Jessie Nolasco-Sandino, LCSW
Therapist
Gender: Female | Office Location: McLean | States Licensed In: Virginia, Maryland | Languages: Spanish, English
Services Offered: Therapy | Credentials: LCSW | Age Group: Ages 15+
About Me
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia and Maryland with six years of experience as a mental health professional and psychotherapist. I provide therapy in both English and Spanish and work primarily with teens ages 15+, young adults, college students, professionals, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship and family concerns, self-esteem, grief, loss, and everyday stress. I also have experience working with Bipolar I and II, adjustment disorders, panic disorder, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, health anxiety, and phobias.
I’ve always been curious about people and the world around us, and that curiosity—along with a desire to help others—is what drew me to mental health and psychotherapy. Outside of therapy, I enjoy reading, traveling, hiking, concerts, museums, and going to the beach in the summer.
My Approach to Therapy
My approach is holistic, collaborative, and skills-based. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), behavioral approaches, compassion-based strategies, and emotional regulation and communication skills. I also consider physical, medical, cultural, and spiritual factors when they are relevant to understanding you as a whole person.
Therapy with me has some structure, but it’s your time. If you have something you want to explore, that’s where we’ll focus. If you’re not sure what to talk about, I’ll take a more active role by asking questions, sharing observations, and helping you recognize connections between your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and experiences. I also recommend strategies to practice between sessions because I believe some of the best personal growth happens when you apply what we’re discussing to everyday life. And when appropriate, there may be some humor along the way.
What to Expect When Working With Me
Many of my clients come to therapy because they feel overwhelmed, down, anxious, or overloaded by the everyday hustle and bustle. You may be struggling with relationships, career stress, family conflict, parenting, caregiving, health concerns, identity, self-confidence, grief, or loneliness—or simply want a safe place to speak your mind and feel heard without judgment.
My goal is for therapy to become a place where you feel comfortable enough to speak honestly, be transparent, and show your authentic personality without feeling like you have to mask your insecurities or worries. We’ll collaborate on your treatment goals, and I encourage you to advocate for yourself and tell me what you want to focus on.
As a bilingual and bicultural therapist, I also work closely with people of color, immigrants, and second-generation clients. I understand that culture, race, ethnicity, nationality, language, and the experience of navigating multiple cultures can play an important role in how we understand ourselves and the challenges we face.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do you work with?
I primarily work with clients ages 15–65, including high school students, college students, young professionals, and adults at different stages of life. I frequently help clients with anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, family conflict, self-esteem, grief, loneliness, career stress, parenting, caregiving, and identity concerns.
What is your therapy style?
My approach is holistic and collaborative. I use CBT, DBT, behavioral and compassion-based approaches, along with practical skills for areas such as emotional regulation and communication. We’ll explore past and present experiences as well as your goals for the future.
Do you offer therapy in Spanish?
Yes. I provide bilingual therapy in Spanish and English. As a bilingual and bicultural therapist, I also place importance on understanding how culture and identity influence a person’s experiences and mental health.
What should I expect during my first appointment?
Your first appointment is a one-hour intake where I’ll learn more about you, including your symptoms, history, previous experiences with therapy, and cultural or spiritual factors that may be important to you. We’ll also begin determining whether we’re a good fit and discuss what you hope to get from therapy.
What if I’m nervous about starting therapy?
Feeling nervous is normal and to be expected. Starting something new and opening yourself up emotionally can feel scary and uncertain. I encourage you to give it a try and then decide whether therapy feels right for you.
How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?
A good sign is that you feel comfortable enough to speak honestly and transparently and show your authentic personality without feeling like you need to mask your insecurities, concerns, or worries.
Congrats on having the courage to seek and ask for help! It isn’t easy to take such a big step in the self-growth process. I’m here to support, help, and encourage you as you step into the healthiest, strongest version of yourself
Jessie provides in-person appointments at our McLean office, as well as telehealth services for clients who prefer to meet virtually.