Therapists in Virginia

Welcome! I'm an integrative therapist and work with teens and adults experiencing challenges related to trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, identity exploration, intercultural experiences, and complex family and/or relationship dynamics. It can feel really overwhelming to navigate these challenges alone. Working with a therapist can create a caring, compassionate space in your life to explore your inner and outer worlds, nurture your resilience, and cultivate joy and healing.

Do you find yourself feeling lost, overwhelmed, or stuck? Are you experiencing anxiety, grief, sadness, loneliness, or other difficult, overwhelming emotions? Have you experienced trauma? You do not have to struggle alone. In working with clients, I use an integrative approach to help adolescents and adults develop coping skills and improve their mental health while both identifying and accomplishing their goals. I particularly enjoy working with the LGBQ+ and trans and disabled communities. I believe that anyone can truly thrive with the proper support, understanding, and resources throughout the therapeutic journey.

If you experience overwhelming anxiety loops, feel the weight of grief, or are impacted by trauma - I might be a good fit for you. I can help by pointing out patterns or themes that I notice, explore how and why the brain is wired the way it is, and help you build up armor to face whatever life throws at you. A typical session with me includes talking, cursing, crying, laughing, questioning, and a whole lot of compassion.

My purpose in each therapeutic relationship is to create a safe environment where compassion and curiosity rule. I respect the courage it takes to explore vulnerability. I have just as much respect for protective strategies that are employed,no matter how constructive or destructive they may seem. In our time together we will focus on bringing clarity to both internal and external or relational distress. My education, training and experience have prepared me to address issues of grief, trauma and transition from many angles.

Elana Sowers is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has over 10 years of experience working with a diverse range of clients from children (ages birth to 12), adults, couples, families, and people who identify as LGBTQ+. She specializes in treating concerns or conditions related to difficult life transitions, domestic violence, parenting difficulties, family conflict, sexual assault, grief, stress, loss, low self-esteem, depression, and more. Elana earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the State University of New York College-Brockport and her Master of Social Work from the State University of New York-Albany.

I offer both individual and couples counseling to adults of all ages, also teaching mindfulness meditation when desired. In addition to ameliorating symptoms, decreasing emotional pain, and helping to solve difficult problems, therapy and meditation can facilitate significant personal growth and increased wellness. My approach is broadly humanistic, meaning we seek together in a safe and secure environment, mutual understanding of you as a whole person, honing your internal "voice" and tapping into your existing strengths. Once we identify who you really are and what is most important to you, the path to bringing your life into alignment becomes clearer.

Having difficulty managing the stresses of life: work, family, friends or overwhelmed with responsibilities? Having trouble sleeping, managing your weight, experiencing physical pain or being plagued with worry thoughts? Grieving a loss and struggling to cope? Are people in your life encouraging you to "talk to someone" or giving you ultimatums about getting help? Consider individual, couples, or group counseling to help you get renewed and refocused on your life plan. Please reach out so we can discuss how I can be an effective companion on your healing journey.

We all experience times of feeling disconnected from family, friends, or coworkers. When this human experience is prolonged or frequent it may lead to unskillfull coping and greater suffering. I BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF CONNECTION WITH OTHERS AND I KNOW THIS PROCESS MUST START WITH CONNECTING TO OURSELVES. With over 15 years of experience in the field of mental health and wellness, I have supported countless people on their journey to a more full and authentic life. My clients range from teenagers to older adults who seek support with relationships, grief/loss, depression, anxiety, and life transitions.

Are you feeling stuck in your life? Are you struggling to figure out how to get on the path to what you really want deep down in your heart? If so, I can help! I have over fifteen years experience working with people who are undergoing significant life changes, people who feel "stuck" and want to regain their zest for life. I also specialize in helping people resolve grief, loss or trauma.

Are worries, insecurities, or sadness affecting your quality of life? Are you wanting relief from these stressors and to increase happiness in your own life? I like to help clients discover the negative messages/beliefs that they have about themselves and the world that they, often unknowingly, have been carrying around with them. Examining these messages, discerning what is true and helpful and what is not, is freeing. A major goal of therapy is to have your positive sense of self well up from within.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Life Coach. My approach to therapy is to help clients identify, understand, and ultimately change the areas in their lives that have contributed to emotional and relationship pain. I deeply believe that to have the breakthrough we need in current relationships we must understand our history and how it profoundly colors and impacts us as adults. Once we learn to own our history, it no longer owns us.

Do you want to feel confident, but struggle to trust yourself? Do the “little” things feel overwhelming? Throw in a trauma, unexpected loss, or that shitty thing you thought you moved on from, and you’re really feeling out of control. You’re technically holding it all together, but find yourself questioning your intuition, feeling irritable and discouraged. You haven't been able to make a change that sticks. But, you’re ready to try something different. You’re ready to lose the self-doubt and irritability. Most of all, you’re ready to live with confidence, calmness, and courage. I can help you get there.

I have worked in the mental health field for 16 years treating individuals with a wide variety of presenting issues, life transitions, and disorders including severe mental illness and substance use. I provide counseling to adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families and specialize in grief and loss, trauma, depression and anxiety. My goal is to provide a safe, nurturing environment to build a therapeutic relationship and foster healing. I use a person centered approach and cognitive behavioral techniques to develop treatment interventions specific to the short and long terms goals of my clients.

I believe when we are able to feel safe, seen, and heard, we can heal. This is the basis for all healthy relationships, and my goal is to create a space for my clients to thrive based on this premise. With a trauma-informed approach, I understand so much shows up for us, including attachment and inner child wounds, grief, anxiety, depression, negative self-thoughts, and unhealthy coping skills. My goal is to help you understand what you've been through and create a new way of living that helps you feel most in connection with yourself.

Now is a hyper stressful time and you are not alone! I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and am EMDRIA, EMDR trained. Do you feel anxious, have constant worry or feel on edge? Do you have a lack of interest, irregular sleep, fatigue, feel worthless or guilty, or an inability to concentrate? Do you fixate on past experiences, avoid certain people, places or things, or have blanks in your memory? If so, you do not have to continue to live like this, I can help.

My specialization is In the areas of Trauma, Grief and Loss. I am able to help you deal effectively from the death of a loved one, separation, divorce or any other life impacting event. Additional specializations include depression, anxiety, relationships and domestic violence. I extensively use EMDR therapy for the treatment of trauma and other problematic life experience that have caused difficulties. I assist you in discovering lasting insights in resolving current and long-standing problems. With sensitivity and compassion, I work with you to help you build on your strengths to identify and achieve your life's goals.

You've achieved a lot in your life, and at a high level and fast pace, but yet today you're facing trauma, grief, addiction or interpersonal conflict that you just can't seem to shake - and you are brave enough to ask for help. I believe your body, mind, and relationships want to heal from grief, trauma, addiction, and conflict - you and your relationships just need a confidential, brave space in which to do that. I use techniques drawn from addiction treatment, EMDR, and trauma therapy, as well as couples therapy (Gottman Method), to help you achieve your goal of healing. I also welcome your feedback to ensure I'm helping you.

"Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us." Therapy allows one to explore their inner thoughts and feelings and is a tool for building self-esteem. My therapeutic approach incorporates an empathic, honest, exploratory, and integrative style in order to provide a comfortable and safe environment. In my work with children, I incorporate play therapy techniques, as I am a firm believer that play is a child's language and toys are their words.

Do you have to force yourself to get through the day? Do you feel disconnected from your life, as if just going through the motions? Familial and cultural conditioning often cast us in limiting roles. Whether we know it or not, we find ourselves falling into these same familiar patterns even when they undermine our best efforts towards a happy life. I help clients build an awareness to the relationship they have with themselves starting by identifying the character traits they've strengthened in order to survive. This ultimately allows them to move towards more self-compassion, freedom, and purpose in their lives.