Family Therapy in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA

I work with a wide range of issues including: depression, anxiety, unresolved emotional issues, grief and loss, relational/ family concerns, and substance abuse.
Hello there! My name is Jennifer Smith Sims. I am licensed Mental Health Counselor (LPC) and the Owner/Founder of LifeSpark Counseling and Coaching.I have over sixteen years of experience in the field and I have a solid foundation in utilizing techniques from Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Schema-Focused Cognitive Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution focused therapy. I also have a strong Christian faith and am very passionate about providing faith based counseling to those individuals that want to incorporate their faith into our sessions.
I work with a wide range of issues including: depression, anxiety, unresolved emotional issues, grief and loss, relational/ family concerns, and substance abuse.
Hello there! My name is Jennifer Smith Sims. I am licensed Mental Health Counselor (LPC) and the Owner/Founder of LifeSpark Counseling and Coaching.I have over sixteen years of experience in the field and I have a solid foundation in utilizing techniques from Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Schema-Focused Cognitive Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution focused therapy. I also have a strong Christian faith and am very passionate about providing faith based counseling to those individuals that want to incorporate their faith into our sessions.
My treatment modalities are Individual, Group and Family Counseling.
I have been working in the counseling and substance use field for over 25+ years working in the areas of mental health, substance abuse , corrections and leadership. I serve various individuals who seek assistance in working through life issues and moving forward. I offer Counseling and Psychotherapy Services to address: Relationship Issues, Anger, Depression, Anxiety, Work/Home Stress, Life Transitions, Grief and Loss, Healing from Current and Past Trauma, Interpersonal Relations, Parenting, Self-Esteem, Sexuality, Gender Identification and other impasses.
My treatment modalities are Individual, Group and Family Counseling.
I have been working in the counseling and substance use field for over 25+ years working in the areas of mental health, substance abuse , corrections and leadership. I serve various individuals who seek assistance in working through life issues and moving forward. I offer Counseling and Psychotherapy Services to address: Relationship Issues, Anger, Depression, Anxiety, Work/Home Stress, Life Transitions, Grief and Loss, Healing from Current and Past Trauma, Interpersonal Relations, Parenting, Self-Esteem, Sexuality, Gender Identification and other impasses.

We tailor and continuously adjust your treatment plan to meet your unique needs, ensuring the best possible support for you and your family.
The Center for Cognitive Therapy and Assessment (CCTA) was founded in 2005 by Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Katie O’Meara, Psy.D., with the mission of providing accessible, compassionate, and evidence-based care to the Northern Virginia community. CCTA is dedicated to offering warm, person-centered therapy that addresses each individual’s unique needs. Over the years, CCTA has grown to serve clients of all ages, now offering comprehensive treatment options in both Falls Church and Alexandria, Virginia. We are proud to be a trusted resource for mental health care in the region.
We tailor and continuously adjust your treatment plan to meet your unique needs, ensuring the best possible support for you and your family.
The Center for Cognitive Therapy and Assessment (CCTA) was founded in 2005 by Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Katie O’Meara, Psy.D., with the mission of providing accessible, compassionate, and evidence-based care to the Northern Virginia community. CCTA is dedicated to offering warm, person-centered therapy that addresses each individual’s unique needs. Over the years, CCTA has grown to serve clients of all ages, now offering comprehensive treatment options in both Falls Church and Alexandria, Virginia. We are proud to be a trusted resource for mental health care in the region.

SMYAL's LGBTQ+ Clinical Therapy Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Serves Area
This support group is for parents, caregivers, friends, and family of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
SMYAL’s mental health counseling services offer FREE therapy and provides a safe and inclusive space for you to explore your emotions and experiences. We know that finding a therapist who understands you and your community can be frustrating, expensive, and nerve-wracking. At SMYAL, we’re working to remove these barriers. Our team of therapists are well-versed in the challenges that LGBTQ+ youth face, and we are here to help you navigate those challenges with confidence and resilience. Whether you’re you’re struggling with self-acceptance, coming out, or dealing with discrimination, SMYAL is here for you!
This support group is for parents, caregivers, friends, and family of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
SMYAL’s mental health counseling services offer FREE therapy and provides a safe and inclusive space for you to explore your emotions and experiences. We know that finding a therapist who understands you and your community can be frustrating, expensive, and nerve-wracking. At SMYAL, we’re working to remove these barriers. Our team of therapists are well-versed in the challenges that LGBTQ+ youth face, and we are here to help you navigate those challenges with confidence and resilience. Whether you’re you’re struggling with self-acceptance, coming out, or dealing with discrimination, SMYAL is here for you!

I approach therapy from a place of compassion, curiosity, and openness and integrate a wide variety of methods in my work with clients, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) based on attachment theory, Somatic, Trauma-informed CBT, Family Systems, and Solution-Focused Strategies.
I have an extensive educational background and experience in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. I also specialize in individual and couples counseling and provide therapeutic services for a wide variety of mental health conditions, including trauma, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, issues related to gender and identity development, neurodivergence and cross-cultural issues, parenting, marriage, relationships, and more.
I approach therapy from a place of compassion, curiosity, and openness and integrate a wide variety of methods in my work with clients, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) based on attachment theory, Somatic, Trauma-informed CBT, Family Systems, and Solution-Focused Strategies.
I have an extensive educational background and experience in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. I also specialize in individual and couples counseling and provide therapeutic services for a wide variety of mental health conditions, including trauma, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, issues related to gender and identity development, neurodivergence and cross-cultural issues, parenting, marriage, relationships, and more.

I have experience providing individual, group, and family therapy in both English and Spanish (bilingual) across diverse treatment settings, including outpatient therapy, home-based counseling, addiction intervention, and school mental health counseling.
My name is Christina Cornejo, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 8 years of experience providing therapy to a diverse population facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, substance use, and trauma. I am passionate about helping individuals find their healing path and work through past traumas. As a compassionate and empathetic clinician, I meet clients where they are, offering a non-judgmental space. I believe therapy is a powerful tool to guide people toward inner peace and personal growth.
I have experience providing individual, group, and family therapy in both English and Spanish (bilingual) across diverse treatment settings, including outpatient therapy, home-based counseling, addiction intervention, and school mental health counseling.
My name is Christina Cornejo, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 8 years of experience providing therapy to a diverse population facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, substance use, and trauma. I am passionate about helping individuals find their healing path and work through past traumas. As a compassionate and empathetic clinician, I meet clients where they are, offering a non-judgmental space. I believe therapy is a powerful tool to guide people toward inner peace and personal growth.

Rising Recovery and Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Together we can address challenges from anger, anxiety and depression to family history, relationship and parenting issues.
My areas of specialty include trauma/PTSD, substance use recovery and behavioral health concerns, and working with neurodivergent adults and parents of neurodivergent young people. I also love helping couples (including mixed-neurotype couples) learn to understand each other better. I offer individual & couples therapy, parent coaching, & recovery coaching.
Together we can address challenges from anger, anxiety and depression to family history, relationship and parenting issues.
My areas of specialty include trauma/PTSD, substance use recovery and behavioral health concerns, and working with neurodivergent adults and parents of neurodivergent young people. I also love helping couples (including mixed-neurotype couples) learn to understand each other better. I offer individual & couples therapy, parent coaching, & recovery coaching.

Most importantly, decrease stress, anxiety, achieve work-life balance, enhance communication and interpersonal skills, improve time management and productivity, sharpen your decision-making skills, relationships with colleagues, friends, and family.
COUPLES & INDIV: Do you feel like you have a bump in your relationship and need to hit the reset button? Are you wondering what’s next, but don’t know where to begin? Do you feel like you're stuck in a cycle of worry and loss of control? As a highly experienced psychologist with over 30 years of expertise, I can help you make lasting changes and achieve your goals. Whether you're seeking guidance as a couple or as an individual, I offer a strength-based approach that can help you navigate through stressful times and find fulfillment in your relationships. Reach out and take the first step towards a happier, more balanced life.
Most importantly, decrease stress, anxiety, achieve work-life balance, enhance communication and interpersonal skills, improve time management and productivity, sharpen your decision-making skills, relationships with colleagues, friends, and family.
COUPLES & INDIV: Do you feel like you have a bump in your relationship and need to hit the reset button? Are you wondering what’s next, but don’t know where to begin? Do you feel like you're stuck in a cycle of worry and loss of control? As a highly experienced psychologist with over 30 years of expertise, I can help you make lasting changes and achieve your goals. Whether you're seeking guidance as a couple or as an individual, I offer a strength-based approach that can help you navigate through stressful times and find fulfillment in your relationships. Reach out and take the first step towards a happier, more balanced life.

My mission is to work with your child to achieve their full potential. I design plans that incorporate the natural environment to develop life skills and unlock your child’s tremendous potential. My approach is rooted in science and driven by daily insight from interacting with your child. As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum and a professional, I have had extensive experience working with children with special needs and training parents. I understand the challenges that your family faces. I believe that parent involvement plays a crucial role in the intervention and I want to give the best support to continue the work.
My mission is to work with your child to achieve their full potential. I design plans that incorporate the natural environment to develop life skills and unlock your child’s tremendous potential. My approach is rooted in science and driven by daily insight from interacting with your child. As a parent of a child on the autism spectrum and a professional, I have had extensive experience working with children with special needs and training parents. I understand the challenges that your family faces. I believe that parent involvement plays a crucial role in the intervention and I want to give the best support to continue the work.

Hi, my name is Debbie Kirkwood, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor.
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.
Hi, my name is Debbie Kirkwood, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor.
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 specialize in anxiety, eating disorders, depression, addiction, anger management, and family conflict.
I completed my Master of Arts in Art Therapy at George Washington University. I use various therapeutic modalities, including art therapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy, and exposure response prevention, tailoring each session to meet your needs.
I specialize in anxiety, eating disorders, depression, addiction, anger management, and family conflict.
I completed my Master of Arts in Art Therapy at George Washington University. I use various therapeutic modalities, including art therapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy, and exposure response prevention, tailoring each session to meet your needs.
Meet Our Family Therapy

I believe in working from a holistic/ empowering approach, tending to the mind, body and spirit of the individual and family.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing and integrative medicine for mental health. I also use other methods to fit the needs and of the individual. I honor and attend to social and cultural issues such as discrimination, racial and gender bias and multi-generational post traumatic stress.
I believe in working from a holistic/ empowering approach, tending to the mind, body and spirit of the individual and family.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing and integrative medicine for mental health. I also use other methods to fit the needs and of the individual. I honor and attend to social and cultural issues such as discrimination, racial and gender bias and multi-generational post traumatic stress.

Bethany Larson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
As a certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, I am passionate about helping individuals connect to their internal worlds to help them navigate their external circumstances with clarity, compassion, connection, and courage.
IFS therapy is a collaborative, non-pathologizing, evidenced-based approach that offers an empowering view of our internal worlds to create lasting emotional change. For years I have studied and practiced IFS both personally and professionally. I have felt and seen the profound healing qualities it offers and feel honored to share it with you.
As a certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapist, I am passionate about helping individuals connect to their internal worlds to help them navigate their external circumstances with clarity, compassion, connection, and courage.
IFS therapy is a collaborative, non-pathologizing, evidenced-based approach that offers an empowering view of our internal worlds to create lasting emotional change. For years I have studied and practiced IFS both personally and professionally. I have felt and seen the profound healing qualities it offers and feel honored to share it with you.

I'm trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Theory, Family Systems, Gottman's Couples Therapy Level I, Trauma Focused CBT, EMDR, and Integrative Therapy.
Are you tired of repeating the same patterns over and over again? Are you ready to make changes in your life? I can help you develop new healthy coping tools and gain power over your life. If you are experiencing difficulty with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, life transitions, communication, relationships, or just feel "stuck " I can help provide some relief and guidance. I use a warm, collaborate and evidence-based approach to help you utilize better coping strategies, gain support, understand your emotions, challenge your negative thought patterns, find and develop your strengths, and set your own personal goals.
I'm trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Theory, Family Systems, Gottman's Couples Therapy Level I, Trauma Focused CBT, EMDR, and Integrative Therapy.
Are you tired of repeating the same patterns over and over again? Are you ready to make changes in your life? I can help you develop new healthy coping tools and gain power over your life. If you are experiencing difficulty with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, life transitions, communication, relationships, or just feel "stuck " I can help provide some relief and guidance. I use a warm, collaborate and evidence-based approach to help you utilize better coping strategies, gain support, understand your emotions, challenge your negative thought patterns, find and develop your strengths, and set your own personal goals.

Lauren Timkovich, LCSW, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
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.
Right now you may be feeling anxious, stressed, unhappy or full of self-doubt. Perhaps you are feeling stuck in your relationship, unsure about your career, feeling disconnected from those you care about or lonely. Sometimes we feel at a loss of what step to take next or so overwhelmed with stress we can’t even make decisions. Too often, we have come to believe things about ourselves that are not true. I get it AND I can help. Together, we will work to heal those untrue beliefs and change the ways you feel about yourself so that you can live a joy-filled life and have the satisfying and loving relationships you want.
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.
Right now you may be feeling anxious, stressed, unhappy or full of self-doubt. Perhaps you are feeling stuck in your relationship, unsure about your career, feeling disconnected from those you care about or lonely. Sometimes we feel at a loss of what step to take next or so overwhelmed with stress we can’t even make decisions. Too often, we have come to believe things about ourselves that are not true. I get it AND I can help. Together, we will work to heal those untrue beliefs and change the ways you feel about yourself so that you can live a joy-filled life and have the satisfying and loving relationships you want.

Tracy DeBellis
Resident in Counseling
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
I work with clients suffering with issues related to anxiety, depression, relationships, self compassion, body acceptance, finding meaning, family issues, spirituality and others.
I am a therapist working in the Del Ray area. I offer one-to-one sessions in a warm, un-judgmental atmosphere helping you explore your issues with compassion and curiosity. I believe that by being heard and seen within a supportive container you can begin to expand your own awareness and agency, restore your sense of aliveness & live life in fuller contact.
I work with clients suffering with issues related to anxiety, depression, relationships, self compassion, body acceptance, finding meaning, family issues, spirituality and others.
I am a therapist working in the Del Ray area. I offer one-to-one sessions in a warm, un-judgmental atmosphere helping you explore your issues with compassion and curiosity. I believe that by being heard and seen within a supportive container you can begin to expand your own awareness and agency, restore your sense of aliveness & live life in fuller contact.

Lawrence Franco
Resident in Counseling, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
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.
Navigating distress on your own can be difficult, overwhelming, and even insurmountable. Maybe you feel stuck, misunderstood, or even lost. Seeking guidance to navigate this may seem even more daunting. I open a door for you to explore this in a way that seeks to connect with you, your identity, and unique life experience. My person-centered approach starts with true unconditional positive regard - cultivating a space that is warm, genuine, free of judgement, open to all ideas, and culturally sensitive. I offer a tailored therapeutic relationship that fits your needs while drawing from a number of evidence-based interventions.
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.
Navigating distress on your own can be difficult, overwhelming, and even insurmountable. Maybe you feel stuck, misunderstood, or even lost. Seeking guidance to navigate this may seem even more daunting. I open a door for you to explore this in a way that seeks to connect with you, your identity, and unique life experience. My person-centered approach starts with true unconditional positive regard - cultivating a space that is warm, genuine, free of judgement, open to all ideas, and culturally sensitive. I offer a tailored therapeutic relationship that fits your needs while drawing from a number of evidence-based interventions.

Andrada Florescu
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
I specialize in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, EMDR, Hypnotherapy, Family Constellations, and Mindfulness Techniques.
I empower clients by connecting them with their strengths to heal and grow. My priority as a therapist is to provide a safe space for you to feel heard and understood. I have experience working with adults and teens who are struggling with trauma, grief, depression, and chronic pain. My holistic approach integrates Mindfulness, Trauma-Informed Therapy, Parts, and somatic work. I am trained in EMDR, Hypnosis, and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).
I specialize in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, EMDR, Hypnotherapy, Family Constellations, and Mindfulness Techniques.
I empower clients by connecting them with their strengths to heal and grow. My priority as a therapist is to provide a safe space for you to feel heard and understood. I have experience working with adults and teens who are struggling with trauma, grief, depression, and chronic pain. My holistic approach integrates Mindfulness, Trauma-Informed Therapy, Parts, and somatic work. I am trained in EMDR, Hypnosis, and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).

I work with clients to help them through difficult issues involving marriage and family relationships, depression, anxiety, sexual assault and other trauma. My goal is to help my clients achieve the best results in the shortest amount of time so that they can get on with their lives. If you're feeling stuck, I want to help you find a way to move on. For your convenience, I can provide a Super Bill for insurance reimbursement for clients who are out-of-network.
I work with clients to help them through difficult issues involving marriage and family relationships, depression, anxiety, sexual assault and other trauma. My goal is to help my clients achieve the best results in the shortest amount of time so that they can get on with their lives. If you're feeling stuck, I want to help you find a way to move on. For your convenience, I can provide a Super Bill for insurance reimbursement for clients who are out-of-network.

Let's explore the unique opportunities within yourself, your partner, and your family.
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.
Let's explore the unique opportunities within yourself, your partner, and your family.
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.
See more therapy options for Potomac West, Alexandria
Family Therapy
What do family therapists do?
A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.
How long does therapy for families take to work?
Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.
How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?
You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.
Is therapy for families effective?
Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.