Cassandra Halper, MA
Resident in Counseling (she/her)
Clinical Areas of Interest:
Complex PTSD & Trauma Recovery
Military & First Responder Mental Health
Domestic Violence & Relationship Trauma
LGBTQ+ Affirming Care & Queer Identity
Grief, Loss & Caregiver Fatigue
Suicidality & Crisis Stabilization
Background:
Cassandra (Cassie), is a Resident in Counseling in Virginia and a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor in Washington, D.C. She earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. Cassie began her career at Princeton House Behavioral Health, where she supported individuals navigating inpatient mental health treatment, detox, and crisis stabilization. It was through this work that she found her passion for trauma — for being present with people in the most difficult, often life-altering moments, and helping them find a path forward.
Today, Cassie works primarily with adults, specializing in trauma recovery, domestic violence, military and combat-related trauma, and affirming care for LGBTQ+ clients. She is deeply committed to creating a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where clients feel genuinely seen — and where the therapeutic relationship itself becomes part of the healing.
Approach:
Cassie's approach blends EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, somatic and body-based awareness, and Person-Centered humanistic therapy — tailored to each individual's needs, identity, and goals. She has a particular gift for working with clients who are scared to try therapy: those who know they need it but aren't sure they're ready for it. She meets clients exactly where they are, while gently encouraging movement toward the growth they're seeking. Central to her work is the belief that healing is not linear — there are no "backslides," only opportunities to practice patience and self-compassion. Cassie is currently deepening her EMDR training and expanding her work with nervous system regulation and somatic awareness.
Just for fun:
Cassie is an avid reader who frequents many book clubs and is quick to clarify that reading books and collecting books are two entirely separate hobbies. When she's not in session or buried in a stack of new arrivals, she's likely experimenting with a new recipe or planning her next international adventure.
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Cassandra Halper, Resident in Counseling, is currently working toward licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She is registered with the Virginia Board of Counseling. Cassandra provides clinical services under the supervision of the LPC listed below. As a Resident in Counseling, Cassandra does not obtain or provide services on an independent basis, and she does not independently submit insurance claims. All insurance claims are submitted through Crescent Counseling Center.
Supervised by Michelle Linnebur, LPC
Address: 6400 Grovedale Drive, Ste 200, Alexandria, VA 22310
Phone: 571-414-9645