Meet our therapists
Click on one of the faces or scroll through!
Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive space
where clients can find insights, forge meaningful connections and navigate challenges.
CONTACT US
Address
5250 Cherokee Ave Suites 304 & 305
Alexandria, Virginia 22312
Opening Hours
Mon- Fri: 8 AM - 8 PM
New clients please reach out by e-mail, we are much faster at replying electronically!
"I would describe depression as a very counteractive experience. Some days the loneliness and depressive symptoms are the worst feelings, and other days the feeling of loneliness and depressive symptoms are the comfort. I help my clients heal from depression by exploring when the symptoms started, how they got there, and why they're still here. Then we work together to take small manageable steps and find the lost insights we need to build the freedom from depression that we've been searching for." -Leona Bates, LCSW
What do you think depression feels like and how could you help depressive symptoms?
SOG asks:
Leona Bates
LCSW (she/her)
I connect with clients because I understand the difficulties of navigating life when our inner and outer worlds feel like a constant battleground. Our minds are not straightforward. Some days, emotions like hopelessness and loneliness can make us feel terrible, and other days the same feelings are comforting. We are often very hard on ourselves, and it's normal to arrive at the first session feeling crushed by the pressures from family, society, and life.
I foster a genuine and trusting therapeutic relationship. Therapy with me is an environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts, emotions, and vulnerabilities - sprinkled in with humor and honesty when necessary.
Key tools in my toolbox are CBT, IFS, Motivational Interviewing, ACT Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. If you're ready to find your inner peace and regain your sense of self, please don't hesitate to reach out and schedule a session with me today.
I primarily work with adults.
I bring equity, independence, and resilience to every client session. I also believe that true healing comes from a deeper understanding of the cultural, societal, and personal factors that impact a person's life. I have significant experience treating anxiety, depression, codependency, and eating disorders.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
License No 0904015473
"Whether grappling with specific fears, heart-pounding panic, bodily pain, or overwhelming angst, dread, and turmoil, we often find ourselves unsettled and very uncomfortable when experiencing the symptoms of anxiety. Sometimes anxiety also feels like a big crash of energy and wanting to hide in bed for the day. Anxiety can also feel like we're frozen and struggling to take action or make decisions. The symptoms can present differently for everyone; however, it's safe to say that we can all agree that anxiety is not enjoyable." -Melayna Schiff, PhD, MSW
What does anxiety feel like?
SOG asks:
A fundamental aspect of my personality and therapeutic approach is that I foster an inclusive and accepting environment for all my clients and their diverse experiences. Therapy is a place to voice what feels unspeakable in day to day life and where I can assist you with finding safety, joy, and peace.
I'm all about creating a down-to-earth, accepting space where you can be yourself. I dive deep into understanding your life because I believe that's the key to supporting you on the path to your most authentic self.
I see therapy as a dynamic practice, a bit like a gardener using various tools to nurture plant growth. In our sessions, I leverage a range of therapeutic approaches as tools to help you enhance your life. Just like a gardener tailors tools to a plant's specific needs, different therapeutic approaches serve different purposes. What works for you at one point in time might not be as effective at another, or for someone else. It's all about finding the right tools for your unique journey. Together, let's explore and discover the approaches that best nurture your personal growth and well-being
Dr. Melayna Schiff
PhD, MSW (she/her)
Supervisee in Social Work
Supervisor Information:
Kristen Leigh Brown, LCSW
License No. 0904011263 Virginia
I'm passionate about helping you experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from living a life that truly reflects your values. Together, we'll work towards aligning your journey with what matters most to you. What's cool is that this approach isn't just about feeling good—it's been proven to reduce mental health symptoms too.
I primarily work with adults
"Clients will pay attention to whether they are heard and deeply understood. The capacity to convey genuine understanding of their experiences is an important part of being a good therapist. Establishing trust is everything; this involves creating an environment free from judgment, where clients feel wholly accepted. Additionally, clients value a therapeutic relationship that includes a sense of accountability as well as some practical tools that can create positive changes and different outcomes in life." -Danielle Myrick, MSW
What do clients look for in order to determine whether they can trust their therapist?
SOG asks:
If you're ready for a therapeutic experience that's both evidence-based and welcoming, let's navigate this path of self-discovery together
I work with children, teens, and adults.
I am a compassionate and grounded therapist. There isn't going to be anything that clients could tell me that would surprise me or create judgement- being human is complicated and I believe it's important that all of us can feel as though our stories are acknowledged and validated.
Drawing from a comprehensive background in person-centered therapy, my approach prioritizes the creation of a client-centric environment with the additional tools of creative therapies, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The person-centered framework forms the foundation of my practice, and is proven to work to create change in the mental health symptoms and life situations that cause us pain and difficulties.
Clients trust me with their stories, seeking assurance that I not only hear but truly understand their experiences. In this therapeutic space, you will find the support needed to navigate life's difficulties, free from judgment and accompanied by a genuine commitment to your well-being.
I actively listen to your concerns, diving into the complexities of your emotions and the challenges they present in your life. Through this we can explore the unwanted patterns in your life and discover how to create your new, authentic, reality. Modern life is full of challenges, and having a therapist who truly cares in your corner can make all of the difference in your success and confidence.
Danielle Myrick
MSW (she/her)
Supervisee in Social Work
Supervisor Information:
Kristen Leigh Brown, LCSW
License No. 0904011263 Virginia
"Anxiety feels like a constant buzz underneath the skin. Tight chest, mind whirring, spiralling into “what ifs” and all of the things that aren’t feeling right. It can look different for everyone, but the baseline is that it doesn’t feel good. I help treat anxiety by addressing the root causes and helping clients resolve the underlying issues within anxiety rather than only treating the symptoms for." -Katie Boggs, MA in Art Therapy & Counseling
What do you think anxiety feels like and how could you help anxiety symptoms?
SOG asks:
I work with adults, teens, and children. Art therapy is also offered in online sessions.
If you're looking for a unique and creative approach to mental health care, I would be honored to work with you. Whether you're struggling with difficult symptoms or simply looking to deepen your self-awareness and personal growth, I believe that therapy can be a powerful tool for healing and transformation. Feel free to reach out and schedule a session with me today.
As a therapist, I take a humanistic approach to therapy, which means that I believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. I strive to create a non-judgmental and inclusive environment where clients can feel safe and supported as they explore their inner worlds through art.
I also offer talk therapy only for clients who need time to warm up to their creative side.
I'm Katie, a humanistic art therapist who is passionate about helping clients explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through the creative process. I believe that art has the power to heal and transform, and I'm dedicated to helping clients harness that power to achieve greater emotional well-being.
MA in Art Therapy & Counseling, ATR (she/her)
Katie Boggs
Resident in Counseling
Supervisor Information:
Mary Ellen Ruff, LPC
License No. 0701003780 Virginia
"From the very first session, I show up as my honest and authentic self. I think clients can tell I practice what I preach and that I'm bringing them not only a studied therapy perspective but an embodied & felt approach as well" -Kristen Leigh, LCSW
How do you relate and resonate with your clients?
SOG asks:
I'm a Humanistic Existential therapist. That means I believe clients find improvement in their symptoms by fundamentally understanding who they are, what they want, and how to get it. I realize that seems simple, yet each of us has past experiences and present difficulties that can make it difficult to find the clarity we're looking for.
We all need "psychological mirrors" to clearly see what's happening within us and around us, and I think that therapy is one of the most powerful mirrors out there. I bring a therapeutic toolkit grounded in practical change (CBT, ACT, and IFS), delivered in a therapeutic relationship of honesty and non-judgment. Therapy with me also includes a transpersonal and universally spiritual perspective.
Kristen Leigh (née Brown)
LCSW (she/her)
I also offer therapy methods based on training in various evidence-based modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and solution-focused therapy. By drawing from these diverse methodologies, I focus on customizing treatment plans that are most effective for each individual's specific circumstances.
I primarily work with adults.
I also partner with Avesta Ketamine Wellness For short-term ketamine integration sessions. Please reach out for more details.
Clinical Director & Founder
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
License No. 0904011263 Virginia
I commonly use trauma-informed interventions including CBT, EMDR, Mindfulness, and some DBT skills, as my modalities of treatment since these interventions prove to be effective.
Change begins with awareness, and therapy is a journey of exploration together. It's remarkable how even small changes can enrich our lives and relationships, often beyond what we initially realize. Through our collaborative efforts, therapy is the space to dive into your inner self and relationships, striving for stability and self-fulfillment as our ultimate goals.
I have strong passion for mentoring and supporting therapists on their path. The learning never stops as a therapist, and I am happy to be a supportive clinician in that learning process.
Not Accepting New Clients. Waitlist Closed.
Susan Ross
LCSW (she/her)
Clinical Supervision Manager
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
License No. 0904005550 Virginia
"I am able to connect with those who are suffering through the effects of things that happened to them , I feel that I am able to connect with clients on a real level. Mental Health symptoms are hard on someone who is trying to go through a “normal” life as an employee or employer, parent, spouse, friend, citizen, etc and sometimes can feel like a huge weight to on the body and mind. I want to provide some relief from this hardship and walk beside my client's lives together as an empathetic therapist." -Helen Yang, MSW
Why do your clients connect with you?
SOG asks:
I understand that seeking therapy can be a vulnerable and courageous step towards personal growth. I am here to support you every step of the way. My approach is rooted in respect, acceptance, and unconditional positive regard for each individual I work with. Your experiences, values, and perspectives will be honored. I strive to create a personalized therapeutic journey tailored to the specific needs of each client I work with.
Hello, I'm Helen. I bring my clients extensive training in various therapeutic methods and a passion for helping others. I provide a non-judgmental space where your voice is heard, understood, and valued.
I integrate evidence-based therapeutic methods such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-based approaches. I use methods that empower you to develop practical strategies, gain insight, and cultivate resilience, enabling you to overcome obstacles and thrive in your personal and professional life. Taking the courageous step to seek support can be challenging, yet it's a decision that holds immense value. By reaching out, you're not only investing in yourself but also empowering me to step up and assist you on your journey.
I primarily work with adults and teens
Helen Yang,
MSW (she/her)
Supervisee in Social Work
Supervisor Information:
Kristen Leigh Brown, LCSW
License No. 0904011263 Virginia
We’re here
to help.
Not sure which therapist will be the best fit?
Contact our front desk at info@sogtherapy.com or use the form and tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll match you with the right therapist.
"Anxiety often feels like a constant fear of the unknown. It's the relentless stream of thoughts about the future that creates a sense of uncertainty and undermines trust in one's ability to make decisions. This pervasive doubt can affect inner relationships, work performance, and alignment with personal values, leading to a feeling of being out of sync with oneself and the world around them." - Eliza Pape, MSW
What does anxiety feels like?
SOG asks:
My devotion to therapy stems from a deep commitment to clear and effective communication. I believe that therapy is a practice of courage, where we can learn to express our emotions authentically. This process begins with emotional practice and is supported by the therapeutic relationship, allowing clients to form their original language into their emotional language. This process can release years of stress and mood issues and result in big "aha!" moments.
Clients connect with me because of my humanistic approach, which helps them become self-aware and understand their changeable identities. My role is to guide clients in articulating their feelings and navigating relationships, work, home, and passions within society. I also bring practical tools and strategies that are proven to create subtle shifts in life to bring us closer to what we want.
The symptoms of mental health issues can be very intrusive to our daily lives. Once the symptoms are triggered, our system requires us to explore and resolve not only the symptoms- but the underlying situations that contributed to them in the first place. I believe therapy one of the most powerful tools we have for this process.
My clients report that they can sense I truly care about their progress and their experiences. I am committed to seeing my clients through their symptoms and I believe that we can create change even when it feels hopeless or we feel "trapped".
If you're open to working together, use the book-online button to schedule into my calendar.
I primarily work with teens and adults. I also speak ASL
Eliza Pape
MSW (she/her)
Supervisee in Social Work
Supervisor Information:
Kristen Leigh Brown, LCSW
License No. 0904011263 Virginia