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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in Alexandria, VA

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you
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2,014 people sought Trauma/PTSD therapy help at Alexandria in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a Trauma/PTSD can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, +17 more
LGBTQIA+, Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, Stress, Women’s Issues, +6 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, +23 more
Coping Skills, Infidelity, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, Stress, +8 more

As a parent myself, I know how much you care about your child doing well and getting along in school.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO, CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO, +22 more
Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +8 more

Jennifer Redlin

Hear from Jennifer Redlin, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

View Jennifer Redlin's profile

What is your go-to approach for PTSD/trauma therapy?

My go-to approach for helping people with PTSD/trauma therapy is a combination of narrative approaches, internal family systems, and brainspotting. I find a flexible approach that meets the unique needs of my clients is essential to providing excellent trauma-informed care.

What tools do you teach in PTSD/trauma therapy?

In treating PTSD/trauma, I teach clients to examine the story of what happened to them, make meaning from the trauma and its aftermath, and develop new skills aimed at building resiliency and having both trust and compassion for oneself.

How do you know when a client is making meaningful progress in PTSD/trauma therapy?

I know a client is making meaningful progress in trauma therapy when their old triggers are no longer debilitating, when fear is replaced with confidence, and when relationships with oneself and others have begun to heal.

What can clients do in their personal time to supplement PTSD/trauma therapy?

Clients can supplement their time in trauma therapy by creating opportunities for self-compassion; learning to take small, measured steps; and reading whatever they can get their hands on to understand they are not alone!

What should someone do to prepare for starting PTSD/trauma therapy?

The first trauma therapy session will be about collecting a wide variety of information about you. There will not be a deep-dive into trauma initially because it is essential that the client and therapist develop a trusting and comfortable relationship first. You won't be required to disclose details related to trauma right away!

Starting Trauma/PTSD therapy

What is PTSD/trauma therapy?

At Thriveworks, Trauma/PTSD therapy involves dedicated efforts to address and navigate through past and/or recent traumatic events. Therapists specializing in trauma create a secure environment to process and heal from these experiences, aiming to reduce trauma-related symptoms and enhance overall quality of life.

How does PTSD/trauma therapy work?

Our Thriveworks providers use Trauma/PTSD therapy treatments like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing EMDR, CBT, and exposure therapy with the goal of helping clients process the traumatic events they have experienced so that they can to start feeling safe and secure again.

Symptoms of PTSD

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can vary but often include:

  • Flashbacks and distressing memories of the traumatic event
  • Nightmares and sleep disturbances
  • Intense anxiety and irritability
  • Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
  • Negative changes in mood and thought patterns
  • Increased arousal, like difficulty concentrating or exaggerated startle response

How do you overcome PTSD triggers?

The best way to overcome PTSD triggers is to seek the assistance of a professional therapist, such as those at Thriveworks, who can help you to understand and treat your PTSD triggers.

What type of therapist is best for PTSD?

In most cases, a therapist who specializes in Trauma/PTSD therapy is the best type of mental health professional to address the symptoms of PTSD.

Is PTSD/trauma therapy conducted in person or online?

PTSD/trauma therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long should you go to therapy for PTSD?

If a client is working through a single traumatic event that occurred as an adult, trauma or PTSD therapy may only take a few months, but in general, it can take a year or more to effectively treat trauma symptoms and PTSD. The duration of treatment is highly dependent on the client and the severity of their symptoms.

How successful is therapy for PTSD?

The success rate of therapy for PTSD depends entirely on the individual’s symptoms, commitment to attending sessions, and personal abilities.

Need more help deciding?

Sebastian was home from his military tour, and he was safe. He was riding the subway home from a friend’s house, and he loved being back in New York City. As the subway car filled up, Sebastian’s heart rate instinctively quickened. He began to sweat, and when his back was pushed up against a wall, he panicked. At the next stop, Sebastian ran out of the subway car and the rest of the way home. Over the next few months, Sebastian would panic whenever he was in crowded spaces. Even though he was home, the combat he saw overseas lingered in his mind and body. Sebastian Junger told his story to Vanity Fair because he wanted other people to recognize the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and find treatment—just like he did. PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder that can affect people who have lived through any kind of traumatic experience. Often, when people who have PTSD get the treatment they need, they are often able to heal and manage their symptoms.

“Trauma is hell on earth. Trauma resolved is a gift from the gods.”
― Peter A. Levine

PTSD can develop immediately after a trauma, or it can take months or years to show itself. Whenever those symptoms occur, it is important to seek help because help is available. There are a number of effective treatments for PTSD, and often, experienced mental health professionals can help people find the treatment that meets their needs.

The therapists and psychologists at Thriveworks Alexandria, VA (Franconia) have helped many people who are battling PTSD. They have survived a traumatic event. They want to move on with their lives, and our therapists have helped them do just that.

How PTSD Can Develop

Not everyone who lives through a trauma will experience PTSD. Some people experience the illness while others will not. Several factors increase the risk of PTSD developing, including…

  • Living through an on-going or acute trauma.
  • An individual’s brain—how it regulates and releases stress hormones that allow them to react to danger.
  • Family history: mental health disorders like depression and anxiety, genetics, et cetera.
  • The trauma itself: its kind and intensity and duration.
  • Other traumas experienced—particularly child abuse.
  • Working a job that increases the chances that an individual will be exposed to trauma: first responders, ER doctors, military personnel, et cetera.
  • Substance abuse or addiction.
  • An anemic social-emotional support system—especially a lack of family or friends.

Many people associate PTSD with military veterans, but any kind of traumatic event can trigger PTSD. There is no limit to the types of events that can be traumatic, but a few include physical assault, being bullied, child abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual), living through an accident (fire, car wreck, and more), combat exposure, receiving a threat, sexual violence, being diagnosed with a terminal illness.

What Is PTSD? Its Signs and Symptoms

“Very minor threats can be experienced, by what the signals in your body tell you, as, ‘You’re in acute danger’”
—Sandra Bloom, former president of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies

PTSD has four types of symptoms:

Re-living the Trauma
PTSD can cause people to re-experience the event. At any moment, during any occasion, feelings can arise, images can flood, and adrenaline can pump. For example, PTSD often causes people to…

  1. Have nightmares and terrors that make them feel as if they are in the event.
  2. Experience intrusive memories and flashbacks during the day that feel real.
  3. Be triggered by certain sounds, sights, and/or smells that are associated with the traumatic event.

Situational Avoidance
When people have PTSD, they may organize their lives so that anything and everything remotely associated with the trauma is avoided. When people do so, they often miss out on safe, beneficial events in life as well. For example, PTSD may lead people to…

  1. Stay away from any kind of a crowd.
  2. Never ride in a car or other kind of vehicle (particularly if the trauma involved that form of transportation).
  3. Keep away from the news, TV shows, movies, and more.
  4. Avoid any situation where they might feel trapped.

Detrimental Impact to Beliefs and Feelings
A traumatic event can change people’s feelings and beliefs—how they view the event, the world, and themselves. It is not unusual for PTSD to lead people to believe that…

  1. Everybody is untrustworthy, and no relationships are healthy.
  2. The event should not be spoken about or remembered.
  3. The world is never safe but always a harmful place.

Hyperarousal
One traumatic event can engage an individual’s self-defense system so that they are always alert. They may notice every possible harm that may or may not lurk behind every corner. Often, hyperarousal comes across as being nervous, angry, or irritable after the trauma. For example, people with PTSD may…

  1. Have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
  2. Be unable to concentrate.
  3. Startle or scare easily at surprises or loud noises.
  4. Frequently feel confined or trapped—always looking for an escape route.

Appointments with PTSD Psychologists at Thriveworks Alexandria, VA (Franconia)

If you recognized any of the symptoms of PTSD, it may be time to seek help. Thriveworks Alexandria can offer you that help—we have providers who specialize in treating PTSD, and are certified in cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for PTSD as well as prolonged exposure therapy (PE) for PTSD. And they’re eager to offer you their assistance.

When you contact our office, your first appointment may be within 24 hours. We also accept many different forms of insurance. Let’s work together for healing and safety. Call us today at (703) 828-9054 to schedule a session.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Alexandria therapists and counselors accept 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

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Self-pay costs at Alexandria
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Read more I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Marjorie Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
At 75 years old and still learning is wonderful. My counselor is simply an outstanding individual and human being. The "bank is closed", I understand more clearly by my counselor who, have been instrumental in " breaking down some walls" in my forward motion and healing from the pain
Read more At 75 years old and still learning is wonderful. My counselor is simply an outstanding individual and human being. The "bank is closed", I understand more clearly by my counselor who, have been instrumental in " breaking down some walls" in my forward motion and healing from the pain
Horace Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Bank closure is fundamentally when a financial institution goes bankrupt; however, parents can't go into bank closure for their children, family, and friends. Nevertheless, parents do close their bank (hearth) to minimize disrespect, abuse, and abundant misuse of LOVE. So I closed my life to abuse, disrespect, and misuse of ❤️
Read more Bank closure is fundamentally when a financial institution goes bankrupt; however, parents can't go into bank closure for their children, family, and friends. Nevertheless, parents do close their bank (hearth) to minimize disrespect, abuse, and abundant misuse of LOVE. So I closed my life to abuse, disrespect, and misuse of ❤️
Horace Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
I am very happy with my therapist, I would give him 5 Stars but I am handicapped and the facility I go to has No Handicap access, No ramp or elevator and is on the third floor of a three story building.
Read more I am very happy with my therapist, I would give him 5 Stars but I am handicapped and the facility I go to has No Handicap access, No ramp or elevator and is on the third floor of a three story building.
Ed Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My therapist, Dee Jacobi Edwards, continues to help me deal with my individual struggles in life so that I can achieve peace in dealing with life situations. She is a wonderful therapist.
Read more My therapist, Dee Jacobi Edwards, continues to help me deal with my individual struggles in life so that I can achieve peace in dealing with life situations. She is a wonderful therapist.
Louisa Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
Love our therapist.
Heidi Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My daughter's dad and I had a few sessions with Dee Jacobi-Edwards and she was great. She was very neutral and honest with both of us when it came to our disagreements and downfalls. She was also extremely patient with us throughout our sessions. I would absolutely recommend Dee.
Read more My daughter's dad and I had a few sessions with Dee Jacobi-Edwards and she was great. She was very neutral and honest with both of us when it came to our disagreements and downfalls. She was also extremely patient with us throughout our sessions. I would absolutely recommend Dee.
Alexandria Mar 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have been battling anxiety and depression for years, and Mary Alice Fields has helped me finally find some relief. She is dedicated to helping her clients live their best possible life, and she has helped me gain some peace in my life. I know she has help countless others, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety issues.
Read more I have been battling anxiety and depression for years, and Mary Alice Fields has helped me finally find some relief. She is dedicated to helping her clients live their best possible life, and she has helped me gain some peace in my life. I know she has help countless others, and I would highly recommend her to anyone who suffers from depression or anxiety issues.
Alexandria Jan 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Alexandria is located off of Franconia Rd., just behind Oak Tree Plaza. We share a building with MRM Associates. Right next door to us is a MakeSpace, and the closest bus stop is at Franconia Rd. & Beulah St.

Phone number

(703) 454-8246

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • Portuguese
  • English
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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