"We cannot change anything unless we accept it."
(Carl Jung)

Lorraine Andy is a compassionate and versatile therapist who provides marriage counseling, including Imago Relationship Therapy, as well as  individual counseling and EMDR for the treatment of trauma to men, women and couples from all backgrounds.  She has a private practice in Alexandria and Falls Church, Northern Virginia and a convenient distance from  Arlington, Georgetown, Washington DC, Annandale, Woodbridge and Fairfax.  She approaches each client with acceptance, unconditional support and a sincere desire to help. Using traditional models of psychotherapy as well as her broad clinical experience, including Imago Relationship Therapy, EMDR and heart-centered hypnotherapy she integrates a holistic approach to mind-body-spirit, healing.  Her warm, engaging personal style   allows others to relax and feel understood in her presence. Lorraine uses a gently approach to help her clients  identify and examine  the areas of themselves that need shifting  or changing  in order to produce the results that they desire.  As a Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, her emphasis is on healing through safe connection in relationships.  In this way, she is able to uncover core issues and blocks to successful living and loving in a shorter time, with life changing results. She establishes a strong connection with all of her clients based on trust, respect for each person’s process and her belief that within each individual lies unlimited and undiscovered strengths. With her help, clients are able to move into more satisfying relationships, new experiences of personal growth, empowerment and successful living.

The Therapeutic Relationship:

The relationship between a client and therapist is a very personal one. Therapy is a gift that you give to yourself. The results can change your life in amazing and rewarding ways. You will be sharing intimate details of your life and feelings that perhaps no one else is aware of. For this reason it is important that you feel secure in your choice of who you want to help you through the process that psychotherapy involves. Psychotherapy is not easily described in general terms. The experience varies depending on the personalities of the therapist and the client and the particular problems that bring a client to therapy.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Therapist:

Q: How do I know the therapist is qualified to help me?
A: Interview the therapist over the phone. Make sure he/she is qualified to provide psychotherapy. Training should be no less that a Masters Degree in the related field as well as proper state licensure or certification in the state in which they practice.

Q: How attentive should the therapist be?
A: Your therapist should give you 100% of his/ her attention during the session. This is your time and it is the therapist’s responsibility to be there for you and no one else. The therapist should not be accepting telephone calls or tending to other matters during your session.

Q: Is this therapist a good choice for me?
A: Choosing a therapist should be a careful and thoughtful process. Tell the therapist what you are seeking help to deal with and ask them if they are experienced with the problem or issue. The most important aspect of the decision will hinge on your own personal feelings and impression of the therapist. After the initial consultation you should feel heard, understood and supported. You should also leave with a sense of confidence that the therapist expressed a willingness to provide the help needed and is capable of doing so.

Q: What should I expect from the environment?
A: Your therapist’s office should be a comfortable and private space. You should feel secure and safe as well as reassured that your conversations cannot be overheard by others who may be outside or around the area of the therapist’s office.