Adoption Therapists in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA

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 have experience in a wide range of issues in my clinical practice: anxiety, depression, obsessions, stress management, ADHD, procrastination, low self-esteem, communication issues, adoption, childhood trauma, divorce, sexual issues, control issues, abandonment, betrayal, anger management, and emotional regulation.
I provide affordable individual, couples, marriage and family counseling and psychological assessment/interpretation. Do you have relationship issues, or are you going through big life transitions? Are you in need of a breakthrough? Are you asking important questions about yourself and your life? Do you need a trained professional to focus solely on you to bring clarity into your complex situation? I am trained and dedicated to understanding you as a whole - what you've been through, your struggles and your goals.
I have experience in a wide range of issues in my clinical practice: anxiety, depression, obsessions, stress management, ADHD, procrastination, low self-esteem, communication issues, adoption, childhood trauma, divorce, sexual issues, control issues, abandonment, betrayal, anger management, and emotional regulation.
I provide affordable individual, couples, marriage and family counseling and psychological assessment/interpretation. Do you have relationship issues, or are you going through big life transitions? Are you in need of a breakthrough? Are you asking important questions about yourself and your life? Do you need a trained professional to focus solely on you to bring clarity into your complex situation? I am trained and dedicated to understanding you as a whole - what you've been through, your struggles and your goals.

Cherra Barbour-Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd , LPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Online Only
I also have extensive experience and training working with foster care and adoption issues.
I believe in utilizing an integrative psychotherapeutic approach, which means utilizing a variety of therapy modalities, to help my client's learn to manage their anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship and women issues. I value working in collaboration with you to develop a treatment plan that best addresses your need. This is your JOURNEY!
I also have extensive experience and training working with foster care and adoption issues.
I believe in utilizing an integrative psychotherapeutic approach, which means utilizing a variety of therapy modalities, to help my client's learn to manage their anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship and women issues. I value working in collaboration with you to develop a treatment plan that best addresses your need. This is your JOURNEY!

Everyone needs a place for space. A space to be heard. A space to share whatever you want. A space to process feelings, try out new perspectives, laugh, cry, grieve, be angry, talk about betrayal, to fight inner demons, to be brave, to be nervous, to simply BE whoever you are. I am a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience providing space for people to process whatever they are dealing with. People come to me with a wide range of different issues. I am an eclectic therapist but tend to focus on using cognitive behavioral therapy. I love to meet new people, and I would love to work with you.
Everyone needs a place for space. A space to be heard. A space to share whatever you want. A space to process feelings, try out new perspectives, laugh, cry, grieve, be angry, talk about betrayal, to fight inner demons, to be brave, to be nervous, to simply BE whoever you are. I am a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience providing space for people to process whatever they are dealing with. People come to me with a wide range of different issues. I am an eclectic therapist but tend to focus on using cognitive behavioral therapy. I love to meet new people, and I would love to work with you.

Lauren Smith-Papke
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
I am a clinical psychologist, who enjoys working with adults across the lifespan in individual psychotherapy. I have worked with many different types of individuals in day treatment, community mental health, and counseling center settings; I have also worked at The Women's Center as a therapist and supervisor of graduate students for the past 9 years. I strive to understand each client as a complex individual, and work with the client to clarify the nature of their difficulties, identify strengths and resources, and engage together in the process of increased insight and change.
I am a clinical psychologist, who enjoys working with adults across the lifespan in individual psychotherapy. I have worked with many different types of individuals in day treatment, community mental health, and counseling center settings; I have also worked at The Women's Center as a therapist and supervisor of graduate students for the past 9 years. I strive to understand each client as a complex individual, and work with the client to clarify the nature of their difficulties, identify strengths and resources, and engage together in the process of increased insight and change.

I have an extensive background working with adolescents, and adults, providing psychotherapy. I have worked in a variety of settings including private practices, community clinics, and residential treatment centers. With specialized training and experience in different theoretical approaches including psychodynamic, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma-focused CBT, interpersonal, and narrative therapy, I use an integrated approach to meet the unique needs of each client. Due to my own diverse background and experience, I am intimately aware of multicultural issues, and enjoy working with a clientele from various arrays of life.
I have an extensive background working with adolescents, and adults, providing psychotherapy. I have worked in a variety of settings including private practices, community clinics, and residential treatment centers. With specialized training and experience in different theoretical approaches including psychodynamic, mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapy, trauma-focused CBT, interpersonal, and narrative therapy, I use an integrated approach to meet the unique needs of each client. Due to my own diverse background and experience, I am intimately aware of multicultural issues, and enjoy working with a clientele from various arrays of life.

Do you feel your worries are getting in the way of every day experiences? Are you a new parent struggling with the weight of your new responsibilities? Are your internal doubts or concerns creating space between you and the relationships you want? You are not alone. Many people struggle with the daily concerns and troubles which get in the way of being able to enjoy life and achieve their goals. Whether it is experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, or major life transitions, reaching out for help through counseling can help to lessen the overwhelming emotions and make life feel a little more under control.
Do you feel your worries are getting in the way of every day experiences? Are you a new parent struggling with the weight of your new responsibilities? Are your internal doubts or concerns creating space between you and the relationships you want? You are not alone. Many people struggle with the daily concerns and troubles which get in the way of being able to enjoy life and achieve their goals. Whether it is experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, or major life transitions, reaching out for help through counseling can help to lessen the overwhelming emotions and make life feel a little more under control.

Heidi Moss
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-CP, CEDS
Verified Verified
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
I believe that change can happen best in a safe, connected, caring environment and relationship. This is the foundation of my work as a therapist. I have a passion for working with adolescence, teens and adults who struggle with eating disorders, disordered eating, self esteem problems, anxiety, depression, life adjustment issues, and infertility.Being a Certified Eating Disorder counselor with 10 + years of training using Acceptance Commitment Therapy creates a solid foundation to create change. I work extensively with helping people get off the "diet rollercoaster" and learn to live a happier, supportive, mindful lifestyle.
I believe that change can happen best in a safe, connected, caring environment and relationship. This is the foundation of my work as a therapist. I have a passion for working with adolescence, teens and adults who struggle with eating disorders, disordered eating, self esteem problems, anxiety, depression, life adjustment issues, and infertility.Being a Certified Eating Disorder counselor with 10 + years of training using Acceptance Commitment Therapy creates a solid foundation to create change. I work extensively with helping people get off the "diet rollercoaster" and learn to live a happier, supportive, mindful lifestyle.

Jeanette Holland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S
Verified Verified
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
Feeling stressed, overwhelmed and just need to talk to someone who is not a friend or family. Whether you are feeling stuck due to work, family life, transitions to adulthood or to the next point in life then therapy is for you. I enjoy working with lots of people from different ages, backgrounds and needs with a focus on Depression and Anxiety as well as other areas. I have experience working in Crisis situations while at the county ER, community clinics, Foster children and families as well as individuals in outpatient private practice. My goal is to meet you where you are and decide together what is next.
Feeling stressed, overwhelmed and just need to talk to someone who is not a friend or family. Whether you are feeling stuck due to work, family life, transitions to adulthood or to the next point in life then therapy is for you. I enjoy working with lots of people from different ages, backgrounds and needs with a focus on Depression and Anxiety as well as other areas. I have experience working in Crisis situations while at the county ER, community clinics, Foster children and families as well as individuals in outpatient private practice. My goal is to meet you where you are and decide together what is next.

As a Clinical Psychologist for the past 30+ years, I have worked with individuals, couples and families with a wide variety of issues and concerns. While problems need to be identified, I prefer to focus on the strengths that are often obscured by the stress and the immediate crisis. As the stress becomes manageable, so too can we together discover the strengths that will result in solutions, growth and improvement. I look forward to sharing that challenge with you.
As a Clinical Psychologist for the past 30+ years, I have worked with individuals, couples and families with a wide variety of issues and concerns. While problems need to be identified, I prefer to focus on the strengths that are often obscured by the stress and the immediate crisis. As the stress becomes manageable, so too can we together discover the strengths that will result in solutions, growth and improvement. I look forward to sharing that challenge with you.

I am now offering online sessions for adults in Pennsylvania and Virginia. I am compassionate and nonjudgmental and will offer the support you need to overcome life's difficulties. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Art Therapist, I have experience with a wide array of healing modalities. Together we can find the approach that works best for you. I utilize a holistic counseling approach and one of my gifts is listening and responding with my heart. I believe that counseling can help you live a life that you love.
I am now offering online sessions for adults in Pennsylvania and Virginia. I am compassionate and nonjudgmental and will offer the support you need to overcome life's difficulties. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Art Therapist, I have experience with a wide array of healing modalities. Together we can find the approach that works best for you. I utilize a holistic counseling approach and one of my gifts is listening and responding with my heart. I believe that counseling can help you live a life that you love.
Meet Our Adoption Therapists

My name is Megan (she/her). I am a licensed clinical social worker providing safe, accessible, private practice teletherapy. I believe it is important to create a safe, accepting, and compassionate space for all clients to discover and process their challenges. It is an honor to be a part of this journey with you. I have been working with children, adolescents, families, and individuals of all ages for the past 6 years I am familiar with working in a variety of settings and programs including teletherapy, social intervention programs, day treatment facilities, and private therapy centers.
My name is Megan (she/her). I am a licensed clinical social worker providing safe, accessible, private practice teletherapy. I believe it is important to create a safe, accepting, and compassionate space for all clients to discover and process their challenges. It is an honor to be a part of this journey with you. I have been working with children, adolescents, families, and individuals of all ages for the past 6 years I am familiar with working in a variety of settings and programs including teletherapy, social intervention programs, day treatment facilities, and private therapy centers.

OPEN Availability for Virtual clients. I bring a love for working with clients from children to adults and the passion to meet them at their level. I see every person and life stressor as unique and am excited to meet and engage with them. I also have a desire to empower and bring awareness to adults. And assist them with dealing with troubling symptoms that are impacting their ability to fully enjoy their life.
OPEN Availability for Virtual clients. I bring a love for working with clients from children to adults and the passion to meet them at their level. I see every person and life stressor as unique and am excited to meet and engage with them. I also have a desire to empower and bring awareness to adults. And assist them with dealing with troubling symptoms that are impacting their ability to fully enjoy their life.

Currently, my practice is full and I cannot accept new clients. I have over 30 years' experience successfully helping people with depression, anxiety, OCD, phobias, low self-esteem, relationship and many other issues. I am trained in several therapy modalities including mindfullness-based cognitive behavioral, clinical hypnotherapy, and traditional talk therapy. Using knowledge in brain science and mind/body connection, I can teach you simple techniques for immediate emotional and/or physical relief as well as help with stress, chronic fatique, and fibromyalgia.
Currently, my practice is full and I cannot accept new clients. I have over 30 years' experience successfully helping people with depression, anxiety, OCD, phobias, low self-esteem, relationship and many other issues. I am trained in several therapy modalities including mindfullness-based cognitive behavioral, clinical hypnotherapy, and traditional talk therapy. Using knowledge in brain science and mind/body connection, I can teach you simple techniques for immediate emotional and/or physical relief as well as help with stress, chronic fatique, and fibromyalgia.

I am a mental health therapist specializing in trauma, helping clients set healthy boundaries and develop assertiveness. I provide a safe, supportive space for healing and personal growth, empowering individuals to navigate life with confidence and resilience.
I am a mental health therapist specializing in trauma, helping clients set healthy boundaries and develop assertiveness. I provide a safe, supportive space for healing and personal growth, empowering individuals to navigate life with confidence and resilience.

Book with me now by clicking on my website. Do you catch yourself in never-ending thought loops that criticize your decisions or past mistakes–wondering if you’ll ever be enough? Have you found yourself thinking that others don't understand you? If so, you're not alone. Sometimes the past has a way of sticking in our brains and it is hard to let go. It may be time to get more support. I would love to see how I can help. When you work with me, you can expect to feel safe, understood, hopeful, and empowered. You can also expect to learn strategies to help you progress toward your relationship and mental wellness goals.
Book with me now by clicking on my website. Do you catch yourself in never-ending thought loops that criticize your decisions or past mistakes–wondering if you’ll ever be enough? Have you found yourself thinking that others don't understand you? If so, you're not alone. Sometimes the past has a way of sticking in our brains and it is hard to let go. It may be time to get more support. I would love to see how I can help. When you work with me, you can expect to feel safe, understood, hopeful, and empowered. You can also expect to learn strategies to help you progress toward your relationship and mental wellness goals.

Christa Jallorina Christian Counseling, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
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.
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 a Licensed Professional Counselor. On an ongoing basis, I collaborate with other Professional Counselors for educational and professional growth purposes; at which time, cases may be presented confidentially in order to allow your therapist to provide the best services.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. On an ongoing basis, I collaborate with other Professional Counselors for educational and professional growth purposes; at which time, cases may be presented confidentially in order to allow your therapist to provide the best services.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) at CCHC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Being a child is a special time full of curiosity, exploration, and learning. It is also a time when your body is growing, language is developing, social skills are evolving, and your capacity to cope is a work in progress. It doesn’t take much to feel unsure, overwhelmed, stressed, or unseen. Struggles are expressed through emotional and behavioral distress - tantrums, defiance, dysregulation, difficulty with focus, transitions, separation, or withdrawal from others/school/activities. It can also show up as jealousy, attention-seeking, aggression, anxiety, depression, or hyperactivity. PCIT is specifically designed for this stage.
Being a child is a special time full of curiosity, exploration, and learning. It is also a time when your body is growing, language is developing, social skills are evolving, and your capacity to cope is a work in progress. It doesn’t take much to feel unsure, overwhelmed, stressed, or unseen. Struggles are expressed through emotional and behavioral distress - tantrums, defiance, dysregulation, difficulty with focus, transitions, separation, or withdrawal from others/school/activities. It can also show up as jealousy, attention-seeking, aggression, anxiety, depression, or hyperactivity. PCIT is specifically designed for this stage.
I am Dr. Edythe Bouldin, a licensed professional counselor who likes to use humor in sessions. I am open-minded and nonjudgmental. Some of my focus areas are trauma, depression, and anxiety, and I am a certified grief educator. My clients are diverse and I prefer working with clients 13 and up. I am comfortable working with couples issues, including premarital, separation, and divorce counseling, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and I am certified in working with Veterans with PTSD.
I am Dr. Edythe Bouldin, a licensed professional counselor who likes to use humor in sessions. I am open-minded and nonjudgmental. Some of my focus areas are trauma, depression, and anxiety, and I am a certified grief educator. My clients are diverse and I prefer working with clients 13 and up. I am comfortable working with couples issues, including premarital, separation, and divorce counseling, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and I am certified in working with Veterans with PTSD.
See more therapy options for Potomac West, Alexandria
Nearby Adoption Therapists Searches for Potomac West, Alexandria
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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.