Ready to feel more authentic, connected, and joyful?
Rachel W. Friendly Ph.D.
She | Her | Hers
You want to be heard, seen, and valued for exactly who you are.
Of course you do ~ we all do!
Rachel W. Friendly, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist since 2012
I approach my work with empathy and compassion, striving to create a warm, safe space in which to do the often difficult work of therapy. I understand that, above all, change is hard!
Therapy with me is a collaborative experience.
I will not just sit back and nod
I will not tell you what you should do
Instead, we will work together to explore your concerns and help you move towards your goals.
I believe relationships are at the root of most of our suffering, which means that the single most important tool that we have in our work together is our relationship.
I also strongly believe that, to be effective, therapy must acknowledge the impact of systems of power and oppression on the struggles we all face.
I value you as an equal in the therapy process ~ I bring therapeutic expertise, but only you are the expert on your experiences.
A Few Words About How I Got Here:
Originally from Canada, grew up in California, but have lived all over the US - seriously, I have moved A LOT
B.A. in Psychology from Tufts University
Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Clark University
13 years working in university counseling centers prior to starting my own telehealth practice
I see clients in person in Fairfax County, VA (my office is in Springfield), and virtually all over Virginia, Washington DC, Massachusetts, and California
License Information:
MA License #: 11340
CA License #: 27922
VA License #: 0810004656
DC License #: PSY200001476
What Else Do You Need to Know About Me?
I am a queer-identified, White, cisgender woman.
I believe it is vital for all of us to have a safe space to explore the impact of systemic racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, and all the other systems of oppression on our wellbeing and sense of self. I also love helping clients explore their identity and unpack the relationship patterns that repeat (over and over!) in our lives.
I'm listed in the National Register of Health Service Psychologists, which independently verifies doctoral-level training and licensure. I am also a member of the Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists (VACP) and Northern Virginia’s Psychological Association, Northern Virginia Clinical Psychologists (NVCP).
I completed my IFS (internal family systems) Level 1 training through the IFS Institute and love incorporating IFS and parts work into my work with clients.
After 13-years working in university counseling centers, I am still passionate about working with college and graduate students, as well as other adults experiencing transitions and periods of growth.
I specialize in supporting folks navigating finding their voice in a system that would rather they stay silent, including women, trans/nonbinary folks, and folks in queer and BIPOC communities. I'm a queer- and gender-affirming psychologist, meaning I work from a framework that treats LGBTQ+ identities as healthy and whole, not as something to be managed or explained.