Marcella Marcey, Ph.D.

I am an experienced clinical psychologist for adults and children with a focus on treating trauma, PTSD, and traumatic grief. I also utilize therapy dogs in my practice and work extensively with families, children and teens.

I worked as a school psychologist for thirteen years before returning to school to earn my Ph.D. in order to focus on individual, clinical work. I enjoy working with children and teens, and provide couples and family counseling, and group therapy.

My professional interest lies in traumatic grief, PTSD and grief. I currently lead support groups for loved ones of homicide victims for both the state of Virginia, and Loudoun County, Virginia. I wrote my dissertation on the long-term effects of experiencing the traumatic death of an individual or loved one, with particular emphasis on loss by homicide and other sudden deaths. She has extensive experience working with the surviving family members of homicide victims.

I often use trained therapy dogs in my practice, as they serve as important companions and allow distressed clients to feel safe, comfortable and welcome. I maintain a 'dog-friendly' practice and usually brings my dogs to work daily.

Outside of private practice, I am an adjunct professor at George Mason University, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), and Lord Fairfax Community College.

I approach therapy from an eclectic and ecological orientation, based upon the client’s needs, while taking into account all the forces that influence development. My primary orientation is cognitive behavioral, though I also integrate interpersonal and dialectical behavioral techniques into practice. I have a strong background in developmental psychology, and presently teach that course to college students. With over 40 years of experience in the field of clinical psychology, I also use many techniques that have been developed for the treatment of trauma. My primary aim is to provide what the client needs to get better, and I will try different approaches to meet the needs of each individual client. As a life-long learner, I am constantly engaged in continuing education and am always learning about the latest approaches to psychological treatment to integrate into my work with clients.