Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Reston, VA

Living between cultures, expectations, or identities can create quiet pressures many people carry alone. Adults often reach out when grief, relationship strain, identity questions, or emotional overwhelm begin affecting daily life. I work with individuals navigating immigration experiences, cultural identity, family expectations, loss, and major life transitions. Therapy offers a space to slow down, make sense of what you’ve been carrying, and reconnect with your values so life feels more grounded, authentic, and emotionally balanced.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I believe in that our mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so kudos on taking that step! I have over 20 years of working with children and families in the field of education. I now serve children, families, individuals and couples as an LPC with training in play therapy, trauma play, co-parenting and re-unifciation.

Mental health issues may be difficult to discuss with loved ones, especially if there are cultural barriers. As an Asian American, I experienced the phenomenon of feeling like I had two separate identities. I often felt like an outsider as I questioned “who am I?” While there are many cultural barriers we must face with mental health, you don’t have to face them alone! I can help you navigate your experiences with cultural identification, family communication, children’s mental health, (e.g. depression, anxiety, and/or behavioral concern), parenting, and diversity.

I have a wide range of experience in various clinical and therapeutic settings. I specialize in working with children and adults with depression/anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, serious mental illness, lgbtq+, crisis intervention, intellectual and developmental disabilities (including Autism Spectrum Disorders), as well as traumatic brain injuries. I primarily enjoy working best with youth or adults in individual therapy sessions. I am NOT currently accepting any new COUPLE THERAPY clients at this time.

I am deeply committed to helping individuals discover meaning and purpose in their lives. With more than four decades of experience as a counselor, I specialize in guiding clients through recovery from addictions, anxiety disorders, and PTSD.

As an Associate Professor in the Online Department of Community Care and Counseling within the School of Behavioral Sciences at Liberty University, I facilitate courses designed to help students and clients rediscover their zest for life and cultivate lasting emotional well-being.

In my private practice, I work extensively with couples, equipping them with practical tools and proven techniques to restore joy, strengthen relational intimacy, and build fulfilling, resilient relationships.

I live in Lynchburg, Virginia, where I remain actively engaged in my community. My areas of specialization include trauma and complex trauma, anxiety, depression, child abuse recovery, and relational intimacy. I am also the author of Joy on the Same Page (2023), which outlines my Relational Intimacy approach.

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Although I have a wide range of professional experience ranging from maternal/family health and parenting, to grief and trauma, my focus usually gravitates towards trauma, as it tends to be an underlying unaddressed symptom behind many different presentations. I believe everyone will be, at some point in their life, in need of help and because of this, everyone is thus also deserving of it. Unbiased, without judgement or fear of retaliation or criticism- just the ability to let go in a safe, trusting space. With my practice, you set the course- and I will provide the tools and support to get us there.

I am a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner for over 5 years, and I am also a board certified adult nurse practitioner for over 12 years. I began my nursing career graduating from university of MD with my bachelors, and then attended Johns Hopkins University for my masters. I decided to further my education by attending Brandman University to obtain my Doctorate and psychiatric mental health certification in 2018.

I am originally from North Carolina and moved to Virginia 6 years ago. I studied at Wake Forest University. Since I was younger, I've enjoyed helping others and learning about the science of mental health. It became my hobby when I was younger. I enjoy working with so many backgrounds and increasing my education each year as I help new people. Currently, I like to utilize mindfulness based CBT, DBT, and ACT.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a broad clinical background in treating substance use disorders, mood disorders, trauma related disorders/experiences and co-occurring mental health conditions that may not fall so neatly into a diagnosis. I hold a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and have most of my professional experience within forensic and outpatient settings.

I am Dr. Darlene Anderson, A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Virginia, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in the state of North Carolina, a Nationally Recognized Board Certified Counselor (NCC), and an approved Supervisor for Virginia Board of Counselor residents. I have worked with clients through various issues and concerns, which includes depression, anxiety, substance issues, low self esteem, relationship issues, family conflict, codependency issues, trauma, stress, grief and loss, and life transitions.

I have 30 years of experience working with young adults, individuals, couples, and families in various settings such as community mental health facilities, home, schools, hospitals, detention centers, and private practice. I graduated with my bachelors degree from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, my masters degree in Counseling from the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, DC, and my doctorate degree in Social Work from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland.

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 27 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges — and let’s be honest, life can get pretty complicated sometimes. I’ve worked with young adults, adults, an couples in a variety of settings, supporting clients through concerns related to anxiety, depression, stress, work–life balance, relationships, self-esteem, and substance use.

I work from the lens of wellness for the whole person, incorporating mindfulness, and physical (including nutritional), mental, and emotional well-being, through the context of relationship. I believe growth and healing come from power held in the individual I am working with, and I aim to empower each person to access this from within themselves.

Website: www.alexschenklpc.com