As a retired combat veteran, I focus on treating Veterans and those related to the military. However, my practice is also devoted to treating and helping all adults understand and cope with mental health difficulties and issues.
My main specialty is treating issues related to addiction and trauma. I also treat a wide range of other difficult emotions and disorders.
I hold a PhD in clinical mental health counseling, education, and supervision. I use evidence based treatments that specialize in psycho-dynamic approaches as part of the psychotherapy process. I am Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a nationally Approved Counseling Supervisor (ACS) and a Nationally-Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (NCC). I hold certifications in addictions (CSAC, CAC-II) and trauma counseling.
I see individual clients, couples, families, and facilitate therapy groups on addictions, trauma, and other mental health issues. Relying on research, I employ my diverse training and integrate an array of therapeutic interventions that will yield optimum results for the individual and the issues presented.
Therapy with me will provide a safe place to explore reactions, thoughts, and feelings about people in your life as well as yourself. It allows you the opportunity to practice new ways of interacting and, when ready, to try these in other relationships. Together we will decide on the amount of sessions needed to achieve your goals.
As a combat veteran I served as a national guard soldier for 17 years. I served in Bosnia as part of operation joint guard and earned a combat infantryman badge in Afghanistan in 2005. Committed to helping out other service members I went back to school and graduated with a bachelors degree from Colorado state university global in Applied Social Sciences, and I recently earned my masters of science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University.
I now see my role as a therapist as a way to help other service members and enjoy providing clinical care for veterans with combat experience. Working as an intern with NOVANT/UVA's Prince William Hospital intensive outpatient program for substance abuse I have experience working with both veteran and non-veteran clients in individual and group therapy settings. I also work with both family's and couples in a therapeutic environment.
I also enjoy working in a residential treatment facility for adolescents with mental health and behavior issues. I also serve individuals struggling with depression, self esteem, interpersonal relationship deficits, aggression, and post traumatic stress disorder. I find that my theoretical approach adopts some of the proven concepts of cognitive behavioral therapy while staying grounded in humanistic roots.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Career Coach. Using a strengths-based approach, I work with clients on highlighting their areas of strength. In addition, we work together to address “areas where they are broken or blocked in their life journey.” Through establishing a therapeutic relationship, clients are able to restore the broken places with healing.
In general, I provide new resources and life skills to help them live their best lives.
In addition to traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I am trained in Somatic Experiencing and EMDR. I tailor my therapy to the unique needs of each person. I have developed wellness training programs for community centers, non-profit organizations, churches, schools, and the Department of Defense.
My unique skill-sets along with my positive as well as resilience-building approach have resulted in high recovery rates with civilians, active duty military, and veterans with depression. My clients struggle with an array of issues including generalized anxiety, relationship trauma, and active PTSD symptoms.
Jewell Miriam Gibbs, LPC
Contact Info:
Office: 703-570-4104
Website: http://gibbscounseling.com/
My practice is based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, where we examine how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors all connect, leading to an awareness of core beliefs that may not be serving us. If clients are open, two tools may deepen and sometimes speed up this important work. EMDR is proven to be highly effective reprocessing traumatic memories. Clinical Hypnosis is a creative way to reach the unconscious part of us that guides our motives and behavior. Additionally, many clients have found it useful to practice Mindfulness and relaxation techniques in and out of session. I see all ages, run women’s groups and am happy to collaborate with other professionals in a holistic approach to brain fitness.
My belief is that clients are best served and supported by working collaboratively whilst respecting their personal values, priorities, background and culture. My goal with each client is to create a counseling environment of trust and acceptance in order to create a safe space for authentic growth and healing. My therapeutic interests are ever evolving but include work in wellness, trauma, grief, mindfulness, bibliotherapy, addiction, procrastination and perfectionism, as well as the importance of helping one discover purpose and a sense of belonging for all. My Master’s degree, from Messiah University (CACREP accredited), is in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which provided a foundation to work with clients of all ages and mental health concerns.
I am a licensed counseling resident in the state of Virginia as well as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) with the NBCC.