Family therapy and counseling in Arlington, VA

Hi there! I'm Dr Esmie, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and PhD, Research Psychologist with more than three decades of professional and lived experience. I've lived much of my life in England and California and now currently reside in the DMV state of Virginia. I bring a broad multicultural perspective to my work.serving individuals, couples, and families from diverse cultural, social, and spiritual backgrounds.

My clinical practice integrates evidence-based approaches, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and strengths-based interventions. I have worked extensively with clients navigating trauma, life transitions, relational conflict, stress, and emotional challenges, helping them move toward healing and personal growth.

I believe meaningful change occurs when people feel genuinely seen, heard, and respected. I strive to create a safe, supportive therapeutic environment where clients can explore their experiences without judgment. Through collaboration, practical tools, and compassionate guidance, I help clients develop insight, strengthen resilience, and build healthier patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior.

Above all, I value human dignity and authentic connection. I believe credentials may open doors, but character, empathy, and genuine care sustain lasting transformation.

I hold a Bachelors of Social Work (BSW) from Christopher Newport University and a Masters in Social Work (MSW) with a clinical concentration from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). I have been practicing in the field of social work since 2015. My initial focus was child welfare working with children in foster care until I transitioned to outpatient mental health therapy.

My name is Laura and I have been in the mental health field for over 20 years. I have worked with children as young as 5 through adulthood to age 85. I opened my practice in 2020 and have enjoyed being a therapist more than I thought I would. I have a Masters degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Christopher Newport University.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, which means that I have been specially trained to assess and provide on-going mental health support during and following a personal crisis. I received my MSW from the University of Denver, and completed my B.S. degree in administration of justice from George Mason University.

Prior to starting my own practice I worked in a variety of human service settings including residential treatment, secondary education, and in child welfare.

I bring a warm, friendly approach to each therapy session. I like for sessions to feel like a good conversation that leaves you feeling uplifted and more confident about yourself and your situation.

Areas of specialty include: Anxiety, ADHD, Anger Management, Complex Trauma, Depression, Life Transitions, and Relationships Issues and for children, youth, their families.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW/LISW‐CP) with more than 16 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, families, and high‐stress professionals. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina with a concentration in Individuals, Families, and Groups. I later completed a Play Therapist Training Program at Old Dominion University Norfolk, Virginia, and I am a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT‐S).

My career has been rooted in service, leadership, trauma informed care and crisis‐responsive care. Across these roles, I’ve provided therapy, crisis intervention, diagnostic assessments, supervision, and program oversight. I’ve supported individuals navigating PTSD, anxiety, depression, burnout, family conflict, trauma histories, and major life transitions.

My background allows me to understand both the clinical and human sides of stress, trauma, and resilience.

I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2017 and my Master of Social Work in 2019. My clinical experience spans a wide range of settings, including medical social work, OBGYN/postpartum care, community mental health, emergency services crisis intervention and stabilization, pre-liver transplant support, and child welfare. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the resilience people show during some of their most challenging moments.

I believe that all people have the innate capacity to heal. My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel empowered to share their stories and process trauma in a way that fosters growth, clarity, and emotional well-being. I utilize trauma-informed approaches such as EMDR and parts work. I focus on teaching practical, effective coping skills that clients can use in their daily lives.

Hi, I'm Josh. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia with over 20 years of experience working with individuals diagnosed with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and more than a decade supporting individuals in acute crisis situations. I earned my Bachelor's in Sociology from Virginia Tech, a Master’s in Social Work from Radford University, and a second Master’s in Aging and Health from Georgetown University.

Clients should know that I bring a deep commitment to meeting people where they are—emotionally, mentally, and situationally. I’ve worked in long-term care, acute crisis settings, and served as the director of a regional crisis response team. No matter the setting, I’m dedicated to treating people with respect, dignity, and compassion. I'm here to provide a sound board and assist in making meaningful changes for those I provide services for including those managing depression, anxiety, difficult relationships, or just need someone to talk to about everyday life issues we all experience. I also have a special passion for working with the aging population, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs honored.

Smart Duru is psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 10 years of combined healthcare experience. He attended University of Derby, England for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and a master’s in psychiatric mental health nursing with Distinction. Smart Duru obtained a Master of Science Degree with specialization in Psychiatry mental health Nurse Practitioner. He has extensive experience in Mental health, Primary care, Sub/Post-Acute Care, Long Term Care, Correctional Medicine, and Family Medicine.

Andrew is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) dedicated to helping individuals heal from trauma, overcome addiction, and build meaningful, lasting change. He earned his master's degree from Troy University in Tampa, Florida, and is currently completing a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision.

Prior to entering the counseling profession, Andrew served in the United States Army in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His military background, along with specialized training in trauma and addiction therapies, allows him to connect with clients through a practical, compassionate, and evidence-based approach that honors each person's unique experiences and goals.