Desiree Farmer

I’m just a real human helping other real humans do real human things. You deserve a therapist who sees you, your full story—your history, your patterns, your strengths, and the parts of you that are still finding their voice. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in both Virginia and New York, with over 14 years of experience in psychotherapy, behavioral health leadership, and training emerging clinicians. My work blends clinical expertise with a warm, grounded, and deeply human approach.

My approach is warm, relational, and insight‐driven. I help you understand the emotional patterns, nervous system responses, and relational dynamics that shape your life—so you can finally shift them. I draw from:

• CBT, DBT, EFT, SFT, SFBT
• Trauma‐informed and attachment‐based frameworks
• Mindfulness and somatic awareness
• Strengths‐based and emotionally attuned therapy
• Holistic, whole‐person treatment for individuals and couples

Together, we slow things down, make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface, and build new ways of coping, communicating, and connecting—with yourself and others.

Your first session is a chance for us to slow down, get to know each other, and begin understanding what’s been weighing on you. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out — you can show up exactly as you are.

We’ll start by talking about what brought you to therapy and what you’re hoping to shift, understand, or feel more grounded in. I’ll ask thoughtful questions to get a sense of your history, your current stressors, and the patterns you’ve noticed (or the ones you’re still trying to make sense of). You’re always in control of the pace, and you never have to share more than you’re ready for.

I’ll also walk you through how I work, what therapy with me typically looks like, and what you can expect from our time together. We’ll explore your goals, your needs, and what feeling “better” or “more yourself” might look like for you. By the end of the session, most clients leave with:

• A clearer understanding of what’s happening beneath the surface
• A sense of relief from finally saying things out loud
• A feeling of being seen, understood, and not judged
• A shared plan for what we’ll focus on moving forward

The first session is the beginning of a collaborative process — one where you don’t have to carry everything alone. My role is to help you feel safe, supported, and grounded as we start this work together.