Narrative Therapists in West Springfield, VA

“Should you shield the valleys from the windstorms, you would never see the beauty of their canyons.” - Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. It takes courage to embrace the healing process, so I would like to say thank you for taking this first step in finding support. It is my honor to help my clients process life transitions including major changes and loss. As a certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) provider, I have walked alongside trauma survivors who have experienced abandonment, abuse, neglect, grief, and domestic violence.

I’ve practiced as a licensed mental health professional for over 20 years. I’m passionate about working with adolescents and deeply committed to empowering my clients to reach their goals. I use a holistic approach that incorporates the varied cultural backgrounds of the community I serve. I value creating an affirming safe space for clients of all ages to explore patterns that no longer serve them. My clinical orientation is rooted in narrative therapy. This approach is client directed and empowers you to objectively examine aspects of your identity and stories that impact the challenges you want to address in therapy.

When we are in conflict, disconnection, or misunderstanding with a loved one, we all experience distress. Our protective strategies come alive- we shut down, criticize, go numb, or pursue for reconnection. We find ourselves in the same old dance, talking different relational languages we can’t seem to reconcile, having the same old fight. I help individuals, couples, and families talk about what is happening inside them, identify needs, and understand what is at the core of any recurring patterns. I make space for all the ways life has shaped each of you, how this impacts your interactions, and where the misses are taking place.

With over twenty years of experience in counseling, I believe in working together with clients in finding solutions to the problems that affect them by using cognitive behavioral therapy and systemic modalities of family treatment. As a bilingual therapist who is also certified in school counseling with experience in immigrant students and families, I understand transitions, changes, adjustments, and I specialize in issues related to immigration, diversity, family reunification, and acculturation.

Are you pregnant and experiencing some anxiety related to being a Mom? Do you find yourself crying, feeling overwhelmed or wanting to be alone? Are you in a stage of life transition? With over 20 years as a licensed mental health professional, I specialize in helping women manage life transitions, postpartum depression, anxiety and grief. I also have extensive experience and training working with foster care and adoption issues. As a certified Prepare Enrich facilitator, I also assist premarital and married couples with assessing their strengths, opportunities for growth, and learning skills to strengthen their relationship.

"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you" Maya Angelou. Words have power, words build the world around us, your story has power. As a clinician I do not just treat depression, anxiety, trauma etc. I treat the person experiencing the symptoms of those diagnoses. I want to know your story, to help you regain control of your story, & help you write the next chapters of your life with joy instead of fear, frustration, or negativity. Trauma is my specialty, however I treat most mental health disorders - particularly depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, aging related disorders, & family therapy.

In 2018, Because of the busyness in Northern Virginia, I opened an online practice to make Christian counseling more accessible. After moving to Florida, I expanded the services. I am licensed as an LCSW in both Virginia and Florida. You can receive professional support from the comfort of your own space. I enjoy working with individuals who suffer from anxiety disorders, depression, relationship difficulties and stress management. I tailor your counseling experience to you, using worksheets, talk therapy, art, DBT workbooks, CBT and a variety of other research-based methods.

(I AM accepting new patients at this time. Private Pay or BCBS only) I value and respect diversity. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life and believe we have much to learn from each other. Through Telehealth and in person services, I have been working with clients with a diverse range of needs. My immediate focus is on establishing a trusting relationship with clients and working together to address whatever clients are struggling with in their lives. I value collaboration, focusing on strengths, and utilizing those strengths to overcome difficulties.

TELE-MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY Is Offered in the Gottman Method Couples Approach. Certified in the Gottman Method, I am committed to help couples build stronger friendships, manage differences respectfully, and support hopes and dreams. Four basic principles important to productive couples counseling are the ability to: prioritize your relationship; roll up your sleeves and willingly dig in; show up and participate in the process; and, be open to learning how to make yourself right for your relationship. Masterful Couples is featured on Close-up Talk Radio. www.blogtalkradio.com/closeuptalkradio (see www.masterfulcouples.com)

Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Do you want to make positive changes to your life and improve your relationships? Life is filled with challenges that can make us feel worried and unsure about the future. We can feel alone, disconnected from those around us or in an unhealthy relationship.  As humans, we long for understanding and to feel connected to others around us.  I work with clients to help them know themselves, re-discover their strengths and build the connections they need to feel known and loved. 

I am a licensed clinical social worker who works with adults, teens, and families to address a variety of therapeutic needs. Some areas of focus include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, parenting, relationship issues, grief and loss, self-esteem, domestic violence, divorce and trauma. Please contact me with questions or for a phone consult to determine if I would be a good match as a partner in therapy. I offer some weekend hours and evening hours and collaborate with other healing/medical professionals as needed for a more comprehensive approach to your care. The quickest way to reach me initially is to send an email.

Often asking for help is one of the hardest parts on the road to self-fulfillment. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 5 years of experience working with individuals, families and couples. Through listening, validation and learning your unique needs, I will create a plan specifically catered to you to assist in improving functioning across areas and life satisfaction. My approach is to explore and understand thoughts and behaviors that impact current functioning, as well as how past experiences can shape and impact the present moment.

You're anxious. You've been down for weeks. You keep losing your temper. Your marriage has been so strained lately. You ask "Why can't I just pull myself together like everyone else seems to be able to do?" I get it. And I've been there. I can help walk you out of this. I help my clients find hope and freedom from the struggles preventing them from enjoying life and living out their purpose.

Life can be so hard. And lonely. And confusing. At one time or another, we all need help navigating challenges, mobilizing hope, and taking care of ourselves. As a counselor, I strive to create a comfortable atmosphere where you feel at ease to open up and explore your thoughts and emotions. Incorporating genuineness, humor, and a relaxed style into our interactions, I aim to foster an environment of connection where you can begin your journey towards healing, wellness, and growth.

For the past 19 years I have enjoyed working with a diverse group of patients that are challenged with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD and obsessive compulsive behaviors. It is remarkable how patients begin to feel happier and important when they stop ignoring their physical and emotional needs. I love working with patients that seek to create a balance between their body, mind and spirit. I enjoy being flexible and learning what each individual is comfortable with, and work from their baseline to establish reasonable goals.

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.

I help clients to improve their relationship with themselves, build self-love and self-compassion, to connect to their needs and engage in effective self-care. I teach clients to understand and express their emotions in meaningful ways. My clients improve their relationships and connections with others, healing past traumatic wounds and learn how to move forward in a world full of trauma and grief. I believe everyone needs help to heal the wounds of the past and learn how to cope with the experiences of the future.