Therapists in Alexandria VA – We are Here to Help

Anxiety and depression can make everyday life feel difficult. Virginia Counseling has therapists in Alexandria VA that can help. By working with a therapist, you can develop specific skills and strategies that can help you to start feeling better soon.

Our featured therapist, John Mathews, LCSW, is a mental health therapist serving clients in the Alexandria, VA area. He has helped hundreds of clients with anxiety, depression, and other issues for over 10 years.

John Mathews, anxiety and depression therapist in Alexandria VA
John Mathews, LCSW

How therapy can help

Having depression anxiety or anxiety can feel both isolating and overwhelming, but you are not alone and you can feel better.

John Mathews, LCSW’s approach to therapy is based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This is a well-researched treatment model that is fast-acting and action-oriented. With dedication and commitment, positive therapeutic results can be achieved quickly — sometimes in as short as a few sessions.

Thoughts, behaviors, and emotions all influence one another and can be viewed as three points on a triangle
CBT Triangle

CBT is based on the theory that thoughts and actions are a major influence on emotions. Therefore, while you can’t change your emotions directly (by simply saying, “I think I’ll be happy now”), you can improve the way you feel by investigating how your thought patterns and behavioral habits affect your emotions, and then making positive changes to the unhelpful thoughts and behaviors you have uncovered. This process is one you undertake together with your therapist, who serves as an ally and guide.

John Mathews is a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) who takes a holistic approach to counseling and believes in treating the whole person. He has been a licensed therapist with the Virginia Board of Social Work since 2015 helping clients all over Virginia.

Issues we can help with

Are struggling with any of the following issues? If so, please reach out to Virginia Counseling for help.

  • Anxiety, including anxiety attacks, panic attacks, panic disorders, and social anxiety
  • Depression, including bereavement and grief
  • Relationship
  • Addiction, including drug, alcohol, gambling, and other issues
  • Gender issues including gender dysphoria
  • ADHD
  • Phobias
  • Bipolar disorder (BPD)

Who we serve

John Mathews, LCSW, specializes in helping the following populations:

  • Adolescent (youth and teen/teenage)
  • Young adult
  • Adult
  • LGBTQ friendly, LGBT friendly, gay-friendly, transgender, trans-friendly, queer

With so many therapists in Alexandria VA, how do you find the right one?

It can be hard to find a therapist with whom you feel a connection. When you are looking for a therapist, look for one that understands your circumstances and experiences. Virginia Counseling specializes in helping clients in Virginia and has therapists located in Virginia.

Our featured therapist John Mathews, LCSW is a Virginia native and long-time resident. He was born and raised in Midlothian, VA and attended college at George Mason University (GMU) in northern Virginia, where he volunteered at GMU’s Human Emotions Research Lab run by Dr. June Tangney, and was nominated for Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher for his reliability and validation testing on the Brief Self-Control Scale which was presented at the 2007 American Society of Criminology conference.

He received a Master’s of Social Work from VCU in Richmond, VA. As a Virginia native and long-time resident, he has a deep understanding of Virginia’s unique challenges and culture.

Therapists in Alexandria VA
Old Town Alexandria, VA

John has provided community in-home counseling emergency services, and mental health therapy to clients all over Virginia. He found his calling working one-on-one with clients and providing outpatient counseling services. He loves working with people looking for help with life transitions, and has helped adults transitioning into retirement or job changes, students in college, young adults finding their way, and those with gender identity issues,.

Kayaking in Alaska

In his free time, John enjoys taking his toddler to the park and spending time in nature and outdoors. sailing, kayaking, and taking walks are ways he enjoys recharging. He loves to watch and play tennis (go Federer!) and other sports. He also likes music, reading, writing, and history. John has been a vegetarian since he was 13 — almost 25 years!

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you are looking for anxiety and depression therapists in Alexandria VA, Virginia Counseling can help. We are looking forward to hearing from you and helping you feel better soon.

Schedule an Appointment

If you want to schedule an appointment or if you have more questions, please fill in the form below.

Let’s talk more about how Virginia Counseling can help.