Mary Ellen Ruff

PhD, LPC, ATR-BC, ACS

Hi there, Dr. Ruff here! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Board-Certified Art Therapist. All are welcome!

Licensed Professional Counselor in Fairfax, VA

Services
  • Individual
  • Couples
  • Adolescent/Teen

About My Clients

Times of transition can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, confusion, and sadness. You don't have to get through these times alone. Throughout adolescence and adulthood, there are many of these transition times, whether it arises in the context of a relationship, employment, or personal exploration, I am here to help you navigate these times.

My Background and Approach

For the past 25 years, I have been working with adolescents and adults through art therapy and counseling to help you gain self-awareness through the healing power of therapy. I use approaches such as EMDR, TF-CBT, motivational interviewing, and many art-based techniques to help you move from overwhelming feelings to feeling empowered.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

Life is hard, but I believe that we can work together to navigate the challenges we face within ourselves, in our relationships, our communities, and our world. I believe creativity is a human right and that it is the foundation for expression, growth, and change. I maintain an active art practice that allows me to deepen my understanding of myself and others, and I often use artmaking with clients as a means to support the therapeutic relationship and process. My love of art came from watching my dad create, and seeing the way he could capture a moment of experience through drawing and painting. I use collage materials and mixed media in my work because it allows me to combine many different elements in unlikely ways. This is a lot like life! Sometimes we have to work with what we have in order to get through tough times, and I believe we all have what we need, it just may not be accessible without support. I want to work with you to access all parts of yourself in order to thrive.

I offer online counseling in the following states:
I have experience with the following
  • Agnosticism
  • Christianity
  • Interfaith

At A Glance

  • Experience: 28 years of practice
  • Rate: $175 - 200/session

Info

703-303-4983 Email Mary Ellen
5222 Sideburn Road
Fairfax, VA 22032

Reach out to Mary Ellen