Photo of Monique Gardner, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fairfax, VA
Monique Gardner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 20152
I take a holistic, person center approach in treatment and enjoy meeting people where they are. I do utilize motivational interviewing skills and help in guiding towards healthy ways to cope. I enjoy working with all populations but specialize with 10+. I have a background working with dual diagnosis, LGBTQIA+, post crisis care treatment, grief, behavioral and mood disorders, eating disorders, OCD, psychosis, and trauma.
I take a holistic, person center approach in treatment and enjoy meeting people where they are. I do utilize motivational interviewing skills and help in guiding towards healthy ways to cope. I enjoy working with all populations but specialize with 10+. I have a background working with dual diagnosis, LGBTQIA+, post crisis care treatment, grief, behavioral and mood disorders, eating disorders, OCD, psychosis, and trauma.
(571) 470-7307 View (571) 470-7307
Photo of The Center for Connection, Healing & Change, LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fairfax, VA
The Center for Connection, Healing & Change, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC, LCSW, LMFT-R, LPC-R
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030
Accepting new clients - The Center for Connection, Healing & Change focuses on the creation of secure, close, and satisfying relationships- within us and between us. We choose to specialize in relationships because we know the importance of satisfying connections for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Services explore the relationship we have with both ourselves and others; how well we can live with emotional ease, know who we are, ask for what we need, be responsive to loved ones, set boundaries, deal with loss, move through stressful experiences, find our purpose, and access resilience in moments of need.
Accepting new clients - The Center for Connection, Healing & Change focuses on the creation of secure, close, and satisfying relationships- within us and between us. We choose to specialize in relationships because we know the importance of satisfying connections for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Services explore the relationship we have with both ourselves and others; how well we can live with emotional ease, know who we are, ask for what we need, be responsive to loved ones, set boundaries, deal with loss, move through stressful experiences, find our purpose, and access resilience in moments of need.
(571) 777-0640 View (571) 777-0640
Photo of Laura Grandy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fairfax, VA
Laura Grandy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030
Whether you are seeking therapy to find concrete solutions to problems that feel unmanageable, heal from past experiences, explore gender and sexuality issues, or better understand yourself and your story, Laura would be honored to be a part of your process. Laura believes every client is unique, and therefore, has an eclectic person-centered approach in working with clients. Laura uses dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, creative art therapies, and mindfulness strategies to help those in her care meet their needs, reach their treatment goals, and create change.
Whether you are seeking therapy to find concrete solutions to problems that feel unmanageable, heal from past experiences, explore gender and sexuality issues, or better understand yourself and your story, Laura would be honored to be a part of your process. Laura believes every client is unique, and therefore, has an eclectic person-centered approach in working with clients. Laura uses dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, creative art therapies, and mindfulness strategies to help those in her care meet their needs, reach their treatment goals, and create change.
(703) 844-3788 View (703) 844-3788
Photo of Jennifer Rulli, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fairfax, VA
Jennifer Rulli
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
Our early family of origin experiences lay the foundation for internal and relational patterns that continue to play out in later life. Many of our patterns include our best and most creative efforts to adapt to the tough stuff of life such as trauma, misattunement, and loss. Though these patterns are not set in stone, they are often automatic and hard to recognize, change, or understand. Together we can explore the ways in which our adaptations may have served you well in earlier times but are no longer proving to be helpful, effective, or authentic. I work with clients to create connection, healing, safety, and satisfaction.
Our early family of origin experiences lay the foundation for internal and relational patterns that continue to play out in later life. Many of our patterns include our best and most creative efforts to adapt to the tough stuff of life such as trauma, misattunement, and loss. Though these patterns are not set in stone, they are often automatic and hard to recognize, change, or understand. Together we can explore the ways in which our adaptations may have served you well in earlier times but are no longer proving to be helpful, effective, or authentic. I work with clients to create connection, healing, safety, and satisfaction.
(571) 470-7292 View (571) 470-7292
Photo of Alexandria Harz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fairfax, VA
Alexandria Harz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
If you are feeling disconnected, helpless, or stuck, I can assist you in changing the patterns and ways of relating which might be holding you back. By prioritizing your sense of safety, welcoming heavy emotions, and guiding you to meet/heal unknown parts of yourself or your partner, you can gain freedom from the patterns in which you feel trapped. I work with individuals and couples, supporting them to understand the ways they manage stress through retreating inward and shutting down, or turning outwards for connection and validation. From there, I help clients to better understand who they are and what they need.
If you are feeling disconnected, helpless, or stuck, I can assist you in changing the patterns and ways of relating which might be holding you back. By prioritizing your sense of safety, welcoming heavy emotions, and guiding you to meet/heal unknown parts of yourself or your partner, you can gain freedom from the patterns in which you feel trapped. I work with individuals and couples, supporting them to understand the ways they manage stress through retreating inward and shutting down, or turning outwards for connection and validation. From there, I help clients to better understand who they are and what they need.
(571) 200-8459 View (571) 200-8459
Photo of David Paul, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fairfax, VA
David Paul
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MDiv
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030
The goal of all therapy and counseling is to reduce suffering. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, impulsivity, ADHD, relationship problems, traumatic past, gender identity, sexual orientation, or just feeling stuck and dissatisfied with life, therapy can be a powerful vehicle for holistic change and increased peace and contentment. By focusing on your natural strengths we work collaboratively to identify the roadblocks internally and externally getting in the way of leading a fulfilled life.
The goal of all therapy and counseling is to reduce suffering. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, impulsivity, ADHD, relationship problems, traumatic past, gender identity, sexual orientation, or just feeling stuck and dissatisfied with life, therapy can be a powerful vehicle for holistic change and increased peace and contentment. By focusing on your natural strengths we work collaboratively to identify the roadblocks internally and externally getting in the way of leading a fulfilled life.
(202) 849-9624 View (202) 849-9624
Photo of Jackie Sargent, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fairfax, VA
Jackie Sargent
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR-BC, LCPAT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
The journey towards healing is a path marked by resilience and courage. It is one of self-discovery, growth, and transformation—a voyage of understanding and mending wounds, both seen and unseen. My name is Jackie, and I am here, ready and willing to walk beside you on this meaningful journey towards healing. I am a trauma-informed board certified art therapist and licensed professional counselor with over 13 years of clinical and supervisory experience. I integrate art therapy, sand tray therapy, and IFS into my practice. As such, I am dedicated to a therapeutic intervention that is rooted in nurturance and creative expression.
The journey towards healing is a path marked by resilience and courage. It is one of self-discovery, growth, and transformation—a voyage of understanding and mending wounds, both seen and unseen. My name is Jackie, and I am here, ready and willing to walk beside you on this meaningful journey towards healing. I am a trauma-informed board certified art therapist and licensed professional counselor with over 13 years of clinical and supervisory experience. I integrate art therapy, sand tray therapy, and IFS into my practice. As such, I am dedicated to a therapeutic intervention that is rooted in nurturance and creative expression.
(571) 470-5219 View (571) 470-5219
Photo of Alexandra Arkoian, Resident in Counseling in Fairfax, VA
Alexandra Arkoian
Resident in Counseling, MEd
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030  (Online Only)
I am a compassionate, open-minded, and nonjudgmental Licensed Resident Counselor who is curious about my clients and their unique emotional, cultural, and social experiences. My nature as a therapist is empathic, nurturing, inquisitive, and creative. I will appreciate the qualities that make you unique and facilitate a healing space to help you gain more self-awareness, develop more mindfulness skills, and explore your strengths, desires, and challenges. I am passionate about helping my clients find their way back to themselves through self-compassion so that they may experience a more fulfilling life.
I am a compassionate, open-minded, and nonjudgmental Licensed Resident Counselor who is curious about my clients and their unique emotional, cultural, and social experiences. My nature as a therapist is empathic, nurturing, inquisitive, and creative. I will appreciate the qualities that make you unique and facilitate a healing space to help you gain more self-awareness, develop more mindfulness skills, and explore your strengths, desires, and challenges. I am passionate about helping my clients find their way back to themselves through self-compassion so that they may experience a more fulfilling life.
(703) 982-0536 View (703) 982-0536
Photo of Alexis Melville (She Her), Psychologist in Fairfax, VA
Alexis Melville (She Her)
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22033  (Online Only)
You feel exhausted wearing multiple masks, being “too much” for some people in your life and “not enough” for others. You feel proud of what you have achieved but immediately guilty because you don’t want to come off as “full of yourself.” You get annoyed at the question “where are you from?” because the answer is complicated and it reminds you of the difficulty you are having coping with discrimination and other 'isms that are part of this new country. Everyone thinks that you "got it all together" even though you question how you fit into expectations from your parents and society. You are tired of hiding who you really are.
You feel exhausted wearing multiple masks, being “too much” for some people in your life and “not enough” for others. You feel proud of what you have achieved but immediately guilty because you don’t want to come off as “full of yourself.” You get annoyed at the question “where are you from?” because the answer is complicated and it reminds you of the difficulty you are having coping with discrimination and other 'isms that are part of this new country. Everyone thinks that you "got it all together" even though you question how you fit into expectations from your parents and society. You are tired of hiding who you really are.
(703) 687-0083 View (703) 687-0083
Photo of Vanguard Therapy, LLC., Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fairfax, VA
Vanguard Therapy, LLC.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22031
Do you feel alone and unsure of your purpose in life? Are you always feeling anxious or depressed? Do you find that living life and getting out of bed daily is a struggle and oftentimes impossible? I can help you by providing a compassionate, nurturing,and non-judgemental environment to express your deepest thoughts and feelings and explore ways to resolve the problems you encounter.
Do you feel alone and unsure of your purpose in life? Are you always feeling anxious or depressed? Do you find that living life and getting out of bed daily is a struggle and oftentimes impossible? I can help you by providing a compassionate, nurturing,and non-judgemental environment to express your deepest thoughts and feelings and explore ways to resolve the problems you encounter.
(703) 935-8314 View (703) 935-8314
Photo of Ruth Pascoe, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fairfax, VA
Ruth Pascoe
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
Finding our way back to our whole self can be a difficult journey, one that asks us to connect with feelings not yet owned, wounds not yet processed, and longings not yet voiced. When our needs for comfort, validation, protection, and predictability are not met in our relationships, we can be vulnerable to feeling unworthy, unsafe, and that our needs are unimportant. The strategies we have for dealing with our unmet needs often show up in similar patterns for managing stress, distress, and disconnection. Some move towards others, hoping that if we fight loud, long, or hard enough, our pain and anger will eventually be acknowledged.
Finding our way back to our whole self can be a difficult journey, one that asks us to connect with feelings not yet owned, wounds not yet processed, and longings not yet voiced. When our needs for comfort, validation, protection, and predictability are not met in our relationships, we can be vulnerable to feeling unworthy, unsafe, and that our needs are unimportant. The strategies we have for dealing with our unmet needs often show up in similar patterns for managing stress, distress, and disconnection. Some move towards others, hoping that if we fight loud, long, or hard enough, our pain and anger will eventually be acknowledged.
(571) 946-6795 View (571) 946-6795
Photo of The Center for Connection, Healing & Change, LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fairfax, VA
The Center for Connection, Healing & Change, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC, LCSW, LMFT-R, LPC-R
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030
Accepting new clients - The Center for Connection, Healing & Change focuses on the creation of secure, close, and satisfying relationships- within us and between us. We choose to specialize in relationships because we know the importance of satisfying connections for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Services explore the relationship we have with both ourselves and others; how well we can live with emotional ease, know who we are, ask for what we need, be responsive to loved ones, set boundaries, deal with loss, move through stressful experiences, find our purpose, and access resilience in moments of need.
Accepting new clients - The Center for Connection, Healing & Change focuses on the creation of secure, close, and satisfying relationships- within us and between us. We choose to specialize in relationships because we know the importance of satisfying connections for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Services explore the relationship we have with both ourselves and others; how well we can live with emotional ease, know who we are, ask for what we need, be responsive to loved ones, set boundaries, deal with loss, move through stressful experiences, find our purpose, and access resilience in moments of need.
(571) 200-3248 View (571) 200-3248
Photo of Sally Harney, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fairfax, VA
Sally Harney
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC, CCTP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
Are you a teen (12+) or an adult struggling with the following: anxiety, depression, social anxiety, understanding social cues, self-esteem, self-assertiveness, trauma, transgender transition, gender questioning/dysphoria and/or general life stressors and transitions? These are the issues that I work on the most with my clients. Everyone has a different mix of issues or person struggles. I tailor your psychotherapy sessions to support your needs. Together, we can work through the "muck," identify unhealthy coping strategies, and get you on the road to mental wellness.
Are you a teen (12+) or an adult struggling with the following: anxiety, depression, social anxiety, understanding social cues, self-esteem, self-assertiveness, trauma, transgender transition, gender questioning/dysphoria and/or general life stressors and transitions? These are the issues that I work on the most with my clients. Everyone has a different mix of issues or person struggles. I tailor your psychotherapy sessions to support your needs. Together, we can work through the "muck," identify unhealthy coping strategies, and get you on the road to mental wellness.
(571) 459-1080 View (571) 459-1080
Photo of Heather Ann Harper, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fairfax, VA
Heather Ann Harper
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, BSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
I have worked in many settings including inpatient, outpatient, schools, home based therapy, sexual assault services, respite care, family services, emergency/crisis intervention and community mental health. I am trained and certified in many clinical interventions that allows for an integrative approach. I incorporate skill building, trauma interventions, behavioral modification, resourcing, and collaborative work with others to provide the most effective results possible.
I have worked in many settings including inpatient, outpatient, schools, home based therapy, sexual assault services, respite care, family services, emergency/crisis intervention and community mental health. I am trained and certified in many clinical interventions that allows for an integrative approach. I incorporate skill building, trauma interventions, behavioral modification, resourcing, and collaborative work with others to provide the most effective results possible.
(571) 248-7027 View (571) 248-7027
Photo of Joseph Autry, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fairfax, VA
Joseph Autry
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22033
Nice to meet you! My name is Joseph Autry and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 8 years of experience. I have worked with clients with anxiety, depression, substance use, personality, mood regulation, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, PTSD, eating disorders, and problems with trauma. I will often use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Therapy are forms of therapy I usually like to use as well. I believe that being a therapist has allowed me to work and help clients who are feeling depressed and having thoughts of wanting to hurt
Nice to meet you! My name is Joseph Autry and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 8 years of experience. I have worked with clients with anxiety, depression, substance use, personality, mood regulation, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, PTSD, eating disorders, and problems with trauma. I will often use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Therapy are forms of therapy I usually like to use as well. I believe that being a therapist has allowed me to work and help clients who are feeling depressed and having thoughts of wanting to hurt
(571) 554-5377 View (571) 554-5377
Photo of Deborah O'Brien, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fairfax, VA
Deborah O'Brien
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22031
Are you or your family going through a tough time? Are behaviors or situations becoming unmanageable? In my office you will find a safe, nonjudgmental response to dealing with the complexities of your life. The aim is to address painful crisis and move toward developing coping strategies to increase peace & the happiness you deserve. My treatment approach is to help with solutions. Individual therapy, play therapy, parent support, and academic consultation is what I provide. In my practice I work with children, adolescents, and adults. There are several therapists in the office who can assist if I am booked.
Are you or your family going through a tough time? Are behaviors or situations becoming unmanageable? In my office you will find a safe, nonjudgmental response to dealing with the complexities of your life. The aim is to address painful crisis and move toward developing coping strategies to increase peace & the happiness you deserve. My treatment approach is to help with solutions. Individual therapy, play therapy, parent support, and academic consultation is what I provide. In my practice I work with children, adolescents, and adults. There are several therapists in the office who can assist if I am booked.
(703) 791-9908 x1 View (703) 791-9908 x1
Photo of Cathi Cohen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Fairfax, VA
Cathi Cohen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CGP
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22031
I opened In Step, a private mental health practice, 25 years ago in the hope that children, teens, parents, and adults would see us as a safe place where they can learn and grow. I specialize in working with folks who struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, parenting struggles, and relationship problems. Using various approaches – Relational Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy), and Parent Coaching, I see clients alone, as part of a couple, and as part of the family.
I opened In Step, a private mental health practice, 25 years ago in the hope that children, teens, parents, and adults would see us as a safe place where they can learn and grow. I specialize in working with folks who struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, parenting struggles, and relationship problems. Using various approaches – Relational Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy), and Parent Coaching, I see clients alone, as part of a couple, and as part of the family.
(703) 291-6374 View (703) 291-6374
Photo of Sandhya Sharma, Counselor in Fairfax, VA
Sandhya Sharma
Counselor, LPC, CAC II, EMDR
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Fairfax, VA 22030
Sandhya Sharma is a South Asian Indian LPC and certified addictions specialist who works with: Adults, Teens, LGBTQ community, and International Communities. Sandhya will help create a safe and supportive therapy environment and work with you collaboratively to both accurately assess your strengths as well as areas of struggle. She will develop a treatment plan with you to help you facilitate behavioral changes that more successfully meet your goals. Sandhya will help you look at the ways you have been currently coping with life’s problems and help you to develop new strategies from a strengths-based perspective. 
Sandhya Sharma is a South Asian Indian LPC and certified addictions specialist who works with: Adults, Teens, LGBTQ community, and International Communities. Sandhya will help create a safe and supportive therapy environment and work with you collaboratively to both accurately assess your strengths as well as areas of struggle. She will develop a treatment plan with you to help you facilitate behavioral changes that more successfully meet your goals. Sandhya will help you look at the ways you have been currently coping with life’s problems and help you to develop new strategies from a strengths-based perspective. 
(703) 828-0647 View (703) 828-0647
Photo of Maria Perozzi, Marriage & Family Therapist in Fairfax, VA
Maria Perozzi
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have over 15 years of experience providing outpatient therapy for adults, couples, and families. My approach incorporates a variety of theoretical perspectives to fully understand each person’s unique challenges. With a warm and inviting style, I take an open and direct approach as I help you identify and reach your goals. My goal is to empower you toward change with compassion and gentle direction. As an LMFT, I am passionate about helping clients work on their relationships, whether that relationship is with your partner, your family, your friends, or even yourself.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have over 15 years of experience providing outpatient therapy for adults, couples, and families. My approach incorporates a variety of theoretical perspectives to fully understand each person’s unique challenges. With a warm and inviting style, I take an open and direct approach as I help you identify and reach your goals. My goal is to empower you toward change with compassion and gentle direction. As an LMFT, I am passionate about helping clients work on their relationships, whether that relationship is with your partner, your family, your friends, or even yourself.
(571) 454-9819 View (571) 454-9819
Photo of Alice McGuin, Pre-Licensed Professional in Fairfax, VA
Alice McGuin
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
Fairfax, VA 22030
Do you feel like you've "checked all the boxes" yet something is still missing? Are you a high achiever, doing all the right things, yet find yourself still struggling to feel fulfilled? I am a therapist who helps teens and adults struggling with understanding themselves and those with trauma histories to build self-trust to feel more peaceful and live more authentically. I strive to provide a safe, warm, and even fun environment where you can feel understood and challenged to create positive change in your life.
Do you feel like you've "checked all the boxes" yet something is still missing? Are you a high achiever, doing all the right things, yet find yourself still struggling to feel fulfilled? I am a therapist who helps teens and adults struggling with understanding themselves and those with trauma histories to build self-trust to feel more peaceful and live more authentically. I strive to provide a safe, warm, and even fun environment where you can feel understood and challenged to create positive change in your life.
(571) 339-0382 View (571) 339-0382
Compassion Focused Therapists

How does compassion-focused therapy work?

Compassion-Focused Therapy is based on the idea that humans have at least three emotion regulation systems, including one that responds to threats and another that allows us to self-soothe. Those who experienced serious childhood adversity, the theory goes, have a hyperactive threat system and an underperforming self-soothing system, leaving them vulnerable to shame and a hypercritical mindset. CFT focuses on bringing these systems back into balance, helping the client be kinder to themselves and better able to accept kindness from others.

Is compassion-focused therapy a type of CBT?

Compassion-focused therapy is closely related to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and employs many of its techniques. In addition to CBT, CFT also draws from the fields of biology, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and Buddhism. It also has similarities to some types of trauma-focused therapies.

Is compassion-focused therapy evidence based?

Evidence suggests that CFT can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and other mental illnesses. It has also been shown to be beneficial for individuals who may not have diagnosable psychiatric disorders but who still struggle with persistent self-criticism and feelings of shame.

What are the limitations of compassion-focused therapy?

Compassion-focused therapy is still a relatively new therapy, and research on its efficacy is still in its early stages; while some studies have found positive results, many have suffered from quality issues or small sample sizes. And while most CFT clients find it difficult to practice self-compassion at first, some—especially those who actively fear compassion or are deeply uncomfortable being cared for—may not be fully open to the tenets of CFT, potentially limiting the therapy’s long-term effectiveness.