Elizabeth Parola, MA

Resident in Counseling (she/her)

A young woman with long blonde hair wearing a denim jacket over a white dress, smiling slightly while standing against a plain white wall.

Clinical Areas of Interest:

  • Trauma & PTSD (including CPT)

  • Perfectionism, Shame & Self-Criticism

  • Relationship Dynamics & Betrayal Trauma

  • Social Anxiety & Imposter Syndrome

  • ADHD in Adulthood

  • Sexual & Gender Identity

Background:

Elizabeth is a Resident in Counseling and National Certified Counselor (NCC) originally from Northeastern Pennsylvania. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Syracuse University and her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from George Washington University. Elizabeth brings experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples navigating trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, and relationship challenges — and approaches each client with a genuine curiosity about the deeper story beneath their presenting concerns. She is particularly drawn to working with clients who are open to self-reflection and ready to engage authentically in the therapeutic relationship.

Approach:

Working under clinical supervision, Elizabeth takes an integrative approach that is both empathetic and direct — exploring how past experiences shape current beliefs and self-perception, and using that understanding as a foundation for meaningful change. She has specialized training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), an evidence-based treatment designed specifically for PTSD and trauma-related symptoms, which she uses to help clients examine and reframe the thoughts that keep them stuck. Elizabeth is developing particular interest in the intersection of perfectionism, shame, and identity — the quiet but exhausting experience of never feeling like enough, which she sees as an undercurrent in many of her clients' lives regardless of their presenting concern. Her style is structured and collaborative, with warmth and directness in equal measure.

Just for fun:

In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys exploring new coffee shops, watching reality TV, and spending time with her dog, Zeus.

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Elizabeth Parola, Resident in Counseling, is currently working toward licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She is registered with the Virginia Board of Counseling. Elizabeth provides clinical services under the supervision of the LPC listed below. As a Resident in Counseling, Elizabeth 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 Kaitlyn Zito, LPC
Address: 6400 Grovedale Drive, Ste 200, Alexandria, VA 22310
Phone: 571-414-9645