Domestic Abuse Therapists in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
I have expertise in working with individuals who have experienced domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Topics we can work on include depression, anxiety, trauma, and life adjustments. My approach integrates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness techniques.
I have expertise in working with individuals who have experienced domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Topics we can work on include depression, anxiety, trauma, and life adjustments. My approach integrates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, and mindfulness techniques.
I'm open to clients from all walks of life but I specialize in culturally-sensitive and culturally-adaptive techniques regarding migrant & refugee issues, first-gen Americans, family and domestic violence, PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
I could throw a lot of buzzwords at you about holistic care, mindfulness, and wellness but you've likely read enough of that by the time you've gotten here. So I'd rather be honest:
In a world that feels so unauthentic right now, I strive to provide a space where you can speak freely and process what is going on with you and around you. I am a firm believer everyone is the master of their own experience, and therapy can be used as a tool to focus on changes you want to make and help you cope with it all. My goal is for you to show up each session willing to dive deep and make those shifts.
I'm open to clients from all walks of life but I specialize in culturally-sensitive and culturally-adaptive techniques regarding migrant & refugee issues, first-gen Americans, family and domestic violence, PTSD, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
I could throw a lot of buzzwords at you about holistic care, mindfulness, and wellness but you've likely read enough of that by the time you've gotten here. So I'd rather be honest:
In a world that feels so unauthentic right now, I strive to provide a space where you can speak freely and process what is going on with you and around you. I am a firm believer everyone is the master of their own experience, and therapy can be used as a tool to focus on changes you want to make and help you cope with it all. My goal is for you to show up each session willing to dive deep and make those shifts.
Dona Paknejad
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Paknejad has extensive experience working with domestic and international families living and working in the DC MD VA area, including addressing changes in mood and overall functioning and focusing on issues and stresses around assimilation and acculturation due to changes in one's personal and professional settings.
Additionally, Ms. Paknejad works to help individuals who have suffered traumatic experiences through the use of trauma informed practices that can help in alleviating symptoms of such traumas. Counseling is available in Farsi and Portuguese, as well as French on a conversational level.
Paknejad has extensive experience working with domestic and international families living and working in the DC MD VA area, including addressing changes in mood and overall functioning and focusing on issues and stresses around assimilation and acculturation due to changes in one's personal and professional settings.
Additionally, Ms. Paknejad works to help individuals who have suffered traumatic experiences through the use of trauma informed practices that can help in alleviating symptoms of such traumas. Counseling is available in Farsi and Portuguese, as well as French on a conversational level.
Nichole A Phillips
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MDiv, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I specialize in persons who are living through depression/anxiety, grief/loss and also those who feel "stuck" by a traumatic event (sexual abuse, major death, etc) from their past.
Using a combination of traditional "talk therapy" and more creative interventions (music, art, writing, etc), I work with each client to identify those thoughts, patterns or areas in their lives that need healing and create a safe space for that to take place.
I specialize in persons who are living through depression/anxiety, grief/loss and also those who feel "stuck" by a traumatic event (sexual abuse, major death, etc) from their past.
Using a combination of traditional "talk therapy" and more creative interventions (music, art, writing, etc), I work with each client to identify those thoughts, patterns or areas in their lives that need healing and create a safe space for that to take place.
Faith Ferber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I have over a decade of experience working with survivors of sexual and domestic violence and people struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD/cPTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and issues related to sex and sexuality.
I am particularly interested in working with survivors of trauma and interpersonal violence, people in polyamorous or consensually non-monogamous relationships, those who are kink-identified, the LGBTQIA community, sex workers, folks with chronic pain/illness or other disabilities, and those seeking psychedelic-assisted therapy.
I have over a decade of experience working with survivors of sexual and domestic violence and people struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD/cPTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and issues related to sex and sexuality.
I am particularly interested in working with survivors of trauma and interpersonal violence, people in polyamorous or consensually non-monogamous relationships, those who are kink-identified, the LGBTQIA community, sex workers, folks with chronic pain/illness or other disabilities, and those seeking psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Emilie Trudeau
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, LGPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have experience working with individuals with a wide-range of experiences from domestic abuse to bullying, and helping clients find their voice throughout those struggles, as well as the treatment of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and OCD.
My approach to therapy is a multifaceted approach in that it is a combination of person-centered therapy, attachment theory, and a trauma informed lens in order to allow clients a safe space to share their emotions. I am experienced in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for trauma.
I have experience working with individuals with a wide-range of experiences from domestic abuse to bullying, and helping clients find their voice throughout those struggles, as well as the treatment of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and OCD.
My approach to therapy is a multifaceted approach in that it is a combination of person-centered therapy, attachment theory, and a trauma informed lens in order to allow clients a safe space to share their emotions. I am experienced in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for trauma.
My specialties include PTSD, C-PTSD, trauma, abuse, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, pre-teen and teen mental health, dissociative disorders, family relationships, grief/bereavement, life transitions, military/veteran support, multicultural issues, sex/intimacy/romantic relationships, psychosis, gender identity, LGBTQIA+ support, and anger management
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.
My specialties include PTSD, C-PTSD, trauma, abuse, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, pre-teen and teen mental health, dissociative disorders, family relationships, grief/bereavement, life transitions, military/veteran support, multicultural issues, sex/intimacy/romantic relationships, psychosis, gender identity, LGBTQIA+ support, and anger management
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.
Jennifer Maher
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, ACS, CT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Online Only
I specialize in the field of trauma, working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual and physical abuse.
As a clinician and certified Clinical Traumatologist , I utilize an integrative approach in my therapeutic discipline, taking into account the biopsychospiritual nature of the human person. With this as my foundation, I provide an unconditionally loving and emotionally safe clinical environment for individuals who are looking to learn how to deepen their understanding of what is preventing them from flourishing individually and interpersonally.
I specialize in the field of trauma, working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual and physical abuse.
As a clinician and certified Clinical Traumatologist , I utilize an integrative approach in my therapeutic discipline, taking into account the biopsychospiritual nature of the human person. With this as my foundation, I provide an unconditionally loving and emotionally safe clinical environment for individuals who are looking to learn how to deepen their understanding of what is preventing them from flourishing individually and interpersonally.
Lenée N. Essig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SEP, LFYP-1, RYT200, LLC
Verified Verified
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.
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.
Lauren Smith-Papke
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
I am a clinical psychologist, who enjoys working with adults across the lifespan in individual psychotherapy. I have worked with many different types of individuals in day treatment, community mental health, and counseling center settings; I have also worked at The Women's Center as a therapist and supervisor of graduate students for the past 9 years. I strive to understand each client as a complex individual, and work with the client to clarify the nature of their difficulties, identify strengths and resources, and engage together in the process of increased insight and change.
I am a clinical psychologist, who enjoys working with adults across the lifespan in individual psychotherapy. I have worked with many different types of individuals in day treatment, community mental health, and counseling center settings; I have also worked at The Women's Center as a therapist and supervisor of graduate students for the past 9 years. I strive to understand each client as a complex individual, and work with the client to clarify the nature of their difficulties, identify strengths and resources, and engage together in the process of increased insight and change.
Meet Our Domestic Abuse Therapists
You’re self-aware, intuitive, and often the one your friends turn to, but you’re tired. Deep down, you might be craving a space where you don’t have to hold it all together. A space to be honest about your needs, your burnout, and what healing really looks like for you. I have years of experience supporting trauma survivors and offer an affirming space for LGBTQ+ people. My approach is collaborative and grounded, combining practical tools with meaningful emotional work. Together we’ll honor your story, build on your strengths, and create space for you to feel more grounded, confident, and connected in your life.
You’re self-aware, intuitive, and often the one your friends turn to, but you’re tired. Deep down, you might be craving a space where you don’t have to hold it all together. A space to be honest about your needs, your burnout, and what healing really looks like for you. I have years of experience supporting trauma survivors and offer an affirming space for LGBTQ+ people. My approach is collaborative and grounded, combining practical tools with meaningful emotional work. Together we’ll honor your story, build on your strengths, and create space for you to feel more grounded, confident, and connected in your life.
Do you feel your worries are getting in the way of every day experiences? Are you a new parent struggling with the weight of your new responsibilities? Are your internal doubts or concerns creating space between you and the relationships you want? You are not alone. Many people struggle with the daily concerns and troubles which get in the way of being able to enjoy life and achieve their goals. Whether it is experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, or major life transitions, reaching out for help through counseling can help to lessen the overwhelming emotions and make life feel a little more under control.
Do you feel your worries are getting in the way of every day experiences? Are you a new parent struggling with the weight of your new responsibilities? Are your internal doubts or concerns creating space between you and the relationships you want? You are not alone. Many people struggle with the daily concerns and troubles which get in the way of being able to enjoy life and achieve their goals. Whether it is experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, or major life transitions, reaching out for help through counseling can help to lessen the overwhelming emotions and make life feel a little more under control.
Thomas M. Lewis
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, C-DBT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
At Dominion Psychology and Wellness Center, our therapists excel in assisting clients to alter their reactive behaviors and thought patterns. Mr. Lewis offers personalized therapy to clients, both neurotypical and neurodivergent, dealing with issues related to depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, autism, ADHD, oppositional defiance, and compulsive behaviors. We take great pride in providing professional, top-quality, and effective mental health services and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to work with each individual.
At Dominion Psychology and Wellness Center, our therapists excel in assisting clients to alter their reactive behaviors and thought patterns. Mr. Lewis offers personalized therapy to clients, both neurotypical and neurodivergent, dealing with issues related to depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, autism, ADHD, oppositional defiance, and compulsive behaviors. We take great pride in providing professional, top-quality, and effective mental health services and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to work with each individual.
Andrea Leigh Attilli
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Individuals aren't defined by their diagnosis or symptoms. You possess the potential for full recovery and relief from overwhelming behavioral health symptoms is fully achievable. In a non-judgmental atmosphere, we'll work together to identify and focus on areas of existing strengths to instill new skills, hope, resiliency, and sustainable recovery. Specifically, I have expertise in suicidality, trauma related disorders, and management of symptoms related to depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
Individuals aren't defined by their diagnosis or symptoms. You possess the potential for full recovery and relief from overwhelming behavioral health symptoms is fully achievable. In a non-judgmental atmosphere, we'll work together to identify and focus on areas of existing strengths to instill new skills, hope, resiliency, and sustainable recovery. Specifically, I have expertise in suicidality, trauma related disorders, and management of symptoms related to depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
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.
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.
I enjoy working with clients that have a genuine interest in learning more about themselves and why they have developed certain healthy and unhealthy coping skills. I have experience working with clients that have experienced Anxiety, PTSD, Depression, Trauma, Grief and Loss and with clients that have just felt lost. As a therapist I consider myself a guide that helps others navigate life’s up and downs; such as, love, loss, illness, work stress and life/career transitions. To schedule a consultation please contact me at helloalma.com.
I enjoy working with clients that have a genuine interest in learning more about themselves and why they have developed certain healthy and unhealthy coping skills. I have experience working with clients that have experienced Anxiety, PTSD, Depression, Trauma, Grief and Loss and with clients that have just felt lost. As a therapist I consider myself a guide that helps others navigate life’s up and downs; such as, love, loss, illness, work stress and life/career transitions. To schedule a consultation please contact me at helloalma.com.
You’re not feeling like yourself, maybe you haven’t felt like yourself for a long time. You’re not sure where to turn, you’ve been pushing yourself to keep going, and it’s getting harder to do. Maybe you’ve lost relationships or had a set back in your life plans. What you know is you’re stuck and you don’t know how to move forward. Sometimes you feel like giving up, but right now you’re looking for help. You want to feel hope again, you want to pull your life together, find that next step. You’d also like to work on relationships, and set new goals for your life.
You’re not feeling like yourself, maybe you haven’t felt like yourself for a long time. You’re not sure where to turn, you’ve been pushing yourself to keep going, and it’s getting harder to do. Maybe you’ve lost relationships or had a set back in your life plans. What you know is you’re stuck and you don’t know how to move forward. Sometimes you feel like giving up, but right now you’re looking for help. You want to feel hope again, you want to pull your life together, find that next step. You’d also like to work on relationships, and set new goals for your life.
Do you struggle with intimacy issues or feel disconnected in your relationships? Is it affecting your ability to form meaningful connections? Do you feel overwhelmed by the thought of discussing sex and intimacy? Do you wonder if your sex life could be more fulfilling? Now more than ever, people of all genders & sexual orientations are feeling uncertain about overcoming societal stigmas around sex & intimacy. We believe it shouldn’t be so hard to live a fulfilling sexual life! At Sexhale Services LLC, I offer sex therapy and intimacy coaching for adults seeking to enhance their personal & sexual relationship.
Do you struggle with intimacy issues or feel disconnected in your relationships? Is it affecting your ability to form meaningful connections? Do you feel overwhelmed by the thought of discussing sex and intimacy? Do you wonder if your sex life could be more fulfilling? Now more than ever, people of all genders & sexual orientations are feeling uncertain about overcoming societal stigmas around sex & intimacy. We believe it shouldn’t be so hard to live a fulfilling sexual life! At Sexhale Services LLC, I offer sex therapy and intimacy coaching for adults seeking to enhance their personal & sexual relationship.
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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.