Lauren Schlenger, LPC, ATR-BC

Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Art Therapist

In-Office Sessions: Alexandria (map it)
Teletherapy for residents of: Virginia, Washington D.C., South Carolina
In-Office Sessions:
 Alexandria (map it)
 
Teletherapy for residents of:
 Virginia, Washington D.C., South Carolina
Client Population(s):
  • Adolescent (14-17)
  • Child (7-10)
  • Tween (11-13)
Primary Modality(ies):
  • Art Therapy
  • Mindfulness Based
  • Person Centered
  • Play Therapy
  • Strengths Based

Supported, safe, understood, capable, and empowered. My hope is my clients experience many of these feelings through our work together. I am passionate about collaborating with clients and families, and I tailor my approach to support each individual.

I develop trusting relationships and create a warm, non-judgmental environment to facilitate growth, increase self-awareness, and explore feelings. I aim to bring compassion, creativity, openness, and authenticity into my sessions. As an art therapist, I safely guide clients through the visual art process to express and process feelings. Art therapy can help people of all ages practice mindfulness, make connections between artmaking and their lives, and find meaning in what is created. Together, we can explore how artwork fits with thoughts, feelings, and experiences. No art experience is needed to participate in art therapy.

In addition to art therapy, I offer talk therapy and play therapy approaches based on each individual’s needs and preferences. I work with children ages 6+, adolescents, and adults, including people experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, trauma, life transitions, families affected by a medical diagnosis, individuals with developmental disabilities, and those experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Using a client-centered and strengths-based model, I follow each person’s lead and celebrate strengths to build resilience and self-esteem. I use an integrative therapeutic approach, drawing from frameworks including multicultural, trauma-focused, attachment-based, and family systems perspectives.

Specialty(ies):
  • Anxiety / Panic
  • Chronic Illness/Pain
  • Depression
  • Grief and Loss
  • Life Transitions and Adjustment
  • Perinatal / Postpartum
  • Self-esteem / Personal Growth
Education and Training:
  • Master’s degree in Art Therapy from The George Washington University
  • Dual Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Studio Art from the University of Maryland
  • Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC)
  • Member of American Art Therapy Association (AATA) and Potomac Art Therapy Association (PATA)
Credentials:
Licensed Professional Counselor and Board Certified Art Therapist
License:
VA 0701013222, DC LGPC200001359, South Carolina Professional Counselor Telehealth Provider #1035: https://llr.sc.gov/TeleHealth/Counselor.html

I look forward to supporting your mental health journey.

If you are interested in scheduling a free consultation, please fill out the request form or call our office (703-534-5100) and request to speak to me.