Robyn

Robyn Brickel

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

We are a private practice specializing in the treatment of trauma and complex trauma (CPTSD), addictions, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and women's mental health, including postpartum and menopause.

About Me

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 25+ years of experience providing psychotherapy, as well as the founder and clinical director of a private practice, Brickel and Associates, LLC in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia. We bring a strengths-based, trauma-informed, systems approach to the treatment of individuals (older adolescents and adults), couples and families. We specialize in providing trauma-informed care and working with those who have experienced trauma (including attachment trauma). We also work with those who use dissociative mechanisms, such as: self-harm, eating disorders and addictions. We also approach the treatment of perinatal mental health and menopause from a trauma-informed lens. I support clients and clinicians who wish to better understand the impact of trauma on mental health and relationships. I have a wide range of post graduate trauma and addictions education and am trained in numerous relational models of practice, including Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), the Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy (PACT), and Imago therapy. I am a trained Sensorimotor Psychotherapist and am a Certified, Senior Facilitator for Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST), Certified EMDRIA therapist and Approved Consultant. Utilizing all of these tools, along with mindfulness and ego state work to provide the best care to our clients. I pride myself in always learning and expanding my knowledge about the intricacies of treating complex trauma, trauma’s impact on the person and body, including the impact on maternal mental health and perinatal distress, all to aid clients in healing and post traumatic growth.

Approach

When challenges like trauma, addiction, eating disorders or perinatal distress bring you in, therapy moves with careful pacing and clear steps so you can feel steady as we work. In my Alexandria office, in English, sessions balance focused inquiry with practical skill-building — we track patterns, practice grounding or relational tools, and use brief between‑session experiments to test what helps. I invite collaboration: you help set priorities and we adjust pace to your tolerance. This way of working tends to suit people wanting concrete change alongside gentle, safety‑first exploration.
Contact Robyn

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Basic Information

In-person

Services

Individual (older adolescent and adult), couples, and family therapy is provided

Services Offered:

  • Counseling

    A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.

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  • Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

  • Psychotherapy

    In-depth therapeutic work that explores patterns in thoughts, emotions, and relationships to produce lasting psychological change.

    Learn more about Psychotherapy
  • Therapy

    Professional treatment for mental health concerns, providing a structured space for insight, emotional processing, and behavioural change.

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Works With:

  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Couples
  • Families
  • Groups
  • Individuals
  • Parents

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Abuse

    Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment by another person that causes lasting psychological harm and disrupts a person's sense of safety.

  • Addiction

    A compulsive dependence on a substance or behaviour, such as alcohol, drugs, or gambling, that causes harmful consequences to health, relationships, or daily life.

    Learn more about Addiction
  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • Postnatal or Perinatal Depression

    Depression occurring during pregnancy or in the months following childbirth, affecting mood, energy, bonding with the baby, and daily functioning.

    Learn more about Postnatal or Perinatal Depression
  • Eating Disorders

    A group of conditions, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating, involving disturbed eating behaviours and a distorted relationship with food and body image.

    Learn more about Eating Disorders
  • Family Issues

    Difficulties within the family system, including conflict, communication breakdown, blended family tensions, or intergenerational patterns, that affect individual and collective well-being.

  • PTSD

    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a condition that develops after a traumatic event, causing flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness.

    Learn more about PTSD
  • Pregnancy & Fertility Issues

    The emotional and psychological dimensions of pregnancy, fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, or the transition to parenthood.

    Learn more about Pregnancy & Fertility Issues
  • Relationship Issues

    Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.

    Learn more about Relationship Issues
  • Trauma

    The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.

    Learn more about Trauma

Professional Title:

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

    A therapist licensed to work with couples and families on relationship difficulties, communication, and family dynamics.

Credentials

Registrations

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT); Licensed Virginia Therapist Licensed Washington DC Therapist EMDRIA

Licensed Marriage and Family therapist,Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Qualifications

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (Level 2)

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute

Year: 2012

EMDR Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant

EMDRIA

Year: 2002

Advanced Trauma Treatment Certification

Ferentz Institute

Year: 2009

Certified, Senior Facilitator - Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST)

Janina Fisher, PhD

Year: 2011

Memberships

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

Clinical Fellow

Service Areas

Brickel and Associates, LLC

In-person

Alexandria Historical District

Alexandria, Virginia 22314

United States

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