Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Van Wagenen is a warm, thoughtful, and collaborative psychologist who helps clients better understand themselves, navigate life’s challenges, and create meaningful, lasting change. She believes therapy should be a space where clients feel genuinely heard and understood, while also gaining practical tools they can use outside of the therapy room.
Dr. Van Wagenen works with adults and couples experiencing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, attention challenges, depression, relationship difficulties, family-of-origin concerns, grief and loss, trauma, self-esteem, identity exploration, and major life transitions. She particularly enjoys helping clients recognize patterns that may be keeping them stuck and develop healthier, more fulfilling ways of relating to themselves and others.
ADHD is a particular area of expertise and passion for Dr. Van Wagenen. She has extensive experience working with adults with ADHD and has a special interest in the ways ADHD can present in women and female-identified individuals, where symptoms may have been overlooked or misunderstood for years. Her work helps clients better understand how ADHD affects their emotions, relationships, confidence, organization, and daily lives while developing strategies that build on their individual strengths.
In her work with couples, Dr. Van Wagenen creates a supportive and balanced environment where both partners can feel heard. She helps couples better understand their relationship patterns, strengthen communication, navigate conflict, and build greater emotional connection. She has completed Level 1 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and incorporates evidence-based relationship strategies into her work.
Dr. Van Wagenen’s approach to therapy is integrative and tailored to each client. Drawing from Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Person-Centered approaches, she balances deeper exploration and insight with practical strategies for change. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, she works collaboratively with clients to understand what they need from therapy and what will be most helpful in reaching their goals.
Dr. Van Wagenen brings experience from university counseling centers, community mental health settings, private practice, and neuropsychiatric research. She has worked extensively with clients from diverse backgrounds and identities and is committed to providing an inclusive, affirming therapeutic environment.
Dr. Van Wagenen earned her Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) and Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from The George Washington University’s APA-accredited program. She also holds a Master’s degree in Psychological Counseling from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Marist College. She is a licensed clinical psychologist in Virginia.
Committed to continued growth as a clinician, Dr. Van Wagenen regularly pursues advanced training in areas relevant to her clients. Her recent professional development has included Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1, as well as additional training focused on relationships, trauma, anxiety, and mood-related concerns.