Parenting Therapists in Fairfax, VA

Have you been feeling overwhelmed or hopeless? Are you struggling with feelings of anger or uncertainty? Whether for you, your child, or your family, figuring out how to start the healing process can be confusing and intimidating on your own. Finding the right guidance and support can make all the difference. Through more than 18 years of service as a counselor, teacher, and children’s minister, I have cultivated a deep understanding and love for people.

I opened In Step, a private mental health practice, 25 years ago in the hope that children, teens, parents, and adults would see us as a safe place where they can learn and grow. I specialize in working with folks who struggle with anxiety, depression, ADHD, parenting struggles, and relationship problems. Using various approaches – Relational Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy), and Parent Coaching, I see clients alone, as part of a couple, and as part of the family.

I have experience working with individuals, couples and children ages 8 and older to address diverse issues with the goal towards improving overall wellness. Whether you're an individual looking to take care of your mental health, a couple working towards communications, or a parent seeking resources for their child or adolescent, I would love to help you meet your needs. As a bilingual speaker, I am also able to facilitate therapy for Spanish speaking clients.

What do YOU need? This is the deceptively simple question which I ask my clients almost every session. What would change if you asked yourself that simple question more often? This is an example of some of the foundational work which I'll infuse into our sessions. I LOVE what I do and am so honored to be a part of your life! My goal as your therapist is to encourage, support, empower, and listen. I view therapy as a true partnership where you're not alone while you navigate the 'messy middle' of life in these uncertain times. I work solely virtually after getting positive feedback from busy clients who appreciate this convenience.

It is not easy to ask for help, but in working with me you will find a safe, compassionate, and accepting space that fosters growth and personal development. My strengths-focused approach relies on mindfulness, insight and working towards goals that we set together. I take a holistic approach in working with issues of anxiety and depression, postpartum depression and anxiety, infertility, life transitions, parent coaching, persistent relationship or family difficulties. During a global pandemic, we are all feeling isolated and I am here to help with struggles that are coming up.

At The Center for Connection, Healing & Change we specialize in working with teens and their families. Our therapists are skilled and trained in working with adolescents and the wide range of challenges they grapple with: relationships, attachment, anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, behavioral concerns, academics, trauma, life transitions, somatic issues, identity, self-worth, boundaries, separation/divorce, substance use, adoption, and loss. As each family is different, we help you find solutions that fit you and your unique family needs. A full description of the areas we work with can be found at www.thecenterforconnection

I am here to help children, teens and their parents develop well-being during these very stressful times. Raising children is hard; raising children who have ADHD, relationship difficulties, anxiety, learning issues, and/or depression is even harder. Parents need help and so do their kids. Therapy and coaching offer a venue to express feelings, practice new skills, and establish new ways of connecting with one another. I have also traveled extensively and completed my doctoral research on acculturation, academic stress, and burnout and have a unique interest and skill set in serving families returning to the US from abroad.

I believe that at various times in life everyone experiences a challenge, when their way of coping isn't working the way it usually does. I am passionate about supporting people who are committed to improving their lives. I have a solution focused approach and integrate alternative treatment options. I work with anyone from ages 5 and up, with 15 years of experience. I work with a lot Mothers and children who are adjusting to the changes in day to day life. I own a business with additional therapists, I can connect you with someone in my practice who specializes in other areas.

I believe the stories we tell about ourselves are powerful. My job is to support persons in the amazing process of authoring themselves. I use strengths-based approaches to individual, couples, family, and group therapy. Relationships are a focus of my work, especially romantic relationships, parent -child and sibling relationships. I am always excited to meet a new person to walk alongside for a while in their unique journey of growth and exploration.

Motherhood is more challenging than you expected. It’s not that you don’t love your kid, but who knew it would be this hard? You expected sleepless nights, diaper blowouts and tantrums, but not the huge emotional toll that comes with being a mother. You weren’t prepared to be angry with your child for not sleeping, to be so worried about every little thing or for the rage you feel when your kid just won’t behave! And the GUILT! Nothing prepared you for the guilt and insecurity you feel so often. That nagging thought that you’re screwing it all up. The disappointment and sadness that you're not the parent you want to be.

My goal is to help you get unstuck. You will begin to feel better just by taking the first step. Serious problems often need someone to both listen and offer alternative ways for thinking in order to make changes that last. Doing nothing and just hoping and wishing that things will get better doesn't work. I will prompt you and support you in taking concrete steps. I talk straight, listen closely and respectfully ask good questions. Starting with our first session, you will begin to figure out a new way to go. Let's talk soon about beginning.

For the past 15 years, I have been committed to working with preschool and school-aged children and their families who are struggling with anxiety and other emotional and behavioral regulation difficulties. I also support children and families through the complicated emotions of divorce, adoption, and other losses as well as the stress and threats to self-esteem that can accompany learning challenges, ADHD and social difficulties. I partner comprehensively with children, parents, schools, and other involved professionals with the aim of building the strongest possible foundation from which children can grow and thrive.

I currently specialize in helping children and families address and resolve the various issues which interfere with a satisfying personal and family life. I welcome adults who are struggling with the challenges of parenting and have developed innovative and effective methods to assist in the ongoing self development of the parent . My practice includes an explicit commitment to under served populations especially BIPOC youth and families. Sliding scale fees are available and extensive specialized trainings in anti-racism, diversity, equity and cultural sensitivity reflect my commitment to conscious, competent and welcoming services.

I work with adult individuals and children aged 2-18 and their families/caregivers. I focus on supporting clients to creatively turn their pain into coping skills, missed connections into secure relationships, and problematic behaviors into strengths and resiliency. I focus on practical, real-world strategies that build security and connection through a balance of nurture, engagement, structure, and challenge. These strategies are a resource that can then be utilized through different life experiences, stages, and adversity. I support children and caregivers alike to learn new ways of responding, guiding, and supporting one another.

I offer concrete, effective strategies to parents, children, & adolescents to address a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and developmental concerns. My clients leave every session with a specific plan for exactly what to do to build skills or reduce problem behaviors, and improvement is usually quick to see. Children who benefit from my services exhibit a very broad range of challenges, including ADHD-related impulsivity and hyperactivity, aggression, oppositionality, "attitude", anxiety, ASD-related social skills deficits and challenges, enuresis, encopresis, and sleeping issues - just to name a few.

Do you worry too much about every possible thing? Are you ready to quiet your mind and stop the constant overthinking? Have you noticed that your worry is affecting your relationship with your partner, your job performance or even the way you parent ? If you are feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of our chaotic, noisy world- I get it and can help. I am licensed in Florida, Virginia and the District of Columbia.