Online Therapy in Alexandria
Hi! I’m Julia, and I’m a licensed professional counselor specializing in trauma therapy.
Are you struggling with flashbacks, nightmares, and disturbing thoughts?
Have you been feeling isolated and disconnected from the people you love?
Has it been hard to trust others, and now your relationships are strained?
I understand, and I’m here to help.
I specialize in helping people heal from abusive relationships, child sexual abuse, and sexual assault. I would be honored to witness your story and support you as you recover from these painful experiences. With specialized training in trauma therapy, I offer a safe space for healing and transformation.
If you’re ready to start feeling better, schedule a complimentary consultation with me today.
We Can Help With
Hey there! I’m Julia.
I’m a bilingual licensed psychotherapist and clinical supervisor specializing in helping children and adults who have experienced trauma and attachment problems. I offer online therapy in Alexandria, VA and the greater D.C. area for those handling the challenges of balancing everything they have going on in their life. Whether it’s work, parenting, running a business, or training for a marathon, I’m here to support you no matter where you are.
My approach to psychotherapy begins with helping you feel deeply supported, heard, and validated, while also challenging some of the patterns you’ve been struggling with for a long time. Together, we will find ways to help you stay grounded, boost your self-esteem, and enhance your relationships.
My approach to online therapy in Alexandria, VA
When you think of online therapy, perhaps you’re thinking of platforms like Better Help, Talkspace, and several other new online platforms developed each day.
Before I talk to you about online therapy for residents of Virginia, I’d like to share my honest thoughts about therapy offered through these mass online platforms.
BetterHelp and Talkspace offer online therapy by assigning patients a therapist at random. While they try to match patients with therapists who specialize in their needs, many users have said that the therapists just end up giving advice and not really helping in the long run. Both therapists and patients reported negative experiences with these online platforms, giving online therapy a poor reputation (and a justified one at that considering the stories these folks have shared).
Therapists on these platforms aren’t paid well. A group of therapists in the UK have publicly criticized the unethical workload and low pay on these platforms.Under these conditions, therapists are burned out and disgruntled, affecting the quality of patient care as well as patient well-being. Patients then are left feeling depressed, anxious, scared, and in no better position than they were before. Yuck! No wonder we don’t trust online therapists!
I’m here to reassure you that working with a skilled online therapist who has the training and credentials to help you with your specific challenges is ENTIRELY different from what I’ve described above. When you work with me, you won’t be connected to a robot therapist or someone doing their shopping while they’re talking with you. You’ll be talking to a live human being who is invested in you and your mental healthcare.
Online therapy is different from in-person therapy, but it can be just as effective under one condition. If you find a skilled therapist who is trained in teletherapy and can recognize the nuances of online therapy. Texting therapy isn’t reliable because your therapist cannot share physical, visual, and vocal interactions with you. While it’s important for the therapist to watch for your facial expressions, posture, and gestures, it’s even more important for you to know how your therapist is responding to what you’re saying. Online therapy that relies solely on texting is not helpful in the long run.
When you work with a skilled therapist, teletherapy offers the same level of professional care you would receive in an in-person setting, but with the added convenience of being accessible from the comfort of your home. Studies have shown that online therapy can be just as effective as its traditional counterpart for treating a variety of mental health conditions, from depression and anxiety to more complex issues like PTSD. Read on to find out how online therapy can benefit your needs.
Benefits Of Online Therapy
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Therapy At Home
Say goodbye to D.C. traffic! By eliminating the need for a physical office visit, you also eliminate travel time and related expenses without compromising on quality. You can connect with me no matter where you are in the Alexandria and greater D.C. area. All you need is a stable internet connection and a private space where you won’t be interrupted.
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Flexible Scheduling
In-person therapy often requires you to adjust your schedule to fit appointments into your busy day. With online therapy, you have the flexibility to choose the time that works best for you, making it easier to balance therapy with your other commitments.
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Privacy and Comfort
The thought of walking into a therapy office might be daunting for you. Online therapy provides a confidential setting right in the comfort of your own home, offering an extra layer of privacy. If you want to walk on the treadmill or go to the park for therapy, you can do that, too. It’s your choice!
How It Works
Online Therapy FAQs
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Absolutely. The COVID-19 pandemic made online therapy and telemedicine a necessity. Clinicians were able to research the efficacy of online therapy and validate whether it was effective. Since then, several scientific studies have validated the effectiveness of online therapy. It has been shown to be as effective as traditional in-person therapy for treating a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and even PTSD.
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Yes. I use the Spruce Health teletherapy platform, which allows secure messaging, secure video calls, and even secure fax. Your privacy is my utmost priority. All sessions are conducted through Spruce Health, a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.
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You’ll want a stable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone (laptop, tablet, or smartphone). You’ll also want to be in a private space where you won’t be interrupted.
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Online therapy can be particularly useful for parents who may find it challenging to leave the house due to childcare responsibilities, mobility issues, busy work schedules, or other constraints. It’s perfect for mothers who are still nursing or parents with high-needs children or multiple children.
I provide online therapy to children, teens, and adults residing anywhere anywhere in Virginia, including the Washington D.C. area, Alexandria, McLean, Great Falls, and Fairfax County.
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It is difficult to estimate how long therapy will take with any patient, as each person is unique and has their own story. Many patients report experiencing improvement within a few sessions. It’s important to remember that therapy is not a “quick fix” - successful, long-lasting change takes time.
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If you have a history of trauma or other mental health conditions, then you’ve come to the right place! As a trauma therapist, I specialize in helping children, teens, and adults with complex trauma histories.
You don’t have to discuss your trauma in detail until you’re ready. Disclosing a history of trauma when you’re ready will help with treatment planning and may involve integrating other therapeutic techniques.
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This is a tough one. Online therapy can be more challenging with children and teens. You can worry less about pulling your kids out of school because you’re not dealing with weather, traffic and rush hour. Also, if you have an active teen who spends a lot of time after school in extracurriculars, online therapy is one way to address the time constraints of teens who need therapy.
The good news is, I have specific training and years of experience in teletherapy to address some of the concerns you may have with your child or teen. Depending on your child or teen’s specific needs, online therapy may work well, especially if you live in a rural area and can’t get access to a therapist due to weather. Schedule a free consultation with me to see if online therapy may be right for your child or teen.
Get help from an online
therapist in Alexandria today.
If you're in Alexandria or the surrounding D.C. areas and are seeking a convenient, flexible, and effective way to get mental healthcare, you’ve come to the right place.
Don't let geographical limitations or a busy schedule keep you from taking care of yourself.
Contact me today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.