Therapists in McLean, VA

Life is made up of transitions, some expected and some unexpected. Responding to these transitions can often be challenging and result in unwanted feelings or symptoms. My approach to treatment is to work collaboratively with you to understand your concerns, the underlying precipitants, and build upon your strengths to develop strategies to overcome and manage these challenges. I cannot overestimate the power of really listening and providing a safe space for you to express your concerns, however awkward, uncomfortable, or upsetting. I strongly believe that everyone has the capacity to change and instilling hope is integral to that change.

I seek to help uncover the underlying conflicts and often unconscious roots of psychological problems. I work with you to develop insight into what underlies your anxiety or depression and to make room for growth and change. When a problem, like ADHD, requires more "hands on" help, I can help tease out what can be treated through psychotherapy, and what might need more direct intervention and even coaching. I provide parenting support and couples counseling. I also provide psychological testing, including ADHD and AAP testing for school aged children.

I believe that during times of exploration and life crises it is helpful to have a safe supportive environment and a caring, knowledgeable professional to reflect and learn with. Challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, readjustment to loss and other changes can be disarming and disorienting. Complicated family dynamics, transitions and developmental tasks along with ineffective communication patterns are hard to untangle alone. When faced with conflicting wants and needs as well as difficult problem-solving and decision-making situations, having a professional who you can confide in and not feel judged by is a welcomed relief.

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.

I am a professor (University of Illinois, currently: Georgetown Medical School) and in private practice. As a teacher of tools, skills and strategies, my clients quickly learn new, more effective behaviors to reduce discomfort and be more successful. My approach is not so much placing a label on people but in offering ideas for what they can DO NOW and in the future to learn and implement new successful behaviors. I enjoy working with mood, anxiety, anger and behavioral problems for all the ages. My approach is pragmatic, behavioral and usually is short-term to achieve well-defined results.

Being a young adult or teenager comes with challenges that previous generations struggle to understand. Maybe you're experiencing stress from a difficult life transition or finding where you fit in our rapidly changing world. Therapy can help you navigate these challenges, and I'd love to help make the process more approachable, even if this is your first time pursuing therapy. We'll discuss concrete ways to reach your mental health goals, and enjoy the confidence that comes with deeper self-knowledge. You're worth investing in, life is too short to be spent wishing things were different.

Rossa Ridley is a Resident in Counseling and Qualified Mental Health Provider for adults in the state of Virginia. She has over 7 years of experience assisting adults that are seeking help with a variety of mental health issues, adjusting to life transitions, military-related issues, past incarceration, and relationship issues due to childhood trauma. Rossa completed her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from ECPI University, a Master of Art in Professional Counseling (Mental Health Counseling) from South University, and an advanced degree of a Master of Philosophy in Forensic Psychology.

I have been an ADD/Life/Business Coach for 27 years. I am also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, who are challenged with the executive function deficits associated with ADHD. I utilize mindfulness and meditation, which can create neuroplasticity in the brain. Through this process, the Gifts associated with the creative mindset seen in those with ADHD, can finally be experienced and utilized! I am certified in EMDR, which I use to help my ADHD clients deal with the "Shame" associated with trauma that affected their life.

I have been in the psychology/counseling field since 2002. I am currently a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Commonwealth of Virginia, National Certified Counselor (NCC) with . As a former NCAA D1 athlete, I feel strongly that exercise is an important component to a healthy mind, body, and soul. I have a sharp interest incorporating this philosophy in my workings as a licensed mental health therapist. I currently am a therapist in McLean, Va working for Ryan Counseling, PLLC. I was nominated and featured in 2012, 2014, 2017 Northern Virginia Magazine "Top Doctors."

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.

So many of us present a high-functioning face to the world, but our inner lives tell a different story. Depression, anxiety, and other issues are natural byproducts of the stressful lives we lead. I work with adults, teens (16 and older), couples, and families, ranging from adolescents facing developmental struggles to stay-at-home parents and Beltway professionals. As a native Northern Virginian, I can relate to the challenges of living in this frenetic environment. My previous military and consulting experience give me an understanding of issues that busy professionals deal with like self-care and work-life balance.

We all find ourselves from time to time in need of guidance, expertise, and support from someone we trust. Engaging in treatment with a professional is at times the most efficient way of addressing what is not working. I offer individual, couples and family, consultation and/or psychotherapy with the goal of helping people get to a place in their lives where they can thrive.

It can be a difficult decision to seek help when your life is feeling off track or stuck in patterns that are not serving you. Particularly in our current climate of increased anxiety and rising levels of depression, it’s crucial that you have a sense of comfort and emotional safety with the person with whom you work to explore the issues that confront you. I implement an individualized course of therapy for each client using a combination of psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and relational techniques. I offer a free consultation in order for us to decide if I might be a good fit for you.

Feeling overwhelmed and/or stuck? Are you struggling to enjoy your family or loved ones? Welcome to my practice and I look forward to working with you. Providing a safe and comfortable environment, I will listen to you and offer fresh perspectives on challenging and/or overwhelming life circumstances. With 20 years of experience, my areas of focus include but are not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, adjustment and transitions, and crisis management. I enjoy working with children, adults and families. My practice includes consultation, assessment and evaluation and when warranted I will provide in-home and school observations.