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Headshot of Shafinah Samsudin, LPC

Shafinah Samsudin

Therapist
13 years of experience
  • Virtual & in-person
  • Substance use / addiction, Cultural & ethnic issues, Trauma
  • Individual therapy, Family therapy

Great to meet you!

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) specializing in individual and family therapy. She is a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) and a Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider (CSOTP). I am also certified in Eye Movements Desensitization & Reprocessing. I am currently serving as a private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. My areas of expertise are addictions, co - occurring disorders, post- separation abuse, narcissistic abuse, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, sexual behaviors, conduct disorders and oppositional disorders.

Beyond my credentials, I believe it’s important for clients to know that I value authenticity and connection. I bring warmth, compassion, and a grounded presence into sessions. I also have a love for travel, music, theatre, and dogs—parts of who I am that help me stay connected to creativity, joy, and balance in life.

Overall, clients can expect a therapist who is experienced, direct yet compassionate, and deeply committed to supporting their healing and growth.

My approach to therapy

My approach to therapy is rooted in building a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship where clients feel safe, seen, and understood. I prioritize creating a nonjudgmental space where clients can openly explore their experiences, including the more difficult or complex parts of their story.

I take a strengths-based, client-centered approach, helping individuals recognize and build on their existing resilience while working towards meaningful change.

Clinically, I integrate a range of evidence-based modalities, including EMDR, to address trauma, along with approaches that support emotional regulation, insight, and behavioral change. I provide both compassionate support and practical feedback, helping clients develop tools to navigate challenges.

What you can expect from me

The first session is to be supportive, low-pressure space focused on getting to know them and understanding what brings them to therapy. We will begin with a conversation about your current concerns, background, and what you’re hoping to gain from the process. You are welcome to share at your own pace—there is no expectation to go into everything right away.

In addition, we will review confidentiality, the structure of therapy, and answer any questions you may have about the process. If appropriate, we may begin identifying initial goals and discussing potential approaches, including whether modalities like EMDR may be helpful.

About me

  • I identify as
    South Asian, Woman
  • My style is
    Empowering, Warm, Direct

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    13 years of experience
  • Training
    MA (Master of Arts) at Marymount University
  • License type
    LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) (Virginia)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Kaiser Permanente of the Mid Atlantic

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Substance use / addiction, Cultural & ethnic issues, Trauma
  • More specialties
    Anxiety, ADD/ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Depression, OCD, Family issues, Stress management, Anger management, Panic disorders, Grief or loss, Maternal mental health, Relationship issues, Women's issues, Identity issues, PTSD, Infertility
  • Therapy methods
    Relational, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Problem-Solving Therapy (PST), Attachment Based Family Therapy, Attachment Based, Seeking Safety, Strength-Based, Behavior Management, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing, Positive Psychology, Behavioral, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Structural Family
  • Care types
    Individual therapy, Family therapy
  • Ages served
    Adults, Adolescents
  • Languages
    English
  • Location
    43676 Trade Center Place Ste 135
    Sterling, VA 20166