Find a Therapist in Fairfax Station, VA

I create a comfortable and casual environment while we discuss some of the most challenging concerns you bring to therapy.

I am Alimatu Mustapha- Palmer (nee Alima Palmer),PhD., NCC, LPC, MAC, CSAC, BCC. I have been in the world of behavioral health and services for the past 25 years. I am experienced and well-credentialed including several board certifications, awards, and recognitions. My experience includes conducting trainings, workshops, and assessments and working with individuals, families, groups, non-profits, local and international government agencies including DSS- CPS, law enforcement, minority populations, specific women and children issues, spirituality, cultural dynamics, marriage, divorce, life transitions, coaching and more. I advance the growth and mindfulness perspectives as I believe life is an ongoing process. You can expect to get practical skills and tools to resolve your concerns as we engage in a collaborative therapeutic partnership to address your specific needs, challenges, and goals. In that effort, I employ an individualized holistic approach to therapy by utilizing a variety of treatment modalities including, but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems Theory, Person-Centered Therapy, Narrative/Talk therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and more

At Starobin Counseling we focus on helping people repair and strengthen their relationships with themselves and their relationships with others. We regard relationships as central to the therapeutic process. Some challenges in life are purely personal, but most problems express themselves in the intersections people have with other people. Therapy helps people repair their inner selves, often injured by relational ruptures, and learn and practice being in relational health with one another. Therapy helps people hear themselves think, experience feelings, gain new perspectives. We help people recognize and strengthen their own vitality and resiliency so they can unlock their capacity for compassionate and meaningful connections. We are a neurodiversity-minded, neurodiversity-affirming, gender-affirming, and culturally aware and sensitive practice.

Do you find yourself experiencing trust issues, or are you feeling lonely? Are you continuously feeling down or overwhelmed? Consider a reality in which you can cope with the challenges in your life and learn to thrive. My specialties include advanced training in trauma, attachment, and family conflict. Coping with personality disorders is another specialty of mine. I've worked with people age 4-70! There is also a therapy dog in every session. Your quality of life is essential. My work involves helping you create your own trauma-sensitive narrative and recognizing your growth edges to improve your well-being. I can help you explore, build, and constructively pursue goals to work toward that will serve you in the best way. Think about letting yourself rewrite your story. You deserve it. You do not have to live in a state of constantly feeling down or overwhelmed! Overcoming self-sabotaging behaviors is liberating. I believe in the power of resiliency and choosing to take back or create the life you have always wanted to lead. Contact me to start the process of taking back your power and control and building your resiliency.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! TELEHEALTH and INDIVIDUAL Therapy AVAILABLE!! Since 1994, my systemic training has enabled me to specialize in treating issues such as mood disorders (depression), anxiety, grief & loss, divorce separation, relationship, stage of life, motivation and family of origin issues. Psychotherapy is meant to address the roots of mental and emotional struggle. We will focus on the holistic aspect of your life to equip you to make the effective change you desire. Together we can explore your strengths and challenges, discovering over time what motivates you and helps you thrive. I have a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. My Masters program had a family systemic emphasis, but also equipped me to effectively address the complex and interwoven issues that individuals face. I have over 20 years experience working with clients of all ages. It’s essential that we look at all the varied influences on life that impact thoughts and behavior. No one lives on an island and there are many influences that directly affect how we feel and what we do. We believe it is important to consider these influences during the counseling and treatment process.

Feeling overwhelmed by life? Stress feels unmanageable, relationships are strained, and moving forward seems impossible. The constant weight of overwhelm can leave you physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted. You long to make peace with a painful past but feel stuck. Unmanaged stress affects every aspect of your life—work, health, and relationships. You recognize the need for change, and starting therapy is a courageous, proactive step toward well-being. I'm here to provide a compassionate, validating space where your thoughts and feelings are heard. Together, we'll work toward healing and a more balanced, fulfilling life. I help individuals and couples navigate emotional regulation, stress, and relationship challenges through evidence-based methods like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and somatic therapy. Specializing in mood conditions, trauma, and attachment, I focus on fostering resilience and balance. Using biofeedback, I strengthen the mind-body connection to support lasting healing. Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. Whether you’re seeking emotional balance, healing from past wounds, or strengthening your relationships, I’m here to support you. Together, we’ll create a compassionate, non-judgmental space to explore your goals and build the life you deserve. Reach out—I’m ready to help.

My philosophy and approach to helping clients is to do a thorough assessment and develop a treatment plan that is characteristic of that client and guide clients through therapy to healing. Each client has a uniqueness about them and my work is finding it and helping that client realize it and live in it. Perception is the key to understanding. Awareness is the key to realization.

My communication style is warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental. I believe in creating a collaborative and trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel heard, understood, and valued. I will actively listen to your story, offer feedback and insights, and empower you to find your path to healing and growth.

Entering therapy can be overwhelming and intimidating. Whether it is your first time or 100th time, reflecting on painful experiences, facing your struggles, and sharing your life story with someone else is extremely difficult. I strive to provide a safe, collaborative, judgment-free environment for individuals to gain support in navigating life's ups and downs. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard, validated, and reminded of their strengths, so that they feel empowered to achieve their personal goals. I have been a therapist in the mental health field for over 10 years. I have extensive experience in the treatment of anxiety conditions, mood conditions, trauma-related challenges, personality conditions, and parent-child relational problems. I describe my therapy style as client-centered, strengths-based, and integrative, with a trauma-informed approach. I incorporate many different therapy techniques and evidence-based treatment modalities, with an emphasis on meeting you where you are, and moving along at your pace. I am currently accepting new clients and offering telehealth sessions for individuals 18 years and up. I look forward to meeting you!

People enter therapy for many different reasons, but often underneath those reasons is a sense of being stuck in a physical, mental, or emotional place they don't want to be in. For relationships, people often feel stuck in negative patterns of interacting with each other or stuck in a place of pain which they blame on the other. I see myself as partnering with my clients to help them get unstuck and reach their goals for themselves or their relationships. I am active in the therapy session by helping people process more deeply what they are going through, offering new perspectives on the situation, and challenging patterns of thought or behavior that may be contributing to what's happening. I do not see people who come into therapy as sick or weak. I think it takes a lot of strength to reach out for help when times are tough. Therefore, I have respect for those who walk into my office, and I try to do everything I can to get them to where they want to be in life.

My goal is to help you restore resilience. You may be feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges and discouraged by others who just “don’t get it.” Maybe you are in a rollercoaster of emotions or feel stuck like you’re going around the same mountain over and over again. I’m here to facilitate your healing journey and provide you the most appropriate treatment in your time of need. Don’t suffer in silence because you deserve to be heard. I also provide support for more complex and intensive care for clients seeking to manage their uutism, learning and mood disorders. My insights have illuminated pathways for individuals to thrive and realize their fullest potential. Providing more than a place to talk, we will be a team to plan and take action to be where you want to be! I bring a straightforward approach with a nonjudgmental and compassionate style with the goal to create motivation and belief in oneself. I understand the sensitivity of the topics we discuss and the importance of creating a supportive environment. In therapy, I will be an active listener and help you identify areas that need to be rebalanced and together, we will formulate solutions. Yes, you read that right because I don't just listen to your problems. I provide you effective, practical, and valuable tools to apply outside of therapy. It’s important to me that I build a strong and effective therapeutic alliance with you to facilitate client empowerment. Our approach is holistic to inform on how various factors in your life are impacting you. My hope for you is that each session with me leaves you feeling hopeful, equipped, and empowered! If this sounds like a good fit for you, then let’s connect!

Are stress, anxiety, or depression making it hard to enjoy life? I help individuals who feel overwhelmed by workschool, family dynamics, or marriage struggles find clarity and relief. My approach is compassionate, practical, and tailored to your unique needs. Together, we'll identify patterns that keep you stuck and develop strategies to help you move forward. Whether you're navigating career stress, relationship challenges, or simply feeling burnt out, I'm here to support you in building a more balanced and fulfilling life. You don't have to navigate this alone- let's work together to help you feel more in control and at peace. I provide a supportive environment to explore your emotions and develop practical coping strategies. My goal is to empower you with tools to manage difficult emotions, improve communication, and build resilience. Whether you need guidance through a tough time or long-term support, I am here to help. Helping people live a fulfilled life by working through problems is why I got into this field. My hope is to help you feel better so you can live the life you want and achieve high levels of happiness, fulfillment, and purpose. Contact me today for a free consultation so we can begin this important work together.