Gottman Method Therapists in Montclair, VA

My belief is that everyone could use extra support, a place to define purpose and values, and tools to use to tackle life’s everyday challenges. As humans, we often struggle with anxiety, depression, stress, and difficulties in relationships. I aim to walk with you through life’s most difficult moments while also celebrating life's successes. ​

Hello! My name is Crystal and I am a trauma informed Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Virginia. I am passionate about helping couples and individuals achieve what they want out of their lives and relationships.

My approach to therapy focuses on a collaborative relationship between therapist and client. This allows clients to work through their struggles in an emotionally safe, non-judgmental, honest, and compassionate space. The journey of working through struggle becomes an opportunity for growth and healing. I have formal training in cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy, mindfulness, and Gottman Method Couples Training (1 & 2). I have experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults, but my passion is working with couples.

(JoshuaCrocker.com) Specializing in Couples Counseling and youth/young adults, my commitment is to provide a non-judgmental atmosphere where we face hard issues to grow and find more peace in your life. Leaving shame at the door, we dig into what is keeping you "stuck" and find practical tools to move forward. The therapist-client relationship gives one freedom, maybe beyond any other setting, to be fully open, honest and press forward.

TELE-MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY Is Offered in the Gottman Method Couples Approach. Certified in the Gottman Method , I am committed to help couples build stronger friendships, manage differences respectfully, and support hopes and dreams. Four basic principles important to productive couples counseling are the ability to: prioritize your relationship; roll up your sleeves and willingly dig in; show up and participate in the process; and, be open to learning how to make yourself right for your relationship. Masterful Couples is featured on Close-up Talk Radio. www.blogtalkradio.com/closeuptalkradio (see www.masterfulcouples.com)

We all have challenges in life, showing up authentic and implementing coping for resilience is the goal. This is the place where we incorporate courage, resilience, and balance to overcome and learn from the challenges as we forge ahead in this journey of life. I am passionate about mental wellness and assisting clients in navigating challenges by providing a safe, therapeutic environment where clients can learn to navigate life’s journey, heal from trauma, and tap into their true potential to achieve personal life goals. I have assisted clients in their journey through grief, depression, trauma, anxiety, and interpersonal stress.

Life can be overwhelming and sometimes we get "stuck" and need help navigating our way through tough obstacles. Therapy helps people identify, evaluate and solve problems effectively. We will work together to set goals, examine difficulties and find realistic solutions that provide relief and clarity. I utilize a warm interactive approach to treatment and incorporate empathy, honesty, and a sense of humor to create a comfortable environment. Because the way we think impacts the way we feel, individuals are taught skills to identify, challenge and modify negative thinking. In my work with couples, I provide strategies to improve communication, manage conflict and solidify trust.

My goal is to help people lead happier more content lives. I hope to build a relationship in which you feel secure in the knowledge that I am here to help you and truly want to see you achieve a more content you. Counseling is just like life in that you get out of it what you put into it. Counseling requires courage. In going through the difficult parts though, you will come out stronger and more capable of living the life you desire. I can’t “fix” you (you’re not broken even if it feels that way). What I’ll do is work along side you to get through those tough things that are going on inside or around you.

I help others expand their confidence in themselves to overcome whatever challenges life presents. I enjoy treating children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety and depression, work and school issues, relationship problems, communication concerns, and life transitions. I also provide play therapy and marriage counseling. My easy and caring manner are a comfort to those needing support and helps them confide in me. Through my clinical skills, I work in tandem with my clients to resolve and overcome daily challenges as well as persistent life problems.

I believe in helping individuals and couples gain insight and make behavioral changes to improve well-being. I believe empathy is important in the therapeutic alliance and I strive to create a safe space where the client(s) can feel comfortable in therapy and actively engage in treatment. With individuals, my approach to therapy is based in cognitive-behavioral theory, but also flexible and pragmatic, depending on the individual’s needs. With couples, I primarily utilize the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy, and provide strategies to enhance effective communication, strengthen trust, deepen intimacy and manage conflict.

Increase your self-esteem, improve your relationships, strengthen your family, decrease self-defeating behaviors, and make lasting changes in your life! I welcome the opportunity to work with you on your journey with a Christian mindset. Counseling is an avenue for healing, exploration and growth. Let the healing begin! I love working with individuals, couples and families who are ready to move forward in life with hope. Progress is enhanced when there is commitment and accountable. Through a positive therapeutic relationship, progress will come. Let's journey together.

Life can be painful. Therapy doesn't have to be. Many people see therapy as one sided, with little opportunity for interaction or getting to experience each other as real people. I want to help you achieve the solutions and life changes you are looking for while enjoying the process as much as possible. Calling a therapist can be intimidating, but I hope you will take a moment (and maybe a deep breath) to call and see how I can help. Life is too short to surrender to bad relationships, hold grudges, let trauma control us, or be anxious all the time. I want you to be free of emotional pain and able to deal with life on your terms.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities to others? Do you feel like you are on "automatic," frustrated with not living the life you once wanted for yourself? Such a lonely place! I can help you move towards healing and transformation. I am here to witness the development of your unique and authentic voice as you create the life you want. Within the framework of a strengths-based and hope-focused perspective, I equip individuals and couples, at any stage of commitment, with strategies to create and maintain healthy relationships now and in the future. Change is possible! Find the life you have dreamed of living!

I am Level 2 Gottman Certified and subscribe to The Gottman Method . I am a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional (PMH-C). If you are on your fertility journey, pregnant, or postpartum, I would love to help. Ambitious women: Navigating ambitious careers or life transitions when societal demands on women remain pervasive can result in anxiety, depression, unmanageable stress and sometimes even post-traumatic stress.