Adoption Therapists in Alexandria, VA

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.

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”.

Hello! I’m Lauren (she/her), a Supervisee. Originally from New England, I have called the Shenandoah Valley home for sixteen years. After earning my BA in Social Work (BSW) in 2006, I worked as a case manager in adoption, hospital, and nonprofit settings. In 2021, I returned to grad school as an adult learner and graduated with my Master of Social Work (MSW) in 2022.

With a profound commitment to promoting healing and growth, I am Nikki Smith, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 16 years of experience in the mental health field. My journey began with a decade dedicated to working with children, adolescents, and families who have experienced trauma in foster care and adoption settings at my local social services agency. This foundational experience gave me a deep understanding of the complexities of trauma and its impact on individuals and families.

With more than twenty years of experience, I have had the opportunity and privilege to participate in the hard work that individuals, couples and families have done to lead fuller and more satisfying lives. I work with adults and families dealing with anxiety, depression, adoption, trauma, divorce, deployment, grief and loss. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Practitioner. In addition to therapy, I provide individual and group Clinical Supervision for Licensure.

Your mental and emotional health is just as important as your physical health and well being. Just as you would see your primary doctor to maintain your physical health, counseling is here to help maintain your emotional health. I provide counseling to help individuals and their loved ones address various life issues including (but not limited to): Family and marital conflicts, Problems in school, Depression, family separation, Adoption issues, Feelings of anxiety or nervousness, child and adolescent behavioral issues and Addiction issues. Weekend sessions are available.

I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) therapist practicing in the northern Virginia/Metropolitan DC region for over 25 years. I am a licensed professional counselor and marriage and family therapist. My emphasis and training includes the treatment of and consultation for: depression, relationship difficulties, infidelity, anxiety, adoption, parenting issues, past trauma and gender identity questioning . I have extensive experience assisting clients cope with acculturation issues and challenges commonly faced by immigrant populations. I would love to discuss with you different ways that I could help you achieve your life goals.

Brenda Edmonds is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in DC that specializes in Addiction, Adoption, Alcohol Use, Alzheimer’s, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Career Counseling, Child & Parenting Needs, Coping Skills, Depression, Domestic Violence & Abuse, Dual Diagnosis, Intellectual & Learning Disabilities, Medication Management, Self-Harming, Stress, Trauma & PTSD, Mental Health, Mood Disorders, and many other areas. Brenda’s 20 years of clinical experience has been widely dedicated to working with children and adults experiencing low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance abuse.

Hello! I’m Lauren (she/her). After earning my BA in Social Work (BSW) in 2006, I worked as a case manager in adoption, hospital, and nonprofit settings. In 2021, I returned to grad school as an adult learner and graduated with my Master of Social Work (MSW) in 2022. In my spare time, you can find me reading a good book, caring for my plants, cats, and kids (not necessarily in that order!), or exploring new cities when life allows for travel. I look forward to meeting you!

With a profound commitment to promoting healing and growth, I am Nikki Smith, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 16 years of experience in the mental health field. My journey began with a decade dedicated to working with children, adolescents, and families who have experienced trauma in foster care and adoption settings at my local social services agency. This foundational experience gave me a deep understanding of the complexities of trauma and its impact on individuals and families.

There are many layers and textures in each of our stories and individual healing journeys, that may make us believe that healing is impossible or that inner wellness after trauma is unattainable. You are worthy and capable of the healing you're envisioning. For many of us, a safe healing space is the first step in that journey back to self and is the support we’ve been searching for to become the next best version of ourselves. Together, we co-create the space you need to celebrate your innate wisdom; restore trust in your intuition and voice; and nurture your growth towards more healing and easeful living.

My training in EMDR, Play Therapy, Expressive Arts (Sand Tray & Art), and DBT, among other evidenced-based techniques, allows me to tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each client. I aim to provide a welcoming space where your authentic self feels valued, open, and ready to embark on the healing journey. Rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, let me help you in fully embracing your life in the present moment. I am honored to serve as a helper in your journey towards healing and growth and look forward to supporting you in achieving your goals.

The Apostle Paul said “each of us has one body with many members” (Romans 12:4-5). In a similar fashion, Willi Dalaba, LCSW, sees people composed of different parts that make up the whole. Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual all combine to make up an individual. A good counselor, she believes, may need to help a client bring into a better balance these different aspects of their personality. This is part of the theoretical grounding and expertise that Willi Dalaba brings to her years of counseling experience.

Greetings, I'm Anita Wiles, LCSW, with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. I obtained my MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University and have been a licensed clinical social worker since 1995. Throughout my career, I've specialized in supporting victims of domestic violence, survivors of child sexual abuse, and individuals coping with various forms of trauma across diverse settings. Additionally, I possess extensive experience working with individuals dealing with substance use and abuse issues.

It is a difficult task to find a therapist that will meet you where you are at and be comfortable sharing who you really are. That is why I strive to create an open and accepting environment that is tailored to the unique needs of each individual client. My name is Emma Flintrop (She/Her) a licensed social worker in the state of Virginia. I have received my Masters of social work at Rutgers University. I have past experience with working with anxiety, depression, self harming, suicidal ideation, life transitions, communication, grief, and finding ones true self.

At River Grove Therapy, we hold space for meaningful connection with our clients and their families. The clinicians at River Grove Therapy (RGT) specialize in working with children, adolescents, young adults and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, life adjustments, trauma and loss. We are a small, high quality psychotherapy practice in Old Town Alexandria. We are an anti-racist, anti-ableist, pro-LGBTQ+ practice. We meet each client's unique needs based on our therapists' experience and specialized training.

My ideal client is someone that has an area of their life that is causing them some angst and they would like to openly and honestly discuss this area and identify ways of resolving this issue or at least living more comfortably with it. The client is willing to have consistent dialogue about how to improve this area of their life and is willing to try new ideas and/or behaviors suggested during therapy within their daily life.

Hello, I'm Momilani Williams, a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience in the Mental Health field. My background includes advocacy in school settings, support for foster youth, and assisting military children and families. I specialize in aiding individuals overwhelmed by life's challenges or their emotions, guiding them towards positive processing. Together, we'll devise strategies to manage emotions and reconnect with your authentic self. Whether you're navigating complex relationship dynamics or grappling with anxiety and depression, I'm here to support you.

Hello and welcome! I'm Julia Ahumada, a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Virginia. I’m passionate about helping people overcome challenges and empowering them to lead the lives they desire. My therapeutic practice is rooted in a strengths-based and collaborative approach, starting with building a strong therapeutic alliance with each client. By offering unconditional positive regard and a non-judgmental space, I create an environment where clients feel safe to embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring their strengths, challenges, and areas for growth.