First Responders Therapists in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
I can help with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and the challenges of military or first responder life.
Healing from trauma is a courageous journey, and I'm here to walk alongside you. As a trauma therapist, I specialize in guiding individuals through their healing process using somatic practices, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and polyvagal theory. I create a safe space for exploration and growth, recognizing the ripple effects of trauma on loved ones. I also support family members of those affected, helping them foster understanding and connection. Together, we work toward resilience, empowerment, and lasting change.
I can help with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and the challenges of military or first responder life.
Healing from trauma is a courageous journey, and I'm here to walk alongside you. As a trauma therapist, I specialize in guiding individuals through their healing process using somatic practices, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and polyvagal theory. I create a safe space for exploration and growth, recognizing the ripple effects of trauma on loved ones. I also support family members of those affected, helping them foster understanding and connection. Together, we work toward resilience, empowerment, and lasting change.
With law enforcement & military backgrounds, at Zapata Clinical & Forensic Consulting, we understand the difficulties faced by first responders.
Beyond first responders, we treat individuals mandated by courts, employers, & schools. This includes support for several issues, including anger management, post-risk assessments, and sex offense-related concerns. With a nonjudgmental and evidence-based approach, we help clients meet their treatment requirements while fostering growth & accountability.
With law enforcement & military backgrounds, at Zapata Clinical & Forensic Consulting, we understand the difficulties faced by first responders.
Beyond first responders, we treat individuals mandated by courts, employers, & schools. This includes support for several issues, including anger management, post-risk assessments, and sex offense-related concerns. With a nonjudgmental and evidence-based approach, we help clients meet their treatment requirements while fostering growth & accountability.
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
Baylee Leazer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, CYT-200
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Looking for help understanding your story? Seeking more clarity about your values? Whether you’re feeling stuck in anxiety, depression, or the aftermath of trauma, or navigating life transitions, I offer a safe, collaborative space to explore your journey. Using techniques like sand tray, somatic approaches, and attachment work, we’ll reconnect with your strengths and uncover tools to help you move forward with clarity and purpose. Together, we’ll empower your growth and create meaningful change rooted in what truly matters to you.
Looking for help understanding your story? Seeking more clarity about your values? Whether you’re feeling stuck in anxiety, depression, or the aftermath of trauma, or navigating life transitions, I offer a safe, collaborative space to explore your journey. Using techniques like sand tray, somatic approaches, and attachment work, we’ll reconnect with your strengths and uncover tools to help you move forward with clarity and purpose. Together, we’ll empower your growth and create meaningful change rooted in what truly matters to you.
I believe life begins at the edge of our comfort zones with self exploration and insight to changing our maladaptive mindsets and behaviors. I am interested in motivating and aiding clients in mindfulness techniques, thought processing, and gaining insight to any negative thought and behavior patterns. I am passionate about seeing clients discover their true selves throughout their treatment.
I believe life begins at the edge of our comfort zones with self exploration and insight to changing our maladaptive mindsets and behaviors. I am interested in motivating and aiding clients in mindfulness techniques, thought processing, and gaining insight to any negative thought and behavior patterns. I am passionate about seeing clients discover their true selves throughout their treatment.
At Ellie Mental Health Alexandria we provide therapy, counseling, and wellness services to individuals, couples, and families. We provide both in-person and secure online therapy sessions. We offer compassionate and specialized mental health services to support individuals navigating a range of challenges. We’ve created a comfortable, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services that meet your therapy needs.
At Ellie Mental Health Alexandria we provide therapy, counseling, and wellness services to individuals, couples, and families. We provide both in-person and secure online therapy sessions. We offer compassionate and specialized mental health services to support individuals navigating a range of challenges. We’ve created a comfortable, judgment-free zone where you can be authentic, get real about where you’re at in your mental health, and receive the compassionate care you deserve. We strive to break down treatment barriers and provide you with customized counseling services that meet your therapy needs.
I believe the therapeutic process can guide you through a journey of self-discovery, help you practice tools to support yourself through challenging times, and to come to solutions that make sense for your personal goals. If you are an adult with a motivation to practice new responses to big emotions, process big changes, and to hear your own thoughts reflected back in order to gain new perspectives - then I'd love to work with you. I particularly love making sure that Black, brown, marginalized individuals, and those identifying as women feel particularly seen & supported in their experiences.
I believe the therapeutic process can guide you through a journey of self-discovery, help you practice tools to support yourself through challenging times, and to come to solutions that make sense for your personal goals. If you are an adult with a motivation to practice new responses to big emotions, process big changes, and to hear your own thoughts reflected back in order to gain new perspectives - then I'd love to work with you. I particularly love making sure that Black, brown, marginalized individuals, and those identifying as women feel particularly seen & supported in their experiences.
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
It has been my honor to walk life's journey with others now for the last decade, and I hope to empower individuals to meet the goals they set for themselves within their current chapter of life and beyond. I strive to work from a culturally competent and inclusive place. I also work to create a space that is warm, authentic, transparent, and empowering and is both applicable to daily life and functioning, and exploring deeper meaning for individuals.
It has been my honor to walk life's journey with others now for the last decade, and I hope to empower individuals to meet the goals they set for themselves within their current chapter of life and beyond. I strive to work from a culturally competent and inclusive place. I also work to create a space that is warm, authentic, transparent, and empowering and is both applicable to daily life and functioning, and exploring deeper meaning for individuals.
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.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, frozen & annoyed by the world around you, maybe it's grief. Grief is more than death - grief is in betrayal, trauma, life-altering diagnosis, pregnancy/baby loss, divorce & infidelity, family rejection & traumatic grief like suicide or violence.
You're an intelligent, logical, hard-working person. You want to live freely, to be present for the joy & the people around you. But you're unsettled, irritated & unable to enjoy the life you've worked hard to create.
If you're feeling stuck, worried you're in too deep, please know there is a path through grief & loss. I'd be honored to show you.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, frozen & annoyed by the world around you, maybe it's grief. Grief is more than death - grief is in betrayal, trauma, life-altering diagnosis, pregnancy/baby loss, divorce & infidelity, family rejection & traumatic grief like suicide or violence.
You're an intelligent, logical, hard-working person. You want to live freely, to be present for the joy & the people around you. But you're unsettled, irritated & unable to enjoy the life you've worked hard to create.
If you're feeling stuck, worried you're in too deep, please know there is a path through grief & loss. I'd be honored to show you.
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
I’m a licensed psychologist offering therapy to adults and couples. You may be feeling overwhelmed with stress, grief or unhappy with your relationships. I believe that our early relationships profoundly impact our view of self and expectations of others. We often get into a pattern of relationships that are stressful and challenging. Life is also full of external stress that can impact our feelings of satisfaction and joy. I am warm, supportive and will work with you to identify your goals for treatment. I am passionate about my work and feel privileged to witness the growth and recovery that therapy provides.
I’m a licensed psychologist offering therapy to adults and couples. You may be feeling overwhelmed with stress, grief or unhappy with your relationships. I believe that our early relationships profoundly impact our view of self and expectations of others. We often get into a pattern of relationships that are stressful and challenging. Life is also full of external stress that can impact our feelings of satisfaction and joy. I am warm, supportive and will work with you to identify your goals for treatment. I am passionate about my work and feel privileged to witness the growth and recovery that therapy provides.
I believe that our present day emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are linked to experiences from our past, and those events not only impact our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, but they also impact how we view ourselves and our relationships today. It’s my goal to help you grow in your self-esteem and self-acceptance, and to create the language and thought process to believe in yourself, advocate for yourself, and to be optimistic towards yourself. My ideal client is someone who is motivated and ready to challenge their current way of thinking as it relates to life and themselves as a whole.
I believe that our present day emotions, thoughts, and behaviors are linked to experiences from our past, and those events not only impact our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, but they also impact how we view ourselves and our relationships today. It’s my goal to help you grow in your self-esteem and self-acceptance, and to create the language and thought process to believe in yourself, advocate for yourself, and to be optimistic towards yourself. My ideal client is someone who is motivated and ready to challenge their current way of thinking as it relates to life and themselves as a whole.
Kristina Jorden
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
Life can be so hard, but there is hope. Are you struggling to heal from past events? Have you lost hope that peace is even possible? Sometimes the assistance of a caring, trained professional is needed for the healing journey. Effective therapy is a collaborative process. Together we will explore your brain and body's dynamic interaction for self-healing to help overcome past trauma, learn how to remain in the present, while also planning for the future self you envision.
Life can be so hard, but there is hope. Are you struggling to heal from past events? Have you lost hope that peace is even possible? Sometimes the assistance of a caring, trained professional is needed for the healing journey. Effective therapy is a collaborative process. Together we will explore your brain and body's dynamic interaction for self-healing to help overcome past trauma, learn how to remain in the present, while also planning for the future self you envision.
Online Therapists
Nick also help military personnel & first responders with PTSD, with PTSD, trauma, stress, anxiety, vicarious trauma, and the transition back to civilian life using his own experience as a veteran who served 10 years enlisted in the Air Force and 1 deployment in a combat zone.
Nick uses reflective listening, strategic inquiry, and encouragement to provide feedback and interaction that allows clients to make informed, healthy, and compassionate decisions. JRM&A has cultivated a process that helps people work through the challenges of everyday life, process past experiences, and find ways to look forward to a better future.
Nick also help military personnel & first responders with PTSD, with PTSD, trauma, stress, anxiety, vicarious trauma, and the transition back to civilian life using his own experience as a veteran who served 10 years enlisted in the Air Force and 1 deployment in a combat zone.
Nick uses reflective listening, strategic inquiry, and encouragement to provide feedback and interaction that allows clients to make informed, healthy, and compassionate decisions. JRM&A has cultivated a process that helps people work through the challenges of everyday life, process past experiences, and find ways to look forward to a better future.
Dr. Sheila Baez Brainspotting-Emdr Intensive
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, EMDR
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Online Only
As an EMDR-certified therapist and military spouse, supporting clients process and heal their brain from trauma, find relief, and regain strength is my passion.
You’re exhausted from carrying the weight of past trauma. Maybe you’re a new parent struggling with birth trauma, a first responder overwhelmed by what you've experienced, or someone battling PTSD and anxiety. Flashbacks, guilt, and constant tension keep you stuck. You long for relief, to feel safe in your body again, and to break free from the past. It doesn’t have to be this way-you don’t have to do this alone. You deserve peace and healing. Let’s work together to help you move forward and reclaim your life.
As an EMDR-certified therapist and military spouse, supporting clients process and heal their brain from trauma, find relief, and regain strength is my passion.
You’re exhausted from carrying the weight of past trauma. Maybe you’re a new parent struggling with birth trauma, a first responder overwhelmed by what you've experienced, or someone battling PTSD and anxiety. Flashbacks, guilt, and constant tension keep you stuck. You long for relief, to feel safe in your body again, and to break free from the past. It doesn’t have to be this way-you don’t have to do this alone. You deserve peace and healing. Let’s work together to help you move forward and reclaim your life.
Claire-Madeline Corso
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22314
My expertise is with military families, veterans, first responders and caregivers.
Everyone is an individual, so I don't use a "cookie cutter" approach. I learn who you are through building a relationship with you and then determine the best approach for healing. I can help you find peace so you feel at home in your life and your relationships by creating safety, and connection in your relationship with yourself, and with others.
My expertise is with military families, veterans, first responders and caregivers.
Everyone is an individual, so I don't use a "cookie cutter" approach. I learn who you are through building a relationship with you and then determine the best approach for healing. I can help you find peace so you feel at home in your life and your relationships by creating safety, and connection in your relationship with yourself, and with others.
Christina Madsen Fishback
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22314
Waitlist for new clients
I have extensive experience with the military community, government community, and first responder commmunity.
My approach is based in humanistic therapy which uses a positive approach to psychotherapy that focuses on a person's individual nature and looks at the whole person. I work collaboratively with clients to come up with a personalized approach that works for them.There is not a one size fits all approach to therapy and treament will be tailored to your needs.
I have extensive experience with the military community, government community, and first responder commmunity.
My approach is based in humanistic therapy which uses a positive approach to psychotherapy that focuses on a person's individual nature and looks at the whole person. I work collaboratively with clients to come up with a personalized approach that works for them.There is not a one size fits all approach to therapy and treament will be tailored to your needs.
See more therapy options for Potomac West, Alexandria
First Responders Therapists
Why is mental health important for first responders?
As part of their work, first responders are often exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and physical injury that can put them at a greater risk for serious mental health conditions than the general population. Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, substance use, and depression are more common in first responders, which can greatly reduce quality of life and lead to burnout, sleep disruption, and even suicidal thoughts. Therapy can offer an opportunity for first responders to process difficult on-the-job experiences and develop coping skills to better manage any mental health symptoms they may experience.
How can first responders get access to mental health support?
Many first responders can access therapy for free or at a very low cost through their employer, such as through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Workplaces may also offer or have referral recommendations for support groups, where first responders can meet with others in their profession to receive support. Individuals who would like to access mental health services outside of their employer may use their insurance benefits to see a therapist, which they can find by searching for therapists online or asking for recommendations from their primary care physician.
What type of therapy is best for first responders?
The best therapy approach depends on the mental health concerns of the client. Since many first responders struggle with trauma or PTSD, they may benefit from trauma-specific therapeutic approaches, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Exposure Therapy, or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Individuals with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress may alternatively benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches, which can help clients develop coping skills to manage distressing thoughts.
Can therapy for first responders help with trauma and PTSD?
Therapy can be highly effective in both treating and preventing trauma and PTSD in first responders. Typically, therapy for trauma and PTSD focuses on developing stress management skills and managing intrusive or unwanted thoughts. Therapists working with first responders often help clients strengthen their relationships and reduce harmful coping mechanisms, such as excessive substance use. Additionally, therapists assist first responders in establishing daily habits that support overall mental and physical health and enhance resilience to future stress, such as regular physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and improved eating habits.