Couples Counseling Therapists in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA

Dr. Deborah Grodzicki
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD
Verified Verified
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
Are you struggling to connect with your partner?
My practice is influenced by Behavioral, Humanistic, and Mindfulness-based psychotherapies. I use a unique blend of compassion and collaborative learning, integrating evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy with person-centered, interpersonal, and existential approaches.
Are you struggling to connect with your partner?
My practice is influenced by Behavioral, Humanistic, and Mindfulness-based psychotherapies. I use a unique blend of compassion and collaborative learning, integrating evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy with person-centered, interpersonal, and existential approaches.

Michelle Mullany
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22305
From 15 years of therapy practice with adults, couples, children, and adolescents, and my own experiences, I am convinced that change and healing are always possible.
Therapy should be a place where we can explore what might be standing in the way of feeling more alive and fulfilled in every area of our lives or relationships. We will use practical, action-oriented strategies.
From 15 years of therapy practice with adults, couples, children, and adolescents, and my own experiences, I am convinced that change and healing are always possible.
Therapy should be a place where we can explore what might be standing in the way of feeling more alive and fulfilled in every area of our lives or relationships. We will use practical, action-oriented strategies.

Facing challenges in your relationship or unsure about the next steps?
I apply my training and skills to not only couples and family conflicts, but to anxiety and grief as well. I use evidence-based techniques while incorporating empathy, compassion, and humor. Let's build your foundation with strengths formed in Solution Focused Brief Therapy and the MRI Institute.
Facing challenges in your relationship or unsure about the next steps?
I apply my training and skills to not only couples and family conflicts, but to anxiety and grief as well. I use evidence-based techniques while incorporating empathy, compassion, and humor. Let's build your foundation with strengths formed in Solution Focused Brief Therapy and the MRI Institute.

At our practice, we specialize in empowering our clients to discover healthier lifestyles through integrative wellness services solutions. We provide a variety of healing modalities, including hypnotherapy, life coaching, couples coaching, Reiki energy healing, and intuitive healing. Our clients choose us because we are committed to techniques that offer fast and effective healing.
At our practice, we specialize in empowering our clients to discover healthier lifestyles through integrative wellness services solutions. We provide a variety of healing modalities, including hypnotherapy, life coaching, couples coaching, Reiki energy healing, and intuitive healing. Our clients choose us because we are committed to techniques that offer fast and effective healing.

I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals and couples in outpatient and community mental health settings as both a therapist and a leader.
I provide a non-judgemental, safe space to explore your stuck places. I have advanced training in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method and Integrative Medicine for Mental Health.
I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals and couples in outpatient and community mental health settings as both a therapist and a leader.
I provide a non-judgemental, safe space to explore your stuck places. I have advanced training in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Gottman Method and Integrative Medicine for Mental Health.

Lauren Timkovich, LCSW, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Perhaps you are feeling stuck in your relationship, unsure about your career, feeling disconnected from those you care about or lonely.
I am a relational therapist who has struggled with similar challenges as my clients. I specialize in helping individuals and couples through holistic, integrative, and evidence-based styles such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR and others to help you understand your anxiety, relational patterns and get you unstuck.
Perhaps you are feeling stuck in your relationship, unsure about your career, feeling disconnected from those you care about or lonely.
I am a relational therapist who has struggled with similar challenges as my clients. I specialize in helping individuals and couples through holistic, integrative, and evidence-based styles such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR and others to help you understand your anxiety, relational patterns and get you unstuck.

I also focus on veterans, active-duty military personnel, military-connected individuals, and couples therapy.
My ideal client(s) are those struggling with both trauma and relationships. Trauma can profoundly impact how we relate to others. I am especially interested in people who struggle with attachment issues in relationships. The ideal client is receptive to change, can take ownership of their life, and has the capacity for self-reflection. I also work with clients interested in exploring spiritual matters in whatever form. I have extensive training in esoteric practices, such as archetypal astrology and tarot.
I also focus on veterans, active-duty military personnel, military-connected individuals, and couples therapy.
My ideal client(s) are those struggling with both trauma and relationships. Trauma can profoundly impact how we relate to others. I am especially interested in people who struggle with attachment issues in relationships. The ideal client is receptive to change, can take ownership of their life, and has the capacity for self-reflection. I also work with clients interested in exploring spiritual matters in whatever form. I have extensive training in esoteric practices, such as archetypal astrology and tarot.

Toxic Relationships + Trauma Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Online Only
Whether you're struggling with narcissistic abuse/toxic relationship/childhood trauma, healing a broken heart, battling burnout, or wrestling with anxiety and depression, I want you to know one thing: you're not alone on this journey.
This is a safe haven where you can be 100% yourself - messy emotions and all. Forget abstract theories. I'm like a chef where I mix and match therapy approaches. CBT with a dash of mindfulness? Coming right up! I'm all about giving you real-world strategies. Setting boundaries that stick? Check. Flipping negative thoughts on their head? Double-check!
Whether you're struggling with narcissistic abuse/toxic relationship/childhood trauma, healing a broken heart, battling burnout, or wrestling with anxiety and depression, I want you to know one thing: you're not alone on this journey.
This is a safe haven where you can be 100% yourself - messy emotions and all. Forget abstract theories. I'm like a chef where I mix and match therapy approaches. CBT with a dash of mindfulness? Coming right up! I'm all about giving you real-world strategies. Setting boundaries that stick? Check. Flipping negative thoughts on their head? Double-check!

Michael Payne
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
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.
In practice for more than two decades, I have helped hundreds of children and adults improve their mental and emotional well-being. I have extensive experience on such issues as depression, anxiety, OCD, grief & loss, addiction, self-esteem, sexual minorities, spirituality, relationships, career stalemates, lack of fulfillment, and difficult transitions.
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.
In practice for more than two decades, I have helped hundreds of children and adults improve their mental and emotional well-being. I have extensive experience on such issues as depression, anxiety, OCD, grief & loss, addiction, self-esteem, sexual minorities, spirituality, relationships, career stalemates, lack of fulfillment, and difficult transitions.

Adam C. Prestegord
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, CST
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22305
I work with individuals and couples.
My therapy style is psychodynamic, meaning that I will help you explore how unconscious beliefs and past relationships influence your functioning in the present. I also use CBT and mindfulness interventions for practical and structured steps towards change.
I work with individuals and couples.
My therapy style is psychodynamic, meaning that I will help you explore how unconscious beliefs and past relationships influence your functioning in the present. I also use CBT and mindfulness interventions for practical and structured steps towards change.

Lawrence Franco
Resident in Counseling, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
I offer a tailored therapeutic relationship that fits your needs while drawing from a number of evidence-based interventions.
I hope to provide a feeling that your voice matters, you are not alone, and that you can find long-lasting courage to chart towards the life experience that you desire. Currently, I work with adults, adolescents, couples, and families through a variety of issues and concerns including trauma, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, family conflict and more.
I offer a tailored therapeutic relationship that fits your needs while drawing from a number of evidence-based interventions.
I hope to provide a feeling that your voice matters, you are not alone, and that you can find long-lasting courage to chart towards the life experience that you desire. Currently, I work with adults, adolescents, couples, and families through a variety of issues and concerns including trauma, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, family conflict and more.
Meet Our Couples Counseling Therapists

Our mission is to provide a trusting therapeutic relationship to each client, as it is an essential framework to facilitate self awareness, healing, and personal evolution.
We aim to help you live more easily, joyfully, and authentically. We bring a variety of experiences and techniques to our treatment approaches including, but not limited to, groundbreaking ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, somatic experiencing, mindfulness meditation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, gestalt therapy, art therapy, and EMDR.
Our mission is to provide a trusting therapeutic relationship to each client, as it is an essential framework to facilitate self awareness, healing, and personal evolution.
We aim to help you live more easily, joyfully, and authentically. We bring a variety of experiences and techniques to our treatment approaches including, but not limited to, groundbreaking ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, somatic experiencing, mindfulness meditation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, gestalt therapy, art therapy, and EMDR.

I offer individual and couples therapy, and I run general process groups as well as Creative Expression and Dungeons and Dragons groups.
Because I specialize in working with people who are ready to use a hands-on, interactive approach to self-growth, I encourage clients to consider group therapy as a platform for sharing stories, building confidence, exploring new ways to strengthen relationships, and changing habits that aren't working.
I offer individual and couples therapy, and I run general process groups as well as Creative Expression and Dungeons and Dragons groups.
Because I specialize in working with people who are ready to use a hands-on, interactive approach to self-growth, I encourage clients to consider group therapy as a platform for sharing stories, building confidence, exploring new ways to strengthen relationships, and changing habits that aren't working.

Athena Gavaris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
Are you feeling anxious, depressed or struggling in your relationship?
My practice is diverse. I work with people struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, traumatic events, and chronic illness. My expertise is in working with adults, couples, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. I use many strategies to help you resolve challenges and improve your quality of life.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed or struggling in your relationship?
My practice is diverse. I work with people struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, traumatic events, and chronic illness. My expertise is in working with adults, couples, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. I use many strategies to help you resolve challenges and improve your quality of life.

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.
We will work together using an active form of therapy where you will learn skills to handle difficult thoughts and feelings more effectively. You will clarify your values, and what gives you a sense of meaning in your life, in turn this will help you live a more fulfilled life. Due to the recent viral breakout I am connecting with clients via teletherapy.
I believe that change can happen best in a safe, connected, caring environment and relationship.
We will work together using an active form of therapy where you will learn skills to handle difficult thoughts and feelings more effectively. You will clarify your values, and what gives you a sense of meaning in your life, in turn this will help you live a more fulfilled life. Due to the recent viral breakout I am connecting with clients via teletherapy.

Esra Nihan Bridge
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
Are you struggling in your relationship?
My approach is rooted in attachment theory, and I integrate evidence-based methods such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), (ACT), (CBT), the Gottman Method, and Relational Life Therapy (RLT). I take an active role in sessions, incorporating psychoeducation to deepen insight and facilitate change. Additionally, I offer Brainspotting to help process trauma.
Are you struggling in your relationship?
My approach is rooted in attachment theory, and I integrate evidence-based methods such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), (ACT), (CBT), the Gottman Method, and Relational Life Therapy (RLT). I take an active role in sessions, incorporating psychoeducation to deepen insight and facilitate change. Additionally, I offer Brainspotting to help process trauma.

I have experience successfully treating a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and other emotional difficulties.
My clients appreciate a thoughtful, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment in which I help guide them towards their values and increased flexibility in their thoughts and behavior. I have extensive experience working with individuals and couples in a variety of settings, including medical centers, outpatient clinics, and university counseling centers.
I have experience successfully treating a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and other emotional difficulties.
My clients appreciate a thoughtful, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment in which I help guide them towards their values and increased flexibility in their thoughts and behavior. I have extensive experience working with individuals and couples in a variety of settings, including medical centers, outpatient clinics, and university counseling centers.

My focuses are Anxiety, Job Stress, Life Coaching, Stress, and Relationship Issues.
I will be committed to helping you, which often includes using humor to ease the process and to help facilitate an element of trust between us. I am not one of those therapists who will sit back and nod and grunt but will use my skills to challenge you to be your best self. Having directions and knowing that you are making progress is essential.
My focuses are Anxiety, Job Stress, Life Coaching, Stress, and Relationship Issues.
I will be committed to helping you, which often includes using humor to ease the process and to help facilitate an element of trust between us. I am not one of those therapists who will sit back and nod and grunt but will use my skills to challenge you to be your best self. Having directions and knowing that you are making progress is essential.

I have a variety of experiences, but I specialize in stress and anxiety, relationship challenges, marriage, self-worth challenges, and spiritual challenges.
I have worked with a wide range of people in terms of age, presenting challenge(s), cultural background, and beliefs. I have particularly strong experience with folks struggling with anxiety and stress, depression, shame, self-esteem or self-worth, relationship difficulties, marital concerns, and spiritual concerns.
I have a variety of experiences, but I specialize in stress and anxiety, relationship challenges, marriage, self-worth challenges, and spiritual challenges.
I have worked with a wide range of people in terms of age, presenting challenge(s), cultural background, and beliefs. I have particularly strong experience with folks struggling with anxiety and stress, depression, shame, self-esteem or self-worth, relationship difficulties, marital concerns, and spiritual concerns.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) at CCHC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
It is a unique approach that is both child and parent-lead (rather than focusing on the relationship between the therapist and child), tailored to meet your specific needs, and designed to give you everything you need to be successful in handling the demands of life long after therapy has ended.
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.
It is a unique approach that is both child and parent-lead (rather than focusing on the relationship between the therapist and child), tailored to meet your specific needs, and designed to give you everything you need to be successful in handling the demands of life long after therapy has ended.
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.
See more therapy options for Potomac West, Alexandria
Couples Counseling Therapists
Does couples counseling work?
Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.
When should a couple seek counseling?
Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.
How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?
The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.
How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?
The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.