Lesbian Therapists in Herndon, VA
You want a strong connected mother-daughter relationship but it seems like there is just too much hurt and chaos to work through. Some days you hardly recognize the person you used to feel so close to. Maybe adolescence feels like it wrecked what was once a great relationship. But you’re ready to make a change - this relationship is too important and deserves mindful repair. I want to help you get there.
You want a strong connected mother-daughter relationship but it seems like there is just too much hurt and chaos to work through. Some days you hardly recognize the person you used to feel so close to. Maybe adolescence feels like it wrecked what was once a great relationship. But you’re ready to make a change - this relationship is too important and deserves mindful repair. I want to help you get there.
I am an LGBTQIA+ celebratory therapist. I work with queer and trans teens (14+) and adults who generally feel grounded in who they are, yet still find themselves stuck in cycles of anxiety, overthinking, people‑pleasing, self‑harm, or numbing. Whether the struggle stems from a past experience that feels impossible to shake or constant worry about the future, you may be wondering if it will ever stop feeling so hard. I utilize EMDR and ERP to help clients finally see a decrease in trauma symptoms, anxiety, and OCD symptoms.
I am an LGBTQIA+ celebratory therapist. I work with queer and trans teens (14+) and adults who generally feel grounded in who they are, yet still find themselves stuck in cycles of anxiety, overthinking, people‑pleasing, self‑harm, or numbing. Whether the struggle stems from a past experience that feels impossible to shake or constant worry about the future, you may be wondering if it will ever stop feeling so hard. I utilize EMDR and ERP to help clients finally see a decrease in trauma symptoms, anxiety, and OCD symptoms.
My ideal clients are the ones that are navigating life through trauma, grief and hard transitions. I specialize in trauma, and I am EMDR and Brainspotting trained, which are great modalities for healing trauma. I have personal and professional experience with the LGBTQi community and people with ADHD and autism. My goal is to empower others as they heal.
In addition, I work with clients that are struggling with depression, anxiety, body dysphoria, and suicidal ideation.
My ideal clients are the ones that are navigating life through trauma, grief and hard transitions. I specialize in trauma, and I am EMDR and Brainspotting trained, which are great modalities for healing trauma. I have personal and professional experience with the LGBTQi community and people with ADHD and autism. My goal is to empower others as they heal.
In addition, I work with clients that are struggling with depression, anxiety, body dysphoria, and suicidal ideation.
Free 15-Minute Intro Consultation: Counseling is a professional relationship, and it’s important that we genuinely “click” for the work to be effective. With more than 20 years of private practice experience, I take an active, modern approach to therapy—one that goes beyond traditional talk and affirmation. By the time most people reach my office, they’re ready for change, and my goal is to help you (or both of you) break free from old, unhelpful patterns and begin creating real movement in your life. Together, we’ll work not just on insight, but on lasting changes that show up where it matters most—everyday life.
Free 15-Minute Intro Consultation: Counseling is a professional relationship, and it’s important that we genuinely “click” for the work to be effective. With more than 20 years of private practice experience, I take an active, modern approach to therapy—one that goes beyond traditional talk and affirmation. By the time most people reach my office, they’re ready for change, and my goal is to help you (or both of you) break free from old, unhelpful patterns and begin creating real movement in your life. Together, we’ll work not just on insight, but on lasting changes that show up where it matters most—everyday life.
Are out-of-control emotions, mood swings, depression or anxiety part of your life? Have your relationships felt unfulfilling or often been unpleasant? Perhaps you wonder if difficult past experiences or the ways you were treated as a child continue to affect you. Early family dynamics can have a long-term impact, influencing how you view yourself, your place in the world, your relationships. You might feel hopeless or discouraged now; please know you don't have to feel this way forever! Helping you make sense of your experiences, heal from trauma, and have more meaningful relationships is my aim. A more satisfying life is possible!
Are out-of-control emotions, mood swings, depression or anxiety part of your life? Have your relationships felt unfulfilling or often been unpleasant? Perhaps you wonder if difficult past experiences or the ways you were treated as a child continue to affect you. Early family dynamics can have a long-term impact, influencing how you view yourself, your place in the world, your relationships. You might feel hopeless or discouraged now; please know you don't have to feel this way forever! Helping you make sense of your experiences, heal from trauma, and have more meaningful relationships is my aim. A more satisfying life is possible!
You're exhausted from managing everyone's feelings while losing touch with your own. You say yes when your body screams no. You replay conversations convinced you said the wrong thing. Maybe sex feels like a test you keep failing—you go through the motions but you're not really there. Or you're discovering parts of yourself that feel exciting and terrifying: questions about your sexuality, gender, kink, or relationship structure. You want to move from anxious and disconnected to confident and connected in your relationships with yourself, sex, and others.
You're exhausted from managing everyone's feelings while losing touch with your own. You say yes when your body screams no. You replay conversations convinced you said the wrong thing. Maybe sex feels like a test you keep failing—you go through the motions but you're not really there. Or you're discovering parts of yourself that feel exciting and terrifying: questions about your sexuality, gender, kink, or relationship structure. You want to move from anxious and disconnected to confident and connected in your relationships with yourself, sex, and others.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults. In my training I worked with children with developmental disabilities and serious mental illness. I later worked in the Arlington County Public Schools working with both elementary and high school students providing individual and family therapy. I have spent the last 15 years in private practice. I primarily work from a cognitive-behavioral model and specialize in working with individuals with anxiety, depression, OCD and autism spectrum disorders (Asperger's).
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents and adults. In my training I worked with children with developmental disabilities and serious mental illness. I later worked in the Arlington County Public Schools working with both elementary and high school students providing individual and family therapy. I have spent the last 15 years in private practice. I primarily work from a cognitive-behavioral model and specialize in working with individuals with anxiety, depression, OCD and autism spectrum disorders (Asperger's).
If you’re here, you might be feeling burnt out, overwhelmed or longing to be understood. Maybe you’re juggling ADHD, trying to be true to yourself but feeling stuck in the past, or have complicated relationships with family members that feel like they take up too much energy. These experiences can feel isolating or confusing, especially if no one has ever helped you make sense of how your unique brain and body work. As a therapist with lived experience, I offer collaborative, compassionate support to help you explore your inner world and create practices that genuinely fit your life so that you leave therapy feeling empowered.
If you’re here, you might be feeling burnt out, overwhelmed or longing to be understood. Maybe you’re juggling ADHD, trying to be true to yourself but feeling stuck in the past, or have complicated relationships with family members that feel like they take up too much energy. These experiences can feel isolating or confusing, especially if no one has ever helped you make sense of how your unique brain and body work. As a therapist with lived experience, I offer collaborative, compassionate support to help you explore your inner world and create practices that genuinely fit your life so that you leave therapy feeling empowered.
Victoria Marszalek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MTS
1 Endorsed
Herndon, VA 20170
Waitlist for new clients
This is a hard time full of fear, hopelessness, and anxiety. Sometimes we get stuck and need someone outside our circle to help us figure things out. I help people to more deeply understand and change negative or addictive behaviors that are dramatically impacting their lives. Relationships can be complicated, and trying to find different ways to communicate can feel like a mystery. I work with people struggling with addictions, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental, compassionate environment where we will work together to explore areas that are causing pain, and we will find new ways to cope.
This is a hard time full of fear, hopelessness, and anxiety. Sometimes we get stuck and need someone outside our circle to help us figure things out. I help people to more deeply understand and change negative or addictive behaviors that are dramatically impacting their lives. Relationships can be complicated, and trying to find different ways to communicate can feel like a mystery. I work with people struggling with addictions, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental, compassionate environment where we will work together to explore areas that are causing pain, and we will find new ways to cope.
I specialize in providing neurodiversity-affirming care to adolescents, adults, parents, and families. While I also support neurotypical clients, my passion and expertise lie in supporting those with Autism, ADHD, depression and anxiety disorders, as well as anyone who has struggled to feel like they truly “fit” within their school, workplace, or personal relationships. I support individuals through social challenges, workplace transitions, and identity exploration. If you feel isolated, burned out, or have a desire to stop “masking,” I’m here to help.
I specialize in providing neurodiversity-affirming care to adolescents, adults, parents, and families. While I also support neurotypical clients, my passion and expertise lie in supporting those with Autism, ADHD, depression and anxiety disorders, as well as anyone who has struggled to feel like they truly “fit” within their school, workplace, or personal relationships. I support individuals through social challenges, workplace transitions, and identity exploration. If you feel isolated, burned out, or have a desire to stop “masking,” I’m here to help.
Maybe you look like you're holding it together — capable, dependable, the person others lean on — while inside you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck. Past experiences may still surface in your body, your thoughts, or your relationships, even though you've done your best to move on. You might be high-functioning but exhausted, hard on yourself, and unsure why certain moments hit so intensely.
Imagine something different. Walking into a hard conversation without your chest tightening. Catching the old self-criticism and letting it pass instead of spiraling. Feeling present with the people you love rather than half-somewhere-else.
Maybe you look like you're holding it together — capable, dependable, the person others lean on — while inside you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck. Past experiences may still surface in your body, your thoughts, or your relationships, even though you've done your best to move on. You might be high-functioning but exhausted, hard on yourself, and unsure why certain moments hit so intensely.
Imagine something different. Walking into a hard conversation without your chest tightening. Catching the old self-criticism and letting it pass instead of spiraling. Feeling present with the people you love rather than half-somewhere-else.
Alison Behar, LCSW at Therapy With Compassion, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Herndon, VA 20170
Pursuing therapy is a courageous act! I recognize the difficulty of this choice and have great respect for each client who presents themselves to me for help. My aim is to make therapy a safe place where you can express your feelings openly, work through difficult issues and develop tools and solutions. My approach to therapy is to start with a strong relationship based on trust and acceptance, identify your goals and use cognitive behavioral therapy tools to teach you how to look at the ways your thinking patterns influence your feelings about yourself and ultimately how you behave in your life.
Pursuing therapy is a courageous act! I recognize the difficulty of this choice and have great respect for each client who presents themselves to me for help. My aim is to make therapy a safe place where you can express your feelings openly, work through difficult issues and develop tools and solutions. My approach to therapy is to start with a strong relationship based on trust and acceptance, identify your goals and use cognitive behavioral therapy tools to teach you how to look at the ways your thinking patterns influence your feelings about yourself and ultimately how you behave in your life.
I am a clinical psychologist who has been in practice for over 40 years. I primarily use a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy model and work with adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, and a wide range of life issues. I am happy to talk with you by phone and answer any questions that you may have.
I am a clinical psychologist who has been in practice for over 40 years. I primarily use a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy model and work with adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, and a wide range of life issues. I am happy to talk with you by phone and answer any questions that you may have.
Marriage, relationships, PTSD, Trauma, anxiety, stress, depression. Creating an environment in which people safely express their feelings, learn to manage the stressors in their relationships and to meet their goals is an essential focus of my practice. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years experience in providing psychotherapy to individuals, couples and families. I have had specialized training and experience in the treatment of couples, trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I have also focused on helping individuals and couples whose relationships have suffered from intense conflicts, stressors and emotions. I am fluent in Spanish and a working knowledge of French.
Marriage, relationships, PTSD, Trauma, anxiety, stress, depression. Creating an environment in which people safely express their feelings, learn to manage the stressors in their relationships and to meet their goals is an essential focus of my practice. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years experience in providing psychotherapy to individuals, couples and families. I have had specialized training and experience in the treatment of couples, trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I have also focused on helping individuals and couples whose relationships have suffered from intense conflicts, stressors and emotions. I am fluent in Spanish and a working knowledge of French.
Welcome! I offer a warm, accepting, and confidential space to explore your problems and concerns, and a partnership where we can work together to address them. I approach therapy and counseling as a collaborative and relational endeavor where we put together my expertise with the strengths and the strivings that have gotten you this far. Together we will develop an understanding of the challenges you are struggling with and help you meet those challenges so that you can grow and thrive.
Welcome! I offer a warm, accepting, and confidential space to explore your problems and concerns, and a partnership where we can work together to address them. I approach therapy and counseling as a collaborative and relational endeavor where we put together my expertise with the strengths and the strivings that have gotten you this far. Together we will develop an understanding of the challenges you are struggling with and help you meet those challenges so that you can grow and thrive.
Finding the right therapist is a challenging journey. It's essential to find a therapist that can help you navigate through difficult life situations while providing an objective perspective. I believe in working with people's strengths and empowering them to live their life being fully present and engaged. In every session my focus is on creating a safe atmosphere where clients feel comfortable enough to express whatever they're experiencing without the fear of judgement or guilt. It is within that umbrella of trust that people report feeling truly heard and understood, some for the first time in their lives.
Finding the right therapist is a challenging journey. It's essential to find a therapist that can help you navigate through difficult life situations while providing an objective perspective. I believe in working with people's strengths and empowering them to live their life being fully present and engaged. In every session my focus is on creating a safe atmosphere where clients feel comfortable enough to express whatever they're experiencing without the fear of judgement or guilt. It is within that umbrella of trust that people report feeling truly heard and understood, some for the first time in their lives.
Johni J Spinelli
Licensed Professional Counselor, Johni, J, Spinell, LPC, MEd
1 Endorsed
Herndon, VA 20170
I will assist you in a caring and professional manner to find realistic answers and solutions that make sense to you in your life, and allow you to more effectively manage each day. I bring over 30 years of experience working effectively with adults, children, families, and couples with a wide range of problems, from mild to severe in nature. My therapeutic approach is strength-based and practical. I draw from a number of different treatment approaches (including but not limited to: CBT, Humanistic, Family Systems, DBT) to most effectively address your presenting issues, reduce symptoms, and meet your goals in seeking treatment.
I will assist you in a caring and professional manner to find realistic answers and solutions that make sense to you in your life, and allow you to more effectively manage each day. I bring over 30 years of experience working effectively with adults, children, families, and couples with a wide range of problems, from mild to severe in nature. My therapeutic approach is strength-based and practical. I draw from a number of different treatment approaches (including but not limited to: CBT, Humanistic, Family Systems, DBT) to most effectively address your presenting issues, reduce symptoms, and meet your goals in seeking treatment.
I work exclusively with couples who are seeking a secure relationship. Relationships are complex for so many reasons, but often not the reasons you think. Together we figure out what gets in the way of you having a relationship based on security and true collaboration. Many couples I meet lack the solid foundation to build a peaceful and vital relationship. Without a secure base and solid structure, partners can't relax and be themselves. A secure relationship both grounds and develops each partner.
I work exclusively with couples who are seeking a secure relationship. Relationships are complex for so many reasons, but often not the reasons you think. Together we figure out what gets in the way of you having a relationship based on security and true collaboration. Many couples I meet lack the solid foundation to build a peaceful and vital relationship. Without a secure base and solid structure, partners can't relax and be themselves. A secure relationship both grounds and develops each partner.
Do you long for the days when you and your partner seemed happy and not every conversation left you feeling angry, sad, or misunderstood? Do you feel like you are banging your head against a wall having the same old fight? It can be very painful when the relationship you care the most about is not working or is causing you pain. I am certified in EFT, Emotionally Focused Therapy. Many therapists say they work with couples but when your relationship is struggling you deserve to work with someone who has experience and training with a solid, well researched approach that provides a plan to help you.
Do you long for the days when you and your partner seemed happy and not every conversation left you feeling angry, sad, or misunderstood? Do you feel like you are banging your head against a wall having the same old fight? It can be very painful when the relationship you care the most about is not working or is causing you pain. I am certified in EFT, Emotionally Focused Therapy. Many therapists say they work with couples but when your relationship is struggling you deserve to work with someone who has experience and training with a solid, well researched approach that provides a plan to help you.
I believe that therapy is a place where meaningful dialogue is co-created and tailored to help individuals, couples, and families achieve their goals, maximize their potentials, and to heal emotionally. My clinical orientation is integrative and includes approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Mindfulness-based, and Humanistic therapies.
I believe that therapy is a place where meaningful dialogue is co-created and tailored to help individuals, couples, and families achieve their goals, maximize their potentials, and to heal emotionally. My clinical orientation is integrative and includes approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Mindfulness-based, and Humanistic therapies.
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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.