Dr. Elle Whitehead, teen therapist Fairfax, VA

Dr. Elle Gaines

Ed.D.

Resident in Counseling

“I feel like everyone else has life figured out except me.” Many of the teens and young adults I work with start therapy feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to begin, wondering if counseling will actually help, or simply feeling awkward about talking to someone new.

My goal is to meet you where you are and create a space where you can feel comfortable, be yourself, and talk about what’s really going on. We take things one step at a time—making sense of what you’re feeling and what you’ve been carrying. Along the way, we focus on your strengths and finding small, realistic steps that help you feel more confident moving forward.

Over time, my hope is that you begin to feel more comfortable being yourself and more confident navigating what life throws your way. I’ve learned that when people feel heard and supported, it becomes easier to make sense of their experiences, trust their voice, and take steps forward that feel right for them.

I am a mom of two boys, so my free time mostly involves snacks, laughter, and trying to keep up with their energy.