Elise Brown, MA

“I’m no good at this.” “I give up.” “This is too hard!” Do any of these statements sound familiar? Sometimes, being a human is hard work. I am here to help. I believe everything in life starts with our mindset and how we think about ourselves and the world around us. I am passionate about assisting children, adolescents, teens, and parents to explore both their strengths and vulnerabilities while working towards mental wellness and happiness.

I have previous experience working with a Clinical Neuropsychologist assessing individuals for neurological, medical, or neurodevelopmental disorders. Through this experience, my perspective on well-being shifted from a medical-model to a wellness model, and supporting the whole person in the recovery process. To promote wellness, we must be kind and gentle towards ourselves and others. As a counselor, I take responsibility in creating a safe, non-judgmental environment for my client’s and families using a person-centered approach.

My work with clients is informed with practices and techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Expressive Arts Therapy and Play Therapy. While the foundation of my work is rooted in supporting and building confidence, growth mindset, and self-compassion; each client receives an individualized treatment plan that can help with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety and related disorders, emotional dysregulation, suicidal thoughts and self-harm, interpersonal/relationship conflict, low self-esteem, life transitions, impulse control and behavioral concerns.

Education, Credentials & Memberships
• Resident in Counseling and National Certified Counselor working toward my license as a Licensed Professional Counselor and practicing under the supervision of Katie Clark, NCC, LPC.
• Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University
• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from High Point University.
• Northern Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors (NVLPC)
• Virginia Counselors Association (VCA), American Counseling Association (ACA), and Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society.
• I volunteer at Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program (NVRTP) in Clifton, VA where I get to spend time with horses and learn more about Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy.

More about me:
• I’m originally from Massachusetts and visit family and Cape Cod every chance I get.
• Some of my favorite days are spent outdoors and exploring the National Parks.