Forward Focus Counseling LLC

Rachel Ratafia-Levine, LPC, NCC University of Pittsburgh, B.A. The George Washington University (GW), M.A. in Counseling Virginia Commonwealth University, M.A. Counseling Cert. Parenting Counseling: Seeking therapy is often the first step toward meaningful change. Parenting can be deeply rewarding, but it can also leave you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or unsure of what to do next. I work with parents who want to better understand their children, strengthen communication, set healthy boundaries, and respond more effectively to challenging behaviors and emotions. Together, we’ll explore practical parenting strategies while also looking at the patterns, stressors, and emotions that can make parenting difficult. My approach is supportive, collaborative, and tailored to your family. Whether you’re navigating behavioral concerns, anxiety, ADHD, family conflict, major transitions, or simply want a stronger relationship with your child, I can help you develop tools that fit your child’s needs and your values as a parent. Individual Counseling: I also provide individual therapy to adolescents, teens, college-aged students, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, identity development, and feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Together, we work to build greater self-awareness, develop healthier ways of responding to difficult emotions, and strengthen connection with yourself and others. Therapy is tailored to where you are developmentally and what matters most to you, with a focus on creating meaningful and lasting change. Couples Counseling I support couples who feel stuck in repetitive patterns, are unsure how to move through conflict and life transitions, and who seek support with partner communication. My approach is grounded in evidence-based modalities, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and attachment-based frameworks. Therapy is collaborative and tailored to each client, with a focus on identifying unhelpful patterns, increasing emotional awareness, and building tools. Contact me for a free 15-minute consult. Areas of Focus: Parenting Counseling, Children (adolescents 10+), Adults, Couples Counseling Location: 1737 King St. Suite 330 Alexandria, VA 22314