Whitney Marris
LICENSED Clinical SOCIAL WORKER AND Certified in EMDR
An effective therapy experience is built on relationships—with your therapist and with yourself. I know what it’s like to lay bare the most sensitive and vulnerable parts of one’s life, and I appreciate the significance of entrusting another person to bear witness to the sacred process of self-exploration and transformation that takes place in therapy.
My name is Whitney, and I’m grateful you’re here! I recognize that you’ve taken the steps that have led you to this page because something truly matters to you, and you’re ready to make a change.
I have been in a space of noticing that what worked for me in the past had become less and less helpful or healthy, or that I had outgrown my go-to patterns of thinking and relating. I’ve also felt a sense of stuck-ness, leaving me wondering whether doing the hard work to achieve a more balanced, connected, purposeful, and fulfilling life was worth it (or even possible). I am interested in working in partnership with you to uncover and mobilize your own capacity for resiliency, strength, and self-healing, and supporting you in taking action on what you value most so you can finally savor all that you are doing and working for instead of letting anxiety, stress, fear, shame, or other insecurities call the shots.
Some quick tidbits that describe me
Realistically hopeful – I’m continually struck by the capacity and resiliency of the human spirit, and I naturally approach my work anchored in a realistic sense of hope. By joining you in exploring the aspects of yourself which yearn to become known, understood, and healed, I can help you get in touch with the richness and untidiness of the ideologies you have lived by, generate alternative possibilities, and expand into your vision of a preferred future.
Curious – I consider myself a voracious, lifelong learner and believe it is critical that each of us has a space in which we feel free to get unabashedly curious. It is through open exploration that personal growth and transformation is catalyzed, and I strive to support you in cultivating curiosity and engaging your ever-evolving inner wisdom to experience life with enhanced feelings of empowerment, ease, clarity, and joy.
Authentic – I value authenticity and cherish the uniqueness of each person and the stories that have shaped them. I bring into the room with me my warm, playful nature and invite you to show up in whatever way fits for you. I operate from a place of unconditional acceptance to facilitate genuine, authentic self-awareness and -understanding as well as the safe exploration of trying new ways of coping and relating on for size.
Connective – Each of us needs to deeply feel secure, seen, heard, accepted, and valued, and I work to embody compassionate care with attuned presence to break through the barriers to the closeness and connection that we, as humans, crave. I thrive on creating connectedness in the world, from supporting you in cultivating the practice of remaining grounded, present, and connected to yourself, to unlocking your potential to sustain close, joyful connection with the cared-for ones in your life.
Adaptable – In addition to finding many (pleasant and not-so-pleasant) surprises along the way on my own journey of discovery and healing in therapy, I have the privilege of being reminded each day in my work of people’s innate ability to heal, change, and grow when provided with the right tools in a supportive, collaborative space. I consider you the expert of you and strive to honor the different ways of thinking, being, and doing that have helped you survive while walking alongside you as you take action toward transformation and change that fits for you.
On the weekends you'll find me...
Taking my schnoodle, Jennifer, to the dog park, seeking out all things quirky and unique at one of the fabulous local shops or markets, trying eclectic new restaurants with my partner, watching woodland creatures while sipping coffee on the deck, or learning something new!
How to pick the right therapist
There are a lot of therapists to consider when trying to decide who to trust. With varying skills and credentials to consider, choosing the right therapist can be tough. It’s much like a pair of pants; you search until you find the one that fits just right. The good news is that there IS a reliable way to tell if you and your therapist are a going to mesh: if you click from the get-go, it’s a good sign.
So, take your time and trust your gut.
I hope this page portrays a revealing snapshot of my personality and professional style. If you think we might be a good fit, give me a call (703)919-5543 or send me an email and let’s talk. I am happy to offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to help you decide. What do you have to lose? And imagine all that you might gain.
Request an appointment with Whitney:
Credentials:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia – License #0904015226
Master of Social Work – University at Buffalo School of Social Work, 2020
Training in:
Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
