Photo of Michelle Donovan, MSW, LCSW, CGP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michelle Donovan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, CGP
Verified Verified
North Springfield, VA 22151  (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received my Masters degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. I strive to help clients see a way forward from feeling stuck by forming a collaborative, therapeutic relationship. This is where clients feel empowered to maneuver life transitions in an authentic and honest way.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received my Masters degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. I strive to help clients see a way forward from feeling stuck by forming a collaborative, therapeutic relationship. This is where clients feel empowered to maneuver life transitions in an authentic and honest way.
(703) 546-9610 View (703) 546-9610

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Rimsha Ali, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rimsha Ali
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Springfield, VA 22150  (Online Only)
As a mental health therapist with a South Asian heritage and experience as the eldest daughter of immigrant parents, I deeply understand cultural nuances and intergenerational trauma. This background enriches my ability to offer culturally sensitive and compassionate therapy to diverse clients of all ages and sexual orientations. I am committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where every client feels heard, valued, and empowered on their journey toward healing and personal growth.
As a mental health therapist with a South Asian heritage and experience as the eldest daughter of immigrant parents, I deeply understand cultural nuances and intergenerational trauma. This background enriches my ability to offer culturally sensitive and compassionate therapy to diverse clients of all ages and sexual orientations. I am committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where every client feels heard, valued, and empowered on their journey toward healing and personal growth.
(804) 552-6627 View (804) 552-6627
Photo of Cherra Barbour-Smith, MEd  , LPC, PMH-C, Licensed Professional Counselor
Cherra Barbour-Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd , LPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Springfield, VA 22151  (Online Only)
Are you pregnant and experiencing some anxiety related to being a Mom? Do you find yourself crying, feeling overwhelmed or wanting to be alone? Are you in a stage of life transition? I have been a licensed mental health professional for 21 years. I specialize in helping women manage life transitions, postpartum depression, anxiety and grief. I also have extensive experience and training working with foster care and adoption issues. As a certified Prepare Enrich facilitator, I also assist premarital and married couples with assessing their strengths, opportunities for growth, and learning skills to strengthen their relationship.
Are you pregnant and experiencing some anxiety related to being a Mom? Do you find yourself crying, feeling overwhelmed or wanting to be alone? Are you in a stage of life transition? I have been a licensed mental health professional for 21 years. I specialize in helping women manage life transitions, postpartum depression, anxiety and grief. I also have extensive experience and training working with foster care and adoption issues. As a certified Prepare Enrich facilitator, I also assist premarital and married couples with assessing their strengths, opportunities for growth, and learning skills to strengthen their relationship.
(757) 210-5672 View (757) 210-5672
Photo of Aminah Mellion - Mahogany Counseling and Consulting Services, LCSW, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mahogany Counseling and Consulting Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Springfield, VA 22152
I'm Aminah and I’ve practiced as a licensed clinician for over 20 years. I’m passionate about working with adolescents and deeply committed to empowering my clients to reach their goals. I use a holistic approach that incorporates the varied cultural backgrounds of the community I serve. I value creating an affirming safe space for clients of all ages to explore patterns that no longer serve them. My clinical orientation is rooted in narrative therapy. This approach is client directed and empowers you to objectively examine aspects of your identity and stories that impact the challenges you want to address in therapy.
I'm Aminah and I’ve practiced as a licensed clinician for over 20 years. I’m passionate about working with adolescents and deeply committed to empowering my clients to reach their goals. I use a holistic approach that incorporates the varied cultural backgrounds of the community I serve. I value creating an affirming safe space for clients of all ages to explore patterns that no longer serve them. My clinical orientation is rooted in narrative therapy. This approach is client directed and empowers you to objectively examine aspects of your identity and stories that impact the challenges you want to address in therapy.
(703) 936-9151 View (703) 936-9151
Photo of Mary Sedrak Bissada, PsyD, Psychologist
Mary Sedrak Bissada
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Annandale, VA 22003
Whether you are hoping to work through a specific difficulty, or you want a space to explore your life experiences and gain a better understanding of who you are, I’m glad you’re here. My goal is to help you identify and communicate your needs and better understand why it has been challenging to connect with others and with your life in a meaningful way. I do this by providing a warm, open, supportive environment. I want to get to know the whole you – your background and your history, as well as the moments, places, and people that have shaped you to be who you are today.
Whether you are hoping to work through a specific difficulty, or you want a space to explore your life experiences and gain a better understanding of who you are, I’m glad you’re here. My goal is to help you identify and communicate your needs and better understand why it has been challenging to connect with others and with your life in a meaningful way. I do this by providing a warm, open, supportive environment. I want to get to know the whole you – your background and your history, as well as the moments, places, and people that have shaped you to be who you are today.
(571) 520-3635 View (571) 520-3635
Photo of Deborah O'Brien, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Deborah O'Brien
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Annandale, VA 22003
Are you or your family going through a tough time? Are behaviors or situations becoming unmanageable? In my office you will find a safe, nonjudgmental response to dealing with the complexities of your life. The aim is to address painful crisis and move toward developing coping strategies to increase peace & the happiness you deserve. My treatment approach is to help with solutions. Individual therapy, play therapy, parent support, and academic consultation is what I provide. In my practice I work with children, adolescents, and adults. There are several therapists in the office who can assist if I am booked.
Are you or your family going through a tough time? Are behaviors or situations becoming unmanageable? In my office you will find a safe, nonjudgmental response to dealing with the complexities of your life. The aim is to address painful crisis and move toward developing coping strategies to increase peace & the happiness you deserve. My treatment approach is to help with solutions. Individual therapy, play therapy, parent support, and academic consultation is what I provide. In my practice I work with children, adolescents, and adults. There are several therapists in the office who can assist if I am booked.
(703) 791-9908 View (703) 791-9908
Photo of Ann C Jones, MA, PsyD, Psychologist
Ann C Jones
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified Verified
Springfield, VA 22152
Dr. Jones is licensed in MD, DC, & VA accepting new patients for ASSESSMENTs. She has several years of clinical experience working with individuals of diverse age range referred for various psychological/psychiatric or forensic/legal concerns. She adopts biopsychosocial framework with the goal of promoting well-being and useful evaluations. Her experiences includes, but are not limited to Veterans Disability Benefit Questionnaires, Mood and Anxiety disorders, Sexual Trauma, Serious Mental Illnesses, Competency to Stand Trial, Juvenile Psychosexual Risk, intellectual and learning disabilities, and other psychological evaluations.
Dr. Jones is licensed in MD, DC, & VA accepting new patients for ASSESSMENTs. She has several years of clinical experience working with individuals of diverse age range referred for various psychological/psychiatric or forensic/legal concerns. She adopts biopsychosocial framework with the goal of promoting well-being and useful evaluations. Her experiences includes, but are not limited to Veterans Disability Benefit Questionnaires, Mood and Anxiety disorders, Sexual Trauma, Serious Mental Illnesses, Competency to Stand Trial, Juvenile Psychosexual Risk, intellectual and learning disabilities, and other psychological evaluations.
(202) 335-0717 View (202) 335-0717
Photo of Sierra Thorpe, M Ed, Pre-Licensed Professional
Sierra Thorpe
Pre-Licensed Professional, M Ed
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Springfield, VA 22152
I have always had a desire to help others and create less suffering in those around me. As a resident in counseling, I am fairly new to the field, but have over 3 years of experience helping those who struggle with their mental health. I have worked with elementary aged children, adolescents and adults. I have found my niche in adolescent mental health, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, grief, multicultural concerns, and LGBTQIA+ concerns. I tend to focus heavily on the therapeutic relationship and guiding my clients through intense self-exploration. We all have a variety of identities that intersect and make us who we are.
I have always had a desire to help others and create less suffering in those around me. As a resident in counseling, I am fairly new to the field, but have over 3 years of experience helping those who struggle with their mental health. I have worked with elementary aged children, adolescents and adults. I have found my niche in adolescent mental health, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, grief, multicultural concerns, and LGBTQIA+ concerns. I tend to focus heavily on the therapeutic relationship and guiding my clients through intense self-exploration. We all have a variety of identities that intersect and make us who we are.
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Photo of Nazanin Saadati Altamirano, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nazanin Saadati Altamirano
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Springfield, VA 22152
Throughout our lives, we all find ourselves struggling with negative thoughts or engaging in behaviors that aren't serving us. Do you want to make real changes in your life? Would you like to have stronger boundaries? Do you need support with figuring out how to shape your life? Through therapy, you can explore your needs, emotions, beliefs, identities, relationships, values, goals, and so much more. Therapy can support you with developing skills and techniques to break habits and patterns that are no longer useful. I offer a nonjudgmental space in which you can feel safe to explore yourself.
Throughout our lives, we all find ourselves struggling with negative thoughts or engaging in behaviors that aren't serving us. Do you want to make real changes in your life? Would you like to have stronger boundaries? Do you need support with figuring out how to shape your life? Through therapy, you can explore your needs, emotions, beliefs, identities, relationships, values, goals, and so much more. Therapy can support you with developing skills and techniques to break habits and patterns that are no longer useful. I offer a nonjudgmental space in which you can feel safe to explore yourself.
(571) 998-1849 View (571) 998-1849
Photo of Natasha Kollaros, MSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Natasha Kollaros
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
Springfield, VA 22150
Change is hard. Transition is hard. Life is hard. It can take unexpected turns. Nonjudgmental support and guidance can make a difference. Does having the right support to help you navigate your stressors sound like a relief? Gaining tools and setting goals to move through this season can help lift your outlook and your mood. We can get stuck. We subscribe to others expectations. We can operate with a negative filter. We can compare ourselves to others. We deserve more, we are more and together we can obtain more. I look forward to helping you shine through this tough season.
Change is hard. Transition is hard. Life is hard. It can take unexpected turns. Nonjudgmental support and guidance can make a difference. Does having the right support to help you navigate your stressors sound like a relief? Gaining tools and setting goals to move through this season can help lift your outlook and your mood. We can get stuck. We subscribe to others expectations. We can operate with a negative filter. We can compare ourselves to others. We deserve more, we are more and together we can obtain more. I look forward to helping you shine through this tough season.
(571) 999-7062 View (571) 999-7062
Photo of Chun-Shin Taylor - Mending Hearts Academy, LLC, PhD, LCPC, NCC, ACS, Counselor
Mending Hearts Academy, LLC
Counselor, PhD, LCPC, NCC, ACS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Annandale, VA 22003
Waitlist for new clients
Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, sexuality issues, and relationship issues? Have you ever been hurt your loved ones in any way that violates your right as a person, including infidelity, addiction, and all forms of violence? Have you ever hurt your loved ones in the same ways? I love to walk with your journey to redefine who you are as a wholesome person. I can help you become resilient and embrace yourself and your life in holistic ways. You will experience cutting-edge and holistic counseling approaches to find your answers to your finding your way to becoming a wholesome person again. Let's do this together!
Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, sexuality issues, and relationship issues? Have you ever been hurt your loved ones in any way that violates your right as a person, including infidelity, addiction, and all forms of violence? Have you ever hurt your loved ones in the same ways? I love to walk with your journey to redefine who you are as a wholesome person. I can help you become resilient and embrace yourself and your life in holistic ways. You will experience cutting-edge and holistic counseling approaches to find your answers to your finding your way to becoming a wholesome person again. Let's do this together!
(410) 705-7375 View (410) 705-7375
Photo of Vanessa Durrant, MSW, LCSW-C, LCSW, RMT, RYT-, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Vanessa Durrant
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C, LCSW, RMT, RYT-
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Annandale, VA 22003
Are you or your child struggling at home, school, work, or in peer relationships? I specialize in helping people heal from any difficult situation, experience, or trauma. I'm here to support you into new insights and get you unstuck. I work with children, teens, and adults who are looking to find integrative and holistic methods to real mind-body healing. Anxiety, trauma, depression, perfectionism, grief, and life transitions. Together we will make sure that you take charge of your life in a way that helps you thrive. I especially love to blend ancient healing approaches with modern therapies for true somatic based healing.
Are you or your child struggling at home, school, work, or in peer relationships? I specialize in helping people heal from any difficult situation, experience, or trauma. I'm here to support you into new insights and get you unstuck. I work with children, teens, and adults who are looking to find integrative and holistic methods to real mind-body healing. Anxiety, trauma, depression, perfectionism, grief, and life transitions. Together we will make sure that you take charge of your life in a way that helps you thrive. I especially love to blend ancient healing approaches with modern therapies for true somatic based healing.
(571) 512-7496 View (571) 512-7496
Photo of Samantha Blancher, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Samantha Blancher
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Springfield, VA 22150
Ideally, our early experiences of connection were secure, safe, accessible, and responsive and we developed an internal sense of ourselves as loveable, worthy, and deserving of getting our needs met. But what happens when this has not been our experience? Many of us have had to find ways to adapt and survive moments of disconnect, invalidation, or criticism. This can often mean we hold beliefs about ourselves that are limiting, worry that we have to hide or minimize parts of who we are, deny certain emotions, hustle for our worth, and/or build up layers of protection. I can support you to heal, connect and create lasting change.
Ideally, our early experiences of connection were secure, safe, accessible, and responsive and we developed an internal sense of ourselves as loveable, worthy, and deserving of getting our needs met. But what happens when this has not been our experience? Many of us have had to find ways to adapt and survive moments of disconnect, invalidation, or criticism. This can often mean we hold beliefs about ourselves that are limiting, worry that we have to hide or minimize parts of who we are, deny certain emotions, hustle for our worth, and/or build up layers of protection. I can support you to heal, connect and create lasting change.
(571) 487-7616 View (571) 487-7616
Photo of Orit Paytan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Orit Paytan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Annandale, VA 22003  (Online Only)
I work extensively with those who suffer from childhood traumas, anxiety and depression, and low self-worth. My warm, non-judgmental, and personal approach to the issues you bring forward will support you in developing your own resources and resilience in facing life's challenges. My work often integrates spoken dialogue; physical movement; bodily sensations; and mindfulness; to explore the nature of your current obstacles and to find effective ways to move into a new meaningful future.
I work extensively with those who suffer from childhood traumas, anxiety and depression, and low self-worth. My warm, non-judgmental, and personal approach to the issues you bring forward will support you in developing your own resources and resilience in facing life's challenges. My work often integrates spoken dialogue; physical movement; bodily sensations; and mindfulness; to explore the nature of your current obstacles and to find effective ways to move into a new meaningful future.
(703) 935-2547 View (703) 935-2547
Photo of Aysha Kemp, MSW, Pre-Licensed Professional
Aysha Kemp
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
Springfield, VA 22150
Life and relationships sometimes offer inaccurate messages about who we are, what we deserve, and what is available to us. Where you have felt invalidated, shamed, limited, or unsafe, I want to help you rewrite your story. I am passionate about connection, communication, mind-body-soul healing, and guiding others into their light. I support individuals and teen families in identifying patterns such as over-functioning, perfectionism, people-pleasing, shutting down, withdrawing, or focusing on tasks. As we explore the roots of these strategies, we can find new ways to relate, meet needs, build self-worth, and heal old hurts.
Life and relationships sometimes offer inaccurate messages about who we are, what we deserve, and what is available to us. Where you have felt invalidated, shamed, limited, or unsafe, I want to help you rewrite your story. I am passionate about connection, communication, mind-body-soul healing, and guiding others into their light. I support individuals and teen families in identifying patterns such as over-functioning, perfectionism, people-pleasing, shutting down, withdrawing, or focusing on tasks. As we explore the roots of these strategies, we can find new ways to relate, meet needs, build self-worth, and heal old hurts.
(703) 260-7104 View (703) 260-7104
Photo of Catherine McCollough, MDiv, LCSW, ACPE, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Catherine McCollough
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MDiv, LCSW, ACPE
Verified Verified
West Springfield, VA 22152  (Online Only)
My clients are searching for meaning and a sense of wholeness in their lives, sometimes in the midst of crisis, sometimes traveling through times of normative change. Although I am an ordained Presbyterian minister and consider my work a ministry of counseling, I value the diversity of our community and seek to meet people wherever they identify themselves to be and honor their unique stories, beliefs and perspectives.
My clients are searching for meaning and a sense of wholeness in their lives, sometimes in the midst of crisis, sometimes traveling through times of normative change. Although I am an ordained Presbyterian minister and consider my work a ministry of counseling, I value the diversity of our community and seek to meet people wherever they identify themselves to be and honor their unique stories, beliefs and perspectives.
(844) 334-1302 View (844) 334-1302
Photo of Gail Renwick - Fortitude Counseling Center, LLC, MSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Fortitude Counseling Center, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
Springfield, VA 22150
Gail Renwick has a passion and dedication to serve our nation's active military service-members and their families radiates as she unswervingly volunteers her time, talents, knowledge and thousands of dedicated hours to a state of the art military and teaching hospital in Northern Virginia. Gail is committed to healthy and long-lasting changes in individuals, families and couples through therapeutic counseling - one change at a time - changing one life at a time.
Gail Renwick has a passion and dedication to serve our nation's active military service-members and their families radiates as she unswervingly volunteers her time, talents, knowledge and thousands of dedicated hours to a state of the art military and teaching hospital in Northern Virginia. Gail is committed to healthy and long-lasting changes in individuals, families and couples through therapeutic counseling - one change at a time - changing one life at a time.
(240) 887-1143 View (240) 887-1143
Photo of Jessica Taylor, MAEd, LPC, CGCS, Licensed Professional Counselor
Jessica Taylor
Licensed Professional Counselor, MAEd, LPC, CGCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
West Springfield, VA 22152
I consider myself a facilitator of change. Making steps to change parts of life that seem "fixed" or hopeless is an incredibly exhausting task. Getting stuck in a ''lather, rinse, repeat" lifestyle creates complacency and can lead to a comfort that can be stifling. Through collaboration, connection, processing, and exercising vulnerability, I aim to help clients find a path that is suited for the type of success they choose. I consider myself a balance of being warm, empathetic, but direct in order to assist others figure out where their personal contradictions lie and to remove barriers.
I consider myself a facilitator of change. Making steps to change parts of life that seem "fixed" or hopeless is an incredibly exhausting task. Getting stuck in a ''lather, rinse, repeat" lifestyle creates complacency and can lead to a comfort that can be stifling. Through collaboration, connection, processing, and exercising vulnerability, I aim to help clients find a path that is suited for the type of success they choose. I consider myself a balance of being warm, empathetic, but direct in order to assist others figure out where their personal contradictions lie and to remove barriers.
(703) 972-6867 View (703) 972-6867
Photo of Fairfax Place Therapy - Fairfax Place Therapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Fairfax Place Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Annandale, VA 22003
Members of our community have experienced interpersonal and structural violence, attachment disruptions and loss, prejudice and injustice, and feelings of vulnerability and uncertainty. Our expertise and specialized training provides individualized support that recognizes the uniqueness of each person’s experience in the world. Our clinicians help clients develop insight into how they have come to experience their inner and external worlds somatically, cognitively, and emotionally. We give attention and care to building skills that strengthen resilience, coping, and positive change.
Members of our community have experienced interpersonal and structural violence, attachment disruptions and loss, prejudice and injustice, and feelings of vulnerability and uncertainty. Our expertise and specialized training provides individualized support that recognizes the uniqueness of each person’s experience in the world. Our clinicians help clients develop insight into how they have come to experience their inner and external worlds somatically, cognitively, and emotionally. We give attention and care to building skills that strengthen resilience, coping, and positive change.
(571) 520-4561 View (571) 520-4561
Photo of Susannah J. Volkers, MABC, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Susannah J. Volkers
Licensed Professional Counselor, MABC, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Springfield, VA 22151  (Online Only)
If you are in a season of suffering, difficulty, or overwhelmed with life challenges, consider seeing Susannah for therapeutic services. Susannah is available to help individuals, couples and families with various issues, including, but not limited to: grief/loss, anxiety, trauma, adoption, identity formation, life transitions, eating issues, chronic illness, and depression. If desired, Susannah is able to integrate a Christian framework to guide her clients towards positive and sustainable change.
If you are in a season of suffering, difficulty, or overwhelmed with life challenges, consider seeing Susannah for therapeutic services. Susannah is available to help individuals, couples and families with various issues, including, but not limited to: grief/loss, anxiety, trauma, adoption, identity formation, life transitions, eating issues, chronic illness, and depression. If desired, Susannah is able to integrate a Christian framework to guide her clients towards positive and sustainable change.
(571) 366-7807 View (571) 366-7807
Culturally Sensitive Therapists

How does culturally sensitive therapy work?

A culturally sensitive therapist will tailor their approach to therapy based on the individual client’s background. This may include changing their style of interaction (asking open-ended questions vs. being the “expert” voice), their affect (seeming warm or “neutral”), how much personal information they disclose about themselves, and more. It’s also important for a culturally sensitive therapist to acknowledge larger societal forces that may impact their client due to the client’s background.

How effective is culturally sensitive therapy?

Some professionals have expressed concern about highlighting cultural differences in therapy, suggesting that it might promote stereotypes and harm the therapeutic bond; however, many experts agree that cultural sensitivity tends to strengthen the connection between therapist and client and help clients feel heard and understood. A culturally sensitive approach to therapy can be especially helpful for those not in the cultural majority, especially when combined with proven therapies like Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

What are the limitations of a culturally sensitive approach to therapy?

While being culturally sensitive is generally a valuable skill to have, a therapist cannot treat every client from a similar background the same way. Each client is an individual with their own values, personal preferences, and life experiences that will need to be explored during therapy. In addition, it’s rare for a therapist and client to have identical backgrounds, so there may be some cross-cultural differences to navigate during therapy, but a culturally sensitive therapist can do so with empathy and respect.

Can culturally sensitive therapy be done online?

Yes, online therapy using a culturally sensitive approach can be beneficial. Therapy can sometimes be difficult to access for clients from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic standing. The array of mental health support available through the internet makes it possible for clients to find a good therapist match regardless of where they live.