Attachment-based Therapists in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA

Are you struggling in your relationship? Relationships can be challenging, yet they are also one of the greatest sources of joy and fulfillment in life. The connections we build with our partners and families hold deep meaning and shape our overall well-being. I believe that the quality of our lives is deeply connected to the quality of our relationships. I specialize in relationship issues, family conflicts, and relational trauma. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide support to individuals and couples in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and Florida.
Are you struggling in your relationship? Relationships can be challenging, yet they are also one of the greatest sources of joy and fulfillment in life. The connections we build with our partners and families hold deep meaning and shape our overall well-being. I believe that the quality of our lives is deeply connected to the quality of our relationships. I specialize in relationship issues, family conflicts, and relational trauma. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide support to individuals and couples in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and Florida.

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.

I believe that we all encounter stressors and obstacles that prevent us from finding growth, happiness, and meaning. My goal in treatment is to help my clients find ways to overcome and develop through these experiences. In my approach, the client holds the knowledge and motivation to make the desired changes in one’s life, while the therapist is charged with helping the client find them.
I believe that we all encounter stressors and obstacles that prevent us from finding growth, happiness, and meaning. My goal in treatment is to help my clients find ways to overcome and develop through these experiences. In my approach, the client holds the knowledge and motivation to make the desired changes in one’s life, while the therapist is charged with helping the client find them.

It takes a lot of courage to be vulnerable in the face of all the issues life throws our way. Sometimes these issues seem out of our control and impossible to resolve. These hardships force us to neglect our emotions, resulting in depression, anxiety, anger and more. Therapy brings healing and provides an outlet for you to express your feelings, work out problems in a healthy way and learn methods and tools to become autonomous over your life. No matter what season of life you are in, together we can work through your issues and achieve the goals you want.
It takes a lot of courage to be vulnerable in the face of all the issues life throws our way. Sometimes these issues seem out of our control and impossible to resolve. These hardships force us to neglect our emotions, resulting in depression, anxiety, anger and more. Therapy brings healing and provides an outlet for you to express your feelings, work out problems in a healthy way and learn methods and tools to become autonomous over your life. No matter what season of life you are in, together we can work through your issues and achieve the goals you want.

Hi. I am Kristel Byrd, LCSW. Are you feeling down or stuck? I'm a neurodivergent therapist who works with couples, teens, parents, women empowerment, LGBTQIA+, ADHD, and kink communities. I’m passionate about helping you find peace and reach your full potential. My approach is eclectic, compassionate, and judgment-free, specializing in communication, intimacy, trauma, healing, and self-awareness.
Hi. I am Kristel Byrd, LCSW. Are you feeling down or stuck? I'm a neurodivergent therapist who works with couples, teens, parents, women empowerment, LGBTQIA+, ADHD, and kink communities. I’m passionate about helping you find peace and reach your full potential. My approach is eclectic, compassionate, and judgment-free, specializing in communication, intimacy, trauma, healing, and self-awareness.

Feel like something is holding you back from your potential and goals or like you aren't able to access your true self? Are you craving connection, meaning and deepening? Life stressors or transitions may feel overwhelming, or you may be feeling stagnant/stuck and unable to attain goals. Life situations and circumstances that challenge you are often the most rewarding and formative; yet adapting and managing your thoughts, feelings and behaviors in collaboration with a seasoned therapist can often make the process more manageable and the outcomes more productive and in alignment with your values. Licensed in NY, NJ and VA
Feel like something is holding you back from your potential and goals or like you aren't able to access your true self? Are you craving connection, meaning and deepening? Life stressors or transitions may feel overwhelming, or you may be feeling stagnant/stuck and unable to attain goals. Life situations and circumstances that challenge you are often the most rewarding and formative; yet adapting and managing your thoughts, feelings and behaviors in collaboration with a seasoned therapist can often make the process more manageable and the outcomes more productive and in alignment with your values. Licensed in NY, NJ and VA

The challenges I faced after my father died ignited my dedication to support people in their grief and help them become resilient. I also have a passion for working with clients with traumatic accidents or health events, domestic violence, and sexual abuse.
The challenges I faced after my father died ignited my dedication to support people in their grief and help them become resilient. I also have a passion for working with clients with traumatic accidents or health events, domestic violence, and sexual abuse.

Hi, I'm Brenda Montero, owner and CEO of Tranquility Cove Counseling. If there's one thing I find particularly bothersome, it's when people feel the need to judge others. I can tell you that will not happen should you consider working with me. I am here to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment to ensure you are able to work on healing yourself throughout your journey. The passion I have to help others allowed me to begin my therapeutic journey more than 17 years ago. Throughout the years, I have worked with children, adolescents, families, the elderly, and adults struggling with various mental health challenges.
Hi, I'm Brenda Montero, owner and CEO of Tranquility Cove Counseling. If there's one thing I find particularly bothersome, it's when people feel the need to judge others. I can tell you that will not happen should you consider working with me. I am here to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment to ensure you are able to work on healing yourself throughout your journey. The passion I have to help others allowed me to begin my therapeutic journey more than 17 years ago. Throughout the years, I have worked with children, adolescents, families, the elderly, and adults struggling with various mental health challenges.

Stressors related to work, relationships, medical conditions and other key areas of life occur every single day, and sometimes they may become overwhelming and out of control. Most of the time, we are able to help ourselves out of these types of situations, but there are times when it is too challenging to handle alone. When that happens, we often find ourselves stuck and unable to react, or continue to use solutions that may not be the best for us. It can be very draining and demotivating, and spiraling out of control. We sometimes want someone to find a solution for us, while at other times, we just want someone to listen to us.
Stressors related to work, relationships, medical conditions and other key areas of life occur every single day, and sometimes they may become overwhelming and out of control. Most of the time, we are able to help ourselves out of these types of situations, but there are times when it is too challenging to handle alone. When that happens, we often find ourselves stuck and unable to react, or continue to use solutions that may not be the best for us. It can be very draining and demotivating, and spiraling out of control. We sometimes want someone to find a solution for us, while at other times, we just want someone to listen to us.

Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience providing therapy to individuals in Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia. I am trained in several different evidenced-based therapies and hold certifications in several modalities of care. My approach to therapy is highly individualized to meet the needs of the individual. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, EMDR and Psychodynamic interventions.
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience providing therapy to individuals in Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia. I am trained in several different evidenced-based therapies and hold certifications in several modalities of care. My approach to therapy is highly individualized to meet the needs of the individual. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, EMDR and Psychodynamic interventions.

Counseling is my calling and passion. It’s so important to me that you feel seen, heard and understood and that you learn to understand how to care for and nurture your own heart. I will be there to help you and guide you on that journey until you are ready to do so on your own.
Counseling is my calling and passion. It’s so important to me that you feel seen, heard and understood and that you learn to understand how to care for and nurture your own heart. I will be there to help you and guide you on that journey until you are ready to do so on your own.
Meet Our Attachment-based Therapists

I help people in challenging relationships clarify what is going on and find their path back to feeling cared for, respected, and loved. Anxiety is tiring. It is always there, nagging: “What if ...., What if ...?" You want to feel at peace – to breathe in and out, have space, and not feel pressured. Anxiety hijacks your thoughts and squeezes the space out. Things get tight. Time is short, money is short, and relationships are at risk. We will work together to understand your anxiety better. You can’t know it well when you run away from it, or it runs you. We will help you get back in control, feel at peace, and enjoy your life.
I help people in challenging relationships clarify what is going on and find their path back to feeling cared for, respected, and loved. Anxiety is tiring. It is always there, nagging: “What if ...., What if ...?" You want to feel at peace – to breathe in and out, have space, and not feel pressured. Anxiety hijacks your thoughts and squeezes the space out. Things get tight. Time is short, money is short, and relationships are at risk. We will work together to understand your anxiety better. You can’t know it well when you run away from it, or it runs you. We will help you get back in control, feel at peace, and enjoy your life.

Hello, I am a certified EMDR and Brainspotting Practitioner licensed in Maryland and Virginia. If you were wondering the answer is no, you are not crazy and you are not broken! Whatever happened that has you stuck I am here to help you make the connections and empower you to become the person you want to be and not the person you had to be! Are you tired of the same negative thinking patterns, unhealthy relationships, and self-doubt? Do you feel your emotions, thoughts, and past all control you? If you are ready to do the deep work to rewire your brain and body system using the most effective techniques I am the counselor.
Hello, I am a certified EMDR and Brainspotting Practitioner licensed in Maryland and Virginia. If you were wondering the answer is no, you are not crazy and you are not broken! Whatever happened that has you stuck I am here to help you make the connections and empower you to become the person you want to be and not the person you had to be! Are you tired of the same negative thinking patterns, unhealthy relationships, and self-doubt? Do you feel your emotions, thoughts, and past all control you? If you are ready to do the deep work to rewire your brain and body system using the most effective techniques I am the counselor.

Welcome. I am glad you’re here. Finding a therapist is hard. I want to make it easy. When we feel stuck, burdened by unhealthy patterns, or are experiencing life transitions, we can feel anxious, sad, overwhelmed, and lost. You have come to the right place. Therapy is a tool, much like visiting a doctor for your physical health, that can help you get back on track. My style is warm, authentic, and non-judgmental. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment by listening closely and responding with compassion. I will give you plenty of space to share, explore, and deepen your insight.
Welcome. I am glad you’re here. Finding a therapist is hard. I want to make it easy. When we feel stuck, burdened by unhealthy patterns, or are experiencing life transitions, we can feel anxious, sad, overwhelmed, and lost. You have come to the right place. Therapy is a tool, much like visiting a doctor for your physical health, that can help you get back on track. My style is warm, authentic, and non-judgmental. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment by listening closely and responding with compassion. I will give you plenty of space to share, explore, and deepen your insight.

Don't miss out on having the life you really want. Stop just surviving or slugging through, hoping that one day you get around to feeling good. Fast-forward to your future of having relationship happiness, career success, well-being, wealth, inner peace, etc. We don't just help you stop feeling anxious, depressed and stressed out, we empower you to have sustainable happiness. Yes, I'm saying we can support you in getting the amazing life you deserve. We haven't met yet, but you're worth it.
Don't miss out on having the life you really want. Stop just surviving or slugging through, hoping that one day you get around to feeling good. Fast-forward to your future of having relationship happiness, career success, well-being, wealth, inner peace, etc. We don't just help you stop feeling anxious, depressed and stressed out, we empower you to have sustainable happiness. Yes, I'm saying we can support you in getting the amazing life you deserve. We haven't met yet, but you're worth it.

My commitment to you, is that you will feel completely heard, understood, & feel that we are working together to accomplish your goals. When we are done with our time together, I aim for you to feel encouraged, ready to move forward toward your goals, and that you have the tools with which to accomplish that. No matter what you might be facing, I can offer support and likely more tools with which to successfully cope. Together, I know we can get you to a point of peace and enjoying life just as you should be able to. And you will feel capable to deal with life moving forward.
My commitment to you, is that you will feel completely heard, understood, & feel that we are working together to accomplish your goals. When we are done with our time together, I aim for you to feel encouraged, ready to move forward toward your goals, and that you have the tools with which to accomplish that. No matter what you might be facing, I can offer support and likely more tools with which to successfully cope. Together, I know we can get you to a point of peace and enjoying life just as you should be able to. And you will feel capable to deal with life moving forward.

Welcome! In a world that can often feel overwhelming and isolating, it's important to remember that the journey towards self-discovery and healing doesn’t have to be taken alone. I am here to offer a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgement.
Welcome! In a world that can often feel overwhelming and isolating, it's important to remember that the journey towards self-discovery and healing doesn’t have to be taken alone. I am here to offer a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgement.

I believe the goal of therapy is for clients to gain personal insight and understanding of themselves. When individuals understand themselves, they are able to change the way they respond to situations and grow into their fullest potential. I use emotional focused and somatic techniques to guide clients to gain insight through experience. As a counselor, I help clients practice and experience mindfulness and other techniques for self-regulation. We don't have to be victims of our emotions or our past experiences. Through counseling, my aim is to walk with clients as they integrate past experiences with personal meaning and purpose.
I believe the goal of therapy is for clients to gain personal insight and understanding of themselves. When individuals understand themselves, they are able to change the way they respond to situations and grow into their fullest potential. I use emotional focused and somatic techniques to guide clients to gain insight through experience. As a counselor, I help clients practice and experience mindfulness and other techniques for self-regulation. We don't have to be victims of our emotions or our past experiences. Through counseling, my aim is to walk with clients as they integrate past experiences with personal meaning and purpose.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, frozen & annoyed by the world around you, maybe it's grief. Grief is more than death - grief is in betrayal, trauma, life-altering diagnosis, pregnancy/baby loss, divorce & infidelity, family rejection & traumatic grief like suicide or violence.
You're an intelligent, logical, hard-working person. You want to live freely, to be present for the joy & the people around you. But you're unsettled, irritated & unable to enjoy the life you've worked hard to create.
If you're feeling stuck, worried you're in too deep, please know there is a path through grief & loss. I'd be honored to show you.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, frozen & annoyed by the world around you, maybe it's grief. Grief is more than death - grief is in betrayal, trauma, life-altering diagnosis, pregnancy/baby loss, divorce & infidelity, family rejection & traumatic grief like suicide or violence.
You're an intelligent, logical, hard-working person. You want to live freely, to be present for the joy & the people around you. But you're unsettled, irritated & unable to enjoy the life you've worked hard to create.
If you're feeling stuck, worried you're in too deep, please know there is a path through grief & loss. I'd be honored to show you.

My style is supportive and calm with active and reflective listening. I like to provide feedback and insight to help my patients reach their personal goals for wellness and increase practical strategies to encourage them to develop plans and goals for better mental health.
My style is supportive and calm with active and reflective listening. I like to provide feedback and insight to help my patients reach their personal goals for wellness and increase practical strategies to encourage them to develop plans and goals for better mental health.