. My clients know what their goals are and are excited to get to work but may need more accountability or support. Sometimes they aren't so clear and I can help with that, too!

I look forward to working with you, or your children, in overcoming current obstacles and life challenges. In my experience in working with adults, children, and families, they have all the strengths and resources they need within themselves, and can reach their full potential within a safe, empathic therapeutic relationship.