Grief counselors and therapists in Falls Church, VA

I am an LPC in Virginia and LMHC-S in Florida my background in practice consists of treating adolescents, families, children in at risk populations and treating adults with depression and anxiety. I take a holistic approach to counseling and meet the client where they are at. I include CBT and solution-focused techniques in order to assist clients dealing with a variety of issues. I also have a background in TF-CBT informed therapy and utilize this as needed.

Thank you for reaching out for assistance. I have been providing mental health interventions and support for 36 years as an LCSW. I have also been credentialed as a trauma and ICU nurse and very early on in my professional life I was a special education teacher and received a masters in education as well.

My first few decades in practice was dedicated to the care and treatment of children 4 -12 years of age and adolescents 13 to 18 many who had been adjudicated for protection. Because of my nursing background and work in oncology I also have experience in providing supportive care for loss and grief issues as well as education and support for chronic illness, and post trauma care.

I have in the past 15 years began to work also with adults. I am licensed in EMDR interventions for PTSD both acute and chronic post trauma effects.

Because of my medical background i try and include a holistic approach to understanding both the physical and psychological issues my clients may be experiencing .

Please feel free to call me Sam. I'm originally from North Carolina and received my bachelor's degree in social work at Appalachian State. In 2022, I moved to Southwest Virginia and received my master's degree in social work from Radford University. Overall, I have 13 years of experience as a Social Worker in different capacities, including grief and loss, chronic illness, and burnout. My passion is working with adults and older adults navigating life changes.

I am a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with training in both primary care and psychiatric mental health. I have extensive experience providing care in community, correctional, and integrated care settings, where I work with individuals managing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma-related conditions, and other mental health concerns.

I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and respected. I value thoughtful assessment, clear communication, and collaborative decision-making to help clients better understand their symptoms and treatment options. My goal is to partner with each client to develop a personalized care plan that supports both mental and overall well-being.

Dr. Rivera employs an integrative style that focuses on the individual's sleep, diet, physical and mental fitness. He enjoys working in particular with weight loss, men's wellness, de-prescription from psychotropic medications, and detox from long-term substance use: tobacco, alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines. Furthermore, he specializes in the diagnosis and management of attention, mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders.

Life can be hard and sometimes overwhelming, but there is light, even if you can’t see it right now. You don’t have to carry everything alone. With support, healing and growth are possible. You deserve a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment. Starting therapy can feel vulnerable, but I’m here to walk alongside you. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia with over 10 years of experience in the helping profession, including clinical mental health work since 2020. I earned my Master of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling from Old Dominion University. I work with adolescents, young adults, adults, couples, and veterans ages 11 to 40 supporting concerns such as life transitions, relationships, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, self-esteem, and personal growth. I focus on building a genuine connection and creating a safe, welcoming space where you can be yourself. I value cultural humility and honor your unique experiences and strengths, meeting you where you are while supporting your growth. I believe healing happens in supportive relationships. Whether you’re facing challenges, processing the past, or moving into a new chapter, I’m here to support you. There is hope, and together we can help you move forward. Outside of counseling, I enjoy singing, painting, music, travel, and exploring different cultures, which help keep me grounded and inspired.

Feeling overwhelmed, lost, or unsure where to start? You've come to the right place.

With over 17 years of clinical experience across a variety of settings, I specialize in creating a warm, judgment-free space where you can explore your concerns at your own pace. Whether you arrive with specific goals in mind, need help identifying them, or simply need somewhere to exhale.

I work with children, adults, couples, and families navigating a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, behavioral concerns, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. Whatever brings you here, I bring deep clinical expertise, genuine compassion, and a commitment to helping you move toward the mental health and life you deserve.

As a mom of three (specifically as a twin mom), I know how difficult and challenging life can be. This is why I strive to be meet clients wherever they are in their journey. Often times, we don't need or even want someone to tell us all the things to do, but instead want the support of someone walking with us through life's challenges.

I am a proud double duke of James Madison University. I received my BA in Psychology with a Minor in Family Studies. Then stayed to receive my M.A. and Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. From there my counseling journey led me to complete my internship in a private practice clinic in Knoxville, TN as my husband finished his own education. Next, I worked with Youth Villages as an Intensive In Home Counselor. And most recently, worked as a Mental Health Outpatient Counselor with New River Valley Community Services (NRVCS) where I completed my VA residency and became an LPC.

In all of the clinical settings I have practiced, I have worked with a wide range of clients. The main population that I have served is children and adolescents. I am working to expand my knowledge and clinical expertise to also include more adults. My clinical trainings have included Play Therapy, CBT, TF-CBT, and EMDR.

In therapy with me you will find that I emphasize acceptance of emotions, reframing negative thinking, and offering self-grace. I try to help you dig deeper to get the root issue that is causing you to be different than the way you want to be.

We are talking about you and your life, things that matter so I am open and non-judging, relaxed, and very real.

Accepting Sentra Health Plan Insurance and Peak Health

As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I believe mental health care should be collaborative and centered on who you are as an individual. I support adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, mood disorders, and more. Through trauma-informed care, evidence-based practices, individualized treatment plans, comprehensive medication management, and therapeutic support, I create a judgment-free space where we can show up authentically and work together toward meaningful progress. My background includes experience as an outpatient psychiatric provider, inpatient psychiatric registered nurse, and in community reproductive health, allowing me to bring a broad and well-rounded perspective to the care I provide. I hold a Master of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology, which have shaped my understanding of the many varying factors that impact mental health.

I’m a licensed therapist and founder of Sitting Together Therapy (sitting-together.com), and I help adults build a more compassionate, connected, and honest relationship with themselves. I view difficult patterns as adaptive, not defective. I work with thoughtful people navigating anxiety and depression, relationship challenges, emotionally blocked, avoidance, and life transitions.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with almost 20 years of professional work experience addressing a range of mental health issues across the lifespan. Most of my life was spent in East Tennessee but my career experience began in Virginia where I obtained my counseling license in 2014. In 2020 I moved to Yuma, Arizona, and am eligible to work with clients in both states.

Education and Credentials:

I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2003 from Radford University in Radford, Virginia. I soon followed it with my Master's degree in Counseling in 2007 at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee. In 2021 I received my School Counseling Certificate from the state of Arizona.