STEPHANIE BEGUIN-HOWARD
LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK, Certified THERAPIST IN EMDR, DBT, PLAY THERAPY, & SAND TRAY
Therapy can be difficult to start and I am here to help make it feel as safe and welcoming for you as possible. It’s not easy being vulnerable, examining ourselves, and talking about distressing life events. However, I am a strong believer as a therapist (and someone who also receives therapy) that you can find hope, encouragement, and support with a therapeutic partner.
My name is Stephanie and I am a warm, nonjudgmental, and empowering trauma therapist. I start where the client is and provide tools to increase insight, healing, and peace so that that the charge in your trauma-related triggers are minimized/eliminated and reprocessed into more productive and positive patterns of thinking & behaviors.
Finding the right therapist is about finding the right fit. My extensive experiences and training as a social worker for the last 25+ years with many different populations, as well as travel all over the world, have allowed me to learn from so many different perspectives and life experiences. I look forward to working you as a collaborative partner in your journey towards growth and healing!
Some quick tidbits that describe me
Curious – I love to learn from other people, explore new places, and research whatever I’m curious about! I read a lot and get my best recommendations from clients themselves!
Joyful – I love to have fun, whether hanging out with the the people I love, playing with the dogs, or joking with my clients in the therapy room. Laughter can be very therapeutic and healing. Having been through some difficult experiences in my own past has taught me that life is short and it is important to laugh and have some fun.
Empathic & Nonjudgmental – Both of my parents studied and worked hard to come to the United States (from Europe and Asia). They taught me how important it is to stay humble, work hard, and put myself in other people’s shoes. I knew early on I wanted to “help” people. Little did I know helping others would exponentially help me continue to learn and grow as a human being.
Empowering – I am a strength-based therapist and am always looking to build on people’s strengths as they are often dismissed and overlooked by clients themselves or the people around them. Personal strengths are a huge part of resilience and healing. Let me help you optimize those strengths towards personal empowerment and peace.
On the weekends you'll find me...
Enjoying my family and friends, playing and hiking with my dogs, devouring a book, researching whatever I’m curious about and learning something new, soaking up some sun and fresh air on a beach or lake, and/or exploring new places!
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 Stephanie:
Credentials:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia; License # 0904009131
Virginia Board of Social Work Approved Clinical Supervisor
Registered Play Therapist (RPT) / Association of Play Therapy
Training in:
Integration of EMDR and Play Therapy/Sand Tray for All Ages
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Mindfulness
Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
