Therapists in Fairfax, VA

Hello. My name is Michael Knapik and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Vermont. I am also certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors. I have been working in the mental health field since 2007. (Before pursuing this career, I was a professional journalist for 30 years.) My orientation is to focus on a client’s strengths, because I believe that clients are the experts in their own lives and that the role of therapy is most often to assist clients in fully recognizing and using those strengths. My approach to therapy is eclectic. I draw on resources and interventions from positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, emotional freedom techniques, solution-focused therapy, compassion-focused therapy, and family systems. I have experience working with those who are struggling with anxiety, stress, addictive disorders, grief and loss, end-of-life issues (I was a hospice volunteer for 16 years), depression, and self-harming behaviors. For today, my hope is that you have compassion for yourself. As Christopher Germer, a psychologist, has remarked: “A moment of self-compassion can change your entire day. A string of such moments can change the course of your life.”

I am a licensed clinical Social worker in Virginia, with over 5 year experience providing direct counseling services to individuals, groups, families and couples. I have over 15 years experience as a social worker and have gained experience working with many populations to include, seniors, adolescents, and adults at all stages of life. I have worked in community based settings, acute settings and long term residential settings. My experience allows me to work with a wide range of issues and populations. My approach to therapy is goal oriented and solutions focused. I approach therapy from a place of compassion, empathy and understanding, with no judgement. I want to help others identify issue that are causing problems in their lives,. Through therapy i would like to help others develop plans to address their issues and over come obstacles and barriers that maybe preventing them from living life to the fullest and reaching their maximum potential. Therapy is big step and can be a powerful tool for self-improvement and i would like to help. I look forward to working with you!

I am a LCSW clinician in Virginia with over 30 years of experience in the mental health and substance use treatment fields. I have vast experience working with all-aged populations, but primarily with adolescents and adults for the past 20 years. I would identify myself as a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy clinician, one who utilizes Motivational Interviewing and Brief, Solution-Focused therapy strategies to help my clients reach success with their therapy goals, preferably within a 1 hour/weekly, 10-12 session timeframe. I believe that most of my clients would identify me as warm and compassionate, while also being focused on helping them achieve their goals and see the successful outcomes in their life. I support the use of psychotropic medications under a prescriber's care, if necessary, as well as Medication Assisted Treatment for opiate and alcohol dependency. I will also support and often encourage expanding the client's healthy social network for ongoing support once the therapy has concluded. I would love to be able to work with you.

Why did you decide to become a counselor? I have always found that making connections with others is what drives change. I want to be able to provide others with that connection to help them find the best version of themselves and to help them through challenging situations in their lives. With my own personal experiences in my childhood, my goal has always been to help others overcome their circumstances, to show them they are not limited by their experiences and trauma. What would you say to a potential client? *This world is full of things and situations that make us feel powerless and not in charge of out own lives. My philosophy, and what drives my approach to therapy, is about learning to take control over yourself despite what is going on around you, or what has happened to you. You are the ultimate driver in your life, you find power within yourself. How does your personality influence your approach to therapy? *I am a no nonsense, down to Earth individual. I feel that I am straight forward and that helps me challenge clients to address the most difficult areas in their lives, the areas in which that hold them back from their full potential. I also believe that education is key, understanding how the brain works and how trauma affects the brain, it’s about using these concepts to help drive change. Brief description of Work Experience? *I did my internship at a Domestic Violence shelter for women and children as well as therapeutic day counseling in school settings. I have worked the past 7 years in residential treatment, 1 year doing outpatient, specializing in kids and teens with complex and severe trauma. I have worked extensively with self-harm, suicidal ideations, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, anger, aggression, defiance/conduct, family conflict, sexualized behaviors, trauma (sexual, physical, neglect, mental/psychological). I currently work outpatient therapy seeing both adults and children. Brief description of Education background? *BS in Pre-med Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology from Bluefield College in 2012 *M.Ed. In Human Services and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lindsey Wilson College in 2015 My modalities include, but are not limited to, TF-CBT, Client Centered, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, DBT. I do not believe in a one size fits all therapy approach and try to cater my therapies to the need of the client. My modalities include, but are not limited to, TF-CBT, Client Centered, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, DBT. I do not believe in a one size fits all therapy approach and try to cater my therapies to the need of the client.

Greetings! First, I want to commend you for taking this major step. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia with 13 years of professional work experience in mental health/human services. It is my belief that we all have experiences in life that can cause us to feel angry, nervous, ashamed, hurt, disappointed, confused, unbalanced, or confused just to name a few emotions. Through my years of experience working, I have learned that experiences left unresolved have the potential for a negative impact on how a person views themselves, their life, and their support. My mission as a counselor is to “help others journey to a space of peace,” by providing a space/environment where you can explore and process the necessary topics. I specialize in helping clients who experience trauma, anxiety, depression, and abuse. Additionally, stress, lack of motivation, low self-esteem/confidence, & relationship issues are also areas of focus in which I also have experience. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I utilize an integrated approach which includes CBT, Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing (MI), DBT skills, EMDR, and Person-Centered approaches to help my clients process their feelings/emotions in a healthy manner. I hope, that our experience will help you create new ways to cope with stressors/triggers. I provide individual and group counseling services for individuals ages 12 years old and up. So, if you are struggling with depression, anger management, relationship problems, anxiety, trauma, or life changes and I would love to help you work through this season of your life. Taking the first step and signing up for therapy takes courage, and I look forward to helping you on this journey!

I am licensed in Virginia and Maryland with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I am trained in EMDR. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

My name is Marty Barlow. I am a licensed professional counselor in Virginia and I’ve worked for 35 years with clients in a variety of therapy settings: a pastoral counseling center, a private practice, and a college counseling center among them. I have seen many individuals who were dealing with stress and anxiety, grief and loss, depression, & adapting to serious life transitions. I believe it is less difficult to work through hard life circumstances if we have as a companion a competent and non-judgmental listener and counselor.. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Virginia with 20+ years of professional work experience. I possess experience in assisting clients with stress and anxiety, relationship challenges, grief and loss, as well as enhancing motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. My approach involves collaborating with clients to establish an open and secure space where thoughts and feelings can be expressed freely and without judgment. Additionally, I offer support to students in K-12 education, including coordination with school environments, should the child and family desire educational assistance.

I received my Master of Social Work from Howard University located in the District of Columbia. I have a strong passion for helping my clients uncover and eliminate any unhelpful thought patterns that have been hindering them from having a fulfilled, positive and productive life. I know that life can be hard, especially when it's full of traumatic events and life transitions. I view therapy as a road trip, where you are the driver, and I am the passenger riding along to keep you company. My role as the therapist is the passenger and I assist you to reach your destination. You may ask, what does that look like? Imagine that you are on a road trip with friends and each of them are in charge of something different. Such as, someone is in charge of the directions, someone is responsible for the music while traveling to make sure you do not fall asleep behind the wheel. Think of me as all of those individuals put into one person. My main goal is to be here to support and guide you to your destination. Therapy is not always an easy trip but as long as you are willing to keep putting forth the effort to reach your destination, I'll be there to support. My areas of focus includes: women's issues, perinatal/postpartum mental health, relationship issues, adjustment/ transition issues, anxiety, stress management, and grief and loss.

Hello! My name is Christy Watson, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Arkansas and Virginia. I have experience working in a variety of therapeutic settings, including inpatient psychiatric care, outpatient treatment, and residential therapeutic communities. I specialize in supporting clients navigating depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma, and relationship challenges. I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology and my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. My approach to therapy is client-centered—I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to support and guide you in the direction that feels right for you. Using a strengths-based and solution-focused approach, I integrate various treatment modalities to help you identify your inner wisdom and cultivate a sense of balance. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I assist clients in exploring the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to uncover patterns that may be contributing to distress. My work is also informed by mindfulness and acceptance-based practices, drawing from Buddhist principles of compassion, presence, and letting go of suffering. Outside of my work as a therapist, I enjoy playing video games, cooking, crafting, listening to music, traveling to new places, and learning about different cultures. I also find peace in mindfulness practices and spending time with my dog.