I want my clients to feel safe and comfortable to talk about whatever they need to. I focus on the needs of each client. I am honest and compassionate, and at times I use humor. I am very authentic and focus on what’s best for each client.
I want my clients to feel safe and comfortable to talk about whatever they need to. I focus on the needs of each client. I am honest and compassionate, and at times I use humor. I am very authentic and focus on what’s best for each client.
I communicate in a clear and calm voice that empowers clients. I believe in a no-shame approach to counseling that helps individuals feel validated, heard, and seen.
My work combines my personal knowledge and experiences of the special challenges and gifts that define the creative experience with insight work and mindfulness-based psychotherapy. I've worked with writers, musicians, dancers, painters, computer programmers, tattoo artists, and more, to help them work through creative issues, relationship problems, anxiety, and many other concerns. In my experience, people who have spent their lives developing their creativity have a unique skillset which is often overlooked as a place from which to draw strength and guidance in building relationships, coping with stress, and making life decisions. I tend to focus on strengths: you might be surprised at what you already know. You can read more about my work with creative people at my external site, linked at left.
Meredith Golob is a Licensed Professional Counselor with an extensive history of working with children, adults, and families dealing with depression, anxiety, crises, life challenges, and trauma. She is a firm believer in creating a mutually respectful and trusting therapeutic relationship to support clients in reaching their goals.
Bailey Doggett is a Resident in Counseling in Virginia with two years of experience in the mental health field. She helps children and young adults who are struggling with behavioral issues, family conflict, life transitions, trauma, and grief. Bailey also has a background in sport and exercise psychology and is deeply committed to supporting individuals dealing with performance anxiety. She has worked alongside coaches and trainers at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I athletics programs to support athletes and their families.
Are you unsatisfied with your life? Are you exhausted with arguing? Do you want to feel better but are currently so unenthusiastic that you don't know how? Now you are struggling to perform at work and your relationships are suffering. You are not alone. I will help you restore order to your life. You already have tools to change now; together we will reach a solution. My specialty is offering clarity for success. I believe I can guide you in your quest for a better self and that the problems in your life are fixable once their origins are identified and explored. My therapy is an interesting journey that spurs curiosity and growth so that you can attain lasting change. I know seeking help is tough but today you have taken a very important step. You deserve to feel better now. Call me for a confidential consultation today.
Welcome to my practice! Therapy can be a powerful tool in relieving distress, learning about oneself, and living a more fulfilled life. I believe that at the heart of successful therapy is a collaborative, open, and warm relationship. Through curiosity and acceptance, I help my clients gain more appreciation for their emotions, assist them in recognizing their strengths, and aid them in identifying opportunities for growth. I strive to help my clients obtain the tools necessary to overcome roadblocks, which often keep them from reaching their full potential. I work with clients from diverse backgrounds and life stages and welcome the opportunity to treat individuals facing a wide range of concerns. Given my training and experience working with adolescents, college/graduate students, and young professionals, I have a deep understanding of the challenges these individuals face as they navigate life transitions. In particular, I specialize in helping individuals with self-esteem concerns, relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, trauma/loss, and disordered eating. Taking the step to begin therapy can be difficult. With the right therapist, however, therapy can be an important and rewarding tool to living a more satisfying, authentic, and fulfilled life. I invite you to contact me to see if I may be a good fit for you. My office is metro-accessible, conveniently located in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, D.C. I have daytime and evening hours available.
Typically I work with clients who have unresolved trauma and is still stuck in problematic behavioral patterns. They have often done some "talk therapy" in the past but didn’t really find it that helpful. I use more experiential methods to help you make lasting changes that improve your quality of life, not just provide stabilization. I’ve found that talk therapy can be one of the slowest ways to do therapy, and that if you ignore sensory input from the body, then you’re only doing therapy from the neck up. Whether you’re facing new challenges or struggling with ongoing circumstances, you may be feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, helpless, or anxious. You may also have slipped back into unhealthy patterns of behavior that you worked hard to change. I take a collaborative approach to therapy, and I’ll tell you up front that I don’t have a crystal ball or magic wand! I believe that we each have a unique journey, and while I do have education and training as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Maryland, I haven’t lived your life, and I’m not an expert on YOU.
Maybe you're a new parent wondering why this doesn't feel the way you expected. Maybe anxiety has been running the show for so long you've forgotten what calm feels like. Or maybe you're in the middle of a life transition — a move, a career shift, a relationship change — and you just need someone in your corner. I'm Shelby, and I get it. I specialize in working with women, couples, and individuals who are navigating the messy, overwhelming parts of life — especially the transition to parenthood, relationship struggles, and those seasons when everything feels uncertain. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in your strengths. I'm not here to fix you — you're not broken. I'm here to help you reconnect with yourself, build skills that actually work, and find your footing again. We'll use mindfulness, practical tools, and honest conversation to help you move from surviving to thriving. I offer telehealth sessions across DC, MD, VA, NY, and FL. If you're ready to feel like yourself again, I'd love to hear from you.

Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist
Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) offers specialized adoption-competent in-person and teletherapy. Whether receiving individual andor family therapy, our therapists will include the family dynamic as a whole during the treatment plan. C.A.S.E. therapists are trained under the nationally accredited the Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) program and have the specialized skills, insight, and experience needed to address issues and use various treatment types depending on the needs of your child, teen or family receiving care.
I take a holistic approach that incorporates mind, body, and spirit. I believe it's important to integrate life meaning into counseling. I respect all faith backgrounds (including none), work within personal belief frameworks, and have appreciation for alternative paths as well as mainstream religions. I'll work with you to set goals and the proper pacing of therapy. Therapy is a collaboration, as ultimately the power to change rests within you. I emphasize unconditional positive regard, respect, a safe and caring therapeutic relationship, individual strengths, and taking control over choices.
At Starobin Counseling we focus on helping people repair and strengthen their relationships with themselves and their relationships with others. We regard relationships as central to the therapeutic process. Some challenges in life are purely personal, but most problems express themselves in the intersections people have with other people. Therapy helps people repair their inner selves, often injured by relational ruptures, and learn and practice being in relational health with one another. Therapy helps people hear themselves think, experience feelings, gain new perspectives. We help people recognize and strengthen their own vitality and resiliency so they can unlock their capacity for compassionate and meaningful connections. We are a neurodiversity-minded, neurodiversity-affirming, gender-affirming, and culturally aware and sensitive practice.
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Living in Gainesville offers many advantages, from its proximity to both Washington D.C. and the scenic Virginia countryside to its growing community of professionals and families. However, navigating work-life balance in this bustling Northern Virginia area can present unique challenges.
Many Gainesville residents juggle demanding careers with family responsibilities, often facing long commutes and the pressures of a competitive job market. These daily stressors, combined with life transitions and relationship challenges, can impact mental health and overall well-being.
Since 2007, GoodTherapy has been dedicated to connecting people with ethical, compassionate therapists who understand that all individuals are capable of change and deserve dignity and respect. Our mission is to break down barriers and build bridges to accessible mental healthcare.
Gainesville residents often seek therapy for anxiety and stress management, depression, relationship challenges, work-life balance issues, and trauma recovery. The fast-paced lifestyle common in Northern Virginia can contribute to burnout and emotional exhaustion.
Local factors such as traffic congestion on I-66, competitive housing markets, and the demands of professional careers in the D.C. metro area can impact mental health. Additionally, Virginia's hot, humid summers and hurricane season concerns may affect mood and stress levels for some individuals.
Gainesville therapists utilize several evidence-based approaches to help clients achieve their mental health goals. These proven methods are tailored to address the specific needs of individuals, couples, and families in the area.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and stress. This approach is particularly effective for professionals managing workplace pressures and career transitions.
Solution-Focused therapy emphasizes building on existing strengths and resources to create positive change quickly. This approach appeals to busy Gainesville residents seeking efficient, goal-oriented treatment.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches emotional regulation skills and is especially helpful for managing intense emotions and improving relationships. Psychodynamic therapy explores unconscious patterns and past experiences that influence current behavior.
Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving communication skills and relationship dynamics, addressing common concerns among couples and families in the Gainesville area.
Many Gainesville therapists offer specialized services including trauma therapy, addiction counseling, family therapy, and support for specific populations such as teens, veterans, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
GoodTherapy helps you find the right therapist based on your specific needs, preferences, and circumstances. Our directory allows you to search by specialty, insurance accepted, and therapeutic approach to find someone who truly understands your situation.
Consider factors such as location convenience for your commute, evening or weekend appointment availability, and whether you prefer in-person or telehealth options. Many Gainesville therapists offer flexible scheduling to accommodate busy professional schedules.
Getting started is simple - browse therapist profiles, read about their specialties and approaches, and reach out to those who seem like a good fit. Most therapists offer brief consultations to help determine if they're right for your needs.
Many therapists in Gainesville accept insurance and offer sliding-scale fees or payment plans to make mental healthcare accessible. Don't let cost concerns prevent you from seeking the support you deserve.
Some therapists offer group therapy options, which can be more cost-effective while providing valuable peer support. Additionally, many employers in the Northern Virginia area offer Employee Assistance Programs that include free counseling sessions.
If you're having difficulty finding the right fit in Gainesville, consider expanding your search to nearby communities like Franconia, Sterling, or other Northern Virginia areas. Many therapists serve clients from multiple locations and offer telehealth services.
Seeking therapy is a courageous step toward improving your mental health and overall quality of life. Whether you're dealing with stress, relationship challenges, or simply want to grow personally, professional support can make a meaningful difference.
Explore our directory of qualified therapists in Gainesville today. With GoodTherapy's commitment to ethical practice and your dedication to personal growth, you can find the support you need to thrive in both your personal and professional life.
Use GoodTherapy's directory to search for licensed therapists in Gainesville. You can filter by specialty, insurance accepted, and therapeutic approach to find the right match for your needs.
Gainesville therapists offer various approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic therapy, and Interpersonal therapy, along with specialized services for trauma, addiction, and family issues.
Therapy costs vary, but many Gainesville therapists accept insurance, offer sliding-scale fees, and provide payment plans. Contact therapists directly to discuss pricing options and check if your insurance is accepted.
Yes, many therapists in Gainesville accept various insurance plans. Use our directory filters to search for therapists who accept your specific insurance, or contact therapists directly to verify coverage.
Gainesville therapists commonly treat anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, work-life balance issues, trauma recovery, family conflicts, and stress management related to the demands of Northern Virginia living.