McKenna Emmerich

With a compassionate approach rooted in personal strengths, McKenna Emmerich brings a unique perspective to therapy at Brickel and Associates in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. As a Licensed Resident in Counseling and National Certified Counselor (NCC), McKenna believes that clients enter therapy with a wealth of coping skills developed through life's challenges. Her strengths-based approach acknowledges these existing abilities while guiding clients to explore and expand upon them within a safe, secure therapeutic relationship.

McKenna's practice is firmly grounded in trauma-informed care, emphasizing empathy and unconditional positive regard. This person-centered approach allows her to create a nurturing environment where clients feel truly seen and supported. Her extensive experience spans diverse settings, including crisis centers and partial hospitalization programs, equipping her to work effectively with adolescents, adults, couples, groups, and families.

Understanding that each client's needs are unique, McKenna employs an integrative approach to address a wide range of concerns. Her areas of expertise include trauma, anxiety, depression, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, substance use, relationship issues, and attachment concerns. By incorporating elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and expressive therapies, she tailors treatment to help clients navigate their challenges and facilitate meaningful change in their lives.

Committed to ongoing professional development, McKenna actively pursues additional training and learning opportunities to enhance her therapeutic skills. This dedication ensures that her clients benefit from the most current and effective treatment modalities. As she works towards full licensure, McKenna practices under the supervision of experienced professionals, including Sharon Watson, LPC, LMFT, LSATP, NCC, ACS for Virginia licensure, and Robyn Brickel, M.A., LMFT, the Clinical Director at Brickel and Associates.

For those seeking a therapist who combines warmth, expertise, and a commitment to personal growth, McKenna Emmerich offers a collaborative therapeutic experience. Her approach not only addresses immediate concerns but also empowers clients to build upon their inherent strengths, fostering lasting resilience and positive change.