in-person and online

Therapy for adults in Reston, VA

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There is currently a waitlist for new therapy clients

Is life feeling overwhelming?

On the outside, it looks like you’ve got it all together, but inside tells a different story.

You might be feeling anxious, overthinking every situation, and getting stuck in endless worry loops. Perhaps you are doubting yourself and beginning to think that you are getting everything wrong. Or maybe you are feeling sad, depressed, or numb, and struggling to get through each day.

Maybe you’ve always felt this way, or perhaps a big life change – a breakup, move, new job, or becoming a parent – has left you struggling to cope. You’ve tried to fix things on your own, but nothing seems to work. You’re feeling stuck and unsure of how to move forward.

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A close-up of a Monstera plant with large, glossy, green leaves against a plain, neutral background.

I specialize in helping caring, ambitious adults overcome low self-esteem, people-pleasing, anxiety, and depression.

Despite their accomplishments, many hard-working adults struggle with feeling like they’re not good enough. They find themselves constantly trying to prove their worth to others, leading to a pattern of people-pleasing and prioritizing everyone else's needs ahead of their own.

If your self-doubts lead to people-pleasing, you probably find yourself sacrificing your own needs and always saying "yes" when you want to say “no.” Always putting yourself last can leave you feeling drained, resentful, anxious, and depressed. You might even feel like you're losing yourself while trying to keep everyone else happy. 

life doesn’t have to stay this way

You are capable of change, and you are worthy of the things you want in life.

my specialties

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  • People-Pleasing

  • Self-Esteem

  • Perfectionism

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Neurodivergence

how therapy can help

I can help you feel more confident in who you are so you can stop doubting yourself and start enjoying life again. 

Through our work together, you can…

  • Learn how to handle worries, overthinking, stress, and anxiety.

  • Overcome feelings of sadness, depression, and guilt.  

  • Cope with the transitions and changes that have thrown your life off balance.​​

  • Set and hold clear boundaries and communicate your needs, reducing resentment and protecting your energy.

  • Discover what you truly want in life so you can set and pursue your own goals.​

  • Get to the root of your problems so that you can solve them for good, rather than relying on short-term fixes.

The inside of Dr. Christine Howard's therapy office. A beige sofa with pillows, a white coffee table with a small plant and tissues, a large abstract painting on the wall, a side table with a lamp and a small plant, and a window with blinds.

how therapy works

I’ll help you through this process, tailoring each step to you.

My approach to therapy comes from a place of compassion and understanding. I will help you feel seen, heard, and understood so that you can feel comfortable talking openly. 

We will discuss the challenges you are facing now and those you faced in the past. I’ll help you understand how your past experiences are affecting your current feelings, thoughts, and actions. We will work together to identify and change any beliefs and patterns that are no longer serving you. You will develop healthier ways to connect with yourself and others. You will also learn strategies for coping with uncomfortable feelings and difficult situations. 

Over the course of therapy, you will understand yourself on a deeper level and heal from past wounds. You will re-build your self-confidence so that you can finally take care of yourself and live the life you want. Therapy can help you create meaningful, long-lasting change.

Questions?

FAQs

  • It’s up to you! I see clients in-person at my Reston, Virginia office. I am also available for online therapy for clients living in Virginia and throughout most of the country. I have Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) granted from the PSYPACT Commission, so I can treat clients who live in any of the 40+ PSYPACT-participating states. To see a full list of states that participate in PSYPACT, follow this link: https://psypact.gov/page/psypactmap

  • It's important to find a private space in your home so you won’t worry about being overheard. A reliable internet connection is also essential. I use SimplePractice, a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, for online therapy sessions. Before each session, you'll receive an email with a unique link for your appointment. If you're using your computer, there's no need to download any app or program; simply click the link at your appointment time and access the session through your web browser. If you're using a phone or tablet, you'll need to download the "Telehealth by SimplePractice" app.

  • I'm an out-of-network provider, which means I don't bill insurance companies directly. However, many clients are able to get some reimbursement through their out-of-network benefits. I provide detailed receipts (called superbills) that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

    You can also use your Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) to pay for therapy or testing.

  • The fee for a 50-minute therapy session is $235.

    The fee for the first appointment (75-minute intake session) is $360.

  • The first step is a free 15-minute phone consultation. During this call, we will discuss your concerns and see if I am the right fit for you. You can schedule your consultation through my client portal.

you deserve to feel better

Therapy can help you live your most fulfilling life. 

Schedule a Free Consultation
Schedule a Free Consultation