Accepting New Clients!

Chiara Pepino, M.S. (she/her)

Resident in Counseling | LGBTQ+ & Neurodivergent Therapist

I work with adults, couples, and children who feel stuck in patterns that are making life or relationships harder. That might look like anxiety, ADHD, people pleasing, depression, trauma, family stress, or feeling disconnected from the people you care about.

I especially enjoy working with couples who keep having the same arguments, feel distant, or want to communicate in a healthier way. I use the Gottman Method to help couples understand their patterns, rebuild connection, and feel more like a team.

I also work with children and families, including kids who are struggling with big emotions, behavior changes, anxiety, ADHD, or the effects of stressful or traumatic experiences. With children, I focus on helping them feel safe, understood, and more confident expressing what they need.

My style is active, practical, and collaborative. I’ll ask questions, offer feedback, and help you understand what is happening so we can work toward changes that feel realistic and meaningful.

I earned my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University and am a Virginia Resident in Counseling practicing under the supervision of Lori Zastrow, LPC.

AT A GLANCE

FAQs

What does a first session look like?

First, we’ll focus on getting to know each other and building a relationship where you feel comfortable being yourself. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, what’s been feeling hard, and what you’d like to be different. I’ll meet you where you are and move at a pace that feels right for you. My style is warm, genuine, and down-to-earth, and you never need to have the “right” words or everything figured out before you come in.

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Do you work with couples?

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Yes! I work with couples who may be feeling disconnected, stuck in the same arguments, or struggling to communicate without things escalating or shutting down. I use the Gottman Method to help couples better understand their patterns, strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and feel more connected. My work with couples is LGBTQ+ affirming and inclusive of polyamorous and ethically non-monogamous relationships.

I’m navigating identity related challenges - is that something you specialize in?

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Yes. I work with clients exploring gender, sexuality, neurodivergence, relationships, and other parts of identity that may feel complicated, changing, or hard to make sense of. Therapy can be a space to better understand yourself, sort through outside expectations, and figure out what feels most authentic to you. My approach is affirming, curious, and free of judgment—you do not need to have everything figured out before we start.

How can I contact you?

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You can reach us anytime via our appointment request button at the top of this page. We aim to respond quickly, usually within two business days.