My Approach
In my 20 plus years working as a master's level clinician, I have been awed by the diversity of experiences and strengths of those I have had the privilege to work with.
We all go through difficult times in our lives in which we find ourselves stuck and unhappy. It is a part of being human and living life. There is no shame in reaching out for help. In fact, it is a very courageous thing to do.
Nurturing Change through Therapy and Genuine Support
What frequently brings people to therapy is recognizing that the way they have always done things doesn't work so well now. We have to let go of our ways of doing things in order to change and that can be really scary. I get that. And I'm here to help and hold confidence that things can be different.
I hope you will feel my genuine empathy and respect for your decision to enter therapy. We are all on a life long journey of self discovery, myself included.
Make Sense of the Past. Feel More Present.
I primarily use IFS, EMDR, and CPT to understand patterns, process difficult experiences, and help you reconnect with yourself.
Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
"There's a part of me that wants to change, but a part of me doesn't": Most people come to therapy with some conflicted feelings. This approach looks non-judgmentally at the reasons we feel stuck and works with these parts of ourselves to find a workable resolution. When we are open to exploring ourselves more fully, we begin to feel more self aware and able to be more present.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR addresses a whole range of disorders including phobias, depression, panic attacks, eating disorders, addictions, poor self image, stress, worry, and recovering from sexual abuse and traumatic incidents. You can learn more about it on my FAQ page. One of the things I love about this approach is it allows the right conditions for the brain to heal itself, which it naturally just knows how to do.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
CPT is a specific type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy designed to treat post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It typically lasts for 12 sessions. It helps people evaluate and change unhelpful thoughts and beliefs caused by trauma. We focus specifically on thoughts about safety, trust, control, esteem, and intimacy.
Bachelors in Social Work, Siena University, 1999
Masters in Social Work, Catholic University of America, 2002
Therapist and Clinical Director at SOME (So Others Might Eat), Behavioral Health Department for Mental Health and Addictions program for the Homeless of DC, 2002–2012
Private Practice, 2012–Present
Intensive Basic EMDR Training, Washington, DC, 2010
Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) — Level 1 Training, Washington DC, 2019
Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) — Level II Deepening & Expanding Training, 2023
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Provider, 2026
Ongoing Professional Consultation in EMDR and IFS
Licensed to practice as an LCSW and LICSW in VA and DC respectively.
Washington, DC LICSW: LC50078091
Virginia LCSW: 0904008024
Member, NASW
Member, EMDRIA
I am a clinical provider through Headstrong Project, a 501c3 Nonprofit, providing mental health treatment for Veterans
2023 Best of Alexandria Award for Psychotherapist by the Alexandria Award Program
Let's Talk
Please reach out to see if I can help you!
Get startedCall or text 703-951-3428 · meg@megsimmons.com