Discover how starting blended family counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
11 therapists available in Alexandria
As a therapist, it is my hope to work alongside my clients to discover practical solutions to life's problems....
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As a therapist, it is my hope to work alongside my clients to discover practical solutions to life's problems.
Kristi Gannon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) currently offers tele-health sessions in Virginia specializing in offering treatment to adults and seniors who are faced with the negative effects of anxiety, depression, anger, relationship issues, ADHD, poor coping skills, gender identity issues, stress, trauma, PTSD, women’s issues, and more.
Kristi understands that no single approach to therapy works for every individual, and therefore integrates a variety of therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral (CBT), person-centered therapies, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness techniques to help clients achieve their desired goals.
Kristi is passionate about the work she does with her clients and uses a collaborative approach to empower clients in taking control of their own recovery. She offers an empathic, non-judgmental, and safe atmosphere that promotes growth and healing.
Education and training
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Dee Jacobi-Edwards is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia and a Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (LISW-CP) in South Carolina who has helped individuals, couples, and families for over 20 years. Dee works with clients 18 to 99 years old. Her clients have presented with issues including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and relationship difficulties. Dee has also helped clients who have experienced fear or isolation caused by COVID-19. She understands that grief, loss, and bereavement do not only occur when someone dies, but also when a job is lost, or poor health occurs. Having been a hospice social worker, Dee has also counseled individuals and family members after a loved one has been given a terminal diagnosis.
Dee completed her Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) at the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master of Education (MEd) in Rehabilitation Counseling at Springfield College. Utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, clients develop an understanding of the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and are encouraged to cultivate flexibility in the process, leading to change in automatic problem-solving responses. Other techniques used include mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation techniques. Dee is also an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider.
Using a conversational style, Dee collaborates with her clients, whether an individual, a couple, or family members, to identify areas of concern. Together, she and her client analyze what the perceived difficulties are and identify achievable goals. In a supportive and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship, Dee encourages open communication to resolve conflicts from misunderstandings.
Elena Papathanassiou is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia who is practiced in providing therapeutic care to teens and ...
Elena Papathanassiou is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia who is practiced in providing therapeutic care to teens and adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidality, and the LGBTQIA+ community. She strives to maintain a high level of cultural competency while working with diverse groups of people and sensitivity to the unique struggles of those with intersecting identities. She completed her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Pittsburgh and her Master of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Elena utilizes strengths-based and person-in-environment theories while collaborating with the client to ensure their unique needs are met. These inform her usage of solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical-behavioral techniques to provide evidence-based therapy that is flexible, responsive, and tailored to the individual.
Elena seeks to provide a warm, supportive therapeutic relationship with her clients that invites openness and insight to achieve your goals. Through collaboration and building on your strengths, she will assist you in developing a meaningful life in accordance with your values.
I believe life is not without struggles and it is important that we have the necessary support and skills to help better navigate ...
I believe life is not without struggles and it is important that we have the necessary support and skills to help better navigate the journey.
Patrycia Hatten is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 12 years of experience providing services to various populations in the mental health and substance use field. She specializes in anxiety, trauma, grief, anger management, stress management, depression, and finding ways to smooth out those big challenges in life.
Patrycia completed her Masters in Clinical Counseling with an emphasis in couples and family therapy at the University of Northern Colorado. She has worked extensively with all ages, with clients ranging from 5-70 years old. She is comfortable utilizing multiple treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), person-centered therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Patrycia's vast experience coupled with her innate compassion enables her to work collaboratively with her clients to help them reach their goals
We all have strengths and talents, even if they aren't immediately apparent to ourselves. Together you and Patrycia will identify and build skills through the use of feedback, processing, and empathy to help reach your personal goals. Patrycia is open-minded and has a gentle way of challenging thoughts and behaviors to allow her clients to gain insight and understanding, helping to promote progress and facilitate change. She is excited to have the opportunity to work with you!
As a Latinx therapist, I'm passionate about helping individuals achieve their goals and live their best lives, and I'm committed t...
As a Latinx therapist, I'm passionate about helping individuals achieve their goals and live their best lives, and I'm committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their thoughts and feelings.
Rolando Liyim is a Supervisee in Social Work and a Certified Financial Social Worker with 9 years of experience in the mental health field. He works with teens and adults who are facing a wide range of mental health challenges. Rolando specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship issues, financial challenges, and major life transitions.
Rolando completed his Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) at the University of Pennsylvania and certification at the Center for Financial Social Work. In former roles, he has worked with individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Rolando uses evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), internal family systems (IFS), and person-centered therapy (PCT).
Life presents us with various challenges that we must navigate. With unwavering assurance, Rolando stands ready to accompany you on your quest for fresh insights and effective strategies, empowering you to overcome any obstacles you might be facing. If you're prepared to embark on this transformative journey, seize the moment and arrange an appointment with him today.
Josephine Dakin- Davis is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHMP) in the of state Virginia. With ov...
Josephine Dakin- Davis is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHMP) in the of state Virginia. With over 15 years of clinical nursing experience, Josephine came to the realization that a sound mind is the precursor to the sound body and has an ardent passion for Mental Health.
Josephine graduated from George Mason University in 2010 with a BSN, after ten years of nursing in diverse areas including mental health, and received her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University. Her vast experience has helped her to understand the philosophy of mental health, and her nursing education has exposed her to a variety of health care settings. Goal driven and detailed oriented, patient satisfaction at the top of Josephine's professional agenda. She aims to create a cordial, warm and collaborative relationship with peers and patients.
My name’s Krista Hale, and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked in a variety of mental health settings for 45 ...
My name’s Krista Hale, and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked in a variety of mental health settings for 45 years. At the age of 54, I went back to school to earn my Master's degree & become a licensed clinician. I am currently offering counseling to individuals, families, & couples via telehealth. I enjoy working with clients with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, & major life transitions, and I have a particular interest in working with older women, couples of all ages & persuasions, those struggling due to our current political climate, and those in the LGBTQ community.
I obtained my Bachelor of Social Work in 1978, my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling in 2013, and I became a licensed counselor in Virginia in 2016. I use a person-centered approach, which involves being accepting, non-judgmental, and respectful of other worldviews.
As a warm, intuitive, and empathetic counselor with a sense of humor, I help my clients flourish despite life’s setbacks. Book your appointment today and start your journey to a better life.
Jessica Lee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 3 years of experience working with children, adults, and familie...
Jessica Lee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 3 years of experience working with children, adults, and families who are seeking help in coping with depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, and life transitions.
Jessica earned her Master's degree in Social Work from George Mason University. Her approach is collaborative and interactive, with a trauma-informed and person-centered approach. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and applies a multi-modality approach, drawing upon psychodynamic, reality therapy, and solution-focused therapy techniques.
Opening yourself up to the unknown can feel very vulnerable and scary—but Jessica knows that therapy can be a great place to find more adaptive ways of living and enjoying life. She is committed to creating a therapeutic environment for all clients and customizes her sessions to meet the needs of every unique individual.
Life's journey can rough. Not every path is smooth or easy and many are difficult and even dangerous. There are times we need some...
Life's journey can rough. Not every path is smooth or easy and many are difficult and even dangerous. There are times we need someone to walk with us; perhaps help us find a new direction. Having someone that understands because they've been there, makes all the difference in the world. Brian Ede is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Commonwealth of Virginia, who has 30 years of experience working alongside individuals, couples and families seeking help with depression, anxiety, addiction, life transitions, relationship issues, men's issues, trauma and PTSD. He has completed his Bachelor of Social Work from Dordt College and received his Masters of Social Work from the University of Iowa.
Brian utilizes an eclectic approach including cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, mindfulness, solution focused approaches to therapy. He likes to incorporate unique and creative approaches in his practice that best meets the needs of every unique individual, couple and family.
Brian seeks to help you though those difficult paths, by offering a warm, caring and nonjudgmental relationship with you. He will build upon your strengths and help with tools that have you work toward your goals and working toward those things in life that you value.
Bridget U. Famogun is a compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Master of Science degree as a Mental Health Nurs...
Bridget U. Famogun is a compassionate Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Master of Science degree as a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Across the Lifespan) PMHNP, and she is Board Certified. Before becoming PMHNP, Bridget was a Psychiatric Registered Nurse for eight years with a history of working in the hospital & clinical Trial care setting. Bridget completed her Master's in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Walden University and graduated with honors.
Bridget earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, in 2010, and has worked in the nursing field since then.
Bridget is skilled in Psychiatric Assessment, Psychiatric Diagnoses and Medication Management, Health Promotion, Crisis Intervention, Clinical Supervision, and Healthcare Management.
Bridget has a passion for working with vulnerable populations. She is a firm believer in a holistic approach to treating disturbances in mental health that can involve medication management, psychotherapy, and alternative treatment modalities. Additionally, Bridget is interested in working with patients with eating disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder, and talk therapy. Moreover, she is proficient in working with adult ADD, psychotic, mood, self-esteem, stress management, anger management, and anxiety disorders.
Bridget's main goal and focus as a PMHNP at Thriveworks is to grow and connect her knowledge and understanding of the brain's biology and interconnections, with the neuropathology of psychiatric illnesses and psychotherapy and prescriptive practice.
As a person who has suffered depression, i understand how debilitating and isolating mental health issue can be and i am here to w...
As a person who has suffered depression, i understand how debilitating and isolating mental health issue can be and i am here to work with you to ensure your needs are met.
Adaku Anike is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She works with clients aged 14 and above with various mental issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia using evidence-based practices to create an individualized mental health care plan to meet their needs and achieve a positive outcome.
Adaku cares for her clients by actively listening to their needs, offering empathy, and creating an individualized care plan tailored to their needs because every client's need is different. Her specialty is psychiatry and she offers mental health care that is evidence-based.
As a person who has suffered from depression, Adaku understands how debilitating and isolating mental health issues can be. The stigma associated with mental illness can cause one to hesitate in asking for help. She wants you to know that you can reach out to her if you have any issues.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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Blended family counseling from our therapists at Thriveworks in Alexandria, VA helps families who have come together through marriage work through changes, accept differences, ease tension, and form bonds. It enables parents to set boundaries and expectations around finances, parenting, and other areas. In addition, it offers all family members a safe space to voice their thoughts and feelings.
Blended family counseling will likely involve attending sessions as a group, but it might also involve individual sessions with each family member. It works by encouraging the group to share any emotions, concerns, or challenges they might be experiencing, as it relates to the family, and then offering tailored solutions.
Blended family counseling at Thriveworks in Alexandria, VA is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
Blended family counseling from one of our providers at Thriveworks in Alexandria, VA can be short- or long-term, lasting for weeks, months, or years. The length is dependent on the family’s areas of concerns, whether they’re more immediate or they’re more complex. Together with your therapist, you can determine how long you should plan on attending therapy for best results.
As with anything in life, every challenge holds opportunity, and bringing two families together as one is the same. Yes, there are challenges and struggles. But there are also untold benefits and opportunities. When families work together and blend little by little, they often build a home where resiliency, love, and connection can grow. No family has to build this home alone. Often, blended families work with a counselor to establish their unique home.
If your family is in the process of blending, know that you are not alone. It is normal to have ups and downs. It is also normal to reach out for help. That is why Thriveworks Alexandria, VA (Franconia) offers counseling for blended families.
Blended families can come in any shape and size. There is no formula, and there is no mold. For example, blended families can look like…
Within any blended family, there will be challenges. Certain issues may not arise in every home, but they are common to step families. Children often face a different set of hurdles than adults.
Even the most positive changes can cause stress for a child. As children adjust to a new family, a new living situation, and a new schedule, it is normal for them to feel overwhelmed. They may be feeling many different, difficult emotions. They may be experiencing deep loss and grief for the first time in their lives. They may be mourning their parents’ divorce or break-up. They may also be mourning a parent’s death. The parenting style in their blended family may be different, and transition to the new rules may be frustrating. Children may also be experiencing behavioral problems while they learn to handle these big emotions.
Establishing a new family can cause stress for the adults as well. The couple sets the tone for the whole family while they are also getting their own relationship off on the right foot. The adults have a lot of choices about how to go about blending their families. In particular, they will need to choose who will have active parenting roles and who will not. If a spouse or partner will not be parenting the children, then they will have to be clear about what their role is. If a spouse or partner has never parented previously but they will be stepping into that role, they will have a big learning curve.
Establishing a new family is a lot of work, but it is worth the effort. There are no short-cuts to establishing a happy home, but here are a few tips for making the process as smooth as possible:
If you and your family are ready to meet with a therapist, know that when you call Thriveworks Alexandria, your first appointment may be within 24 hours. We know families are busy, so we offer evening and weekend sessions. We also accept many different forms of insurance. Let’s work together. Call today.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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