Psychoanalytic Therapists in Charlottesville, VA
Hello! I'm Lila, a licensed clinical social worker with 23 years of experience across various settings. My focus is on assisting individuals who often feel overwhelmed by teaching distress tolerance techniques and stress management skills. Together, we'll collaborate on strategies to help you navigate your emotions effectively. Employing a holistic approach, we'll address the needs of your mind, body, and spirit. Additionally, I integrate mindfulness practices to foster a deeper connection with yourself. Whether you're grappling with challenging relationship dynamics or battling cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help!
Hello! I'm Lila, a licensed clinical social worker with 23 years of experience across various settings. My focus is on assisting individuals who often feel overwhelmed by teaching distress tolerance techniques and stress management skills. Together, we'll collaborate on strategies to help you navigate your emotions effectively. Employing a holistic approach, we'll address the needs of your mind, body, and spirit. Additionally, I integrate mindfulness practices to foster a deeper connection with yourself. Whether you're grappling with challenging relationship dynamics or battling cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help!
As a psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience, I specialize in helping my clients through the challenging terrain of anxiety, depression, grief, loss, life transitions, and the emotional complexities of cancer and chronic illness. Through the use of secure teletherapy, I provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore emotions, process their experiences, and rediscover a sense of balance and meaning.
Whether you’re navigating the loss of a loved one, adapting to a significant life change, or coping with the physical and emotional toll of illness, I tailor my approach to meet your unique needs.
As a psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience, I specialize in helping my clients through the challenging terrain of anxiety, depression, grief, loss, life transitions, and the emotional complexities of cancer and chronic illness. Through the use of secure teletherapy, I provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore emotions, process their experiences, and rediscover a sense of balance and meaning.
Whether you’re navigating the loss of a loved one, adapting to a significant life change, or coping with the physical and emotional toll of illness, I tailor my approach to meet your unique needs.
My work is focused on all types of addictive behaviors, especially the use and abuse of substances. An Addiction is simply the use of something outside of ourselves to change the way we feel inside. I help individuals cope with their Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders by using an eclectic array of theories. CBT and EMDR are extremely effective in treating addiction disorders, but I use whatever techniques are required to help individuals overcome their addiction and face the underlying issues that are being medicated by their behaviors. I received a Masters in Community and Addictions Counseling from William & Mary in 2000.
My work is focused on all types of addictive behaviors, especially the use and abuse of substances. An Addiction is simply the use of something outside of ourselves to change the way we feel inside. I help individuals cope with their Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders by using an eclectic array of theories. CBT and EMDR are extremely effective in treating addiction disorders, but I use whatever techniques are required to help individuals overcome their addiction and face the underlying issues that are being medicated by their behaviors. I received a Masters in Community and Addictions Counseling from William & Mary in 2000.
Lily Gumz Joseph
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Waitlist for new clients
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.
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.
Ever Feel Like This? The pressure is relentless. So is the feeling that you're facing it alone. Maybe there's a constant hum of anxiety, a loneliness that lingers even when you have people around. You've tried things. They help, until they don't. Fair warning: I'm not what most people expect. But then again, neither are most of my clients. The bigger surprise, for most of them, is that something finally works. The medication that was supposed to fix it — didn't. Suggesting more journaling about it felt like an insult. I get it.
Ever Feel Like This? The pressure is relentless. So is the feeling that you're facing it alone. Maybe there's a constant hum of anxiety, a loneliness that lingers even when you have people around. You've tried things. They help, until they don't. Fair warning: I'm not what most people expect. But then again, neither are most of my clients. The bigger surprise, for most of them, is that something finally works. The medication that was supposed to fix it — didn't. Suggesting more journaling about it felt like an insult. I get it.
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what to expect or worried about being judged. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I understand how vulnerable it can feel to open up about personal struggles. While conversations around mental health have become more common, reaching out for support can still bring up nerves, uncertainty, or self-doubt. My priority is to offer a calm, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe being yourself. You don’t need to have the “right words” or know exactly what you want to work on—we can figure that out together, at your pace.
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what to expect or worried about being judged. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I understand how vulnerable it can feel to open up about personal struggles. While conversations around mental health have become more common, reaching out for support can still bring up nerves, uncertainty, or self-doubt. My priority is to offer a calm, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe being yourself. You don’t need to have the “right words” or know exactly what you want to work on—we can figure that out together, at your pace.
I also engage in ongoing training in a psychoanalytic approach that helps me consider the deeper emotional patterns and attachment experiences shaping each child's world.
Before entering private practice, I worked as an elementary school counselor, helping children and families through developmental and relational struggles. I saw how worries, big feelings, and behavior difficulties show up in classrooms and friendships, and how powerful early, compassionate support can be.
I also engage in ongoing training in a psychoanalytic approach that helps me consider the deeper emotional patterns and attachment experiences shaping each child's world.
Before entering private practice, I worked as an elementary school counselor, helping children and families through developmental and relational struggles. I saw how worries, big feelings, and behavior difficulties show up in classrooms and friendships, and how powerful early, compassionate support can be.
Navigating grief, past trauma, or life transitions can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. I’m a Virginia-licensed professional counselor with a Master’s from Eastern Kentucky University. I specialize in supporting adults with a history of childhood abuse or neglect, those coping with grief, and individuals transitioning to independent living. My training as a death doula deepens my compassionate, understanding approach, helping you feel seen, supported, and empowered on your journey.
Navigating grief, past trauma, or life transitions can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. I’m a Virginia-licensed professional counselor with a Master’s from Eastern Kentucky University. I specialize in supporting adults with a history of childhood abuse or neglect, those coping with grief, and individuals transitioning to independent living. My training as a death doula deepens my compassionate, understanding approach, helping you feel seen, supported, and empowered on your journey.
If you’ve been “holding it together” while feeling anxious, numb, or stuck in the same loops, I get it. You get through the day, then crash—overthinking, doom-scrolling, or feeling weirdly numb. Maybe you’ve been carrying old trauma, masking neurodivergent traits, or feeling directionless while your needs stay unspoken and unmet. You want your energy back, steadier moods, and a life that feels like yours—not just one you’re getting through. If any of that resonates with you, I think I can help.
If you’ve been “holding it together” while feeling anxious, numb, or stuck in the same loops, I get it. You get through the day, then crash—overthinking, doom-scrolling, or feeling weirdly numb. Maybe you’ve been carrying old trauma, masking neurodivergent traits, or feeling directionless while your needs stay unspoken and unmet. You want your energy back, steadier moods, and a life that feels like yours—not just one you’re getting through. If any of that resonates with you, I think I can help.
Do you want to increase your happiness? My life’s work has been researching ways to overcome challenges and change and sharing those modalities with others. University of Pennsylvania traditionally trained. Trauma Specialization. 25 year Child Welfare Public Servant.
Do you want to increase your happiness? My life’s work has been researching ways to overcome challenges and change and sharing those modalities with others. University of Pennsylvania traditionally trained. Trauma Specialization. 25 year Child Welfare Public Servant.
Something may feel off—anxiety that won’t quite settle, tension in relationships, grief that lingers, or a sense of being stuck in patterns you wish you could change. You don’t have to have the perfect words to begin. Many people come to therapy simply knowing something in their life isn’t working the way they hoped. In therapy, we slow down and pay close attention to your present experience—your thoughts, emotions, and what you notice in your body—while gently exploring the deeper patterns shaping your life.
Something may feel off—anxiety that won’t quite settle, tension in relationships, grief that lingers, or a sense of being stuck in patterns you wish you could change. You don’t have to have the perfect words to begin. Many people come to therapy simply knowing something in their life isn’t working the way they hoped. In therapy, we slow down and pay close attention to your present experience—your thoughts, emotions, and what you notice in your body—while gently exploring the deeper patterns shaping your life.
I am currently forming a Men's Separation/Divorce Support Group.
I work with people who are struggling with a range of problems and wish to better understand their thoughts, feelings and behavior; they might be at a crossroads and want help thinking about the impact of a significant change on self and others. I am experienced working with people from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds as well as LGBTQ+ individuals. I'm compassionate and non judgmental and tailor my work to each patient's needs. I received my PhD from Yale University and have worked in community clinics, hospitals and extensively with UVA students and faculty.
I am currently forming a Men's Separation/Divorce Support Group.
I work with people who are struggling with a range of problems and wish to better understand their thoughts, feelings and behavior; they might be at a crossroads and want help thinking about the impact of a significant change on self and others. I am experienced working with people from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds as well as LGBTQ+ individuals. I'm compassionate and non judgmental and tailor my work to each patient's needs. I received my PhD from Yale University and have worked in community clinics, hospitals and extensively with UVA students and faculty.
Whether you are bringing a complicated relationship history, painful past, deep confusion, trauma or dissatisfaction with therapists in general, this is a place to rework things with kindness, wholehearted interventions, and direct applications—helping untangle stuck patterns and bring greater satisfaction in life. Every person carries both struggle and wisdom, and this therapy draws on somatic awareness, present-moment mindful depth to build courage, clarity, and actual, meaningful change. This isn’t just a “nice” space to talk—expect purposeful work and the results you seek.
Hey! You Are Worth It!
Whether you are bringing a complicated relationship history, painful past, deep confusion, trauma or dissatisfaction with therapists in general, this is a place to rework things with kindness, wholehearted interventions, and direct applications—helping untangle stuck patterns and bring greater satisfaction in life. Every person carries both struggle and wisdom, and this therapy draws on somatic awareness, present-moment mindful depth to build courage, clarity, and actual, meaningful change. This isn’t just a “nice” space to talk—expect purposeful work and the results you seek.
Hey! You Are Worth It!
I offer individual therapy for adults and adolescents, and specialize in working with women and teens dealing with the impact of sexual assault, childhood abuse, or other trauma. Other areas of clinical interest include relationship issues, life transitions, anxiety, and identity questions. I believe therapy is a collaborative process that allows us to be deeply seen and heard, and to see ourselves in new and transformative ways. It can build self-esteem and strengthen our sense of who we are and how we fit into the world. As we understand ourselves more fully, relationships with others become richer and more fulfilling. Therapy can strengthen our ability to adapt and adjust to the changing circumstances of our lives, freeing us up to respond more flexibly to the world around us and to experience a more enlivened way of being. For trauma survivors who experience overwhelming waves of shame and fear, a lurking sense of unease, or confusing physical sensations, therapy can help calm the mind and the nervous system, allowing you to move from reliving the past to feeling grounded, present, and whole in mind and body.
I offer individual therapy for adults and adolescents, and specialize in working with women and teens dealing with the impact of sexual assault, childhood abuse, or other trauma. Other areas of clinical interest include relationship issues, life transitions, anxiety, and identity questions. I believe therapy is a collaborative process that allows us to be deeply seen and heard, and to see ourselves in new and transformative ways. It can build self-esteem and strengthen our sense of who we are and how we fit into the world. As we understand ourselves more fully, relationships with others become richer and more fulfilling. Therapy can strengthen our ability to adapt and adjust to the changing circumstances of our lives, freeing us up to respond more flexibly to the world around us and to experience a more enlivened way of being. For trauma survivors who experience overwhelming waves of shame and fear, a lurking sense of unease, or confusing physical sensations, therapy can help calm the mind and the nervous system, allowing you to move from reliving the past to feeling grounded, present, and whole in mind and body.
Although the foundation of my knowledge lies in the psychoanalytic tradition, I incorporate contemporary knowledge and methods that have developed since Sigmund Freud's first discoveries at the end of the 19th century.
Shifting from old, frustrating patterns that feel impossible to change to a state of mind where you know you have more choice can be life-changing. As a psychoanalyst with many years of experience, I am confident of the process of working through troubled states of mind to more satisfying, less stressful ways of being.
Although the foundation of my knowledge lies in the psychoanalytic tradition, I incorporate contemporary knowledge and methods that have developed since Sigmund Freud's first discoveries at the end of the 19th century.
Shifting from old, frustrating patterns that feel impossible to change to a state of mind where you know you have more choice can be life-changing. As a psychoanalyst with many years of experience, I am confident of the process of working through troubled states of mind to more satisfying, less stressful ways of being.
Are you feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you—within yourself, your relationships, or your work? You may be carrying emotional or relational pain, navigating disconnection, burnout, or life transitions, or sensing that something more is possible but unclear. You want to understand yourself honestly, engage your relationships more thoughtfully, and move forward with greater clarity and purpose. You’re not looking for quick fixes, but for meaningful, sustainable change.
Are you feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you—within yourself, your relationships, or your work? You may be carrying emotional or relational pain, navigating disconnection, burnout, or life transitions, or sensing that something more is possible but unclear. You want to understand yourself honestly, engage your relationships more thoughtfully, and move forward with greater clarity and purpose. You’re not looking for quick fixes, but for meaningful, sustainable change.
I provide psychodynamic therapy for adolescents and young adults, and play therapy for children. Some concerns for which I provide treatment are: depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, behavioral problems, stress related to transitions, and identity development. I care deeply about forming trusting relationships with my clients so that all types of difficulties can be explored, and so that long-lasting change can be made.
I provide psychodynamic therapy for adolescents and young adults, and play therapy for children. Some concerns for which I provide treatment are: depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, behavioral problems, stress related to transitions, and identity development. I care deeply about forming trusting relationships with my clients so that all types of difficulties can be explored, and so that long-lasting change can be made.
Therapy is a safe place to rebuild, reflect, and heal. I’ll meet you where you are. Rosemary holds a BA in Psychology from Syracuse University and an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Longwood University. With over 15 years of experience across diverse mental health settings, she works with clients from teenagers to seniors. Her approach focuses on building strong, respectful therapeutic relationships and empowering clients to recognize and use their strengths to enhance well-being, overcome challenges, and achieve their personal goals.
Therapy is a safe place to rebuild, reflect, and heal. I’ll meet you where you are. Rosemary holds a BA in Psychology from Syracuse University and an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Longwood University. With over 15 years of experience across diverse mental health settings, she works with clients from teenagers to seniors. Her approach focuses on building strong, respectful therapeutic relationships and empowering clients to recognize and use their strengths to enhance well-being, overcome challenges, and achieve their personal goals.
People often seek out therapy when they are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or alone. These feelings may cause symptoms of anxiety, depression, difficulty managing anger, or dependance on food or substances to cope. As a therapist I enjoy creating a relationship that is warm, consistent, and safe to explore difficult feelings or experiences while figuring out what symptoms like anxiety, or depression are trying to tell us. Having someone who is curious about the way you think and feel can be truly transformative. This process can lead to the rediscovery of your own innate constructive forces, bringing relief and much needed change.
People often seek out therapy when they are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or alone. These feelings may cause symptoms of anxiety, depression, difficulty managing anger, or dependance on food or substances to cope. As a therapist I enjoy creating a relationship that is warm, consistent, and safe to explore difficult feelings or experiences while figuring out what symptoms like anxiety, or depression are trying to tell us. Having someone who is curious about the way you think and feel can be truly transformative. This process can lead to the rediscovery of your own innate constructive forces, bringing relief and much needed change.
Do you feel chronically disconnected or stuck in unhelpful patterns despite "knowing better"? This misalignment might be affecting your physical health, your relationships, your sense of self, and your visions for the future. While many of the strategies you relied upon in early life were both necessary and adaptive, they can also become what hold you back later in life. What if we explore some of your origin stories and update those defaults to better reflect who you are, instead of who you believed you had to be? What if we deepen your self-belonging, thereby strengthening your capacity to connect more effortlessly with others?
Do you feel chronically disconnected or stuck in unhelpful patterns despite "knowing better"? This misalignment might be affecting your physical health, your relationships, your sense of self, and your visions for the future. While many of the strategies you relied upon in early life were both necessary and adaptive, they can also become what hold you back later in life. What if we explore some of your origin stories and update those defaults to better reflect who you are, instead of who you believed you had to be? What if we deepen your self-belonging, thereby strengthening your capacity to connect more effortlessly with others?
See more therapy options for Charlottesville
Nearby Psychoanalytic Therapists Searches for Charlottesville
See More Psychoanalytic TherapistsNearby Searches for Charlottesville
- Afton
- Barboursville
- Crozet
- Earlysville
- Ivy
- Keswick
- Palmyra
- Ruckersville
- Scottsville
- Troy
- University
- Zion Crossroads
Psychoanalytic Therapists
Does psychoanalytic therapy work?
Psychoanalytic therapy derives from the work of Sigmund Freud. In this type of therapy, discovering buried thoughts and emotions from the unconscious will help a person work through their difficulties and negative behaviors. Research shows that psychoanalytic therapy can be highly effective, with patients reporting improvement in mood, quality of life, and overall well-being.
How long are people typically in psychoanalytic therapy?
Traditional psychoanalysis is in-depth and is conducted in five sessions every week. Today, modern psychoanalytic therapy is less intense and normally incorporates as few as one or two sessions a week. In some cases, positive change can occur quickly. However, if the condition, difficulty, or behavior is deep-seated, improvement may require many months or years of therapy.
Is psychoanalytic therapy suitable for young people?
Children and adolescents can benefit from this type of therapy. Many kids and teens are often unable to form and communicate their thoughts and emotions. Psychoanalytic therapy uses specific techniques such as dream analysis, symbolism, and free association or word association; all of which can be useful tools for less-communicative young people. Through this therapy, a patient will hopefully make connections between what they feel inside and how the world works outside.
Can psychoanalytic therapy be done online?
Modern-day psychoanalytic therapy is very different from traditional psychoanalysis. While an individual can sit face-to-face with the psychoanalyst for multiple sessions a week, they do not have to. Today, psychoanalytic therapy can be effectively conducted online or by phone. The key is that the individual confronts what is repressed and avoided, and this can be done whether in person or over online video.