Domestic Abuse Therapists in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA

Photo of Sarah Nieburg - Atlantic Behavioral Specialists LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMHP-S
Atlantic Behavioral Specialists LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMHP-S
Serves Area
At Atlantic Behavioral Specialists, we believe mental health care should feel supportive, practical, and genuinely human. We work with you to understand what’s behind your struggles and help you build tools for real, lasting change. Our team provides comprehensive mental health, psychiatric, and whole-person care tailored to your needs, using trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches. What sets us apart is our integrated model and multicultural, culturally sensitive lens — we honor your story, identity, and experiences while helping you move forward with greater stability and confidence.
At Atlantic Behavioral Specialists, we believe mental health care should feel supportive, practical, and genuinely human. We work with you to understand what’s behind your struggles and help you build tools for real, lasting change. Our team provides comprehensive mental health, psychiatric, and whole-person care tailored to your needs, using trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches. What sets us apart is our integrated model and multicultural, culturally sensitive lens — we honor your story, identity, and experiences while helping you move forward with greater stability and confidence.
(804) 312-5153 View (804) 312-5153
Photo of Nora Weiser, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Nora Weiser
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Online Only
My primary area of specialty is working with survivors of sexual and domestic violence in both childhood and adulthood, but I have worked with a variety of trauma backgrounds.
I am EMDR trained and IFS Level One Trained and use these as primary along with somatic work and DBT. I believe all these methods are helpful in reducing the impacts of trauma. We will work collaboratively, tailoring our treatment plan to your goals. I love working with my clients and feel honored to be part of this scary, vulnerable, and difficult journey!
My primary area of specialty is working with survivors of sexual and domestic violence in both childhood and adulthood, but I have worked with a variety of trauma backgrounds.
I am EMDR trained and IFS Level One Trained and use these as primary along with somatic work and DBT. I believe all these methods are helpful in reducing the impacts of trauma. We will work collaboratively, tailoring our treatment plan to your goals. I love working with my clients and feel honored to be part of this scary, vulnerable, and difficult journey!
(804) 392-1537 View (804) 392-1537
Photo of Sana Gaitonde, Psychologist, PsyD
Sana Gaitonde
Psychologist, PsyD
1 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
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.
(571) 496-8985 View (571) 496-8985
Photo of Lenée N. Essig, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP, LFYP-1, RYT200, LLC
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.
(571) 200-8460 View (571) 200-8460
Photo of Lauren Smith-Papke, Psychologist, PhD
Lauren Smith-Papke
Psychologist, PhD
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.
(540) 268-0974 View (540) 268-0974
Photo of Kris Oseth, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC, LPCC, CPT
Kris Oseth
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC, LPCC, CPT
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I will work with you to illuminate the meaning of your experience and help you practice greater self-acceptance. Therapy goals/counseling/education will be tailored to your unique needs. I may show you how to change your behavior by using Mindfulness/changing your thoughts, recovery/harm reduction tools to address substance use, guidance/education/resources for exploring sexual orientation/gender identity/transitioning/coming out, provide couples/individual work for better communication in relationships, and/or I can apply EMDR/somatic-based approaches for trauma/anxiety and even substance using/behavioral urges.
I will work with you to illuminate the meaning of your experience and help you practice greater self-acceptance. Therapy goals/counseling/education will be tailored to your unique needs. I may show you how to change your behavior by using Mindfulness/changing your thoughts, recovery/harm reduction tools to address substance use, guidance/education/resources for exploring sexual orientation/gender identity/transitioning/coming out, provide couples/individual work for better communication in relationships, and/or I can apply EMDR/somatic-based approaches for trauma/anxiety and even substance using/behavioral urges.
(202) 759-8060 View (202) 759-8060
Photo of Dr. Connie Causer, Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Dr. Connie Causer
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Serves Area
I'm committed to social justice, helping others build resilience and coping tools by creating a compassionate and safe environment for mental wellness for youth, families, and couples. I'm experienced in treating veterans and individuals with depression & PTSD, personality disorders, suicidal ideation, self-harm, psychotic symptoms, substance misuse, family and relationship distress, social stressors, and trauma. I strives to create a compassionate and safe environment for mental wellness for youth, families, and couples. I used evidenced based trauma treatment such as prolonged exposure, cognitive processing therapy.
I'm committed to social justice, helping others build resilience and coping tools by creating a compassionate and safe environment for mental wellness for youth, families, and couples. I'm experienced in treating veterans and individuals with depression & PTSD, personality disorders, suicidal ideation, self-harm, psychotic symptoms, substance misuse, family and relationship distress, social stressors, and trauma. I strives to create a compassionate and safe environment for mental wellness for youth, families, and couples. I used evidenced based trauma treatment such as prolonged exposure, cognitive processing therapy.
(571) 595-3428 View (571) 595-3428
Photo of Nina Iskander, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Nina Iskander
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Trauma Specialist with over 7 years of experience working in the field in a variety of settings, such as individuals of all ages, couples, family, group, inpatient and outpatient. I have collaborated with people to address their mental health and wellbeing, substance use and addiction, as well as co-occurring challenges. In addition, I supported my clients stabilize during crises, achieve their short and long-term goals, access community resources, and build a supportive network to meet their unique and individualized needs and desires.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Trauma Specialist with over 7 years of experience working in the field in a variety of settings, such as individuals of all ages, couples, family, group, inpatient and outpatient. I have collaborated with people to address their mental health and wellbeing, substance use and addiction, as well as co-occurring challenges. In addition, I supported my clients stabilize during crises, achieve their short and long-term goals, access community resources, and build a supportive network to meet their unique and individualized needs and desires.
(571) 548-3190 View (571) 548-3190
Photo of Carolina Duval - Pearl Vitality Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Pearl Vitality Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Serves Area
BILINGUAL (SPANISH/ENGLISH SPEAKING) THERAPIST .I believe the purpose of therapy is for you to more deeply discover who you are, what you want, and how to get it. During therapy, I will do my best to honor your personal experiences and perspective. You can count on me to provide you with honest feedback, and to offer suggestions based on my clinical training and life experiences. I encourage your active participation and collaboration as we develop our therapeutic relationship and work to meet your chosen goals.
BILINGUAL (SPANISH/ENGLISH SPEAKING) THERAPIST .I believe the purpose of therapy is for you to more deeply discover who you are, what you want, and how to get it. During therapy, I will do my best to honor your personal experiences and perspective. You can count on me to provide you with honest feedback, and to offer suggestions based on my clinical training and life experiences. I encourage your active participation and collaboration as we develop our therapeutic relationship and work to meet your chosen goals.
(703) 260-9352 View (703) 260-9352
Photo of Odis McKinzie Jr. - Healing Touch Counseling and Wellness, LLC, Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, LPC, LMHC, IFS- L2, ACS
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.
(571) 200-7119 View (571) 200-7119
Photo of Anna Buck, Resident in Counseling, MEd
Anna Buck
Resident in Counseling, MEd
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Welcome! At times, we could all use a bit of extra help in navigating life’s challenges. If you are here looking for support now, I’m glad you found me. My name is Anna Buck and I am a resident in counseling, here to help you process what might be making you feel stuck, anxious, angry, or alone. I have specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD. I am passionate about this work and about helping individuals learn to face fears in a supportive, compassionate way while reducing the patterns that keep OCD going. My approach emphasizes collaboration and trust.
Welcome! At times, we could all use a bit of extra help in navigating life’s challenges. If you are here looking for support now, I’m glad you found me. My name is Anna Buck and I am a resident in counseling, here to help you process what might be making you feel stuck, anxious, angry, or alone. I have specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD. I am passionate about this work and about helping individuals learn to face fears in a supportive, compassionate way while reducing the patterns that keep OCD going. My approach emphasizes collaboration and trust.
(757) 835-3143 View (757) 835-3143
Photo of Victoria Mwongela - The Counseling Center of Virginia , Licensed Professional Counselor, LCSW
The Counseling Center of Virginia
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCSW
Serves Area
The Counseling Center of Virginia is a team of therapists who are dedicated to helping people live fulfilling lives. Our focus is on providing relatively short-term therapy treatments that use structured, evidence-based methods to achieve positive, long-lasting results. We believe in helping individuals, couples, and families make life-enhancing changes and transitions, and are committed to doing so in a way that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Counseling Center of Virginia is a team of therapists who are dedicated to helping people live fulfilling lives. Our focus is on providing relatively short-term therapy treatments that use structured, evidence-based methods to achieve positive, long-lasting results. We believe in helping individuals, couples, and families make life-enhancing changes and transitions, and are committed to doing so in a way that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.
(571) 556-8143 View (571) 556-8143
Photo of Deborah Hall Berkley, Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD
Deborah Hall Berkley
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD
Serves Area
Hello, and welcome. My name is Deborah Berkley, and I have provided mental health services as a Licensed Professional Counselor for 30 years. During these years, I have been privileged to work with children, adolescents, and adults in the school, outpatient, clinic, and community settings. As a clinician, I believe the therapeutic relationship to be sacred, and have the utmost respect for anyone seeking mental health support. Afterall, it takes great courage to walk through those doors or make that call, and that courage must be valued.
Hello, and welcome. My name is Deborah Berkley, and I have provided mental health services as a Licensed Professional Counselor for 30 years. During these years, I have been privileged to work with children, adolescents, and adults in the school, outpatient, clinic, and community settings. As a clinician, I believe the therapeutic relationship to be sacred, and have the utmost respect for anyone seeking mental health support. Afterall, it takes great courage to walk through those doors or make that call, and that courage must be valued.
(434) 623-5213 View (434) 623-5213
Photo of Betsy Hudson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Betsy Hudson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Are you suffering from the end of a relationship? A job? Do you feel like you are in crisis, or no longer feel like yourself? Maybe you’re realizing that your life as it is in this moment is not working for you. Perhaps you feel alone, lost, or at a loss for what to do. Congratulations on taking the first step to finding relief and taking control. Life is too short to surrender to bad relationships, hold grudges, let trauma control us, or to be anxious or angry all the time. You may feel stuck, but there is hope.
Are you suffering from the end of a relationship? A job? Do you feel like you are in crisis, or no longer feel like yourself? Maybe you’re realizing that your life as it is in this moment is not working for you. Perhaps you feel alone, lost, or at a loss for what to do. Congratulations on taking the first step to finding relief and taking control. Life is too short to surrender to bad relationships, hold grudges, let trauma control us, or to be anxious or angry all the time. You may feel stuck, but there is hope.
(804) 294-4421 View (804) 294-4421
Photo of Megan Fiore - Alexandria Place Therapy, LLC, Psychologist
Alexandria Place Therapy, LLC
Psychologist
Serves Area
We, at Alexandria Place Therapy, value authentic and genuine connection with our clients and their families. We believe this connection is the groundwork for all work we do with clients. Alexandria Place Therapy offers therapeutic services in Old Town Alexandria. Our clinicians have spent their careers working with children, adolescents, young adults and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, trauma and loss. Collectively, we bring over thirty years of experience to our work and aim to offer help in vulnerable times. Our experience and specialized training afford us the opportunity to tailor treatment to meet your unique needs.
We, at Alexandria Place Therapy, value authentic and genuine connection with our clients and their families. We believe this connection is the groundwork for all work we do with clients. Alexandria Place Therapy offers therapeutic services in Old Town Alexandria. Our clinicians have spent their careers working with children, adolescents, young adults and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, trauma and loss. Collectively, we bring over thirty years of experience to our work and aim to offer help in vulnerable times. Our experience and specialized training afford us the opportunity to tailor treatment to meet your unique needs.
(703) 879-1360 View (703) 879-1360
Photo of Glen A Chilstrom, Psychologist, PhD
Glen A Chilstrom
Psychologist, PhD
Serves Area
I practice adult psychotherapy that appreciates and explores the richness and complexity of interactions between body, mind, soul, and spirit. My therapeutic work aims to help clients not only to get 'unstuck' from current symptoms and problems, but also to 'look forward' to their next stage of self-growth. Working with an integral psychology, I draw upon cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and humanistic-existential treatment modalities but add meditation, guided imagery, and dream work. In addition to seeing individuals and couples, I guide groups on 'care of the soul', loss and grief and spirituality.
I practice adult psychotherapy that appreciates and explores the richness and complexity of interactions between body, mind, soul, and spirit. My therapeutic work aims to help clients not only to get 'unstuck' from current symptoms and problems, but also to 'look forward' to their next stage of self-growth. Working with an integral psychology, I draw upon cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and humanistic-existential treatment modalities but add meditation, guided imagery, and dream work. In addition to seeing individuals and couples, I guide groups on 'care of the soul', loss and grief and spirituality.
(540) 822-0939 View (540) 822-0939
Photo of Vincent Key, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Vincent Key
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Serves Area
Therapy is an opportunity to alleviate emotional pain and a safe space to reflect and grow. When seeking therapy, many people might be unsure of what they want and afraid of uncertainty. My hope is to help you walk through a healthy perspective to replenish a meaningful and rewarding life where you can see yourself more completely and inspire yourself to be the calm within the storm. With a compassionate, non-judgmental, and psychologically mindful space, I hope you will feel deeply understood and optimistic.
Therapy is an opportunity to alleviate emotional pain and a safe space to reflect and grow. When seeking therapy, many people might be unsure of what they want and afraid of uncertainty. My hope is to help you walk through a healthy perspective to replenish a meaningful and rewarding life where you can see yourself more completely and inspire yourself to be the calm within the storm. With a compassionate, non-judgmental, and psychologically mindful space, I hope you will feel deeply understood and optimistic.
(615) 205-6488 View (615) 205-6488
Photo of Laura Macone, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Laura Macone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Too often, we feel we can't connect to our lives as we'd like to - anxiety, low mood, and hurts from the past can block our enjoyment of experiences and people. We can achieve so much, but still feel unsure of ourselves or wish that we could feel more grounded, more joyful, more present in the moment. We definitely benefit from talks with friends, reading, podcasts, and all the ways in which we can learn - but I believe there's no substitute for a great relationship with a therapist. If you haven't tried therapy, or tried and not clicked with the therapist, I hope you'll try or try again!
Too often, we feel we can't connect to our lives as we'd like to - anxiety, low mood, and hurts from the past can block our enjoyment of experiences and people. We can achieve so much, but still feel unsure of ourselves or wish that we could feel more grounded, more joyful, more present in the moment. We definitely benefit from talks with friends, reading, podcasts, and all the ways in which we can learn - but I believe there's no substitute for a great relationship with a therapist. If you haven't tried therapy, or tried and not clicked with the therapist, I hope you'll try or try again!
(571) 384-2668 View (571) 384-2668
Photo of Kristen Brenchley, Resident in Counseling
Kristen Brenchley
Resident in Counseling
Serves Area
As a dedicated therapist, I support individuals, couples, and families ready for meaningful change. I help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma recovery, and identity exploration who recognize their challenges impact daily life. I guide couples facing communication issues, trust concerns, and intimacy challenges to strengthen bonds and resolve conflicts. For families dealing with complex dynamics and parenting or difficulties, I assist in creating healthier boundaries and nurturing environments. All clients share a commitment to growth and value professional guidance in achieving their goals.
As a dedicated therapist, I support individuals, couples, and families ready for meaningful change. I help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma recovery, and identity exploration who recognize their challenges impact daily life. I guide couples facing communication issues, trust concerns, and intimacy challenges to strengthen bonds and resolve conflicts. For families dealing with complex dynamics and parenting or difficulties, I assist in creating healthier boundaries and nurturing environments. All clients share a commitment to growth and value professional guidance in achieving their goals.
(571) 605-2750 View (571) 605-2750
Photo of Jon Frederick, Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Jon Frederick
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Serves Area
If you are struggling with painful emotions, interpersonal problems, substance use challenges, or difficult life transitions, I am here to help. You will find that I work hard to understand you and to help you better understand yourself and your relationships. I believe that every person has an inner potential for healthy growth and development, and my role as a counselor is to facilitate that growth. I provide a safe and nonjudgmental space to share and better understand your thoughts, feelings, and challenges. I see clients by telehealth throughout Virginia.
If you are struggling with painful emotions, interpersonal problems, substance use challenges, or difficult life transitions, I am here to help. You will find that I work hard to understand you and to help you better understand yourself and your relationships. I believe that every person has an inner potential for healthy growth and development, and my role as a counselor is to facilitate that growth. I provide a safe and nonjudgmental space to share and better understand your thoughts, feelings, and challenges. I see clients by telehealth throughout Virginia.
(804) 587-7542 View (804) 587-7542

See more therapy options for Potomac West, Alexandria

Domestic Abuse Therapists
What are the most effective ways to recover from domestic abuse?
Leaving an abusive relationship requires tremendous courage, so survivors in treatment should recognize that they have already completed the most important step. Still, the trauma of physical or emotional abuse can be difficult to process and overcome. Therapy can help survivors process trauma, grief, and difficult emotions, treat relevant mental health symptoms, and create a new framework for boundaries and relationships in the future. For some, support groups can also be an invaluable outlet for healing.

When should an individual seek help for domestic abuse?
Victims of intimate partner violence should seek help immediately. It can take substantial time, planning, energy, and courage to leave an abusive relationship, but starting the process—by seeking therapy, calling the domestic violence hotline, or simply confiding in a loved one—will help them get there. Those who have left abusive relationships but haven’t sought treatment can also greatly benefit from therapy to process and heal from the experience.

What are the consequences of staying in an abusive relationship?
Remaining in an abusive relationship has serious repercussions. In addition to the ongoing threat of physical danger and emotional abuse, research shows that intimate partner violence is associated with a range of mental health disorders including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and substance abuse. Therefore it’s important for individuals in an abusive relationship to seek help as soon as possible.

How can you get domestic abuse treatment for someone else?
It can be very complicated to identify and leave an abusive relationship; barriers include the threat of violence, financial instability, and family pressures. Those concerned about a loved one in an abusive relationship should talk to them about the situation, provide them with resources such as the domestic violence hotline, and introduce the idea of seeing a therapist due to their concern for the person’s safety and well-being.