Optum Therapists in Alexandria, VA

When we feel stuck in our lives, for weeks, or years, it can take a toll on us in ways we may not see. Time passes and we don't feel any further in our life. We're left feeling exhausted and alone in our pain. My name is Ryan, and I provide therapy for people who are looking to break free. Whether it's poor relationships, anxiety, depression, substance or process addictions, trauma, or a desire to deepen their connection with others, I help my clients find strength, flexibility, and compassion, returning themselves to the feeling of being whole.

Are you feeling stuck with thoughts and behaviors that you can't seem to change? Do you feel as if you are on autopilot, not fully present in the moment? Feeling stuck often indicates that we are repeating old patterns and allowing habitual thoughts and feelings to interfere with the present. If you're looking for extra support through a challenging situation, or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I can help.

Seferino started his clinical career in a private practice and moved on to a community setting in order to help marginalized and underprivileged individuals. He years of experience working with co-occurring disorders and substance abuse. He has worked with individuals experiencing PTSD, Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, Trauma, Anxiety, Substance Use Disorders, and overall unexpected adversities stemming from an unstable life. Seferino enjoys helping individuals, and couples from diverse backgrounds using several interventions to include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and Solution Focused

Often, people realize at some point in their lives that they would like professional assistance in order to successfully navigate or cope with overwhelming situations, strained interpersonal relationships, or distressing emotional responses to their environment (e.g., sadness or excessive worrying). In addition, most people are also confronted by situations in which past experiences inform their current reactions, responses, and behaviors. Therapy can help individuals to develop awareness and insight into their emotions and behavior, feel hopeful, enact change, and live a more satisfying and fulfilling life.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Virginia, Arizona, Maine, and Minnesota. I have immersed myself in clinical mental health practice for over 20 years. I have also been working in higher education for 23 years as a Professor in Counselor Education and Supervision. My experience spans many realms and includes direct patient care of children, teenagers, and adults of all ages in settings such as telehealth, community mental health clinics, inpatient psychiatric hospital, adult day programs, hospice, and nursing homes. I own 3 horses, 2 donkeys, and a basset hound, who just happen to be my therapists!

Mr. Claiborne received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Virginia State University and a Master's in Social Work from Norfolk State University. As a Supervisee in Social Work, Mr. Claiborne worked with several different populations: individual, group therapy, inmates transitioning out of prison, Intensive In-home with children and adolescents who were at risk of out of home placement , family therapy, mental health skill building services and therapeutic day treatment in the community and in the school setting.

Healing, change, and growth are possible. Whatever you may have experienced or be experiencing, no matter what imprints you may carry, it is never too late to begin again. Depression, anxiety, stress - these are all real things that are held in the body and mind. The experience of this weight can be painful and isolating, inhibiting you from living the life you imagined. My goal is to help clients find the tools they need to define and live their lives as a person they truly love, and, by extension, to build healthy connections with those around them.

Through active listening and communication, I will work to build and maintain a healthy therapeutic relationship with my clients and establish trust. I am an empathetic, non-judgmental clinician who focuses to empower, gain self-awareness and encourage openness towards personal and meaningful growth for those who struggle with an anxious mind, sadness, low mood, experience stress, and want to begin learning new skills.

Children seek to be seen, heard, and understood by their parents, but they can’t do it alone. They need help in understanding their complex emotional worlds. Children do this best through their natural language of play, utilizing various mediums to process emotions. Other times, children need more than validation or tools for expression. Studies consistently show that children who suffer from anxiety have less structure and boundaries in their homes. The unpredictability of daily life can be incredibly stressful to children, and they often need family systems in place to reassure them that everything will be okay.

Building confident kids with social skills, advocating for the disabled with skills for employment, and strengthening family communications are the pillars of my passion. Helping children to cope and confidence for happiness, health, and healing can be answered with Play Therapy. Beginning and maintaining employment for individuals with disabilities can be intimidating. I provide support to adults with strategies to navigate through employment. Also, the home environment is first place where healthy family communication should begin through family counseling.

I am a licensed clinical social worker who works with adults, teens, and families to address a variety of therapeutic needs. Some areas of focus include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, parenting, relationship issues, grief and loss, self-esteem, domestic violence, divorce and trauma. Please contact me with questions or for a phone consult to determine if I would be a good match as a partner in therapy. I offer some weekend hours and evening hours and collaborate with other healing/medical professionals as needed for a more comprehensive approach to your care. The quickest way to reach me initially is to send an email.

Are you or your teen struggling with an eating disorder, anxiety, or depression? Have you found that traumatic experiences in your past are interfering with your ability to function at work, at home, or at school? Do you have difficulty launching into independent adult life? Therapy can be very effective in giving you the coping skills that you need to thrive. In therapy, we will work towards your goals and towards real solutions that can make your life better. You can learn coping skills that you can start applying right away while we address behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back.

Your mental and emotional health is just as important as your physical health and well being. Just as you would see your primary doctor to maintain your physical health, counseling is here to help maintain your emotional health. I provide counseling to help individuals and their loved ones address various life issues including (but not limited to): Family and marital conflicts, Problems in school, Depression, family separation, Adoption issues, Feelings of anxiety or nervousness, child and adolescent behavioral issues and Addiction issues. Weekend sessions are available.

OPEN for Virtual clients. I bring a love for working with clients from children to adults and the passion to meet them at their level. I see every person and life stressor as unique and am excited to meet and engage with them. I also have a desire to empower and bring awareness to adults. And assist them with dealing with troubling symptoms that are impacting their ability to fully enjoy their life.

Michelle is a licensed clinical social worker in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia. She received a Master’s degree in Social Work in 2013 from The University of Maryland, Baltimore, focusing on clinical/direct practice. With nearly a decade of experience, she has worked as a therapist in a private group practice, outpatient mental health, and managed care settings.

My treatment approach provides compassionate, effective help for the challenges you and your family face. I offer evidenced-based solutions for helping preteens, adolescents, young adults, and families address common issues in their lives. I am passionate about providing high quality behavioral health services to individuals and families. I have over 13 years of experience helping clients manage common social, emotional, and behavioral concerns. I treat an array of presenting concerns, such as depression, OCD, anxiety, mood issues, life transitions, grief, sleep concerns, parent-child conflict, and trauma.

**Virtual Therapist** We at Finding Clarity believe your mental and emotional health is just as important as your physical health and well being. Just as you would see your primary doctor to maintain your physical health, counseling is here to help maintain your emotional health. I understand the need to have a healed sense of self to address the ever-changing world. I utilize a strengths-based client-centered approach, trauma-informed treatment, and cognitive-behavioral techniques with my clients to promote healing and wellness.

Lauren is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who specializes in working with the military community including those in active service, their families, and veterans. She helps people balance the competing demands of military service and having a successful relationship and raising a family. She provides a confidential space for service members to manage triggering events and emotions, like anger, anxiety, depression, or grief, to help relieve pressure on themselves and their families. Lauren began her private practice in Northern Virginia. She has been in practice for 20+ years.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been at my current Old Town location for over 10 years. I have helped many people in my 20+ years. Much of my practice is dedicated to working with individuals and couples who are dealing with transitions and life changing issues. I have a positive approach to treatment that will help people gain insightful understanding of themselves using solution-focused and cognitive behavioral therapies. Together we will set treatment goals that will help heal emotional wounds that we often carried from family of origin and create havoc in our lives today.