Grief counselors and therapists in Sterling, 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.

I have a background in science and psychology, which fits my education as a psychologist. I am also a very creative and collaborative person. I want to work with each client to find the best individual treatment for them. I know many techniques and exercises, but only you can tell me what what works best for you. I enjoy helping adults (age 18+) navigate the transitions they face and be able to look forward to the future with hope (even if that feels very far away currently).

My personal journey was not one I would choose. My first husband was diagnosed with cancer in September 2004 and died in February 2006. The experience of spousal caregiving and young widowhood, and 10 years as a federal Special Agent eventually led me to change careers to become a counselor.

I love helping individuals and couples build meaning, self-acceptance, and self-worth despite grief, trauma, shame, and problematic behavior and relationship patterns.

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

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'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 20 years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, relationships, life transitions, and difficult seasons. My style is warm, down-to-earth, and genuine, and I believe therapy should be a place where you can be yourself without judgement. I'll meet you where you are while helping you recognize your strengths, work through what's keeping you stuck, and create meaningful change. You don't have to have everything figured out...we will work through it together!

I have over 8 1/2 years of experience helping adults, children, and families learn how to heal and grow from dysfunction, trauma, addiction, and mental health issues of all kinds. I have worked with people from ages 3-80 years old so I have a multitude of experiences with all kinds of mental health issues including (trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, LGBTQIA+ related issues, and more). I am a licensed marriage and family therapist who has worked in community mental health and online.