Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Arlington, VA

I work with adults 18+ and families navigating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, grief, burnout, boundaries, communication breakdown, relationship conflict, and emotional cycles that feel stuck. My style is warm, direct, collaborative, and grounded in real-world tools that fit your life. You should know this isn’t about perfection or starting fully “ready”—it’s about being met where you are, making sense of what’s been heavy, and building clarity, resilience, and momentum forward in a supported space.

I work with adults who are tired of feeling stuck, overthinking everything, shutting down, or wondering why they react the way they do. Whether you're carrying the weight of a specific traumatic experience or you've spent years feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected without fully understanding why, you're not alone.

One of my favorite moments in therapy is when a client pauses and says, "That finally makes sense." Those moments are powerful because understanding the why behind your reactions is often the first step toward changing them. My goal is to provide a space where you feel understood, supported, and never judged as we work together to help you heal and move forward.

I have completed a successful U. S. Army career as a Senior Helicopter pilot & paratrooper; Commanded Aviation & Field Artillery companies; and I am experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for past 25 years; graduate of Richmond VA Seminary. Born & raised in Topeka, Kansas as 3rd oldest in family of 12 children. Athletic background: high school wrestler & track star; college football player; & Six-time VA State Racquetball Champion. Dedicated to helping others be all they can be !

Melinda is a trauma informed, Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia, with the Virginia Board of Counseling. She is also the owner of Triumphant Coaching & Counseling, LLC. Melinda graduated from Hampton University in 1991 with a B.A. in Sociology. She served in the Navy for 12 years as a Human Resource Officer, obtaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander. She acquired her master’s degree in human resource development in 2001, and she acquired her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling Degree from Nyack College, Alliance Graduate School of Counseling in New York City in 2014.

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I am a certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-C). I completed my Bachelor of Nursing degree at Chamberlain University in Chicago, Illinois. Further, I pursued a Master of Science in psychiatry at Walden University, which allowed me to obtain certification as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. With extensive clinical experience in psychiatry, I specialize in treating individuals, couples, and families navigating challenges such as depression, ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders. My background allows me to care for the whole person, addressing the complex connections between physical health, emotional well-being, and life balance.

Hello, my name is Benjamin Watkins. I look forward to working with you to make the positive changes you desire in your life. I have worked in the field since I was 19, starting as a Mentor. Helping others is my passion in life. I worked with children, adolescents, and parents in the foster care system, overcoming trauma and developing positive attachments. I have worked with a variety of issues.