Relational Therapists in Alexandria, VA
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions and stressors, and relational challenges using an integration of psychodynamic therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.
If you have found yourself seeking therapy, it could be due to changes in your daily life that are causing disruption or dissatisfaction. It may be a new stressor, unresolved difficulties from your past, or a desire to gain a deeper understanding of yourself. Engaging in therapy can be a healing and transformative process, paving the way to gain satisfaction in your life. Guided by compassion and trust, I take a collaborative and multicultural approach to create a safe space for this exploration.
I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions and stressors, and relational challenges using an integration of psychodynamic therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.
If you have found yourself seeking therapy, it could be due to changes in your daily life that are causing disruption or dissatisfaction. It may be a new stressor, unresolved difficulties from your past, or a desire to gain a deeper understanding of yourself. Engaging in therapy can be a healing and transformative process, paving the way to gain satisfaction in your life. Guided by compassion and trust, I take a collaborative and multicultural approach to create a safe space for this exploration.
Jackson Stone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314 (Online Only)
Using the Ackerman Relational Approach and CBT, I offer tailored strategies to help you break unhealthy patterns, rebuild trust, and create lasting, positive changes in your relationships.
My ideal client is an individual, couple, or family facing communication breakdowns, unresolved conflicts, or struggles with emotional connection. They seek a safe space to explore their patterns and want practical tools to rebuild trust, intimacy, and understanding. Their goal is to break free from repetitive arguments and feel more connected, supported, and understood by their loved ones. They’re motivated to heal past wounds, learn new skills, and grow together because they value their relationships and want lasting change for a healthier, more fulfilling future.
Using the Ackerman Relational Approach and CBT, I offer tailored strategies to help you break unhealthy patterns, rebuild trust, and create lasting, positive changes in your relationships.
My ideal client is an individual, couple, or family facing communication breakdowns, unresolved conflicts, or struggles with emotional connection. They seek a safe space to explore their patterns and want practical tools to rebuild trust, intimacy, and understanding. Their goal is to break free from repetitive arguments and feel more connected, supported, and understood by their loved ones. They’re motivated to heal past wounds, learn new skills, and grow together because they value their relationships and want lasting change for a healthier, more fulfilling future.
I specialize in providing therapy to clients struggling with relational challenges, personality and mood disorders, anxiety, emotion avoidance and dysregulation, stress, low self-esteem, and traumatic experiences.
It is natural and beneficial for us to seek connection and support, especially during challenging times. If you have found yourself here because you are going through a difficult situation, you feel stuck or unhappy, or you want to gain a better understanding of yourself, then welcome! I value the unique elements and narratives clients bring to therapy and provide warmth, acceptance, and understanding as foundational elements of my work. By working collaboratively with clients and tailoring interventions to their unique needs, I aim to facilitate relief and desired change within a meaningful therapeutic relationship.
I specialize in providing therapy to clients struggling with relational challenges, personality and mood disorders, anxiety, emotion avoidance and dysregulation, stress, low self-esteem, and traumatic experiences.
It is natural and beneficial for us to seek connection and support, especially during challenging times. If you have found yourself here because you are going through a difficult situation, you feel stuck or unhappy, or you want to gain a better understanding of yourself, then welcome! I value the unique elements and narratives clients bring to therapy and provide warmth, acceptance, and understanding as foundational elements of my work. By working collaboratively with clients and tailoring interventions to their unique needs, I aim to facilitate relief and desired change within a meaningful therapeutic relationship.
Hela Baer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, E-RYT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22314
My clinical approach is grounded in the following frameworks: trauma-informed care, attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, person-centered therapy, relational-cultural and feminist therapies, mindfulness and compassion-focused therapies, and ecotherapy.
Hello! I’m a relational and integrative therapist specializing in trauma-informed mindbody practices, therapy incorporating nature and equines, and neurodivergent-affirming and lgbtqia+ affirming care. I work with teens and adults with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, with a focus on trauma and acute stress, anxiety, depression, relationship patterns, family dynamics, dual identities, and lived experiences within our evolving socio-political landscape. My approach entails a combination of self-exploration, relational and somatic co-regulation, and resilience building through compassion and mutual empowerment.
My clinical approach is grounded in the following frameworks: trauma-informed care, attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, person-centered therapy, relational-cultural and feminist therapies, mindfulness and compassion-focused therapies, and ecotherapy.
Hello! I’m a relational and integrative therapist specializing in trauma-informed mindbody practices, therapy incorporating nature and equines, and neurodivergent-affirming and lgbtqia+ affirming care. I work with teens and adults with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, with a focus on trauma and acute stress, anxiety, depression, relationship patterns, family dynamics, dual identities, and lived experiences within our evolving socio-political landscape. My approach entails a combination of self-exploration, relational and somatic co-regulation, and resilience building through compassion and mutual empowerment.
As a therapist and musician, I work to create a space that welcomes and inspires you to see new possibilities, discover your inner voice, create deeper connections in your life, and move steadily toward your dreams. I offer individual and couples therapy, and I run general process groups as well as Creative Expression and Dungeons and Dragons groups. I specialize in using relational perspectives to help you get unstuck.
As a therapist and musician, I work to create a space that welcomes and inspires you to see new possibilities, discover your inner voice, create deeper connections in your life, and move steadily toward your dreams. I offer individual and couples therapy, and I run general process groups as well as Creative Expression and Dungeons and Dragons groups. I specialize in using relational perspectives to help you get unstuck.
Higher Life Pathways Counseling Services
Counselor, Dr, Dinelly, Holder, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314 (Online Only)
Facing relationship issues? Anxieties of life? Life transitional issues? You will find a supportive and collaborative approach through the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy, relational therapy and solution-focused therapy in helping you to understand the importance of lowering stress and anxiety levels as individuals, couples and families.
Feeling stressed? Experiencing high anxiety or tired of stress? Sometimes it can be difficult to overcome stressors and anxieties on our own. If you are having difficulties handling life stressors, there are ways to overcome and alleviate what you are going through. We will begin with the problem, then strategies to resolve your issue, then you will learn how to solve a variety of stressful issues in your life. If you are committed to lowering stress and anxiety levels in your life, CLICK on our website to request an appointment. Additionally, you can contact us thru text/phone at 571.946.8115 or info@higherlifepathways.com
Facing relationship issues? Anxieties of life? Life transitional issues? You will find a supportive and collaborative approach through the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy, relational therapy and solution-focused therapy in helping you to understand the importance of lowering stress and anxiety levels as individuals, couples and families.
Feeling stressed? Experiencing high anxiety or tired of stress? Sometimes it can be difficult to overcome stressors and anxieties on our own. If you are having difficulties handling life stressors, there are ways to overcome and alleviate what you are going through. We will begin with the problem, then strategies to resolve your issue, then you will learn how to solve a variety of stressful issues in your life. If you are committed to lowering stress and anxiety levels in your life, CLICK on our website to request an appointment. Additionally, you can contact us thru text/phone at 571.946.8115 or info@higherlifepathways.com
My experience has allowed me the opportunity to focus on trauma, depression, anxiety, relational issues, couples, marriage and family therapy.
If there is one thing that I find particularly bothersome is when people feel the need to judge others. I can tell you that will not happen should you consider to work with me. I am here to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment in order for you to work on healing yourself. The passion I have to help others allowed me the opportunity to begin my therapeutic journey more than 17 years ago. Throughout the years I have worked with children, adolescents, families, and adults struggling with mental health challenges.
My experience has allowed me the opportunity to focus on trauma, depression, anxiety, relational issues, couples, marriage and family therapy.
If there is one thing that I find particularly bothersome is when people feel the need to judge others. I can tell you that will not happen should you consider to work with me. I am here to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment in order for you to work on healing yourself. The passion I have to help others allowed me the opportunity to begin my therapeutic journey more than 17 years ago. Throughout the years I have worked with children, adolescents, families, and adults struggling with mental health challenges.
Brandie Chaney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22314
Brandie utilizes a relational approach which focuses on the role relationships play in shaping our daily experiences, attempts to help people understand patterns appearing in the thoughts and feelings they have toward themselves.
Brandie’s ideal client is an individual yearning for change; someone who may be currently hopeless but is motivated to make the changes they need. She believes that we all can live the life we dream of if we tap into the best parts of ourselves. She has worked with clients involved with the criminal justice system, juvenile court, and child welfare systems. Past clients have included those coping with homelessness, substance abuse, poverty, depression, anxiety, parenting issues, loss, grief, and domestic violence. She understands the impact of stress and wants her clients to be equipped to manage challenging situations without fear.
Brandie utilizes a relational approach which focuses on the role relationships play in shaping our daily experiences, attempts to help people understand patterns appearing in the thoughts and feelings they have toward themselves.
Brandie’s ideal client is an individual yearning for change; someone who may be currently hopeless but is motivated to make the changes they need. She believes that we all can live the life we dream of if we tap into the best parts of ourselves. She has worked with clients involved with the criminal justice system, juvenile court, and child welfare systems. Past clients have included those coping with homelessness, substance abuse, poverty, depression, anxiety, parenting issues, loss, grief, and domestic violence. She understands the impact of stress and wants her clients to be equipped to manage challenging situations without fear.
Yolanda Wood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22314 (Online Only)
My approach is integrative, holistic, relational, and spiritual if you are faith-based.
Finding the right therapist can be just as complicated as what brings you to therapy. So many questions. Will I be judged? Will I feel understood? Will they be a good fit? Trust and building a healthy therapeutic relationship is an essential part of this journey. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, would like to explore relationship patterns, or develop coping skills to better address your problems, it begins with the decision to make you a priority. The heart of my work begins with creating a safe space that allows you to feel heard and understood, without judgment, while being transformed into a better version of yourself.
My approach is integrative, holistic, relational, and spiritual if you are faith-based.
Finding the right therapist can be just as complicated as what brings you to therapy. So many questions. Will I be judged? Will I feel understood? Will they be a good fit? Trust and building a healthy therapeutic relationship is an essential part of this journey. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, would like to explore relationship patterns, or develop coping skills to better address your problems, it begins with the decision to make you a priority. The heart of my work begins with creating a safe space that allows you to feel heard and understood, without judgment, while being transformed into a better version of yourself.
Aysha Kemp
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22314 (Online Only)
I work from a relational, trauma-informed, somatic lens to create lasting change.
Life and relationships sometimes offer inaccurate messages about who we are, what we deserve, and what is available to us. Where you have felt invalidated, shamed, limited, or unsafe, I want to help you rewrite your story. I am passionate about connection, communication, mind-body-soul healing, and guiding others into their light. I support individuals and couples in identifying patterns such as over-functioning, perfectionism, people-pleasing, shutting down, withdrawing, or focusing on tasks. As we explore the roots of these strategies, we can find new ways to relate, meet needs, build self-worth, and heal old hurts.
I work from a relational, trauma-informed, somatic lens to create lasting change.
Life and relationships sometimes offer inaccurate messages about who we are, what we deserve, and what is available to us. Where you have felt invalidated, shamed, limited, or unsafe, I want to help you rewrite your story. I am passionate about connection, communication, mind-body-soul healing, and guiding others into their light. I support individuals and couples in identifying patterns such as over-functioning, perfectionism, people-pleasing, shutting down, withdrawing, or focusing on tasks. As we explore the roots of these strategies, we can find new ways to relate, meet needs, build self-worth, and heal old hurts.
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Katie Shepherd
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, CST
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22303 (Online Only)
I am dedicated to helping people realize their personal and relational potential. My expertise and passion is in sex and relationship therapy, and LGBTQ, kink, and polyamory friendly work. I specialize in issues of trauma, sexual assault and abuse, and domestic violence. I assist people in understanding their unhelpful thinking patterns, navigating healthy relationship dynamics, and difficulties in communication.
I am dedicated to helping people realize their personal and relational potential. My expertise and passion is in sex and relationship therapy, and LGBTQ, kink, and polyamory friendly work. I specialize in issues of trauma, sexual assault and abuse, and domestic violence. I assist people in understanding their unhelpful thinking patterns, navigating healthy relationship dynamics, and difficulties in communication.
Kieran Evans
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MHS, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22314 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My specialty is working with adults who have experienced relational and developmental trauma.
Sometimes we think of our life as a story with a beginning, middle and end. But life rarely feels this simple and linear. Our experiences change the way we view ourselves and the world around us especially when we endure pain and loss; our identity shifts, and the story we've told gets tangled up. It is normal to become disoriented and scared when we feel ourselves changing. Maybe we seem more lonely, less fulfilled, or lost. I see it as my responsibility to be a partner/guide for you so you feel more oriented, less alone, more able to recognize your innate strengths and ability to heal and to ultimately author a story of growth.
My specialty is working with adults who have experienced relational and developmental trauma.
Sometimes we think of our life as a story with a beginning, middle and end. But life rarely feels this simple and linear. Our experiences change the way we view ourselves and the world around us especially when we endure pain and loss; our identity shifts, and the story we've told gets tangled up. It is normal to become disoriented and scared when we feel ourselves changing. Maybe we seem more lonely, less fulfilled, or lost. I see it as my responsibility to be a partner/guide for you so you feel more oriented, less alone, more able to recognize your innate strengths and ability to heal and to ultimately author a story of growth.
Hi there! I am Nathaniel "Nate" Alexander, a Licensed Professional Counselor with 26 years of experience. I am also a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) in Virginia. I specialize in the areas of addiction, codependency, life transitions, relapse prevention, and relationship issues, and I utilize treatment approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral, Couples Therapy, Marital, Motivational Interviewing, and Relational therapies. I believe that if a person uses sound common sense, their decision-making efforts and life outcomes will improve.
Hi there! I am Nathaniel "Nate" Alexander, a Licensed Professional Counselor with 26 years of experience. I am also a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) in Virginia. I specialize in the areas of addiction, codependency, life transitions, relapse prevention, and relationship issues, and I utilize treatment approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral, Couples Therapy, Marital, Motivational Interviewing, and Relational therapies. I believe that if a person uses sound common sense, their decision-making efforts and life outcomes will improve.
Where you have developed limiting beliefs, protectors, or relational strategies that no longer fit, we can make space to explore, process, and heal.
When we are in conflict, disconnection, or misunderstanding with a loved one, we all experience distress. Our protective strategies come alive- we shut down, criticize, go numb, or pursue for reconnection. We find ourselves in the same old dance, talking different relational languages we can’t seem to reconcile, having the same old fight. I help individuals and couples talk about what is happening inside them, identify their needs, and understand what is at the core of any recurring patterns. I make space for all the ways life has shaped each of you, how this impacts your interactions, and where the misses are taking place.
Where you have developed limiting beliefs, protectors, or relational strategies that no longer fit, we can make space to explore, process, and heal.
When we are in conflict, disconnection, or misunderstanding with a loved one, we all experience distress. Our protective strategies come alive- we shut down, criticize, go numb, or pursue for reconnection. We find ourselves in the same old dance, talking different relational languages we can’t seem to reconcile, having the same old fight. I help individuals and couples talk about what is happening inside them, identify their needs, and understand what is at the core of any recurring patterns. I make space for all the ways life has shaped each of you, how this impacts your interactions, and where the misses are taking place.
I also use relational model of therapy, as I truly believe that the most important aspect of therapy is the therapeutic relationship.
I'm passionate about empowering each client I work with to navigate the road to understanding their individual needs, and living their most fulfilling life. I do this through a variety of perspectives of therapy, but ultimately my goal is to find the tools that are most helpful to each person. I love talking about how experiences have shaped the beliefs each person has about themselves and the world, as well as using neuroscience to understand what your brain is going through when you're struggling.
I also use relational model of therapy, as I truly believe that the most important aspect of therapy is the therapeutic relationship.
I'm passionate about empowering each client I work with to navigate the road to understanding their individual needs, and living their most fulfilling life. I do this through a variety of perspectives of therapy, but ultimately my goal is to find the tools that are most helpful to each person. I love talking about how experiences have shaped the beliefs each person has about themselves and the world, as well as using neuroscience to understand what your brain is going through when you're struggling.
Mary Jean Kane
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Alexandria, VA 22301
As a Contemporary Relational Psychoanalyst, I work with individuals on how they view themselves, others, and their world.
I am a psychotherapist, contemporary relational psychoanalyst, couples and group therapist, and a licensed clinical social worker by training. I have been in practice for over 25 years. I work with adults on problems of everyday living, which includes understanding the impact of their family history on present day living and working on practical solutions as well. I am warm and interactive and place a high value on developing a relationship with my patients where they can feel my presence, understanding, and empathy. I am a Clinical Assistant Professor at George Washington University School of Medicine, teaching Self Psychology,
As a Contemporary Relational Psychoanalyst, I work with individuals on how they view themselves, others, and their world.
I am a psychotherapist, contemporary relational psychoanalyst, couples and group therapist, and a licensed clinical social worker by training. I have been in practice for over 25 years. I work with adults on problems of everyday living, which includes understanding the impact of their family history on present day living and working on practical solutions as well. I am warm and interactive and place a high value on developing a relationship with my patients where they can feel my presence, understanding, and empathy. I am a Clinical Assistant Professor at George Washington University School of Medicine, teaching Self Psychology,
Ken Horne
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome - I am a licensed psychotherapist with 18+ years of clinical experience. I specialize in client-centered, insight-oriented talk therapy that incorporates mindfulness, somatic awareness, wellness planning, and practical tools for self-care and stress reduction. My holistic, humanistic approach draws from multiple healing perspectives including Psychodynamic, Narrative, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Emotionally-Focused therapies. I often support clients experiencing life changes, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, stuckness, avoidance, reactivity, self-judgment, relational stress, loneliness, and the separation/divorce process.
Welcome - I am a licensed psychotherapist with 18+ years of clinical experience. I specialize in client-centered, insight-oriented talk therapy that incorporates mindfulness, somatic awareness, wellness planning, and practical tools for self-care and stress reduction. My holistic, humanistic approach draws from multiple healing perspectives including Psychodynamic, Narrative, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Emotionally-Focused therapies. I often support clients experiencing life changes, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, stuckness, avoidance, reactivity, self-judgment, relational stress, loneliness, and the separation/divorce process.
The Center for Connection, Healing and Change
Pre-Licensed Professional, LMFT-R, LPC-R, LMFT, LPC, LCSW
Verified Verified
Alexandria, VA 22314
We value holistic connection and healing (emotional, relational, physical, mental, spiritual) and intentionally treat the whole person, couple, or family.
Accepting new clients -The Center for Connection, Healing & Change focuses on the creation of secure, close, and satisfying relationships- within us and between us. We choose to specialize in relationships because we know the importance of satisfying connections for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Services explore the relationship we have with both ourselves and others; how well we can live with emotional ease, know who we are, ask for what we need, be responsive to loved ones, set boundaries, deal with loss, heal trauma, move through stressful experiences, find our purpose, and access resilience in moments of need.
We value holistic connection and healing (emotional, relational, physical, mental, spiritual) and intentionally treat the whole person, couple, or family.
Accepting new clients -The Center for Connection, Healing & Change focuses on the creation of secure, close, and satisfying relationships- within us and between us. We choose to specialize in relationships because we know the importance of satisfying connections for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Services explore the relationship we have with both ourselves and others; how well we can live with emotional ease, know who we are, ask for what we need, be responsive to loved ones, set boundaries, deal with loss, heal trauma, move through stressful experiences, find our purpose, and access resilience in moments of need.
Welcome! I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the DMV and currently offering therapy and evaluation services out of my office in Downtown DC/Penn Quarter area and virtually. I provide individual psychotherapy with a strong skill-set in trauma-informed care for adolescents, young adults, adults, and women of color. I draw from my background in cognitive-behavioral skills training, family systems, and relational-cultural therapy. My approach is best described as warm, direct, and collaborative. Please reach out to me via email or phone call for a consultation to see if I could be a good fit for your needs.
Welcome! I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the DMV and currently offering therapy and evaluation services out of my office in Downtown DC/Penn Quarter area and virtually. I provide individual psychotherapy with a strong skill-set in trauma-informed care for adolescents, young adults, adults, and women of color. I draw from my background in cognitive-behavioral skills training, family systems, and relational-cultural therapy. My approach is best described as warm, direct, and collaborative. Please reach out to me via email or phone call for a consultation to see if I could be a good fit for your needs.
See more therapy options for Alexandria
Nearby Relational Therapists Searches for Alexandria
- Annandale
- Arlington
- Burke
- Community
- Falls Church
- Fort Belvoir
- Franconia
- Jefferson Manor
- Lorton
- McLean
- Springfield
- Tysons
Relational Therapists
How does relational therapy work?
Relational therapy was developed by psychologist Jean Miller, whose ideas stressed that having strong connections with others encourages better health and well-being when compared with a lonely existence. Conversely, poor interpersonal relationships do not foster growth and learning. Relational therapy also encourages trust in others and patience with others, along with better communication and less conflict.
Is relational therapy evidence-based?
Relational therapy is not well-studied, and it may not be as effective in treating certain mental health conditions when compared with evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral or acceptance and commitment therapy. However, relational therapy uses techniques found in cognitive behavioral therapy as well as psychodynamic therapy, which are both well-studied with empirical research.
How long are people typically in relational therapy?
Clients may see improvement after a few weeks or months of therapy. Like cognitive behavioral therapy, relational therapy can reduce symptoms within 10 to 20 weeks, at 45 to 50 minutes once a week. But like any type of therapy, improvement depends on the person and the severity of the problem.
Does relational therapy work?
While no therapy type will work for everyone, some evidence suggests that this therapy can be effective. Relational therapy can help a person manage problematic relationships as well as the mental health conditions that accompany difficult relationships like depression or anxiety. This therapy type may offer benefits that are hard to measure but can be just as valuable—including feelings of higher self-worth or healthier connections with others.