Read More of Our Posts

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  How to Spot When Your Therapy Needs a Reset (and What to Do About It)
  by Kim Rippy, LPC
  Have you ever reached a point in therapy where it feels like you’re not making progress anymore? You’re not alone. Hitting a plateau is a natural part of the healing process — and often a sign you’ve grown more self-aware. In this post, we’ll explore how to refresh your therapy journey, realign your goals, and reignite meaningful change with your therapist’s support.
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  What Does It Really Mean to Be an Authentic Therapist?
  by Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT
  What does it mean to be an authentic therapist? Beyond caring for clients, authenticity is about showing up as your full, imperfect self—balancing empathy, honesty, and humanity in the therapy room. Kaitlyn, LMFT at Keystone Therapy Group, explores how embracing authenticity can transform both therapy and supervision.
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  11 Reasons Why Fall is the Best Time to Start Therapy
  by Kim Rippy, LPC
  As days grow shorter and routines settle, fall can be the ideal season to begin therapy. From lower session cost (thanks to met deductibles) to preparing your mental health before winter, here are the top reasons to start in the fall — and how Keystone can support you.
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  How to Safely Use AI in Therapy (and When to Avoid It)
  by Kim Rippy, LPC
  AI can be a powerful tool for mental health support – but only when used safely. This guide from Keystone Therapy Group explores how clients and therapists can integrate AI responsibly without losing the heart of therapy: genuine human connection. Learn what to use AI for, what to avoid, and why real therapy still matters most.
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  5 Ways to Overcome Imposter Syndrome as a Therapist
  by Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT
  Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re unqualified – it means you care and you’re still growing. These 5 simple strategies can help therapists quiet the inner critic and step more confidently into the therapy room.
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  Top 10 Reasons Why People Quit Therapy (And What to Do Instead)
  by Kim Rippy, LPC
  Many people start therapy with hope, only to stop when challenges like cost, lack of connection with a therapist, or slow progress set in. But ending therapy too soon often means missing out on real healing. In this post, we’ll explore the top reasons people stop going to therapy and share what to do instead—whether that means finding the right therapist fit, trying deeper approaches beyond CBT, or exploring flexible options like virtual and in-person sessions. At Keystone Therapy Group, we specialize in trauma therapy, anxiety treatment, and relationship counseling, helping clients in Northern Virginia and across the state build lasting change.
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  When Choosing Authenticity Feels Harder Than It Should As A Therapist
  by Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT
  Authenticity in therapy isn’t about being perfect—it’s about compassion, growth, and showing up as human. Discover how embracing imperfection can help therapists and clients build deeper, more genuine connections.
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  Anxiety, Stress, and Perfectionism: Breaking the Cycle and Finding Balance
  by Kim Rippy, LPC
  Anxiety, stress, and perfectionism often feed into each other, creating a cycle that feels impossible to break. At Keystone Therapy Group, we help clients untangle these patterns with proven, personalized approaches like CBT, EFT, and ACT. Whether you’re constantly on edge, mentally exhausted, or trapped in unrealistic expectations, our therapists offer tools and support to help you find balance, build resilience, and reclaim your peace of mind — without having to go through it alone.
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  Finding Balance in Therapy: Quality vs. Accessibility
  by Kim Rippy, LPC
  High-quality therapy often comes with a premium price tag, while affordable care can lack experience. Learn how Keystone Therapy Group offers both — through advanced licensed therapists and well-supported residents — to give you options that don’t sacrifice care.
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  BetterHelp, TalkSpace, and ChatGPT: How Big Tech and AI Are Changing Therapy – And Why It Matters
  by Kim Rippy, LPC
  As therapy shifts toward tech platforms and AI tools, many clients are left wondering: Is this still real therapy? This post dives into the ethical concerns and explains why working with a trusted, local therapist makes all the difference.
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  Understanding and Healing Trauma: A Guide to Recovery
  by Kim Rippy, LPC
  Trauma can leave deep emotional wounds—but healing is possible. In this post, we explore what trauma is, how therapy can help, and how to take the first step toward recovery with the support of Keystone Therapy Group in Virginia.
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  5 Ways to Fight for Who You Are as a Queer Person of Color
  by Essie Bent, LPC-R
  Too often, we silence our truth to keep the peace—especially when we hold identities that are misunderstood or marginalized. But what’s the cost of constantly shrinking yourself to fit into spaces that weren’t made for your fullness? This post explores the emotional and physical toll of self-erasure, particularly for queer people of color, and offers empowering steps to reclaim your voice, take up space, and live authentically—without apology.
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  8 Things Your Therapist Wants You to Know
  by Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT
  Have you ever left a therapy session wondering what your therapist is really thinking? You’re not alone. In this post, we’re pulling back the curtain to share what truly goes on in a therapist’s mind—from how deeply we care about you, to the pride we feel in your growth, to why we secretly love hearing all the tea.
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  Stressed But Coping: Why You Still Might Need Therapy
  by Kim Rippy, LPC
  You might be managing your responsibilities, but constant stress can take a hidden toll on your well-being. Discover why high-functioning stress often goes unnoticed and how therapy can help you regain balance and thrive, even when you’re “holding it together.”
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  3 Things You Can Start Doing Now to Improve Communication
  by Kaitlyn Steel, LMFT
  Struggling to communicate with your partner? You’re not alone. Many couples come to therapy feeling unheard, misunderstood, or stuck in constant conflict. The good news? Change is possible. By shifting your perspective, recognizing your own patterns, and practicing vulnerability, you can transform the way you and your partner connect. In this post, we’ll explore three essential strategies to help you navigate difficult conversations and build a stronger, more understanding relationship.
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  Navigating Therapy: Finding the Right Therapist
  by Kim Rippy, LPC
  With so many options available to start therapy, the search process can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you navigate the journey of finding the therapist who best fits your needs.

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