Family Therapy in Charlottesville, VA
See all therapists in CharlottesvilleWaitlist for new clients

Cait Price
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
Verified
I work with a diverse population experiencing various disorders and concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, relational and adjustment challenges, grief and loss,
family
problems, and addiction.
Welcome! Beginning therapy is a courageous step in the healing process. I have seen firsthand the transformative results of psychotherapy. I practice counseling from a relational depth perspective. This means focusing on the relationship I build with clients as a cornerstone of treatment and working with the unconscious, which is the root of most distress. I help clients work through symptoms which are causing conflict in their lives, keeping them from achieving their goals, and preventing them from feeling a sense of overall well-being.

Rebecca Plesko-DuBois
Psychologist, PsyD, LCP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
One time or short term consultation about child development, behavior problems, school planning,
family
changes, vocational planning, and community resources is available for families, individuals, schools, and community agencies working with children and adults who have complex support needs.
I enjoy providing comprehensive assessment services designed to discover strengths, clarify the problem, identify supports and strategies, and connect people with resources. Psychological and multi-disciplinary testing is available for concerns about attention, behavior, relationships, social skills, mood, problem solving, cognitive functioning, learning, executive functioning, memory, independent living skills, and mental health. Reports and recommendations can be tailored for medical diagnosis, mental health intervention, educational planning, and/ or vocational planning. Testing services are offered for all ages.
Waitlist for new clients

Eric Michael Eyerman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
Verified
Some schools of therapy bridge this gap and I use those too, particularly Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Internal
Family
Systems.
Many individuals I work with are in the midst of a major life transition or in need of one. Transitions can have many forms: loss or gain of income, status, health, security, or a loved one; the course of life bringing you into adulthood, parenthood, middle or old age; traumatic experiences; spiritual, psychedelic, or spontaneous experiences that alter your sense of self and the world. Other times you may sense that something is off but don’t yet have the words to articulate what needs to be changed. Some of the difficulties you may encounter at these times are anxiety, depression, anger, interpersonal strain, and confusion.
Waitlist for new clients

Claire Martin
Pre-Licensed Professional, BS
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I have experience helping others with identity development, relationship/
family
conflict, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, domestic/sexual violence, developmental trauma, and much more.
Sometimes we struggle to connect with ourselves and others, but we all deserve to feel heard, respected, and understood. I believe that effective therapy starts with an authentic relationship between client and therapist. I strive to create an environment that is warm, inclusive, and challenging. It is an honor to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to share their lives.

Lily Gumz Joseph
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Born and raised in the New York Metropolitan area, I moved to New York City after graduating from College and lived there for 12 years before moving to Charlottesville, VA with my
family
.
I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults who are experiencing mental health challenges and/or life transitions. My approach to individual therapy is to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I aim to help my clients overcome their current challenges and to equip them with lifelong skills for future problem solving. I use a collaborative theoretical approach, including evidence-based and solution-focused practices that facilitate change.

Joyce Ann Wanivg Thatcher
Educational Psychologist, NCSP, Lic, Ed, Psych
Verified
Verified
Together with the client, I seek to establish a new lens for viewing the context of their
family
of origin, peer culture and the larger contexts of community and culture.
I am trained in EMDR for relief of trauma and both behavioral and psychodynamic/talking therapies which emphasize positive habits, good health and personal insight. Any change starts from within and sometimes we all need another perspective to grasp the whole picture so that problems or obstacles can be sensibly, sensitively and effectively handled. I work from a strengths-based orientation whereby the talents, skills, and interests can be identified. So we go from there, to where the individual learns to utilize those strengths in resolving problems, conflicts, stressors as well as finding sources of comfort, competence and confidence.
Waitlist for new clients

Thomas Cooke
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified
Verified
I endorse a
family
systems model of differentiation, which is helpful for those who struggle with conflict avoidance.
I provide both in person and online couples counseling and adult, individual psychotherapy. The majority of my clients are ready to continue to grow, both as individuals and in their relationships, but are finding that old patterns might be getting in the way. My goal as a clinician is to balance emotional validation and safety with action-oriented approaches.
Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD
Verified
Verified
Our program is designed for those wanting to recover from addiction but finding that once a week treatment appointments are not enough but don't meet criteria for a residential program. Clients in our program attend 3 three-hour meetings a week for 12 weeks. Each client starts with a full diagnostic assessment and medical evaluation by our medical director. Program content is educational, clinical treatment, and 12-step work. We have rolling admissions so you can start within a few days of first calling us. Groups are run by a male and a female therapist. We encourage
family
participation.

Amanda Sovik-Johnston
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I specialize in
family
, couples, and individual therapy for children and adults. I believe that, within the context of a supportive relationship, people can understand their problems in new ways and learn skills towards leading healthier and more fulfilling lives. I utilize a strengths-based approach that incorporates cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and systemic interventions. People see the most change when doctors, psychologists, teachers, and other players are working together. Thus, with your permission, I consult with others in order to better understand the problem and provide solutions that expand beyond the therapy room. When appropriate, I will be your advocate.

Nate Hefner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
Verified
I focus on individual Trauma, Couples, and
Family
. With years of
family
and individual work I've developed a flexible ability to meet adult and teen needs from parenting, marital, to trauma and developmental transitions of life. My work is informed from an attachment approach where I seek to create safety with you to untie negative relational patterns and move into greater awareness and courage. I assist you in rediscovering your resiliency to pull you beyond the old patterns. To assist my clients when balance is upset by an underlying issue of trauma, my training in AEDP coupled with EMDR and somatic approaches is well suited.

Shell Stern
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I employ EMDR, Internal
Family
Systems, Mindfulness and Nature-based interventions to help my clients learn to attune to their bodies, and cultivate greater self-awareness, well-being, and self-compassion.
I come alive partnering with the courageous ones who seek guidance looking at the tender, deep places in their lives. My therapeutic practice is grounded in the assumption that we are all doing the best we can as we tend to the joys and struggles of life. I practice from a trauma-informed perspective, and will work with you to create an emotionally safe space that honors all parts of you as we examine past coping strategies that may not be serving you well in this moment, and ultimately allow movement toward healing and transformation. I am committed to approaching my work through a justice-focused, anti-oppression lens.

Varinia Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified
Verified
I have been trained in Trauma Focus Cognitive Behavior Therapy, EMDR, play therapy, Internal
Family
Systems, and Mindfulness.
I am a Bilingual clinician focused on providing mental health services to the local community. I have worked in the mental health field since 2011 through various agencies such: as Region Ten, ReadyKids, Albemarle County, Charlottesville City Schools, Mary Ainsworth Attachment Clinic, and The Women's Initiative. I have experience in treating adults, and teens with complex trauma, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, sexual abuse, attachment disorders, neglect, and immigration trauma.
Waitlist for new clients

Lauren Lynn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
I take a strengths-based approach and use a variety of therapeutic modalities, including CBT, structural
family therapy
, EMDR, and play therapy.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or stuck in old patterns that are no longer serving you? Navigating life’s challenges can be stressful, especially if you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or issues related to past trauma. You do not have to figure it out alone! I believe authentic human connection is one of the most powerful resources available to us and that true healing happens within the context of our relationships. I am passionate about working with people to help them discover potential and make positive changes that will help them have better relationships and lead more fulfilling lives.

Robert Taibbi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
My style is interactive, behavioral, and usually short-term. I'm curious about where and how clients get stuck in running their lives, solving their own problems. I focus on helping clients break dysfunctional patterns, take acceptable risks, and approach problems in a more flexible way. There's homework and new behaviors to try during the week. I have written 13 books on couple &
family therapy
, anxiety, depression & anger, brief therapy, clinical supervision, as well as over 300 articles. I write an online column for Psychology Today entitled Fixing Families and have provided trainings nationally.

Randy J Nolt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
As a clinician, I draw upon modalities based in Internal
Family
Systems (IFS), Attachment Theory, EMDR, and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) to help those I work with achieve their goals.
I specialize in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families who are looking for help around challenges with ADHD, neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, behavioral difficulties, and those that are twice exceptional. I view my role as helping individuals discover their capabilities and strengths to overcome life challenges. Many times, this means helping them identify new coping strategies, ways to communicate with others, and an overall healthier way of living.
Not accepting new clients

Terri Higgins
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
Verified
My approach to therapy uses Internal
Family
Systems, an insight-oriented therapy which is a powerful method for understanding conflict, trauma, and defenses, and for promoting healing, change, self-empowerment and self-compassion. I view the counseling process as a partnership and an opportunity for you to learn more about yourself. We will honor the patterns that have kept you safe in the past, while at the same time gently removing the barriers that have kept you from being the person you wish to be. I utilize EMDR in my work as well to address trauma that happened long ago, as well as any recent trauma.

Claudia Lineweaver
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified
Verified
Do you focus on everyone else's needs except your own? Do you find it difficult to put yourself as a priority, always putting your children, work, spouse, parents, friends, or
family
above your own needs and concerns?
Do you struggle with being self-critical and a perfectionist? Has this ever resulted in symptoms of depression, anxiety, compulsive overeating, exhaustion, and/or alcohol abuse in your life?

Andrew C Elgort
Psychologist, EdD
Verified
Verified
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in working with children, adolescents, and their families. Using a Behavioral, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Solution-Focused approach, I believe that by providing a positive and supportive setting, young people are capable of changing those behaviors that are causing them and/or their
family
distress. Through discussion and play, young people and their families are able to learn new ways of understanding their problems and to practice new techniques to change their thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs to more positive and productive ones.

Jill Cartwright
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been in the mental health private practice industry since 1998 and licensed since 2000. I provide psychotherapy to individuals, couples and families to help them achieve personal growth, balance, and wellness. I have spent much of my experience working with adolescents and adults. My approach to therapy is primarily cognitive-behavioral emphasizing solution-focused therapy. I include clients in the development of personalized treatment plans and will use a holistic approach, which means I may use different methods to help you meet your goals including reality therapy,
family
systems therapy and homework.

Ethan Richardson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified
Verified
I serve part-time at Christ Episcopal Church in downtown Charlottesville as their therapist-in-residence, and I also work as a
family therapist
at the Mary Ainsworth Attachment Clinic.
No matter who you are, life is hard. The difficulties of day-to-day life often put us in an irresolvable bind: On one hand, the stressors are too big and too painful to ignore. And yet, while we may wish for and even utilize the support of those around us, for a whole host of reasons, we often resort to going it alone. In these moments, therapy can be a promising new option: a confidential relationship rooted in honesty, understanding, and compassion. It is my belief that such a relationship can provide a fresh start: a new orientation towards our problems and a new way of experiencing the world we live in.
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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.