Breakup and Divorce Counseling in Washington DC

You’ve been thinking about your last breakup. There’s still anger and resentment, but what’s hardest is the fear that you may never feel safe opening up to someone again. The pain from these cycles of hurt and disappointment is wearing you down, leaving you questioning whether healthy love is even possible. Despite knowing the separation was for the best, you find yourself missing your ex, replaying memories, and feeling a bond that’s hard to shake. You’re worried you might fall back into the same patterns.

When past traumas resurface in unexpected flashbacks, it can be overwhelming, even as you try hard to move forward and keep yourself busy. Most people in your life may not know just how much self-doubt you’re carrying day to day. Outwardly, you may seem accomplished, but inside, it feels like a different story—an ongoing struggle to find peace and trust in yourself. You’re often afraid of rejection, going out of your way to keep others happy, but too often neglecting your own needs. Sometimes, you open up too quickly and feel hurt; other times, you don’t let anyone in and miss out on the good. You’re tired of feeling like you can’t trust your own judgment. It’s difficult to set boundaries, especially with a partner, and you’re exhausted by relationships that end painfully.

You are ready for a real change

You’ve tried some self-care and some personal growth work without much success. Furthermore, you aren’t sure exactly what you need, but you know it’s time to try something new, to face these feelings, even though it feels daunting to explore what’s beneath the surface. That is why you are considering Therapy.

What You are looking for

Seeking a therapist can be a frustrating journey. When you search for “relationship issues,” you mostly find couples therapy, which isn’t what you’re looking for right now. You’re ready to focus on yourself—to understand and heal from your past adverse experiences and relationship patterns. You want individual therapy to gain closure on your past and process your relationship history and any lingering painful memories. Not only that, but you’re looking for someone who understands trauma, relationships, and sexuality, who can guide you compassionately and without judgment, but who will also help you get to the root of these issues so you can finally move forward.

I’m glad you found me in your search—you're in the right place  

My name is Maria Antonia Alfonso,

I am a counselor licensed in DC, Virginia and Florida, and I Can Help.

Currently, I offer individual therapy via telehealth. Limited in-person appointments available in Washington DC office

I help adults who are tired of repetitive cycles of relationship struggles find closure and reinvent themselves after a breakup, separation, or divorce. My clients experience post-traumatic growth around their relationship traumas as we move through the therapeutic process. I provide a safe space to address painful memories, including concerns related to sexual health and wellness. I believe that the things we’re most hesitant to talk about are often the things we need to address the most. However, I’ll ensure that we first establish a foundation of coping skills and grounding resources to support you along the way.

My approach to trauma processing focuses on resolving specific incidents. I have specialized training in TIR (Trauma Incident Reduction), which I integrate with other techniques depending on your unique needs. I also involve my clients in co-creating their treatment plans with me. My approach includes body and sensory awareness, with an emphasis on building resilience and uncovering personal strengths. With over 30 years of experience in sexual health clinics, I have developed expertise in these areas. I also help clients work toward balanced lives that include sexual wellness, pleasure, safety, and healthy, fulfilling relationships.

I bring multicultural sensitivity and competence, especially in working with individuals from minority backgrounds. My practice is inclusive of people from diverse ethnicities, lifestyles, and backgrounds, including Latinx, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Recently, I’ve focused on working with women.

Contact me for a free virtual consultation for counseling

I know it can feel like a big step to contact a counselor, but I’ll make it easy. I provide an initial 30-minute virtual consultation free of charge. Schedule it directly here or send a text to 202-716-9409.

We’ll spend 30-minutes discussing what you are looking for, and I will let you know how or if I can help. If we are not the right match, I’ll do my best to get you to the right person.

Contact me for your free consultation for online counseling if you live in DC, Virginia or Florida. My specialties include relationships, breakups, sexual health, living with HIV/AIDS, trauma and PTSD.