Attachment-based Therapists in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Healing, change, and growth are possible. Whatever you may have experienced or be experiencing, no matter what imprints you may carry, it is never too late to begin again. Depression, anxiety, stress - these are all real things that are held in the body and mind. The experience of this weight can be painful and isolating, inhibiting you from living the life you imagined. My goal is to help clients find the tools they need to define and live their lives as a person they truly love, and, by extension, to build healthy connections with those around them.
Healing, change, and growth are possible. Whatever you may have experienced or be experiencing, no matter what imprints you may carry, it is never too late to begin again. Depression, anxiety, stress - these are all real things that are held in the body and mind. The experience of this weight can be painful and isolating, inhibiting you from living the life you imagined. My goal is to help clients find the tools they need to define and live their lives as a person they truly love, and, by extension, to build healthy connections with those around them.
Are you struggling to connect with your partner? Are you finding it hard to deal with life transitions? If you are looking for an evidence-based and holistic therapeutic experience, then I may be a good fit for you. I work with individuals and couples, specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions. For couples, I help strengthen connection and trust by building awareness, empathy, and alignment. From the onset, I seek to create a warm, trusting, and collaborative therapeutic relationship so that you feel empowered to tackle your obstacles and cultivate a meaningful life.
Are you struggling to connect with your partner? Are you finding it hard to deal with life transitions? If you are looking for an evidence-based and holistic therapeutic experience, then I may be a good fit for you. I work with individuals and couples, specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions. For couples, I help strengthen connection and trust by building awareness, empathy, and alignment. From the onset, I seek to create a warm, trusting, and collaborative therapeutic relationship so that you feel empowered to tackle your obstacles and cultivate a meaningful life.
Lenée N. Essig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP, LFYP-1, RYT200, LLC
1 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
Sometimes we just need a safe space to collect our thoughts, name our hurts, explore our desires and work through our fears. I can offer you a space of hope and reprieve. Together, you and I, will work through the anxiety and sadness that is overshadowing your life, and not allowing you to live the full and authentic life that you desire. I work from a somatic (body-centered) approach, while emphasizing mindfulness and eastern philosophy, as well as incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy.
Sometimes we just need a safe space to collect our thoughts, name our hurts, explore our desires and work through our fears. I can offer you a space of hope and reprieve. Together, you and I, will work through the anxiety and sadness that is overshadowing your life, and not allowing you to live the full and authentic life that you desire. I work from a somatic (body-centered) approach, while emphasizing mindfulness and eastern philosophy, as well as incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy.
Life can be hard. Sometimes we find ourselves in need of support beyond what family and friends can offer. Whether you are trying it for the first time or you've decided to return, therapy is a safe place to process, grow, and heal.
My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, strength-based, and trauma-informed. My theoretical orientation is interpersonal, which integrates interventions from attachment, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic theories to best fit each client’s needs. Additionally, I have completed advanced training in Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT).
Life can be hard. Sometimes we find ourselves in need of support beyond what family and friends can offer. Whether you are trying it for the first time or you've decided to return, therapy is a safe place to process, grow, and heal.
My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, strength-based, and trauma-informed. My theoretical orientation is interpersonal, which integrates interventions from attachment, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic theories to best fit each client’s needs. Additionally, I have completed advanced training in Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT).
Do you have a sense that something about your childhood is affecting you as an adult? Maybe you can put your finger on exactly what it is, or maybe you are just seeing patterns in your life & relationships that have you wondering if there’s something deeper behind it. Past therapy experiences may have been helpful in some ways, but you seem to keep getting stuck. It feels like anxiety and self-doubt are the ones controlling the direction of your life, not what is true and authentic to you. You’re ready to address these things at the source, so you can finally work with your inner critic and regain control of your life.
Do you have a sense that something about your childhood is affecting you as an adult? Maybe you can put your finger on exactly what it is, or maybe you are just seeing patterns in your life & relationships that have you wondering if there’s something deeper behind it. Past therapy experiences may have been helpful in some ways, but you seem to keep getting stuck. It feels like anxiety and self-doubt are the ones controlling the direction of your life, not what is true and authentic to you. You’re ready to address these things at the source, so you can finally work with your inner critic and regain control of your life.
Navigating distress on your own can be difficult, overwhelming, and even insurmountable. Maybe you feel stuck, misunderstood, or even lost. Seeking guidance to navigate this may seem even more daunting. I open a door for you to explore this in a way that seeks to connect with you, your identity, and unique life experience. My person-centered approach starts with true unconditional positive regard - cultivating a space that is warm, genuine, free of judgement, open to all ideas, and culturally sensitive. I offer a tailored therapeutic relationship that fits your needs while drawing from a number of evidence-based interventions.
Navigating distress on your own can be difficult, overwhelming, and even insurmountable. Maybe you feel stuck, misunderstood, or even lost. Seeking guidance to navigate this may seem even more daunting. I open a door for you to explore this in a way that seeks to connect with you, your identity, and unique life experience. My person-centered approach starts with true unconditional positive regard - cultivating a space that is warm, genuine, free of judgement, open to all ideas, and culturally sensitive. I offer a tailored therapeutic relationship that fits your needs while drawing from a number of evidence-based interventions.
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.
Understanding the causes of anxiety, depression, and other types of psychological suffering by increasing self-awareness is the key to navigating life's challenges. With years of experience in clinical practice and academia, I've had the privilege of assisting individuals from various walks of life in navigating their psychological challenges. My approach to therapy is based on empathic attunement, fostering self-awareness, and empirically supported approaches tailored to the needs of each person. I am committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings openly.
Understanding the causes of anxiety, depression, and other types of psychological suffering by increasing self-awareness is the key to navigating life's challenges. With years of experience in clinical practice and academia, I've had the privilege of assisting individuals from various walks of life in navigating their psychological challenges. My approach to therapy is based on empathic attunement, fostering self-awareness, and empirically supported approaches tailored to the needs of each person. I am committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings openly.
Michael Payne
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
1 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
Whether you're looking to set a new course in life, heal a wounded heart, break from unhealthy habits, I can teach you strategies and skills to become the person you want to be. Any positive change requires awareness, determination, and effort. At heartsandmindshealth, my goal is to improve your mental health and well-being. I take an insight-oriented, solution-focused approach to our work, After setting mutually-determined treatment objectives, I help individuals, couples, and groups achieve life goals, heal emotional wounds, become "unstuck", or break free from unhealthy patterns.
Whether you're looking to set a new course in life, heal a wounded heart, break from unhealthy habits, I can teach you strategies and skills to become the person you want to be. Any positive change requires awareness, determination, and effort. At heartsandmindshealth, my goal is to improve your mental health and well-being. I take an insight-oriented, solution-focused approach to our work, After setting mutually-determined treatment objectives, I help individuals, couples, and groups achieve life goals, heal emotional wounds, become "unstuck", or break free from unhealthy patterns.
Meaningful change begins with a space where you can slow down, feel heard, and make sense of what you are carrying. I help clients navigate the complexities of their internal lives while developing practical ways to feel more grounded, connected, and supported. Whether you are navigating a major life transition, healing from past experiences, or simply looking for a way to feel more present, I am here to partner with you. I help clients make sense of what they’re carrying, and develop practical ways to feel more grounded and supported.
Meaningful change begins with a space where you can slow down, feel heard, and make sense of what you are carrying. I help clients navigate the complexities of their internal lives while developing practical ways to feel more grounded, connected, and supported. Whether you are navigating a major life transition, healing from past experiences, or simply looking for a way to feel more present, I am here to partner with you. I help clients make sense of what they’re carrying, and develop practical ways to feel more grounded and supported.
I support individuals and couples facing relationship strife, life stage changes, low self-worth, depression, directionless, lonely or disconnected from others, loneliness. What they all tend to have in common is past traumas (little T trauma) from early life/childhood which has carried on into adulthood, their relationships, work - everything. So together, in a non-judgemental and empathic space, we work to understand how they came to this place in their life: what contributed to the pain(s) they are experiencing. So we can better understand their mind, needs, wants, desires, wishes and goals.
I support individuals and couples facing relationship strife, life stage changes, low self-worth, depression, directionless, lonely or disconnected from others, loneliness. What they all tend to have in common is past traumas (little T trauma) from early life/childhood which has carried on into adulthood, their relationships, work - everything. So together, in a non-judgemental and empathic space, we work to understand how they came to this place in their life: what contributed to the pain(s) they are experiencing. So we can better understand their mind, needs, wants, desires, wishes and goals.
Healing Touch Counseling and Wellness, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC, LMHC, IFS- L2, ACS
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Where did things go so wrong? Your marriage used to be a source of strength and comfort. Now, it feels like a cage that you can’t escape from. You and your husband avoid each other – staying late at work, running unnecessary chores, and always taking the long way home. When you do spend time together, it feels more like being around a hostile roommate than your “soulmate.” A part of you wants to just call it quits – cut your losses and start over. But what about the kids? What about the future you’ve worked so hard to build? You’re not ready to throw in the towel yet, but you don’t if there’s a way forward. It feels hopeless.
Where did things go so wrong? Your marriage used to be a source of strength and comfort. Now, it feels like a cage that you can’t escape from. You and your husband avoid each other – staying late at work, running unnecessary chores, and always taking the long way home. When you do spend time together, it feels more like being around a hostile roommate than your “soulmate.” A part of you wants to just call it quits – cut your losses and start over. But what about the kids? What about the future you’ve worked so hard to build? You’re not ready to throw in the towel yet, but you don’t if there’s a way forward. It feels hopeless.
Expand Psychology, formerly The Center for Cognitive Therapy and Assessment (CCTA), was founded in 2005 by Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Katie O’Meara, Psy.D., with the mission of providing accessible, compassionate, and evidence-based care to the Northern Virginia community. Expand Psychology is dedicated to offering warm, person-centered therapy that addresses each individual’s unique needs. Over the years, Expand Psychology has grown to serve clients of all ages, now offering comprehensive treatment options in both Falls Church and Alexandria, Virginia. We are proud to be a trusted resource for mental health care in the region.
Expand Psychology, formerly The Center for Cognitive Therapy and Assessment (CCTA), was founded in 2005 by Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Katie O’Meara, Psy.D., with the mission of providing accessible, compassionate, and evidence-based care to the Northern Virginia community. Expand Psychology is dedicated to offering warm, person-centered therapy that addresses each individual’s unique needs. Over the years, Expand Psychology has grown to serve clients of all ages, now offering comprehensive treatment options in both Falls Church and Alexandria, Virginia. We are proud to be a trusted resource for mental health care in the region.
If stress, overthinking, or shutdowns are wearing you down, I help you get to the root and build calmer ways forward. You may sometimes feel like you're holding a lot inside, staying busy, keeping it together, or repeating patterns that no longer work. Many people feel pressure to stay strong or manage everything on their own. Therapy offers space to understand what’s driving your reactions and begin making real, lasting shifts. My approach is steady, practical, and collaborative, helping you build clarity, resilience, and grounded confidence.
If stress, overthinking, or shutdowns are wearing you down, I help you get to the root and build calmer ways forward. You may sometimes feel like you're holding a lot inside, staying busy, keeping it together, or repeating patterns that no longer work. Many people feel pressure to stay strong or manage everything on their own. Therapy offers space to understand what’s driving your reactions and begin making real, lasting shifts. My approach is steady, practical, and collaborative, helping you build clarity, resilience, and grounded confidence.
I meet my clients in their desire for change and strive to understand their experience of the world. I work to support my clients by forming a trust-based relationship to create a healing environment where compassion and kindness become healing agents. I utilize a variety of expressive modalities meeting the needs of my clients. I believe in the power of people's inner strengths and resources and work to explore these with my clients while empowering them in reaching their goals for change.
I meet my clients in their desire for change and strive to understand their experience of the world. I work to support my clients by forming a trust-based relationship to create a healing environment where compassion and kindness become healing agents. I utilize a variety of expressive modalities meeting the needs of my clients. I believe in the power of people's inner strengths and resources and work to explore these with my clients while empowering them in reaching their goals for change.
I provide therapy for teens and adults dealing with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, and EMDR. If you feel like you are white-knuckling your way through life, you don't need more willpower- you need support that will help you build emotional and mental tools to handle life’s challenges. Are you pretending everything is alright, but you are falling apart inside? You are probably noticing how this is affecting all areas of your life, your health, and your relationships suffer. You may be wondering if life can be any different. If you feel like you can’t get away from feelings of anxiety, guilt, and shame-there is hope.
I provide therapy for teens and adults dealing with eating disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, and EMDR. If you feel like you are white-knuckling your way through life, you don't need more willpower- you need support that will help you build emotional and mental tools to handle life’s challenges. Are you pretending everything is alright, but you are falling apart inside? You are probably noticing how this is affecting all areas of your life, your health, and your relationships suffer. You may be wondering if life can be any different. If you feel like you can’t get away from feelings of anxiety, guilt, and shame-there is hope.
Do you feel like you've been carrying too much for too long? Are you a high achiever, nurturer, teacher, creative or a therapist? Perhaps you hold it together on the outside but feel burnt out or disconnected inside. You might pressure yourself, feeling like you "should" feel better. I specialize in working with highly sensitive people (HSP) navigating OCD, ADHD, neurodivergence, anxiety, and/or relationship or attachment issues. I work with a lot of people with complex trauma. My goal is to help you feel safe enough to reparent or reconnect with your younger self and offer tools to shift unhelpful thoughts or patterns.
Do you feel like you've been carrying too much for too long? Are you a high achiever, nurturer, teacher, creative or a therapist? Perhaps you hold it together on the outside but feel burnt out or disconnected inside. You might pressure yourself, feeling like you "should" feel better. I specialize in working with highly sensitive people (HSP) navigating OCD, ADHD, neurodivergence, anxiety, and/or relationship or attachment issues. I work with a lot of people with complex trauma. My goal is to help you feel safe enough to reparent or reconnect with your younger self and offer tools to shift unhelpful thoughts or patterns.
On the outside, you keep it together, but inside different parts of you may feel anxious, self-critical, or weighed down. A part may push you to achieve, while another feels unworthy or stuck in old family roles. You may also carry parts that hold pain, illness, or shame from the past. I help people get curious about these inner dynamics, process unresolved trauma, and create more balance so that their whole system can feel calmer, more confident, and connected. Along the way, I use humor to make the hard work feel lighter and more human.
On the outside, you keep it together, but inside different parts of you may feel anxious, self-critical, or weighed down. A part may push you to achieve, while another feels unworthy or stuck in old family roles. You may also carry parts that hold pain, illness, or shame from the past. I help people get curious about these inner dynamics, process unresolved trauma, and create more balance so that their whole system can feel calmer, more confident, and connected. Along the way, I use humor to make the hard work feel lighter and more human.
Katie Turco, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, Katie, Turco, MS, LPC, NCC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I specialize in working with adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, OCD, and eating disorders, Katie enjoys helping her clients to identify maladaptive thought patterns, understand the origins and functions of various behaviors, and increase their confidence in coping with distress and overall self-esteem.
When treating eating disorders specifically, I employ Family Based Therapy (FBT) , Emotion- Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) in order to help families or loved ones work together to address symptoms of Anorexia, Bulimia, ARFID, and Binge Eating Disorder.
I specialize in working with adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, OCD, and eating disorders, Katie enjoys helping her clients to identify maladaptive thought patterns, understand the origins and functions of various behaviors, and increase their confidence in coping with distress and overall self-esteem.
When treating eating disorders specifically, I employ Family Based Therapy (FBT) , Emotion- Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E) in order to help families or loved ones work together to address symptoms of Anorexia, Bulimia, ARFID, and Binge Eating Disorder.
As a clinician, I believe in the power of a supportive therapeutic relationship. My approach is holistic and collaborative, encouraging clients to engage with their emotions and experiences in a way that honors the connection between mind, body, and emotional well-being. I incorporate a variety of expressive and experiential modalities such as play therapy, sand tray, and other creative strategies, to help clients explore their inner world in ways that feel natural, safe, and deeply personal.
As a clinician, I believe in the power of a supportive therapeutic relationship. My approach is holistic and collaborative, encouraging clients to engage with their emotions and experiences in a way that honors the connection between mind, body, and emotional well-being. I incorporate a variety of expressive and experiential modalities such as play therapy, sand tray, and other creative strategies, to help clients explore their inner world in ways that feel natural, safe, and deeply personal.
See more therapy options for Potomac West, Alexandria
Nearby Attachment-based Therapists Searches for Potomac West, Alexandria
See More Attachment-based TherapistsNearby Searches for Potomac West, Alexandria
- Braddock Road Metro
- Eisenhower East
- King Street Metro
- North Ridge-Rosemont
- Northeast
- Old Town
- Old Town North
- Potomac Yard-Potomac Greens
- Southwest Quadrant
- Taylor Run
Attachment-based Therapists
Is attachment-based therapy the same as attachment therapy?
Attachment-based therapy may be confused with what is called “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy”), a discredited and dangerous approach to treating children with attachment disorders, autism, or other mental health concerns. Attachment therapy—not attachment-based therapy—may involve restraining a child, forcing eye contact, and other coercive or abusive techniques. None of these practices are used in attachment-based therapy and the two modalities are in no way related.
What should I expect from attachment-based therapy?
Attachment-based therapy is based on attachment theory, which posits that children’s early relationships with their caregivers strongly influence their ability to navigate the world later in life. Thus, adults who seek attachment-based therapy should expect to deeply explore their childhood, identifying the dynamics or experiences that disrupted their attachment and the steps necessary to overcome challenges that arose as a result. Parents and children should expect to explore the possible factors that disrupted the parent-child relationship and work toward restoring trust and connection.
How long does attachment-based therapy last?
Certain forms of attachment-based therapy, especially those designed for parents and children, last for a set number of sessions; for example, Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up, a specific attachment-based approach for young children who have undergone early adversity, unfolds over 10 one-hour sessions. When attachment-based therapy is practiced on adults or combined with other modalities, it may not last a specific length of time; clients may wish to ask prospective therapists how long they expect treatment to take.
Does attachment-based therapy work?
Most of the research on attachment-based therapy focuses on children and adolescents. Some of this research shows a positive effect, especially for attachment-based family therapy (ABFT). Other studies, however, have found that attachment-based therapy is no more effective than other approaches to childhood depression, anxiety, or suicidality. Less is known about the therapy’s efficacy on adult populations.