Therapists in Virginia
Anxiety, depression, ADHD, infertility, divorce, LGBTQ, adoption, parenting, pre-marital counseling.
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”.
Anxiety, depression, ADHD, infertility, divorce, LGBTQ, adoption, parenting, pre-marital counseling.
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”.
Katherine Leahey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hanover, VA 23069 (Online Only)
Katherine also has the ability to work with caregivers and families who have grown through foster care, adoption, or kinship placements and utilizes Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) principles in her approach.
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.
Katherine also has the ability to work with caregivers and families who have grown through foster care, adoption, or kinship placements and utilizes Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) principles in her approach.
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.
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 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.
Carroll Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Herndon, VA 20170
Maybe you've seen lots of different therapists, how will adoption focused counseling be different? As a transracial adoptee myself, I have personal insight and have worked with many families like yours.
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, alone, or angry and not quite sure why. 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.
Maybe you've seen lots of different therapists, how will adoption focused counseling be different? As a transracial adoptee myself, I have personal insight and have worked with many families like yours.
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, alone, or angry and not quite sure why. 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.
Kim Pinto The Healing Project
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCN, TF-CBT, CFTP, CCTS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Williamsburg, VA 23185 (Online Only)
Areas of expertise include trauma, attachment, adoption issues, parent-child relationships, and mood disorders.
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.
Areas of expertise include trauma, attachment, adoption issues, parent-child relationships, and mood disorders.
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.
Mackenzie Reed The Healing Project
Licensed Professional Counselor, M Ed
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Williamsburg, VA 23185
I also have a long history with adoption related issues through personal experience and through purposeful research.
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!
I also have a long history with adoption related issues through personal experience and through purposeful research.
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!
Mari J Itzkowitz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, TAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22306
I am also a trained Adoption Competent Therapist.
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.
I am also a trained Adoption Competent Therapist.
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.
I use a variety of modalities and have been in the field of trauma, adoption, and attachment sine 2011.
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.
I use a variety of modalities and have been in the field of trauma, adoption, and attachment sine 2011.
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.
I completed a post-graduate specialization in Fertility Counseling and have expertise in supporting clients currently building their families or seeking to build their families through ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology), donor options, adoption, and surrogacy.
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.
I completed a post-graduate specialization in Fertility Counseling and have expertise in supporting clients currently building their families or seeking to build their families through ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology), donor options, adoption, and surrogacy.
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.
Deborah Sanders
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Herndon, VA 20170 (Online Only)
Because of my lived experience as an adoptive mother, and training as an adoption competent therapist, I am most passionate about helping other families better understand their family needs and how adoption has impacted each person in the family.
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 or you’re struggling as a special needs parent. 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.
Because of my lived experience as an adoptive mother, and training as an adoption competent therapist, I am most passionate about helping other families better understand their family needs and how adoption has impacted each person in the family.
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 or you’re struggling as a special needs parent. 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.
Sonya L. Allen
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
North Chesterfield, VA 23235
Because of my experience as an Adoption Worker and an adoptive parent, I offer specific supports in the area of adoption and complex childhood trauma.
Are you or someone close to you experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship problems or parenting concerns, especially through adoption and foster care? As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Trauma Professional, my clients (children, families and adults) will experience hope and support as part of the counseling process. They will learn strategies to address and diminish ongoing difficulties and barriers to becoming the best version of themselves.
Because of my experience as an Adoption Worker and an adoptive parent, I offer specific supports in the area of adoption and complex childhood trauma.
Are you or someone close to you experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship problems or parenting concerns, especially through adoption and foster care? As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Trauma Professional, my clients (children, families and adults) will experience hope and support as part of the counseling process. They will learn strategies to address and diminish ongoing difficulties and barriers to becoming the best version of themselves.
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I am TAC-certified (Training in Adoption Competency) & former Battering Intervention Program facilitator.
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.
I am TAC-certified (Training in Adoption Competency) & former Battering Intervention Program facilitator.
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.
Christa Carlton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Herndon, VA 20170 (Online Only)
My specialties include sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and adoption.
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, complex-needs parenting, relationships, maladaptive behaviors, and substance use.
My specialties include sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and adoption.
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, complex-needs parenting, relationships, maladaptive behaviors, and substance use.
Because of my lived experience as an adoptee, and training as an adoption competent therapist, I am most passionate about helping other adoptees navigate their identity and better understand how their adoption has impacted them throughout their lives.
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.
Because of my lived experience as an adoptee, and training as an adoption competent therapist, I am most passionate about helping other adoptees navigate their identity and better understand how their adoption has impacted them throughout their lives.
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.
My clinical areas of specialization and interests include, but are not limited to, adoption, depression, self-esteem, anxiety, and grief and loss.
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.
My clinical areas of specialization and interests include, but are not limited to, adoption, depression, self-esteem, anxiety, and grief and loss.
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.
With a profound commitment to promoting healing and growth, I am Nikki Smith, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 16 years of experience in the mental health field. My journey began with a decade dedicated to working with children, adolescents, and families who have experienced trauma in foster care and adoption settings at my local social services agency. This foundational experience gave me a deep understanding of the complexities of trauma and its impact on individuals and families.
With a profound commitment to promoting healing and growth, I am Nikki Smith, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 16 years of experience in the mental health field. My journey began with a decade dedicated to working with children, adolescents, and families who have experienced trauma in foster care and adoption settings at my local social services agency. This foundational experience gave me a deep understanding of the complexities of trauma and its impact on individuals and families.
Lisa Columbo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Staunton, VA 24401 (Online Only)
With over 30 years of working with foster, adoption, kinship, and birth families, I have special knowledge about child development, effects of trauma, separation and loss, sexual abuse, and more.
Things seem to have gone a bit haywire these last few years. Most of us who had been getting along well enough may find ourselves or our children struggling more lately. We don't have to wait for the world to change in order to feel better or to help our children. Let's work together toward managing your mind, body, soul, and relationships harmoniously.
With over 30 years of working with foster, adoption, kinship, and birth families, I have special knowledge about child development, effects of trauma, separation and loss, sexual abuse, and more.
Things seem to have gone a bit haywire these last few years. Most of us who had been getting along well enough may find ourselves or our children struggling more lately. We don't have to wait for the world to change in order to feel better or to help our children. Let's work together toward managing your mind, body, soul, and relationships harmoniously.
Karen L Hahn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McLean, VA 22101
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.
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.
Testing and assessment are offered for the assessment of learning disabilities, ADHD, admissions testing and adoption evaluations.
Sometimes it is easy to get a bit off kilter and be in need of added support due to depression, anxiety or related problems. Having a baby isn't what you thought it would be? Trying to juggle work and a family? Your child or teenager is having difficulty in school and you've tried everything? My philosophy is to gain understanding of the client's perspective and then develop a plan for progressing toward the client's goals using mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral techniques, understanding of the client's relationships and family therapy.
Testing and assessment are offered for the assessment of learning disabilities, ADHD, admissions testing and adoption evaluations.
Sometimes it is easy to get a bit off kilter and be in need of added support due to depression, anxiety or related problems. Having a baby isn't what you thought it would be? Trying to juggle work and a family? Your child or teenager is having difficulty in school and you've tried everything? My philosophy is to gain understanding of the client's perspective and then develop a plan for progressing toward the client's goals using mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral techniques, understanding of the client's relationships and family therapy.
With more than twenty years of experience, I have had the opportunity and privilege to participate in the hard work that individuals, couples and families have done to lead fuller and more satisfying lives. I work with adults and families dealing with anxiety, depression, adoption, trauma, divorce, deployment, grief and loss. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Practitioner. In addition to therapy, I provide individual and group Clinical Supervision for Licensure.
With more than twenty years of experience, I have had the opportunity and privilege to participate in the hard work that individuals, couples and families have done to lead fuller and more satisfying lives. I work with adults and families dealing with anxiety, depression, adoption, trauma, divorce, deployment, grief and loss. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Practitioner. In addition to therapy, I provide individual and group Clinical Supervision for Licensure.
See more therapy options for Virginia
Adoption Therapists
Does my adopted child need therapy?
Not every adopted child needs therapy. However, many can benefit from seeing an adoption-informed therapist, especially if they were victims of abuse or neglect, appear withdrawn or disconnected, have behavioral or developmental issues (which may or may not be related to their adoption), are struggling with feelings of grief or loss surrounding their birth parents, or find it difficult to establish an identity, a challenge that often becomes most apparent during adolescence.
When should adoptive parents seek therapy?
Prospective parents can benefit from therapy even before an adoption—for example, to voice worries and fears; to reconcile infertility struggles, if relevant; or simply to prepare themselves for parenthood. After the adoption, parents who are struggling to bond with their child; are unsure how to talk about adoption or related issues, such as race; or whose child is dealing with developmental, behavioral, or psychiatric concerns can address these and other issues with the help of an adoption-competent therapist.
Is family therapy appropriate for adoptive families?
Family therapy can be invaluable for strengthening the bond between adoptive parents and children, helping the latter feel more secure in their place in the family. Family therapy can also help adoptive families navigate complex communication issues—for example, parents who feel uncomfortable discussing race with their child, who in turn feels invalidated by their silence, or a child who has questions about his birth parents but avoids asking them out of fear of hurting his adoptive parents’ feelings.
What therapy is not appropriate for adoption issues?
A discredited therapy known as “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy” or “rebirthing therapy”) should not be used to treat adopted and foster children, though it was largely designed for this population. Attachment therapy involves restraining, coercing, and punishing the child in order for them to “release” negative emotions and attach to their new caregivers—techniques that are abusive and dangerous and have even proven fatal in some cases.