Natasha Kanaev, LCSW
Clinical Director of the Sterling Office, Therapist
Gender: Female | Office Location: Sterling, Telehealth | States Licensed In: Virginia
Languages: Russian, English | Services Offered: Therapy | Credentials: LCSW | Age Group: Ages 5+
About Me
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over nine years of experience helping people navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, grief, immigration, addiction, and other life challenges. My passion is helping people to create new strategies and to make meaningful changes so they can move toward the life they envision for themselves.
I work with children ages 5+, adolescents, adults, couples, and families from many cultural and religious backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I welcome the opportunity to support clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, OCD, relationships issues, difficult family dynamics, identity issues, grief, immigration, addiction, life transitions, and personality disorders. I’m Ukrainian, but I speak Russian.
My Approach to Therapy
I build my therapy sessions around you. Getting to know my clients and getting them to know me allows to build a long-lasting therapeutic bond is very important.
You can expect me to combine different approaches based on your individual needs rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
I value honesty and humor in the mental health journey, and I’m comfortable providing honest feedback. At the same time, I believe you should have an active voice in your treatment. Ask questions, challenge my opinions, and set your own pace. It’s your treatment.
What to Expect When Working With Me
Many of my clients come to therapy because something simply feels “off.” Maybe it’s how you see yourself, the quality of your relationships or daily life, or your ability to function the way you want to. Others are coping with abuse, the loss of someone they love, trauma, or a major life change.
During your first appointment, we’ll both ask a lot of questions. I want to understand your needs, worries, concerns, and preferences for treatment. After all, you are the captain of your ship, and I’m there to help and support you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What concerns do you work with?
I help clients with depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, OCD, relationship concerns, difficult family dynamics, identity concerns, grief, immigration, addiction, life transitions, and personality disorders. I work with clients ages 5 and older as well as couples and families.
Can I expect honest feedback from you?
Yes. Honesty is an important part of how I approach therapy. I want us to build a relationship where we can have open conversations, ask questions, and talk honestly about what may or may not be helping. You are also encouraged to challenge my opinions and have a voice in how your treatment moves forward.
What if I’m nervous about starting therapy?
It’s okay to be nervous, and it’s okay to tell me that you are. Trust takes time, so I don’t expect you to immediately open up or share things before you’re ready. Even setting up and showing up for that first appointment can be difficult. I’ll be there to support you as we begin getting to know each other.
Do you work with people from different cultural backgrounds?
Yes. I work with clients and families from many cultural and religious backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ clients. I’m Ukrainian, speak Russian, and also have experience helping clients with immigration and identity-related concerns.
How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?
Ask your therapist questions. Challenge their opinions. Set your pace for treatment. It’s your treatment. If you feel that your therapist respects those things, that’s a good indication that you’ve found someone you can work with. If you’re looking for an honest approach where you can have an active role in your mental health journey, we may be a good fit.
A Warm Invitation to Begin
I know reaching out for therapy can be difficult, especially when you’re already dealing with something that feels overwhelming or uncertain. You don’t have to open up all at once, and you don’t have to have everything figured out before we meet.
I look forward to getting to know you and helping and supporting you in your journey.
Natasha provides in-person appointments at our Sterling location, as well as telehealth services for clients who prefer to meet virtually.