Carissa Hotelling, LCSW — Therapist in Virginia

Hi there, I'm Carissa!

I believe in a collaborative and authentic client-centered approach. I think it is important to instill change through exploration, problem-solving, and identifying achievable goals to process and heal from symptoms of emotional distress.

My focus

I work with the adult population, helping clients with PTSD, mood disorders (anxiety, depression, bipolar), chronic pain and illness, adjustment-related issues, life transitions, worthiness, relationship issues, family of origin issues, boundary work, and complex trauma.

My approach

I utilize evidence-based treatment modalities including: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and am trained in trauma-informed therapies and attachment-based approaches, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), and Internal Family System IFS/parts work.

My communication style

I consider myself to be a pretty casual, warm, low-key therapist. I seek to create an environment where clients feel safe and supported. In our sessions together, I work to affirm and empower my clients to be open and honest about their thoughts and feelings without any judgment.

My journey to mental healthcare

It was my own experience as a trauma survivor that led me to the work that I do as a therapist. In my practice as a social worker, I have dedicated my life to helping others on their healing journey. It is an honor and a passion to help people achieve their goals and become the best version of themselves.

My goals for you

In setting goals, I believe clients should identify their ideal self by determining what changes they want to make in personal growth, emotional wellbeing, relationships, or behavior. We will work together by building on current strengths and resources to create specific, measurable, and achievable goals.

Our first session

Our first session is a getting to know each other. I will obtain your history and explore symptoms and current life issues that are affecting you. I will explain my treatment approach, and I am open for you to ask me anything you would like to know. We will then work together on setting goals and objectives to work towards in future sessions.

I identify as...

Female
Black or African American
Christian

Expertise

Treatment approaches

EMDR

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Trauma Focused

Attachment-based

Behavioral Activation

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Dialectical (DBT)

Mindfulness-Based

Motivational Interviewing

+ 9 more

Focus populations

BIPOC

Single Mother

+ 2 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield
Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied

+ 41 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) from The University of Texas at Arlington.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Carissa Hotelling