Adoption Therapists in Virginia

Please visit the link beneath my picture to tour our website and explore all of the clinicians available at The Healing Project. Sometimes life is hard! When you find life challenging, I specialize in helping you find your true north. Together we will develop a plan to get you back on track by making healthy changes. Whether you are dealing with sadness, depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, fragile self-esteem, or just feelings of being overwhelmed with life, I am here to listen, guide and empower you to discover your inner strength, your courage and your innate ability to thrive.

Seeking help is often the hardest part of the journey to a healthier way of living. I am here to help you through the next part. Everyone needs space to be seen fully and accepted unconditionally. It is the most humbling experience of my life to hold space for others through difficult moments.

Life can be difficult, and learning how to cope isn’t always easy. I will provide a safe place for your story to be shared, and with the use of a holistic and practical approach, I will assist you in gaining awareness and understanding to better resolve challenges in your life. Together we will work through areas of concern to promote fulfillment and balance. Over the past 16+ years I have developed an array of skills working with diverse populations of individuals and families within the public school system, private counseling and community behavioral health arenas.

Couples come to me with communication issues, conflict, external stress, and patterns they want to change. This practice specializes in couple and family therapy called "Hope focused therapy" where clients engage in a strategic approach to utilizing strengths and addressing painful patterns within couples and families for a change. As a professor, supervisor, and author on the subject, Dr. Ripley has the knowledge and extensive experience in caring for couples and families in pain and pre-marital counseling. She also has specialized training in testing for ADHD, adoption evaluations, and psychopathology.

The desire to experience relief for your current circumstances has led you to this very moment. We invite you to connect with us. We work with clients experiencing a variety of issues to such as readiness to disrupt old patterns that no longer serve you, trauma (stemming from past/recent events), relationship concerns, stress, grief/loss, anxiety, divorce, parenting, transitions in life/work, seeking intrapersonal growth, money relationship/behavior struggles, self-esteem, family conflict, adoption /attachment, anger management and adjustment issues.

Finding a therapist you connect with can feel so overwhelming you avoid it. But that is probably why you're here, because there have been things you've been avoiding and you're ready to get some help. Being foster and adoptive parents is way harder than most people understand, especially those who haven't experienced the invasive and arduous process. As a teen or young adult, you might be feeling lost or angry. You might be having a harder time than others figuring out who are you are and where you fit in the world. My style fuses warmth, humor, and directness.

With me, therapy can bring you out of feeling alone, and improve your self-esteem/worth, relationship issues and conflict resolution. Learn how to let go of your inner critic that strips you of your joy and strength.

At times, we all struggle with the inevitable trials of being human. You may be a parent or partner in a significant relationship struggling with connection, and in need of both practical and emotional support. At times, feelings of anxiety, apathy, and depression arise, and feelings of disconnection and loneliness can take hold. For others, we may be at a crossroads in our life, brought about by divorce, relocation, caregiving for a loved one, or a desire to have a bigger impact in our communities and the world. We may be asking ourselves BIG questions, “what’s next”, “what should I do”, and “what do I want from life”.

Your teen’s grades are terrible and she isolates in her room, your adopted child struggles to have any healthy relationships or you are drowning in work and family and can’t find a moment to breathe? I get it! Together we will begin the healing process. I listen, you vent, we laugh and there are tears. Slowly the weight feels less heavy and, one step at a time, hope and relief turn into peace and joy . It's scary, but it's worth it! I CAN help.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with many years of experience partnering with individuals in their journeys of healing and growth. It is my honor to assist you in navigating transitions and stressors throughout the lifespan. Each person experiences unique needs. I adjust my counseling approach to best meet your needs to support your success and growth. Together we will develop a plan to manage your current challenges and symptoms and to move you into a place of peace and betterment.

Everyone experiences loss. Seldom do we allow ourselves to fully experience loss or it's impact. When someone dies, we change jobs, or even have a child, there is loss. When we choose to address these losses, past or present, we can begin to heal, and with healing comes unlimited possibility. I work with families/individuals/children and the impact family dynamics have on their lives; adoptees and their families as they deal their losses; bereaved individuals and groups after the death of a loved one; transitional loss and role adjustment included "empty nest"; corporate downsizing; career counseling; and relationship issues.

Please visit the link beneath my picture to tour our website and explore all of the clinicians available at The Healing Project! We live in such a busy and changing world. Sometimes it feels like we are drowning, like we can't possibly make it another day, or get all the things done. Too often we forget to step back and breathe, focus on what isn't working, and make positive changes to experience life to its fullest. Or maybe we don't know where to start, or the journey feels too daunting. If you are ready to simplify life, enjoy life, and find solutions, I am here to walk with you on that journey!