A Practical Approach to Lasting Change
Many people come to therapy feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, or caught in patterns they can’t seem to change. You might understand why things are the way they are, but still feel like that insight hasn’t led to real change. Therapy here focuses on helping you get underneath those patterns so something can actually shift.
We use approaches like EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS) in a grounded, practical way to help you understand what’s driving your reactions and create more flexibility in how you relate to yourself and others.
Who is this for?
- Feeling stuck in patterns you can’t seem to change
- Overthinking or emotionally reactive in ways that don’t make sense
- Struggling in relationships or repeating the same dynamics
- Aware of your past, but frustrated that insight hasn’t led to real change
- Dealing with anxiety, overwhelm, or a sense of disconnection
- Looking for something deeper than just coping skills
If this resonates, reaching out is a simple first step.
Find the Right Therapist for You
Finding the right fit matters. Our therapists share a grounded, thoughtful approach and bring different strengths and perspectives to the work. You can explore profiles below, or reach out and we’ll help you find a good fit.
What Therapy Can Actually Help With
EMDR and Internal Family Systems (IFS) focus on addressing what’s actually driving your symptoms, not just managing them.
What EMDR and IFS Sessions Actually Look Like
Brief demonstrations to help you understand the process before starting therapy
Starting therapy can feel uncertain, especially if you’re new to EMDR or Internal Family Systems. These short videos are designed to give you a clearer sense of what sessions can look like in practice. They show calm, guided examples of how this work unfolds.
These demonstrations do not include real clients. They’re designed to help you understand the process, not to perform or dramatize therapy.
EMDR for anxiety and activation.
How EMDR supports nervous system regulation and reduces overwhelm
EMDR with relational grounding
How dual attention and therapist attunement work together
inner parts with compassion
How IFS helps create internal clarity and reduce reactivity
Working with protective parts
How protective responses are understood and supported rather than pushed aside
Therapy Services in Fairfax, VA
We provide trauma-informed therapy in Fairfax, VA for adults dealing with anxiety, relationship challenges, and patterns that feel hard to change.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy for adults in Fairfax, VA working through anxiety, trauma, emotional reactivity, and longstanding patterns that impact daily life and relationships.
EMDR
EMDR therapy in Fairfax, VA is an evidence-based approach that helps process unresolved experiences contributing to anxiety, trauma responses, and feeling stuck.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy in Fairfax, VA works with different parts of the mind that influence thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
Trauma Therapy
Trauma therapy in Fairfax, VA helps address the effects of past experiences that continue to shape emotional responses, relationships, and patterns in the present.
Couples Counseling
Couples counseling in Fairfax, VA helps partners improve communication, understand patterns of conflict, and strengthen emotional connection.
Not sure which approach is right for you? We’ll help you figure it out.
Professional Reviews
Prefer a Free 15 Minute Consultation?
A brief call to ask questions, talk through fit, and decide next steps.
Get in Touch
Complete the form below and we will follow up to discuss fit and next steps.
Blog
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
We am located in downtown Fairfax, VA at 3921 Blenheim Blvd Suite 73c Fairfax VA 22030
As of 7/2/2020 we are conducting both in-office sessions at my Fairfax office or virtually throughout Virginia.
We do not participate as an in-network provider. But, that does not mean you are not covered by health insurance. Many providers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield (Anthem and CareFirst), Aetna, United Health Care, or TriCare have out-of-network benefits. If you call the member’s services number on the back of your insurance card and inquire about your out-of-network benefits they will let you know what portion of the cost they will reimburse you for.
55 minute individual sessions: $200
Our rate is set that each therapist can earn a livable earning while also not overburdening themselves by taking an excessive amount of clients. This means your therapist is available, emotionally present, and not overbooked. We provided a personalized experience with your therapist who has time for training, self development, their own therapy, and ultimately, time and space for you.
We usually recommend people email the owner (Michael@ThePragmaticTherapist.com) and ask for a 20 minute phone consultation. You want to make sure we are a good fit for you. If you feel you are ready to hit the ground running and want to start right away, give me a call or email me and ask to become a client. Its that simple!
The word pragmatic means a sensible and realistic way of thinking and problem solving. We believe that reflects how we tend to think about things and frame mental health counseling. An open, warm, and friendly way to sort out mental health. Hence, The Pragmatic Therapist.