Bridges Therapy and Wellness Center is proud to offer Doctoral Psychology Externship for Clinical Psychology students in training to advance professional development.

Externs are masters-level, doctoral students who are pursuing their doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Along with training future Psychologists, our Externship program allows us to offer therapy and testing services to the community at a significantly reduced rate, making clinical services available to a broad range of clients who might not otherwise readily afford such treatment. Direct supervision of our therapists in training allows them to build their skills while providing high-quality, cost-effective treatment to clients. All trainees are under the supervision of our Training Director and Licensed Psychologist, Dr. Megan Strause. Additionally, Dr. Justine Simpson, Dr. Sydney Mills, Dr. Lisa Kellogg and Dr. Michelle Mullaley assists in supervision of students as well. Please contact our office at 703-865-4900 x0 for more information.

Throughout my journey with clients, one message has been clear among the ups and downs of life: it’s better together. As a therapist, I aim to collaboratively work with you through your journeys, and those of your child, through suffering, confusion, fears, and hopelessness. Together, we will explore ways of thinking and feeling related to the relationships, responsibilities, and the roles we play in life. In addition, we will highlight your strengths, identify areas of need, and work towards growth and healing. I particularly enjoy working with children, teens, and their families, and I look forward to supporting clients in all stages of life. In all times of our lives, we face struggle and pain, but also healing and growth. I am excited to work with you in forming your and your child’s individual goals, explore the ways we can help you achieve those goals, and ultimately, feel confident in your ability to flourish. I strive to create a safe, accepting, and nonjudgmental space for you to feel comfortable sharing different aspects of your identity as you work to gain greater self-understanding, to understand your child and parenting style, and build on your or your child’s strengths.

My main approach to helping clients realize their full potential is mainly through a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach, while frequently integrating interventions and concepts from psychodynamic, emotion-focused, play therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and client-centered therapeutic orientations. I also strive to work holistically with you, and our work may involve other important relationships (such as parents, teachers, or spouses), when appropriate. Working with clients with a variety of presenting concerns, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, oppositional disorders, suicidality and self-harm, and adjustment to impactful life events (i.e. grief, loss, divorce), I focus on creating a therapeutic space that is tailored to you, your child, and your unique needs.

I have a strong belief that accurate and comprehensive psychological evaluations help you to understand more about your or your child’s ways of thinking about and perceiving the world around you, leading to better treatment outcomes and more individual goals achieved. I have a passion for providing clients with robust and holistic psychological assessments reports that provide insight into your cognition and personality. From assessing learning problems, attentional difficulties, to emotional and social concerns, I hope to be able to help you find the best next step forward in your psychological growth. I am looking forward to accompanying you on your journey!

Background: Juliane Nguyen, M.Psy. is a Psychology Extern at Bridges Therapy and Wellness Center and a Doctoral student who attends Divine Mercy University in Sterling, VA. Juliane earned her Master’s in Psychology from Divine Mercy University in 2022. Juliane completed her undergraduate studies from Baylor University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Child and Family Studies minor. Her training has included working with diverse clients in various settings including elementary and middle schools, the DC court system, as well as outpatient community mental health.