Gestalt Therapists in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Tracy DeBellis
Resident in Counseling
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
My training is as a mindfulness based transpersonal therapist, with a particular focus on Gestalt therapy.
‘There is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist… The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions it is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.’ - Martha Graham, dancer and choreographer.
Life can be challenging and coping strategies can quickly become habits. I work with clients suffering with issues related to anxiety, depression, relationships, self compassion, body acceptance, finding meaning, family issues, spirituality and others.
My training is as a mindfulness based transpersonal therapist, with a particular focus on Gestalt therapy.
‘There is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist… The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions it is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open.’ - Martha Graham, dancer and choreographer.
Life can be challenging and coping strategies can quickly become habits. I work with clients suffering with issues related to anxiety, depression, relationships, self compassion, body acceptance, finding meaning, family issues, spirituality and others.
We bring a variety of experiences and techniques to our treatment approaches including, but not limited to, groundbreaking ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, somatic experiencing, mindfulness meditation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, gestalt therapy, art therapy, and EMDR.
We are a vibrant and energetic group of clinical psychologists, therapists, and wellness professionals located in the Del Ray area of Alexandria, VA. We are passionate about guiding adolescents and adults on their personal journeys of growth and transformation through a holistic approach to psychotherapy. We believe that wellness is attained by addressing the mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is to provide a trusting therapeutic relationship to each client, as it is an essential framework to facilitate self awareness, healing, and personal evolution.
We bring a variety of experiences and techniques to our treatment approaches including, but not limited to, groundbreaking ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, somatic experiencing, mindfulness meditation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, gestalt therapy, art therapy, and EMDR.
We are a vibrant and energetic group of clinical psychologists, therapists, and wellness professionals located in the Del Ray area of Alexandria, VA. We are passionate about guiding adolescents and adults on their personal journeys of growth and transformation through a holistic approach to psychotherapy. We believe that wellness is attained by addressing the mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is to provide a trusting therapeutic relationship to each client, as it is an essential framework to facilitate self awareness, healing, and personal evolution.
As a therapist and musician, I work to create a space that welcomes and inspires you to see new possibilities, discover your inner voice, create deeper connections in your life, and move steadily toward your dreams. I offer individual and couples therapy, and I run general process groups as well as Creative Expression and Dungeons and Dragons groups. I specialize in using relational perspectives to help you get unstuck.
As a therapist and musician, I work to create a space that welcomes and inspires you to see new possibilities, discover your inner voice, create deeper connections in your life, and move steadily toward your dreams. I offer individual and couples therapy, and I run general process groups as well as Creative Expression and Dungeons and Dragons groups. I specialize in using relational perspectives to help you get unstuck.
Are you feeling stuck in your life? Is your depression, anxiety, or trauma symptoms not changing despite taking various medications or attending years of talk therapy? Interested in an alternative therapy like psychedelic assisted psychotherapy? If you are looking for a more holistic orientation that incorporates the mind, body, and spirit, with somatic based ketamine assisted psychotherapy, then I may be a good fit for you. My goal is to help people achieve their desired level of wellbeing by helping them to heal quicker and to break through through barriers that prevent them from living fully.
Are you feeling stuck in your life? Is your depression, anxiety, or trauma symptoms not changing despite taking various medications or attending years of talk therapy? Interested in an alternative therapy like psychedelic assisted psychotherapy? If you are looking for a more holistic orientation that incorporates the mind, body, and spirit, with somatic based ketamine assisted psychotherapy, then I may be a good fit for you. My goal is to help people achieve their desired level of wellbeing by helping them to heal quicker and to break through through barriers that prevent them from living fully.
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.
Ashley Patrican
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I believe that therapy is about the journey towards self-discovery and joining that person on a quest to seek out the answers they already have within themselves. The ideal client is a person who is open to learning, determined to self-improve and committed to the therapeutic relationship. My experiences with mental health range from: autism, mood disorders, postpartum depression, lyme disease, suicide ideation, gender identity concerns,personality disorders, chronic pain, trauma, behavioral management, social skills training, parent training, psychosis to substance use.. My career background is in schools, crisis stabilization, home-based counseling and working with INOVA.
I believe that therapy is about the journey towards self-discovery and joining that person on a quest to seek out the answers they already have within themselves. The ideal client is a person who is open to learning, determined to self-improve and committed to the therapeutic relationship. My experiences with mental health range from: autism, mood disorders, postpartum depression, lyme disease, suicide ideation, gender identity concerns,personality disorders, chronic pain, trauma, behavioral management, social skills training, parent training, psychosis to substance use.. My career background is in schools, crisis stabilization, home-based counseling and working with INOVA.
I am a licensed clinical therapist in Virginia (LSCW) and Florida (LCSW) with over 22 years of experience working as a counselor and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and substance abuse-related issues.
I am a licensed clinical therapist in Virginia (LSCW) and Florida (LCSW) with over 22 years of experience working as a counselor and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and substance abuse-related issues.
As a therapist, my approach is integrative and tailored to the unique needs of each individual. The core focus is on building a strong therapeutic relationship, fostering self-awareness, and developing practical coping strategies to manage life's challenges. The overall goal is to empower individuals to gain insight, develop healthier thinking patterns, and enhance their coping skills, fostering a fulfilling and balanced life.
As a therapist, my approach is integrative and tailored to the unique needs of each individual. The core focus is on building a strong therapeutic relationship, fostering self-awareness, and developing practical coping strategies to manage life's challenges. The overall goal is to empower individuals to gain insight, develop healthier thinking patterns, and enhance their coping skills, fostering a fulfilling and balanced life.
Hayley Dodd
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, YTT-200, MS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hayley Dodd is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist with extensive experience working with teenagers and adults in both private and non-profit sectors of the mental health field. She specializes in working with clients coping with trauma, issues of loss and change, anxiety, depression, and the essential human tasks of: self-development, growth in relationships, and discovering meaning and purpose.
Hayley Dodd is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist with extensive experience working with teenagers and adults in both private and non-profit sectors of the mental health field. She specializes in working with clients coping with trauma, issues of loss and change, anxiety, depression, and the essential human tasks of: self-development, growth in relationships, and discovering meaning and purpose.
I specialize in creating a supportive and compassionate space for individuals navigating major life transitions, feelings of despair, and existential anxiety. Whether you’re experiencing uncertainty about your life's direction, grappling with overwhelming emotions, or questioning your purpose and meaning, my therapeutic approach emphasizes empowerment, resilience, and self-discovery. Together, we'll embark on a journey toward greater clarity, healing, and personal growth. Let's collaborate to find a path toward renewed contentment, purpose, and fulfillment.
I specialize in creating a supportive and compassionate space for individuals navigating major life transitions, feelings of despair, and existential anxiety. Whether you’re experiencing uncertainty about your life's direction, grappling with overwhelming emotions, or questioning your purpose and meaning, my therapeutic approach emphasizes empowerment, resilience, and self-discovery. Together, we'll embark on a journey toward greater clarity, healing, and personal growth. Let's collaborate to find a path toward renewed contentment, purpose, and fulfillment.
Jillian Houghton
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAEd, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
If you've been taught that your thoughts can't be trusted, your emotions are dangerous, or your body is shameful, you may be carrying the impact of high-control religious systems—whether you recognize it as religious trauma or not. Maybe you're navigating family estrangement, struggling with anxiety over the state of the world, or feeling disconnected from your intuition. These experiences don’t have to define your future. Therapy offers a space to untangle these beliefs, reconnect with yourself, and move toward a more grounded, authentic way of being.
If you've been taught that your thoughts can't be trusted, your emotions are dangerous, or your body is shameful, you may be carrying the impact of high-control religious systems—whether you recognize it as religious trauma or not. Maybe you're navigating family estrangement, struggling with anxiety over the state of the world, or feeling disconnected from your intuition. These experiences don’t have to define your future. Therapy offers a space to untangle these beliefs, reconnect with yourself, and move toward a more grounded, authentic way of being.
Meet Our Gestalt Therapists
Cynthia Miller
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ACS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I am offering telehealth services only. The purpose of therapy, as opposed to just talking with a friend or family member, is to facilitate personal and professional growth. This growth is typically most needed in the areas of relationships, mood, performance and an overall improved integration of one's identity and values. In order to make growth possible, one must feel safe in an objective, confidential environment. My primary goal is to offer a safe and supportive place for change. Throughout the entire process, I will encourage, guide, challenge and support you in making the changes you deem to be right for you.
I am offering telehealth services only. The purpose of therapy, as opposed to just talking with a friend or family member, is to facilitate personal and professional growth. This growth is typically most needed in the areas of relationships, mood, performance and an overall improved integration of one's identity and values. In order to make growth possible, one must feel safe in an objective, confidential environment. My primary goal is to offer a safe and supportive place for change. Throughout the entire process, I will encourage, guide, challenge and support you in making the changes you deem to be right for you.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and I am very client-centered in my approach to therapy and want to develop an atmosphere where the client and I can build a good rapport to ensure they feel comfortable and know that I am walking alongside them in their journey to healing, peace, and happiness. I work with all different mental health issues and specialize in Trauma Therapy.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and I am very client-centered in my approach to therapy and want to develop an atmosphere where the client and I can build a good rapport to ensure they feel comfortable and know that I am walking alongside them in their journey to healing, peace, and happiness. I work with all different mental health issues and specialize in Trauma Therapy.
My name is Gayle Nissen, and I am an LCSW in Virginia. I have had my license since 2002 and worked for my local county as a therapist for 32 years. I have a lot of experience with different mental health and addiction issues to help people with their growth and change. My approach to therapy is client-centered, working on issues you bring to the table. I also work with teens and life transition issues. I am passionate about my work, which will come across in our sessions.
My name is Gayle Nissen, and I am an LCSW in Virginia. I have had my license since 2002 and worked for my local county as a therapist for 32 years. I have a lot of experience with different mental health and addiction issues to help people with their growth and change. My approach to therapy is client-centered, working on issues you bring to the table. I also work with teens and life transition issues. I am passionate about my work, which will come across in our sessions.
Jillian Holguin, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My ideal client would be a client looking for a well-rounded, non-judgmental, real, and down to earth female therapist that is fully engaged and committed to their sessions. I like to take a collaborative approach with my clients to provide objective guidance assisting with identifying their needs-conducive towards their goals that they want to achieve for themselves. Positive energy and putting the body in a relaxed body state that I can help teach self regulation skills for my clients to accelerate towards self-actualization. I can best serve my clients who seek structure and goal orientation to best meet their needs.
My ideal client would be a client looking for a well-rounded, non-judgmental, real, and down to earth female therapist that is fully engaged and committed to their sessions. I like to take a collaborative approach with my clients to provide objective guidance assisting with identifying their needs-conducive towards their goals that they want to achieve for themselves. Positive energy and putting the body in a relaxed body state that I can help teach self regulation skills for my clients to accelerate towards self-actualization. I can best serve my clients who seek structure and goal orientation to best meet their needs.
I am a bilingual licensed therapist who enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I strive to provide a non-judgmental, safe therapeutic place where we can explore your fears, thoughts and feelings. I will support you in therapy to best meet your goals and dreams.
I am a bilingual licensed therapist who enjoys working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I strive to provide a non-judgmental, safe therapeutic place where we can explore your fears, thoughts and feelings. I will support you in therapy to best meet your goals and dreams.
The Family Therapy Center of Old Town
Marriage & Family Therapist, RN MSN, LMFT, PMHCNS, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
At the Family Therapy Center of Old Town we provide mental health services to Individuals and families of all ages. Like the family physician, we will be there as needed when mental health issues arise within families and individuals. Using an integrative bio-psycho-social approach, we provide a comprehensive assessment, evaluation and individualized treatment plan for each client. We work together with each client to implement a treatment plan using the tools that will be most affective in reaching their goals.Together, we help our clients get "unstuck" and move forward to a healthy life balance.
At the Family Therapy Center of Old Town we provide mental health services to Individuals and families of all ages. Like the family physician, we will be there as needed when mental health issues arise within families and individuals. Using an integrative bio-psycho-social approach, we provide a comprehensive assessment, evaluation and individualized treatment plan for each client. We work together with each client to implement a treatment plan using the tools that will be most affective in reaching their goals.Together, we help our clients get "unstuck" and move forward to a healthy life balance.
Therapy works best when you’re feeling understood. By processing and understanding the events of your life and your reaction to them, we will identify healthy coping strategies to manage stress and strong emotions. Have you experienced a loss that feels overwhelming? Feeling “stuck” or alone in your grief? Together, we can work to help you feel better. Our lives and problems can be more deeply understood through a structured reflection of the past. I use a mix of psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to help people notice and be curious about their feelings, thoughts, behaviors.
Therapy works best when you’re feeling understood. By processing and understanding the events of your life and your reaction to them, we will identify healthy coping strategies to manage stress and strong emotions. Have you experienced a loss that feels overwhelming? Feeling “stuck” or alone in your grief? Together, we can work to help you feel better. Our lives and problems can be more deeply understood through a structured reflection of the past. I use a mix of psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) to help people notice and be curious about their feelings, thoughts, behaviors.
Blair Marini Bowman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CEDS-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Eating challenges, whether yours or your loved ones, can feel lonely, confusing, and shameful. And yet, for many, they can also feel stabilizing and familiar, or simply unavoidable. The relationships we keep with our food and body can be incredibly complex and influenced by a multitude of factors. After years of experience working with eating disorders at all levels of care, I understand those complexities and the sensitive nature of this type of work. I offer a collaborative space for those individuals and families who are ready to work towards a life where eating is intuitive, connective, safe, and fun.
Eating challenges, whether yours or your loved ones, can feel lonely, confusing, and shameful. And yet, for many, they can also feel stabilizing and familiar, or simply unavoidable. The relationships we keep with our food and body can be incredibly complex and influenced by a multitude of factors. After years of experience working with eating disorders at all levels of care, I understand those complexities and the sensitive nature of this type of work. I offer a collaborative space for those individuals and families who are ready to work towards a life where eating is intuitive, connective, safe, and fun.
With over twenty-three years of experience, my practice supports individuals, couples, and families through life's challenges. I focus on helping clients manage crises and unlock their potential beyond stressors. I hold a master’s degree in professional counseling and a doctorate in strategic leadership, emphasizing leadership coaching from institutions such as the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Regent University. I am licensed in DC, MD, and VA.
With over twenty-three years of experience, my practice supports individuals, couples, and families through life's challenges. I focus on helping clients manage crises and unlock their potential beyond stressors. I hold a master’s degree in professional counseling and a doctorate in strategic leadership, emphasizing leadership coaching from institutions such as the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Regent University. I am licensed in DC, MD, and VA.
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What is gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behavior, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.
How does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.
How long does gestalt therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.
Does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.