Find a Therapist in Arlington, VA

Dr. Ara Thomas-Brown, an accomplished Marriage & Family Therapist, brings over two decades of experience in helping individuals, couples, and families through their most challenging moments. With a Doctorate in Education and credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, she has dedicated her life to supporting clients of all ages—from teens to elders. Ara's educational journey at George Washington University paved the way for her deep understanding of trauma, PTSD, relationship issues, and family conflicts. Utilizing an array of therapeutic modalities, including EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), she crafts personalized strategies that empower her clients to achieve meaningful change and healing. Ara's compassionate approach and humanistic perspective create a warm space where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions, fostering a collaborative environment tailored to their unique needs.

Kim Chisolm is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and therapist dedicated to helping teens and adults navigate life’s challenges. With a strong focus on addiction, coping skills, and depression, she employs a breadth of therapeutic modalities including Psychodynamic therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Psychoanalytic techniques, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Kim is skilled in facilitating both individual and group sessions, creating a supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings. Her expertise and warmth make her an ideal partner in the journey toward healing and personal growth.

Lisa Zager, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), is dedicated to fostering a therapeutic environment where compassion and curiosity thrive. She understands the bravery it takes for clients to explore their vulnerabilities and equally values the protective strategies they employ, regardless of their perceived constructiveness. In her sessions, Lisa focuses on clarifying both internal and external relational distress. With extensive education and training in grief, trauma, and life transitions, she approaches these issues from multiple perspectives. As a trauma therapist, Lisa is attuned to instinctive trauma responses and recognizes the significance of incremental progress toward recovery. Her training in grief counseling has instilled in her an appreciation for the individualistic journey of integrating loss alongside the relational dynamics that can either facilitate or impede growth. Additionally, as a Pastoral Counselor, Lisa is equipped to address spiritual and existential concerns with respect and curiosity, providing a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to explore their belief systems in relation to their past, present, and future.

Martha Halperin is a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience dedicated to helping adults and elders facing trauma, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. Known for her warm and nonjudgmental presence, Martha facilitates her clients' journeys toward wholeness through a person-centered and humanistic approach. She brings a unique mindfulness and mind/body perspective, complemented by a broad multicultural understanding. Martha provides essential coping mechanisms and self-soothing techniques, creating a safe space for individuals to explore, acknowledge, and navigate their emotions. She believes that the most vital aspect of effective therapy is the chemistry between the client and therapist, emphasizing that a strong relationship is crucial for successful outcomes. Individuals often feel the necessary spark within the first couple of sessions, paving the way for transformative healing. Martha is eager to support her clients on their path to well-being.

Renascence Center is a compassionate and experienced Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) dedicated to providing a supportive environment for adults seeking guidance. With almost 20 years of experience, Renascence believes that counseling should resemble a conversation with a trusted friend—someone who genuinely listens and poses insightful questions. They prioritize candid communication, guiding clients through self-discovery and fostering personal growth by addressing significant life challenges including depression, relationship dynamics, faith integration, trauma recovery, and grief. Specializing in eclectic therapy methods and certified in EMDR, Renascence offers interactive and problem-solving approaches to therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Driven by a commitment to help clients understand themselves better and enhance their relationships, Renascence Center integrates faith and values throughout the counseling process, striving to empower clients to make informed decisions and enrich their lives.

Janice Grose is a compassionate and skilled Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, holding the prestigious LCSW credential. Graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1996, she brings a wealth of experience to her practice. Janice specializes in Life Coaching, Trauma and PTSD, and Spirituality, offering support to adults through various therapeutic modalities including individual, couples, and group sessions. With her eclectic approach, she tailors her methods to the unique needs of her clients, creating a supportive environment for healing and growth. Her dedication to guiding individuals on their personal journeys makes her a trusted partner in navigating life's challenges.

Ahren Grebner is a compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor who understands that everyone encounters moments in life where they may feel trapped, alone, or overwhelmed. Recognizing that many individuals cope in ways that can leave them feeling empty or anxious, Ahren emphasizes the importance of therapy in overcoming these challenges. With a focus on creating a supportive space, Ahren helps clients navigate their loneliness, pain, and confusion. Through a tailored approach that includes Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other integrative methods, Ahren works collaboratively with clients to identify and break free from harmful patterns impacting their relationships and careers. He believes that while external stresses may often remain unchanged, the way individuals respond can be transformed. Ahren is dedicated to guiding clients on their journey to meaningful change, and he looks forward to supporting them in taking the next steps toward a more fulfilling life.

Shelley Fontanella, a Licensed Professional Counselor (MA, LPC), embodies a compassionate approach to therapy, helping clients navigate life's challenges. With a belief in the restorative power of therapeutic relationships, she is honored to walk alongside individuals in their journey towards healing. Shelley views counseling as a collaborative process where clients can reflect on their current circumstances and aspirations. Her role as a counselor involves facilitating problem-solving and encouraging self-exploration of past and present behaviors to foster fulfillment. With experience working with preteens, teens, adults, families, and couples, Shelley understands the diverse nature of the human experience. She specializes in addressing relationship issues, spiritual queries, and emotional hurdles such as depression and anxiety. She believes that meaningful change occurs through gradual steps, empowering clients to achieve their personal goals. Passionate about integrating faith into counseling, Shelley employs a range of therapeutic modalities—including existential, psychodynamic, and eclectic approaches—tailoring her methods to meet the unique needs of each client.

Beth Higgins, MSW, LCSW, is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist who understands that life is filled with challenging events, decisions, and transitions. She believes that seeking therapy is a courageous step and a demonstration of the awareness that positive change can be achieved. Beth specializes in working with adult individuals facing a range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, addiction, and stress management. Her approach integrates person-centered concepts, cognitive-behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices, all grounded in the importance of self-care and achieving balance in life. By focusing on each client’s unique needs, her therapeutic work fosters empowerment and self-advocacy. In collaboration with her clients, Beth assists in formulating therapy goals, guiding them through their struggles, and exploring the intricate relationships that exist between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. She is committed to helping individuals identify core beliefs, challenge self-defeating patterns, discover their fundamental values, and develop healthy coping skills to enhance their overall well-being.

Michael Joseph Brenneis is an interactive therapist who utilizes the therapeutic relationship as a gateway to explore the thoughts, feelings, and habits that may be challenging for his clients. He holds a PhD and is a Licensed Professional Counselor and LMFT, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the therapeutic process. Michael believes that individuals are natural learners, shaped by their experiences, and views psychotherapy as a focused and intentional method for ongoing learning about life, self, and relationships. His optimistic approach fosters an environment where hope for improvement thrives as long as open communication exists. Michael enters into the perspective of each client, using insights gained to promote greater self-awareness and conscious choices in pursuit of a fulfilling life. With strengths rooted in empathy and humor, he connects with clients from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and sexual/gender orientations. Additionally, as an Episcopal priest, Michael appreciates and supports clients' spiritual or religious experiences, seamlessly integrating those aspects into the therapeutic journey.

Karen Karafin, LCSW, is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and therapist with extensive experience in helping individuals navigate their emotional landscapes. Her compassionate approach is especially beneficial for those feeling stressed, anxious, or confused about their lives. With a keen understanding of relationship dynamics, personal struggles, and past traumas, Karen artfully guides her clients as they explore their identity and aspirations for the future. She recognizes that the summer presents a unique opportunity for personal growth, making it an ideal time for her clients to embark on new projects or address muddled communications hindering their satisfaction in life. Known for her nonjudgmental demeanor and approachable nature, Karen empowers her clients to express their truths and find clarity in their paths forward. She works with teens, adults, individuals, and couples of diverse sexual and gender orientations, and is passionate about supporting people through life transitions. By fostering a safe therapeutic relationship, Karen helps clients unravel longstanding dilemmas, ensuring that they feel heard and understood in their journeys toward fulfillment. No matter how insurmountable the challenges may appear, Karen believes that help is always available.

Meredith McEver is a dedicated Clinical Social Worker and Therapist, who has been enriching the lives of individuals since her graduation from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1980. With a compassionate approach, she guides children, teens, adults, and elders through the challenges of depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. Meredith is well-versed in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including mindfulness-based techniques, expressive arts, coaching, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Her expertise extends to family systems and play therapy, allowing her to create supportive environments tailored to the unique needs of her clients. Meredith's commitment to fostering healing and personal growth is evident in her practice, where she works with individuals, families, and groups, promoting holistic well-being and resilience.

Elena Mustakova-Possardt is a licensed professional counselor with an Ed.D., who has dedicated over 20 years to guiding individuals through their fears, pains, and struggles. Her work embodies a commitment to helping clients discover their strengths, resilience, and a more fulfilled life. As a spiritually-oriented developmental psychologist and psychotherapist, she specializes in working with adults and couples on diverse issues, including life purpose, depression, anxiety, addictions, relational problems, and marital dysfunction. Elena has successfully helped many couples navigate critical moments in their relationships, fostering a compassionate understanding that moves them away from self-centeredness. She holds a strong belief in the interconnectedness of psychological and spiritual health, recognizing that genuine healing encompasses the mind, body, and soul. Additionally, Elena is keenly aware of the unique challenges present in today's culture and possesses valuable experience in cross-cultural contexts, enriching her therapeutic approach.