founded The Center for Life Strategies because of her desire to help others improve their quality of life. She has a doctorate degree in Psychology from Capella University, a masters degree in Marriage, Child and Family Counseling from Chapman University, and an undergraduate degree in Mass Communications and Spanish from East Tennessee State University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and a Certified Hypnotherapist. Dr. Ritchie was an Army officer for 23 years, spending over seven years stationed abroad. She has worked extensively with military members and their families and is well versed in the unique challenges that life in the military brings. She specializes in Relationship Counseling, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Hypnosis, Neuro-Linguistic Programing and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).
My Mission
“My approach is offering what I call “structured” therapy. This means that together we will set an agenda, goals, and strategies to help you quickly achieve your goals. As a result, sometimes therapy can be brief lasting only a few sessions although at other times we may need more time. My objective is not to keep you coming back to therapy week after week but to help you achieve the goals you want as quickly as possible. I work closely with clients to set goals and create specific plans to work past problems and realize happier, more fulfilled lives and relationships. I want my clients to achieve both short and long-term life changes.”
“With couples I use the latest research-based methods of communication, conflict resolution, attachment theory and trust building. I am a certified instructor for the national PAIRS Foundation. PAIRS is an acronym for Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills. It is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to teach attitudes, emotional understandings, and behaviors that nurture and sustain healthy relationships.”
Dr. Ritchie frequently presents workshops on a variety of subjects such as stress management and relationship enhancement, weight management and smoking cessation. Additionally, she provides supervision to therapists working toward licensure.
Dr. Ritchie is a member of the following organizations:
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
- Northern Virginia Licensed Professional Counselors Association
- American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
- American Society for Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH)
- International Certification Board of Clinical Hypnotherapists (ICBCH)
- International Medical & Dental Hypnotherapy Association (IMDHA)
- Society of Neuro-Linguistic Programing
Call or text 703-437-6311 or email me at [email protected] if you are interested in learning more about how we can work together to improve your quality of life. I provide a Free Consultation prior to scheduling an appointment.
