Discover how starting Trauma/PTSD therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
13 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 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.
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.
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.
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 woman who has treated patients in multiple specialties from all walks of life, I understand the unique yet common goal of eve...
As a woman who has treated patients in multiple specialties from all walks of life, I understand the unique yet common goal of every person to achieve a life of peace, happiness, and success; and I am excited, humbled, and privileged to help clients on their journey.
Shirley Hudson is a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) who is passionate about providing evidence-based and personalized care to adult clients. She began her health career treating patients in various settings including spinal cord injury, intensive care, hematology, oncology, and medical-surgical units. As a Christian, Shirley understands there is still a stigma attached to mental illness in many churches. She also has a mission to reduce the stigma of psychiatric disorders by educating clients, families, and the community about mental health disorders.
After years as a registered nurse, she completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Old Dominion University. Through her years at the hospital bedside and clinic, Shirley saw a need for more psychiatric care providers. To help increase access to mental health services, she earned her Post-Masters Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification.
Shirley believes that the best patient outcomes are built on the foundation of a strong and authentic patient/provider partnership. She values the client as an integral part of the treatment team and works diligently to provide education about all aspects of the mutually agreed-upon treatment plan.
I truly believe in creating a safe and understanding space where we can work together toward your mental well-being, honoring your...
I truly believe in creating a safe and understanding space where we can work together toward your mental well-being, honoring your unique experiences and cultural background every step of the way.
Wooni Kim is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 12 years of experience. She specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, among others. Wooni has worked in inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, hospice, and home health. She is devoted to evidence-based, holistic care through a compassionate, patient-centered approach.
Wooni has a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University. She provides both medication management and psychotherapy, working collaboratively with clients to create personalized treatment plans that address their psychological and emotional needs.
Wooni takes pride in building strong, trusting relationships with her clients, empowering them to actively participate in their treatment and recovery process. By listening with empathy and offering personalized care, she helps individuals regain control over their lives and achieve emotional balance. Schedule an appointment today!
I am curious to listen to assess factors that contribute to the diagnosis, to establish priorities, discuss treatments, and provid...
I am curious to listen to assess factors that contribute to the diagnosis, to establish priorities, discuss treatments, and provide education and options in a holistic manner.
Lydia Sharp is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practioner (PMHNP-BC) from Virginia, with 5 years of experience assisting children, adolescents, and adults with such issues as anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, anger problems, and other complex psychiatric conditions.
Lydia earned her Master's degree in Nursing Education. She previously served over 26 years in the military in a variety of patient settings such as Medical-Surgical Nursing and Perioperative Nursing (Walter Reed Army Hospital), and as a Nurse Administrator serving in Army Combat Support Hospitals located in California and Fort Bragg, and much more. She also gained direct psychiatric experience and knowledge by working in a Behavioral Health Service Community Health Clinic, which was also part of a behavioral school for troubled youths.
Lydia will prescribe and manage medications, diagnose and assess psychiatric problems, identify health goals, record symptoms and problems, provide therapeutic treatment, and educate clients and their families about mental health. Partner with Lydia to find the treatment methods that work best for you.
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.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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My go-to approach for helping people with PTSD/trauma therapy is a combination of narrative approaches, internal family systems, and brainspotting. I find a flexible approach that meets the unique needs of my clients is essential to providing excellent trauma-informed care.
In treating PTSD/trauma, I teach clients to examine the story of what happened to them, make meaning from the trauma and its aftermath, and develop new skills aimed at building resiliency and having both trust and compassion for oneself.
I know a client is making meaningful progress in trauma therapy when their old triggers are no longer debilitating, when fear is replaced with confidence, and when relationships with oneself and others have begun to heal.
Clients can supplement their time in trauma therapy by creating opportunities for self-compassion; learning to take small, measured steps; and reading whatever they can get their hands on to understand they are not alone!
The first trauma therapy session will be about collecting a wide variety of information about you. There will not be a deep-dive into trauma initially because it is essential that the client and therapist develop a trusting and comfortable relationship first. You won't be required to disclose details related to trauma right away!
At Thriveworks, Trauma/PTSD therapy involves dedicated efforts to address and navigate through past and/or recent traumatic events. Therapists specializing in trauma create a secure environment to process and heal from these experiences, aiming to reduce trauma-related symptoms and enhance overall quality of life.
Our Thriveworks providers use Trauma/PTSD therapy treatments like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing EMDR, CBT, and exposure therapy with the goal of helping clients process the traumatic events they have experienced so that they can to start feeling safe and secure again.
The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can vary but often include:
The best way to overcome PTSD triggers is to seek the assistance of a professional therapist, such as those at Thriveworks, who can help you to understand and treat your PTSD triggers.
In most cases, a therapist who specializes in Trauma/PTSD therapy is the best type of mental health professional to address the symptoms of PTSD.
PTSD/trauma therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
If a client is working through a single traumatic event that occurred as an adult, trauma or PTSD therapy may only take a few months, but in general, it can take a year or more to effectively treat trauma symptoms and PTSD. The duration of treatment is highly dependent on the client and the severity of their symptoms.
The success rate of therapy for PTSD depends entirely on the individual’s symptoms, commitment to attending sessions, and personal abilities.
Sebastian was home from his military tour, and he was safe. He was riding the subway home from a friend’s house, and he loved being back in New York City. As the subway car filled up, Sebastian’s heart rate instinctively quickened. He began to sweat, and when his back was pushed up against a wall, he panicked. At the next stop, Sebastian ran out of the subway car and the rest of the way home. Over the next few months, Sebastian would panic whenever he was in crowded spaces. Even though he was home, the combat he saw overseas lingered in his mind and body. Sebastian Junger told his story to Vanity Fair because he wanted other people to recognize the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and find treatment—just like he did. PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder that can affect people who have lived through any kind of traumatic experience. Often, when people who have PTSD get the treatment they need, they are often able to heal and manage their symptoms.
“Trauma is hell on earth. Trauma resolved is a gift from the gods.”― Peter A. Levine
PTSD can develop immediately after a trauma, or it can take months or years to show itself. Whenever those symptoms occur, it is important to seek help because help is available. There are a number of effective treatments for PTSD, and often, experienced mental health professionals can help people find the treatment that meets their needs.
The therapists and psychologists at Thriveworks Alexandria, VA (Franconia) have helped many people who are battling PTSD. They have survived a traumatic event. They want to move on with their lives, and our therapists have helped them do just that.
Not everyone who lives through a trauma will experience PTSD. Some people experience the illness while others will not. Several factors increase the risk of PTSD developing, including…
Many people associate PTSD with military veterans, but any kind of traumatic event can trigger PTSD. There is no limit to the types of events that can be traumatic, but a few include physical assault, being bullied, child abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual), living through an accident (fire, car wreck, and more), combat exposure, receiving a threat, sexual violence, being diagnosed with a terminal illness.
“Very minor threats can be experienced, by what the signals in your body tell you, as, ‘You’re in acute danger’”—Sandra Bloom, former president of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
PTSD has four types of symptoms:
Re-living the TraumaPTSD can cause people to re-experience the event. At any moment, during any occasion, feelings can arise, images can flood, and adrenaline can pump. For example, PTSD often causes people to…
Situational AvoidanceWhen people have PTSD, they may organize their lives so that anything and everything remotely associated with the trauma is avoided. When people do so, they often miss out on safe, beneficial events in life as well. For example, PTSD may lead people to…
Detrimental Impact to Beliefs and Feelings A traumatic event can change people’s feelings and beliefs—how they view the event, the world, and themselves. It is not unusual for PTSD to lead people to believe that…
HyperarousalOne traumatic event can engage an individual’s self-defense system so that they are always alert. They may notice every possible harm that may or may not lurk behind every corner. Often, hyperarousal comes across as being nervous, angry, or irritable after the trauma. For example, people with PTSD may…
If you recognized any of the symptoms of PTSD, it may be time to seek help. Thriveworks Alexandria can offer you that help—we have providers who specialize in treating PTSD, and are certified in cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for PTSD as well as prolonged exposure therapy (PE) for PTSD. And they’re eager to offer you their assistance.
When you contact our office, your first appointment may be within 24 hours. We also accept many different forms of insurance. Let’s work together for healing and safety. Call us today at (703) 828-9054 to schedule a session.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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