Therapists in Virginia
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.
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.
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!
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.
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”.
Kate Corder
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Now accepting new clients! I specialize in working with children 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 have training in attachment and can provide Circle of Security Informed attachment therapy. Please note: I only offer daytime appointments and cannot accommodate requests for late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
Now accepting new clients! I specialize in working with children 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 have training in attachment and can provide Circle of Security Informed attachment therapy. Please note: I only offer daytime appointments and cannot accommodate requests for late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
Adoption and grief work are both specialties.
Your teen’s grades are terrible and she isolates in her room, your adopted child struggles to have any healthy relationships, you are suffering a painful loss and the grief feels overbearing 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.
Adoption and grief work are both specialties.
Your teen’s grades are terrible and she isolates in her room, your adopted child struggles to have any healthy relationships, you are suffering a painful loss and the grief feels overbearing 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.
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.
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.
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.
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Landon Sheriff
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Mechanicsville, VA 23116 (Online Only)
Hello! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia with over a decade of experience with adults and children who are seeking assistance managing: depression, anxiety, life changes, family/relationship issues, autism, urges to self-harm, suicidality, trauma, life dissatisfaction, and adoption/foster care. Therapy isn't meant to be long-term; rather, it is focused on helping you to feel better and function better sooner rather than later. I want to come alongside you and be on your team in order to empower you to reach your goals and to live the best life you can.
Hello! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia with over a decade of experience with adults and children who are seeking assistance managing: depression, anxiety, life changes, family/relationship issues, autism, urges to self-harm, suicidality, trauma, life dissatisfaction, and adoption/foster care. Therapy isn't meant to be long-term; rather, it is focused on helping you to feel better and function better sooner rather than later. I want to come alongside you and be on your team in order to empower you to reach your goals and to live the best life you can.
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.
Deborah E Elder
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Williamsburg, VA 23185
I have received training in Adoption Services, Family dynamics, co-parenting and post-partum depression.
TELEHEALTH AVAILABLE USING A HIPPAA COMPLIANT PLATFORM. Telehealth has been proven effective in treating more mental health issues. At this time, most insurances now cover the service. Are you or your family struggling in your daily lives? Is it depression, anxiety, family dynamics, life changes? Whatever the issue I am here to help you overcome what stands in your way to a peaceful and fulfilling life. I work with teenagers, adults and older adults. I enjoy working with families/parents to provide a safe environment to address difficult dynamics.
I have received training in Adoption Services, Family dynamics, co-parenting and post-partum depression.
TELEHEALTH AVAILABLE USING A HIPPAA COMPLIANT PLATFORM. Telehealth has been proven effective in treating more mental health issues. At this time, most insurances now cover the service. Are you or your family struggling in your daily lives? Is it depression, anxiety, family dynamics, life changes? Whatever the issue I am here to help you overcome what stands in your way to a peaceful and fulfilling life. I work with teenagers, adults and older adults. I enjoy working with families/parents to provide a safe environment to address difficult dynamics.
I work with clients with an array of presenting needs including but not limited to anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, attachment issues, relationship challenges, exploration of personal identity, boundary setting, and exploration of problematic behaviors including but not limited to hyper-sexualization, substance use, etc. I am open to working with children 12+ and adults of any age, race, gender, or sexual orientation. I am interested in providing family therapy to include parenting support to caregivers. I am greatly interested in working with foster care or adoption related challenges.
I work with clients with an array of presenting needs including but not limited to anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, attachment issues, relationship challenges, exploration of personal identity, boundary setting, and exploration of problematic behaviors including but not limited to hyper-sexualization, substance use, etc. I am open to working with children 12+ and adults of any age, race, gender, or sexual orientation. I am interested in providing family therapy to include parenting support to caregivers. I am greatly interested in working with foster care or adoption related challenges.
Addison Halverson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Waynesboro, VA 22980
I specialize in working with children, teens, and their families. I work with children and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, athletic pressure, and managing stress. I have a particular interest in helping families improve their relationships, including siblings, parent-child, co-parents, and step families. I also have experience working with adoption and foster care. If you are worried about your relationship with your child, their ability to cope with stress, emotional outbursts, risky behaviors, or following directions, I can help.
I specialize in working with children, teens, and their families. I work with children and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, athletic pressure, and managing stress. I have a particular interest in helping families improve their relationships, including siblings, parent-child, co-parents, and step families. I also have experience working with adoption and foster care. If you are worried about your relationship with your child, their ability to cope with stress, emotional outbursts, risky behaviors, or following directions, I can help.
Megan Leann Schalembier
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
I am passionate about helping clients work through depression, anxiety, grief and loss, pre and post- adoption for children or caregivers, ADHD, anger management, and spiritual issues.
My practice is client-centered and universal. I believe in treating the entire person. I look at past experiences, trauma, current issues, and future hopes and goals. I specialize in treating children ages (5+), adolescents, young adults, and adults. Most of my experience is working with clients healing from trauma. I pull from a variety of therapeutic techniques to work with the individual. If one therapy is not working, let's try something else.
I am passionate about helping clients work through depression, anxiety, grief and loss, pre and post- adoption for children or caregivers, ADHD, anger management, and spiritual issues.
My practice is client-centered and universal. I believe in treating the entire person. I look at past experiences, trauma, current issues, and future hopes and goals. I specialize in treating children ages (5+), adolescents, young adults, and adults. Most of my experience is working with clients healing from trauma. I pull from a variety of therapeutic techniques to work with the individual. If one therapy is not working, let's try something else.
Erin Mccord
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
I have extensive training and supervision in child and adolescent therapy, specifically play therapy, as well as specialized training in adoption and attachment.
I started my career in a private foster care agency, then transitioned to a group practice for 7 years before opening my own practice. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I have specialized training in adoption and play therapy. I view counseling as a partnership between client and counselor. I value the therapeutic relationship as central to supporting clients in developing insight, increasing self-awareness, and processing hurts. I utilize a variety of strategies to assist clients with examining their patterns in thought, feelings, and behaviors, to increase understanding, and make adjustments toward improved functioning.
I have extensive training and supervision in child and adolescent therapy, specifically play therapy, as well as specialized training in adoption and attachment.
I started my career in a private foster care agency, then transitioned to a group practice for 7 years before opening my own practice. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I have specialized training in adoption and play therapy. I view counseling as a partnership between client and counselor. I value the therapeutic relationship as central to supporting clients in developing insight, increasing self-awareness, and processing hurts. I utilize a variety of strategies to assist clients with examining their patterns in thought, feelings, and behaviors, to increase understanding, and make adjustments toward improved functioning.
Christina L Knight
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Williamsburg, VA 23185
I am certified by the Center for Training in Adoption Competency as a clinician competent in working with adoption-related issues.
Many are called to the profession of counseling, but very few are chosen. I have been chosen to guide others in finding direction, insight, and purpose. I am confident, compassionate, and unwavering in my desire to help clients see the light in the face of darkness. While my general philosophy is that therapy should be interpersonal, client-centered, and support based, I also believe in asking tough questions that challenge my client's existing mental conceptions and problem solving methodologies. My personal motto is "Challenge the thinking; change the behavior." Your mind is the battlefield of your life. Let me help you win!
I am certified by the Center for Training in Adoption Competency as a clinician competent in working with adoption-related issues.
Many are called to the profession of counseling, but very few are chosen. I have been chosen to guide others in finding direction, insight, and purpose. I am confident, compassionate, and unwavering in my desire to help clients see the light in the face of darkness. While my general philosophy is that therapy should be interpersonal, client-centered, and support based, I also believe in asking tough questions that challenge my client's existing mental conceptions and problem solving methodologies. My personal motto is "Challenge the thinking; change the behavior." Your mind is the battlefield of your life. Let me help you win!
Darleen Claire Wodzenski
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC ACS
Verified Verified
Virginia Beach, VA 23452 (Online Only)
I love supporting clients of all ages, infants to 99, in growing, healing, overcoming, and becoming the person they choose and need to be. With an extensive background in Special Education including a focus in Autism and Gifted and Talented, I incorporate a perspective on Human Development into my clinical practice. Areas where I do a great deal of work include Attachment (RAD) for foster care and adoption; Borderline Personality Disorder BPD; DID and Dissociation; Trauma; and Anxiety and Depression. We incorporate mindfulness and compassion with DBT, NLP, EMDR and Hypnotherapy into a gentle, integrated and supportive platform.
I love supporting clients of all ages, infants to 99, in growing, healing, overcoming, and becoming the person they choose and need to be. With an extensive background in Special Education including a focus in Autism and Gifted and Talented, I incorporate a perspective on Human Development into my clinical practice. Areas where I do a great deal of work include Attachment (RAD) for foster care and adoption; Borderline Personality Disorder BPD; DID and Dissociation; Trauma; and Anxiety and Depression. We incorporate mindfulness and compassion with DBT, NLP, EMDR and Hypnotherapy into a gentle, integrated and supportive platform.
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.