Lesbian Therapists in Great Falls, VA
Welcome! I'm Sylvia Lawson-Cook, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. With over 25 years of experience, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges and heal from trauma. I am part of the LGBTQIA+ community and have lived experience with trauma, which allows me to connect deeply with my clients.
Welcome! I'm Sylvia Lawson-Cook, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. With over 25 years of experience, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges and heal from trauma. I am part of the LGBTQIA+ community and have lived experience with trauma, which allows me to connect deeply with my clients.
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.
Great Falls Wellness is Northern Virginia’s premiere concierge addiction treatment program nestled in the privacy and beauty of Great Falls. We are designed for students, professionals and stay at home parents who want individualized care in a small setting.
Great Falls Wellness is Northern Virginia’s premiere concierge addiction treatment program nestled in the privacy and beauty of Great Falls. We are designed for students, professionals and stay at home parents who want individualized care in a small setting.
Accepting new clients! Telehealth available in WA, OR, UT, ID, AZ, CO, MA, DC, VA, LA, NM. Moving through a painful transition? Want to make changes in your life? Need to figure out where to go from here and how to get there? Have you ever wondered what experiences in your life impact you the most & how to heal? I'd love to join you on your journey. From navigating big transitions, healing deep hurts to growing into your most meaningful dreams, I’m here to support you with warmth, compassion, and genuineness as well as a decade of experience & specialty training. Trauma informed approach - no problem is too big or small.
Accepting new clients! Telehealth available in WA, OR, UT, ID, AZ, CO, MA, DC, VA, LA, NM. Moving through a painful transition? Want to make changes in your life? Need to figure out where to go from here and how to get there? Have you ever wondered what experiences in your life impact you the most & how to heal? I'd love to join you on your journey. From navigating big transitions, healing deep hurts to growing into your most meaningful dreams, I’m here to support you with warmth, compassion, and genuineness as well as a decade of experience & specialty training. Trauma informed approach - no problem is too big or small.
As a clinical psychologist, I specialize in helping adults make positive changes in their lives. Through the use of CBT, ACT, and compassion-focused therapy, I can help you address a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, imposter syndrome, digital and social media detox, work stress, and dating and wedding planning challenges. Contact me and we can work together to help you achieve your goals and live a happier, more fulfilling life.
For optimal privacy protection of your sensitive information, I recommend using my secure contact form through the 'My website' button rather than the standard email form.
As a clinical psychologist, I specialize in helping adults make positive changes in their lives. Through the use of CBT, ACT, and compassion-focused therapy, I can help you address a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, imposter syndrome, digital and social media detox, work stress, and dating and wedding planning challenges. Contact me and we can work together to help you achieve your goals and live a happier, more fulfilling life.
For optimal privacy protection of your sensitive information, I recommend using my secure contact form through the 'My website' button rather than the standard email form.
I am currently accepting new clients and hold an LMFT license in Washington DC, Virginia, Nevada, and Utah. I have 16 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families navigating difficult challenges and significant life transitions. Life can be overwhelming at times — you don’t have to go through it alone. In our work together, I’ll tailor our sessions to your unique needs and goals. It is truly an honor to hear the stories my clients entrust me with, and I deeply love the work I do.
I am currently accepting new clients and hold an LMFT license in Washington DC, Virginia, Nevada, and Utah. I have 16 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families navigating difficult challenges and significant life transitions. Life can be overwhelming at times — you don’t have to go through it alone. In our work together, I’ll tailor our sessions to your unique needs and goals. It is truly an honor to hear the stories my clients entrust me with, and I deeply love the work I do.
You are dissatisfied with your life. Every day is busy. Sleep is hard to come by. You feel edgy and anxious. Relationships aren't what you expected - poor communication, little or no sex... you and your partner are fighting or just not talking. You might have considered an affair (or are already having one, but that isn't really working either). You've thought about talking to someone, but that takes time that you don't really have, and talking to someone you don't know is uncomfortable.
You are dissatisfied with your life. Every day is busy. Sleep is hard to come by. You feel edgy and anxious. Relationships aren't what you expected - poor communication, little or no sex... you and your partner are fighting or just not talking. You might have considered an affair (or are already having one, but that isn't really working either). You've thought about talking to someone, but that takes time that you don't really have, and talking to someone you don't know is uncomfortable.
I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults with a broad range of emotional and behavioral concerns, including depression, anxiety, mood, trauma, self-harm, ADHD, defiance/oppositionality, stress/adjustment and life transitions. I also have specialized expertise in providing gender-affirming care and am passionate about working with individuals who identify as transgender, are gender expansive, actively exploring gender and identity, and who may be experiencing the complex emotional concerns that may coincide such as feelings of isolation and depression.
I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults with a broad range of emotional and behavioral concerns, including depression, anxiety, mood, trauma, self-harm, ADHD, defiance/oppositionality, stress/adjustment and life transitions. I also have specialized expertise in providing gender-affirming care and am passionate about working with individuals who identify as transgender, are gender expansive, actively exploring gender and identity, and who may be experiencing the complex emotional concerns that may coincide such as feelings of isolation and depression.
I believe while therapists may be the experts of therapy, clients are the experts of themselves. I will help you develop and facilitate your goals, and then you will be the one responsible for doing the work. This could mean there is work to be done between sessions, collaboration with other outside people, or opportunities to embrace difficult moments. Therapy is not about a “fix.” It is about healing and growth, both of which take time and effort. I believe most of you are hurting now. I honor and revere that. Lasting change is not about a single moment, but a series of moments. Come and be empowered.
I believe while therapists may be the experts of therapy, clients are the experts of themselves. I will help you develop and facilitate your goals, and then you will be the one responsible for doing the work. This could mean there is work to be done between sessions, collaboration with other outside people, or opportunities to embrace difficult moments. Therapy is not about a “fix.” It is about healing and growth, both of which take time and effort. I believe most of you are hurting now. I honor and revere that. Lasting change is not about a single moment, but a series of moments. Come and be empowered.
If your life had a resumé, “chameleon” would be at the top. You’re so good at figuring out others’ needs, they’d never suspect that you have them too. If you were honest with yourself, though, you’d admit how stressful it is to live for other people. You’re terrified you’ll lose relationships if you speak up or say no. Your energy is drained or you feel resentful. You’re exhausted from wondering if others like you or approve of you. If you make choices that disappoint others, you feel guilty and selfish. Your whole identity is about pleasing others, & you want to feel comfortable being your authentic self, but you have no idea how.
If your life had a resumé, “chameleon” would be at the top. You’re so good at figuring out others’ needs, they’d never suspect that you have them too. If you were honest with yourself, though, you’d admit how stressful it is to live for other people. You’re terrified you’ll lose relationships if you speak up or say no. Your energy is drained or you feel resentful. You’re exhausted from wondering if others like you or approve of you. If you make choices that disappoint others, you feel guilty and selfish. Your whole identity is about pleasing others, & you want to feel comfortable being your authentic self, but you have no idea how.
You have made the brave decision to seek support and you are worth it. Meeting with a therapist can be intimidating; it requires strength and vulnerability. We are imperfectly human and we deserve to work towards honest self-acceptance, empowerment, and esteem in a safe place. Anxiety, codependence, depression, grief, isolation, and feelings of powerlessness can leave us exhausted and at a loss for answers. It can be easy to forget that we deserve "to be loved, and to feel worthwhile" (W. Glasser). I invite you to remember that when experiencing stress. It would be an honor to be witness to the growth of your self love.
You have made the brave decision to seek support and you are worth it. Meeting with a therapist can be intimidating; it requires strength and vulnerability. We are imperfectly human and we deserve to work towards honest self-acceptance, empowerment, and esteem in a safe place. Anxiety, codependence, depression, grief, isolation, and feelings of powerlessness can leave us exhausted and at a loss for answers. It can be easy to forget that we deserve "to be loved, and to feel worthwhile" (W. Glasser). I invite you to remember that when experiencing stress. It would be an honor to be witness to the growth of your self love.
Limited openings for new clients! I am a skilled psychotherapist with over 30 years experience. I work with professionals, entrepreneurs, athletes and performers who find themselves stuck in cycles of anxiety, perfectionism and exhaustion as they journey towards mental wellness and a life of peace and fulfillment. I see individual adults virtually in the states of Virginia and Florida.
Do you feel like anxiety is your constant companion, whispering doubts and fears into your ear? An invisible force that leaves others perplexed about your need for control and perfection? I work with clients to resolve these issues and find peace.
Limited openings for new clients! I am a skilled psychotherapist with over 30 years experience. I work with professionals, entrepreneurs, athletes and performers who find themselves stuck in cycles of anxiety, perfectionism and exhaustion as they journey towards mental wellness and a life of peace and fulfillment. I see individual adults virtually in the states of Virginia and Florida.
Do you feel like anxiety is your constant companion, whispering doubts and fears into your ear? An invisible force that leaves others perplexed about your need for control and perfection? I work with clients to resolve these issues and find peace.
I’m a licensed psychologist offering therapy to adults and couples. You may be feeling overwhelmed with stress, grief or unhappy with your relationships. I believe that our early relationship/s profoundly impact our view of self and expectations of others. Life is also full of stress (job, marital/divorce, parenting, illness, trauma, loss, infertility, hormonal changes) that can impact our feelings of satisfaction and joy. I am warm, supportive and will work with you to identify your goals for treatment. I am passionate about my work and feel privileged to witness the growth and recovery that therapy provides.
I’m a licensed psychologist offering therapy to adults and couples. You may be feeling overwhelmed with stress, grief or unhappy with your relationships. I believe that our early relationship/s profoundly impact our view of self and expectations of others. Life is also full of stress (job, marital/divorce, parenting, illness, trauma, loss, infertility, hormonal changes) that can impact our feelings of satisfaction and joy. I am warm, supportive and will work with you to identify your goals for treatment. I am passionate about my work and feel privileged to witness the growth and recovery that therapy provides.
My practice is designed to help children, adolescents, and adults with healthy development, personal confidence, and more satisfying relationships. I offer individual and group therapy to help kids with labeling and identifying feelings, developing and maintaining friendships, reading social cues, and increasing self-esteem. In working with adults, I create a supportive environment to explore a better life balance, manage stress, and improve close relationships. I value comprehensive treatment, and work with schools and other professionals to assure positive treatment outcomes.
My practice is designed to help children, adolescents, and adults with healthy development, personal confidence, and more satisfying relationships. I offer individual and group therapy to help kids with labeling and identifying feelings, developing and maintaining friendships, reading social cues, and increasing self-esteem. In working with adults, I create a supportive environment to explore a better life balance, manage stress, and improve close relationships. I value comprehensive treatment, and work with schools and other professionals to assure positive treatment outcomes.
I offer a safe and welcoming environment, which I believe can happen as authentically online as in person. I help create a space where you can reflect on what brought you into therapy and develop a vision of hope for your future. I have worked in a variety of practice settings for over 20 years which enables me to tailor your specific treatment to the level of care you need. Ultimately, my goal is to help you develop a deeper sense of self-understanding and a greater capacity for self-compassion. By understanding the root causes of your challenges, we can work together to cultivate lasting change and growth.
I offer a safe and welcoming environment, which I believe can happen as authentically online as in person. I help create a space where you can reflect on what brought you into therapy and develop a vision of hope for your future. I have worked in a variety of practice settings for over 20 years which enables me to tailor your specific treatment to the level of care you need. Ultimately, my goal is to help you develop a deeper sense of self-understanding and a greater capacity for self-compassion. By understanding the root causes of your challenges, we can work together to cultivate lasting change and growth.
My passion as a therapist is helping couples and families establish a safe, secure connection. This often involves healing a past injury. I have extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, an empirically validated therapy based in attachment theory. I also work with individuals to help recover from depression and establish ways to manage anxiety. Parenting, including co-parenting for divorced couples is another passion of mine.
My passion as a therapist is helping couples and families establish a safe, secure connection. This often involves healing a past injury. I have extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, an empirically validated therapy based in attachment theory. I also work with individuals to help recover from depression and establish ways to manage anxiety. Parenting, including co-parenting for divorced couples is another passion of mine.
With over 25 years of experience, I specialize in helping teens, women, and families. I have a passion for working with adolescents and am known for building genuine connections with them. My practice includes a strong focus on the treatment of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and ARFID. I frequently work with high-achieving teens who feel overwhelmed by the pressure to excel academically and in extracurricular activities while trying to stay competitive in the college admissions process. Many struggle with anxiety, burnout, isolation, and depression beneath the surface of their achievements.
With over 25 years of experience, I specialize in helping teens, women, and families. I have a passion for working with adolescents and am known for building genuine connections with them. My practice includes a strong focus on the treatment of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and ARFID. I frequently work with high-achieving teens who feel overwhelmed by the pressure to excel academically and in extracurricular activities while trying to stay competitive in the college admissions process. Many struggle with anxiety, burnout, isolation, and depression beneath the surface of their achievements.
At Bloom Couples Counseling, I offer comprehensive, scientifically validated relationship counseling in Winston-Salem NC and virtually across NC and VA. I help you and your partner unravel the mystery of the cyclical nature of relationship problems, reducing frustration and restoring connection. Using evidence-based tools and approaches, my goal is to help you and your partner move from distance to addressing the problems as a team, leaving you both with a sense of pride in each other's core needs and dreams for the relationship.
At Bloom Couples Counseling, I offer comprehensive, scientifically validated relationship counseling in Winston-Salem NC and virtually across NC and VA. I help you and your partner unravel the mystery of the cyclical nature of relationship problems, reducing frustration and restoring connection. Using evidence-based tools and approaches, my goal is to help you and your partner move from distance to addressing the problems as a team, leaving you both with a sense of pride in each other's core needs and dreams for the relationship.
Thank you for taking the time to view my page! I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist practicing in Reston, VA. I specialize in the field of eating disorders, and have been working with adolescents and adults with eating disorders for 20 years. I have worked in all levels of care settings, and fully appreciate how challenging recovery from an eating disorder can be! With the new crisis in mental health accessibility, I applaud you for reaching out to find help, and I encourage you to keep searching until you find the right fit!
Thank you for taking the time to view my page! I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist practicing in Reston, VA. I specialize in the field of eating disorders, and have been working with adolescents and adults with eating disorders for 20 years. I have worked in all levels of care settings, and fully appreciate how challenging recovery from an eating disorder can be! With the new crisis in mental health accessibility, I applaud you for reaching out to find help, and I encourage you to keep searching until you find the right fit!
In each of us there is a drive to move towards wholeness. Sometimes we require assistance to unblock that which slows our movement towards balance. Engaging in therapy is a sign of resilience in the face of personal struggles. Courage is walking through your fears to make a difference. By engaging in a strong and empathetic relationship, we will work to uncover the motivations and thoughts that are preventing you from living your life to the fullest. I educate my clients to utilize innovative strategies that capture the extraordinary power that comes from within to facilitate the changes you seek.
In each of us there is a drive to move towards wholeness. Sometimes we require assistance to unblock that which slows our movement towards balance. Engaging in therapy is a sign of resilience in the face of personal struggles. Courage is walking through your fears to make a difference. By engaging in a strong and empathetic relationship, we will work to uncover the motivations and thoughts that are preventing you from living your life to the fullest. I educate my clients to utilize innovative strategies that capture the extraordinary power that comes from within to facilitate the changes you seek.
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What is lesbian-affirming therapy?
Lesbian-affirming therapy is a type of mental health support that fully affirms and reflects a client's lesbian identity. It is rooted in acceptance and does not attempt to change or question an individual's sexual orientation. In this type of therapy, clients work with a therapist who understands the unique experiences of lesbian women. This support is especially important, as research shows that lesbian individuals face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges compared to heterosexual populations. Lesbian-affirming therapy acknowledges that lesbian individuals may encounter specific stressors—such as coming out challenges, family rejection, workplace discrimination, and minority stress—that require specialized understanding and intervention. Lesbian-affirming therapists often work with clients across all age groups, from adolescents navigating their emerging identity to adults and older individuals addressing life transitions and relationship concerns. Many therapists also provide couples therapy for lesbian partners, helping them navigate relationship dynamics, communication challenges, or external stressors that may impact their relationship. It is important to note that therapists provide talk therapy and counseling services but do not prescribe medication—if medication is needed for conditions like depression or anxiety, they will coordinate care with a psychiatrist or primary care physician who can provide psychiatric medication management alongside therapeutic support.
Why should I see a lesbian therapist?
Some clients prefer to work with lesbian therapists who may bring personal lived experience to the therapeutic relationship. Choosing to work with a lesbian therapist can offer a deeper sense of connection, comfort, and shared understanding. A therapist who identifies as lesbian may require clients to give less background explanation—whether it’s about navigating romantic relationships, feeling unseen in certain spaces, or processing the impact of past relationship challenges. However, a non-lesbian therapist with strong training and a sincere commitment to LGBTQ+ affirmation can be equally effective. The most important factor is finding a therapist who respects your identity and fosters trust, safety, and understanding. However, a non-lesbian therapist with strong training and a sincere commitment to LGBTQ+ affirmation can be equally effective. The most important factor is finding a therapist who respects your identity and fosters trust, safety, and understanding. Additionally, many lesbian-affirming therapists can connect clients to other providers or community-based resources—such as bisexual support groups or LGBTQ+ organizations—that offer additional affirming spaces for connection.
How do I find a lesbian therapist?
The Psychology Today online directory is a helpful tool for finding lesbian-affirming therapists. You can use search filters to identify therapists who specialize in LGBTQ+ care and work specifically with bisexual clients. You can also filter by clinical specialties, therapeutic approaches, accepted insurance, session costs, and languages spoken to find the right fit. Look for profiles where therapists explicitly mention working with lesbian clients, or where they describe their approach as identity-affirming, inclusive, or trauma-informed. Many providers will also list their own identities, which may help you find someone with shared lived experience if that is important to you. You can also look for credentials or continuing education in areas such as LGBTQ+ mental health, trauma-informed care, and intersectionality.