Gottman Method Therapists in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
At Del Ray Psych & Wellness, we believe therapy should feel like connection — a space where healing begins with being truly seen and supported. Our team of compassionate clinicians helps individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with care, curiosity, and respect.
We take a holistic approach that honors the mind, body, and spirit, drawing from evidence-based therapies such as EMDR, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. For those seeking deeper understanding and clarity, we also provide comprehensive psychological assessments. For clients seeking innovative options, we offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
At Del Ray Psych & Wellness, we believe therapy should feel like connection — a space where healing begins with being truly seen and supported. Our team of compassionate clinicians helps individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with care, curiosity, and respect.
We take a holistic approach that honors the mind, body, and spirit, drawing from evidence-based therapies such as EMDR, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. For those seeking deeper understanding and clarity, we also provide comprehensive psychological assessments. For clients seeking innovative options, we offer ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.
Michael Payne
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
1 Endorsed
Potomac West, Alexandria, VA 22301
Whether you're looking to set a new course in life, heal a wounded heart, break from unhealthy habits, I can teach you strategies and skills to become the person you want to be. Any positive change requires awareness, determination, and effort. At heartsandmindshealth, my goal is to improve your mental health and well-being. I take an insight-oriented, solution-focused approach to our work, After setting mutually-determined treatment objectives, I help individuals, couples, and groups achieve life goals, heal emotional wounds, become "unstuck", or break free from unhealthy patterns.
Whether you're looking to set a new course in life, heal a wounded heart, break from unhealthy habits, I can teach you strategies and skills to become the person you want to be. Any positive change requires awareness, determination, and effort. At heartsandmindshealth, my goal is to improve your mental health and well-being. I take an insight-oriented, solution-focused approach to our work, After setting mutually-determined treatment objectives, I help individuals, couples, and groups achieve life goals, heal emotional wounds, become "unstuck", or break free from unhealthy patterns.
Understanding the causes of anxiety, depression, and other types of psychological suffering by increasing self-awareness is the key to navigating life's challenges. With years of experience in clinical practice and academia, I've had the privilege of assisting individuals from various walks of life in navigating their psychological challenges. My approach to therapy is based on empathic attunement, fostering self-awareness, and empirically supported approaches tailored to the needs of each person. I am committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings openly.
Understanding the causes of anxiety, depression, and other types of psychological suffering by increasing self-awareness is the key to navigating life's challenges. With years of experience in clinical practice and academia, I've had the privilege of assisting individuals from various walks of life in navigating their psychological challenges. My approach to therapy is based on empathic attunement, fostering self-awareness, and empirically supported approaches tailored to the needs of each person. I am committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings openly.
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.
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.
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.
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 am trained in the Gottman Method and Relational Life Therapy for couples counseling and I have experience working with individuals struggling with trauma/ptsd, anxiety and depression, and life transitions.
Are you struggling to connect with your partner? Are you finding it hard to deal with life transitions? If you are looking for an evidence-based and holistic therapeutic experience, then I may be a good fit for you. I work with individuals and couples, specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions. For couples, I help strengthen connection and trust by building awareness, empathy, and alignment. From the onset, I seek to create a warm, trusting, and collaborative therapeutic relationship so that you feel empowered to tackle your obstacles and cultivate a meaningful life.
I am trained in the Gottman Method and Relational Life Therapy for couples counseling and I have experience working with individuals struggling with trauma/ptsd, anxiety and depression, and life transitions.
Are you struggling to connect with your partner? Are you finding it hard to deal with life transitions? If you are looking for an evidence-based and holistic therapeutic experience, then I may be a good fit for you. I work with individuals and couples, specializing in trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions. For couples, I help strengthen connection and trust by building awareness, empathy, and alignment. From the onset, I seek to create a warm, trusting, and collaborative therapeutic relationship so that you feel empowered to tackle your obstacles and cultivate a meaningful life.
I have completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
As a dedicated therapist, I support individuals, couples, and families ready for meaningful change. I help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma recovery, and identity exploration who recognize their challenges impact daily life. I guide couples facing communication issues, trust concerns, and intimacy challenges to strengthen bonds and resolve conflicts. For families dealing with complex dynamics and parenting or difficulties, I assist in creating healthier boundaries and nurturing environments. All clients share a commitment to growth and value professional guidance in achieving their goals.
I have completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy.
As a dedicated therapist, I support individuals, couples, and families ready for meaningful change. I help individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma recovery, and identity exploration who recognize their challenges impact daily life. I guide couples facing communication issues, trust concerns, and intimacy challenges to strengthen bonds and resolve conflicts. For families dealing with complex dynamics and parenting or difficulties, I assist in creating healthier boundaries and nurturing environments. All clients share a commitment to growth and value professional guidance in achieving their goals.
Are you feeling a bit lost or overwhelmed? Are you experiencing life changes and need extra support on how to navigate your next steps?
Navigating life changes can be hard on your own. Expressing how you feel can be awkward. No matter where you are on your journey, I will work alongside you to make sure you feel seen, heard, respected and overall supported.
I believe in collaborating with my clients on their goals and creating an environment where they can feel safe, be creative, explore ideas and explore who they are.
Are you feeling a bit lost or overwhelmed? Are you experiencing life changes and need extra support on how to navigate your next steps?
Navigating life changes can be hard on your own. Expressing how you feel can be awkward. No matter where you are on your journey, I will work alongside you to make sure you feel seen, heard, respected and overall supported.
I believe in collaborating with my clients on their goals and creating an environment where they can feel safe, be creative, explore ideas and explore who they are.
Hi, I’m Brigitte Sandoval, a licensed Resident in Counseling at Rock Recovery that specializes in helping individuals overcome the challenges of eating disorders and disordered eating. If you’re struggling with food, body image, or emotional eating, I’m here to offer support, understanding, and practical tools for recovery. I approach therapy with warmth and empathy, creating a space where you can feel safe and understood as you work toward healing. As a counselor, I believe in meeting you where you are, honoring your unique experiences, and empowering you to make sustainable changes in a way that feels authentic to you.
Hi, I’m Brigitte Sandoval, a licensed Resident in Counseling at Rock Recovery that specializes in helping individuals overcome the challenges of eating disorders and disordered eating. If you’re struggling with food, body image, or emotional eating, I’m here to offer support, understanding, and practical tools for recovery. I approach therapy with warmth and empathy, creating a space where you can feel safe and understood as you work toward healing. As a counselor, I believe in meeting you where you are, honoring your unique experiences, and empowering you to make sustainable changes in a way that feels authentic to you.
Marriage counseling is my area of specialty. I'm a marriage and family therapist who has made relationship dynamics my exclusive focus and expertise. I specialize in working with couples who have experienced infidelity in their marriage, where one partner has had an affair. I also work with communication blockages, fighting all the time, lack of intimacy, and loss of the "loving feeling" for each other. Please visit my webpage at Well Marriage Center to learn all about my philosophy and marriage-friendly approach (one- click link on the left under my picture).
Marriage counseling is my area of specialty. I'm a marriage and family therapist who has made relationship dynamics my exclusive focus and expertise. I specialize in working with couples who have experienced infidelity in their marriage, where one partner has had an affair. I also work with communication blockages, fighting all the time, lack of intimacy, and loss of the "loving feeling" for each other. Please visit my webpage at Well Marriage Center to learn all about my philosophy and marriage-friendly approach (one- click link on the left under my picture).
The Gottman Method for couples offers interventions to manage relationship conflict.
I founded my practice to create a space for people to feel heard, seen, and to create positive change in their lives. I want mental health care to feel welcoming, accessible, and like a safe holding space to sort it all out. I guide clients by fostering space for exploration and curiosity while also integrating actionable practical tools. I specialize in helping people process their trauma, get relief from anxiety and depression, understand and set boundaries, and improve relationship functioning. My practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming, strengths based, and empathic.
The Gottman Method for couples offers interventions to manage relationship conflict.
I founded my practice to create a space for people to feel heard, seen, and to create positive change in their lives. I want mental health care to feel welcoming, accessible, and like a safe holding space to sort it all out. I guide clients by fostering space for exploration and curiosity while also integrating actionable practical tools. I specialize in helping people process their trauma, get relief from anxiety and depression, understand and set boundaries, and improve relationship functioning. My practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming, strengths based, and empathic.
In your world, falling apart doesn’t feel like an option. Your work demands composure, discretion, and steady performance, even when you’re exhausted. I’m Randy, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience, including three years counseling federal employees on Capitol Hill. I understand what it takes to carry that level of pressure.
I work with professionals navigating anxiety, burnout, grief, imposter syndrome, and relationship strain. On the outside, you’re capable and composed. Inside, you may feel stretched thin or quietly disconnected. Therapy is the one place you don’t have to hold it together.
In your world, falling apart doesn’t feel like an option. Your work demands composure, discretion, and steady performance, even when you’re exhausted. I’m Randy, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience, including three years counseling federal employees on Capitol Hill. I understand what it takes to carry that level of pressure.
I work with professionals navigating anxiety, burnout, grief, imposter syndrome, and relationship strain. On the outside, you’re capable and composed. Inside, you may feel stretched thin or quietly disconnected. Therapy is the one place you don’t have to hold it together.
You’re a high-achiever, but you struggle with the weight of anxiety. Despite your success, feelings of dread and restlessness shadow your days. You find yourself mentally and physically exhausted because you’re always on edge; constantly waiting for the shoe to drop. Life has become nothing more than merely surviving. You feel stuck, defeated, and your self-confidence is shattered. Anxiety has stolen your sense of accomplishment, ruined your relationships, and stopped you from achieving your goals. You long to move beyond the pain and live a more peaceful and purposeful life that you love.
You’re a high-achiever, but you struggle with the weight of anxiety. Despite your success, feelings of dread and restlessness shadow your days. You find yourself mentally and physically exhausted because you’re always on edge; constantly waiting for the shoe to drop. Life has become nothing more than merely surviving. You feel stuck, defeated, and your self-confidence is shattered. Anxiety has stolen your sense of accomplishment, ruined your relationships, and stopped you from achieving your goals. You long to move beyond the pain and live a more peaceful and purposeful life that you love.
A number of things can get in the way of us having the life that we want. My role in therapy is to help clients think through strategies to better enable themselves to navigate the transitions and the difficult circumstances they encounter to ultimately become the person they want to be. Therapy is about living an authentic life by taking action on the things that matter most to us, living in the direction of what we see as valuable, and engaging fully in what we do. Let me help you become "unstuck" from old patterns and develop the tools to live a more satisfying life. You do not have to figure this out on your own.
A number of things can get in the way of us having the life that we want. My role in therapy is to help clients think through strategies to better enable themselves to navigate the transitions and the difficult circumstances they encounter to ultimately become the person they want to be. Therapy is about living an authentic life by taking action on the things that matter most to us, living in the direction of what we see as valuable, and engaging fully in what we do. Let me help you become "unstuck" from old patterns and develop the tools to live a more satisfying life. You do not have to figure this out on your own.
Are you feeling off balance? Have your relationship issues reached a new peak? Are you struggling to manage day to day tasks and relationships? These are common questions which have developed from the current climate. I am committed to helping individuals address these emotions and feelings to improve their overall well-being. As a clinician, I strive to meet my clients where they are by providing a nonjudgmental and safe space. I aim to empower individuals to overcome obstacles, improve relationships, and develop coping skills to deal with the challenges that life may bring along.
Are you feeling off balance? Have your relationship issues reached a new peak? Are you struggling to manage day to day tasks and relationships? These are common questions which have developed from the current climate. I am committed to helping individuals address these emotions and feelings to improve their overall well-being. As a clinician, I strive to meet my clients where they are by providing a nonjudgmental and safe space. I aim to empower individuals to overcome obstacles, improve relationships, and develop coping skills to deal with the challenges that life may bring along.
Creating Pathways for families to heal.
Creating Pathways for families to heal.
Were you called "too sensitive" growing up? Do you feel exhausted, like you've been carrying too much for too long? You might be a healer, caregiver, teacher, high achiever, or therapist yourself. You hold it together on the outside but feel burnt out or disconnected inside. You might pressure yourself, feeling like you "should" feel better. I specialize in working with highly sensitive people (HSPs) who are ready to heal trauma, regulate your nervous system, and feel more grounded, clear, and emotionally free. I help you feel safe enough to reconnect with your younger self and offer tools to shift unhelpful thoughts or patterns.
Were you called "too sensitive" growing up? Do you feel exhausted, like you've been carrying too much for too long? You might be a healer, caregiver, teacher, high achiever, or therapist yourself. You hold it together on the outside but feel burnt out or disconnected inside. You might pressure yourself, feeling like you "should" feel better. I specialize in working with highly sensitive people (HSPs) who are ready to heal trauma, regulate your nervous system, and feel more grounded, clear, and emotionally free. I help you feel safe enough to reconnect with your younger self and offer tools to shift unhelpful thoughts or patterns.
I use the Gottman Method for Couples therapy, an evidence-based approach that focuses on strengthening friendship, improving conflict management, and building shared meaning.
I work with couples at all stages of their relationship- from those preparing for marriage to long-term partners navigating stress, conflict, or disconnection. Many of my clients are professionals balancing busy lives, parenting, and relationship demands. They often come to therapy feeling unheard or unsure how to move forward. My role is to help them find clarity, rebuild trust, and create a more satisfying partnership.I believe that healthy relationships are built on empathy, respect, and open communication. Everyone has the capacity to grow when given the right support.
I use the Gottman Method for Couples therapy, an evidence-based approach that focuses on strengthening friendship, improving conflict management, and building shared meaning.
I work with couples at all stages of their relationship- from those preparing for marriage to long-term partners navigating stress, conflict, or disconnection. Many of my clients are professionals balancing busy lives, parenting, and relationship demands. They often come to therapy feeling unheard or unsure how to move forward. My role is to help them find clarity, rebuild trust, and create a more satisfying partnership.I believe that healthy relationships are built on empathy, respect, and open communication. Everyone has the capacity to grow when given the right support.
Some of our counseling specialties include but are not limited to Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and EMDR.
The Counseling Center of Virginia is a team of therapists who are dedicated to helping people live fulfilling lives. Our focus is on providing relatively short-term therapy treatments that use structured, evidence-based methods to achieve positive, long-lasting results. We believe in helping individuals, couples, and families make life-enhancing changes and transitions, and are committed to doing so in a way that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Some of our counseling specialties include but are not limited to Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and EMDR.
The Counseling Center of Virginia is a team of therapists who are dedicated to helping people live fulfilling lives. Our focus is on providing relatively short-term therapy treatments that use structured, evidence-based methods to achieve positive, long-lasting results. We believe in helping individuals, couples, and families make life-enhancing changes and transitions, and are committed to doing so in a way that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In my work, I use a blend of CBT, Emotional Freedom Tapping (EFT), attachment theory, psychodynamic theory, Imago theory, and the Gottman method.
Are you suffering from the end of a relationship? A job? Do you feel like you are in crisis, or no longer feel like yourself? Maybe you’re realizing that your life as it is in this moment is not working for you. Perhaps you feel alone, lost, or at a loss for what to do. Congratulations on taking the first step to finding relief and taking control. Life is too short to surrender to bad relationships, hold grudges, let trauma control us, or to be anxious or angry all the time. You may feel stuck, but there is hope.
In my work, I use a blend of CBT, Emotional Freedom Tapping (EFT), attachment theory, psychodynamic theory, Imago theory, and the Gottman method.
Are you suffering from the end of a relationship? A job? Do you feel like you are in crisis, or no longer feel like yourself? Maybe you’re realizing that your life as it is in this moment is not working for you. Perhaps you feel alone, lost, or at a loss for what to do. Congratulations on taking the first step to finding relief and taking control. Life is too short to surrender to bad relationships, hold grudges, let trauma control us, or to be anxious or angry all the time. You may feel stuck, but there is hope.
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How does the Gottman method work?
One of the core doctrines of the Gottman method is that negative emotions hurt relationships about five times more than positive emotions help them. Thus, couples require five times more positive interactions than negative interactions with each other. The therapist will guide clients on how to improve communication and understanding of each other to manage conflict and have their emotional needs met. The therapist will also advise couples on how to repair relations with each other when conflict arises, and therefore avoid lasting damage.
Is the Gottman method evidence-based?
Yes, this method is an evidence-based approach to couples therapy. The method is based on more than 40 years of research by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, the psychologists who developed the method. The Gottmans analyzed decades of data to draw conclusions about what types of interactions are likely to lead to specific results, and which interventions are most likely to lead to success. Studies have found that this approach leads to improvements in relationship satisfaction, intimacy, communication skills, and a lower rate of divorce.
How long does the Gottman method take?
The duration of treatment depends on the specific challenges clients face. Sessions are typically 60 to 90 minutes long, and an average course of treatment is around 10 sessions. In some cases, such as for couples dealing with a critical problem, the therapist will suggest an intensive course of treatment, with daily sessions over the first two to four days. Treatment is complete when the couple is satisfied and has met the goals they’ve set, and when the therapist believes they have the skills to continue on their own.
Is the Gottman method effective?
Through the Gottman method, couples can achieve changes that are real and sustainable. This treatment has been used for more than 40 years; the method is supported by empirical research, including randomized controlled trials that have demonstrated effectiveness in improving relationship outcomes for couples. Like any talk therapy, success or failure depends in large part on how committed the clients are to making positive changes and working toward results.