Amy Clay, LPC

02/20/2026

💕Couples that work with me face each other and use the 'Imago Dialogue', developed by Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt. I use this technique to help couples transform conflicts into opportunities for growth and understanding. This approach fosters a deeper appreciation for one another's perspectives through three essential stages: mirroring, validation, and empathy.
The 'Imago' concept, derived from the Latin word for 'image,' refers to the unconscious, composite image of caregivers that adults use to select partners.
The Imago theory suggests that the same dynamics that caused early attachment wounds can be utilized to heal them within a conscious, committed relationship.
The Imago Dialogue consists of three structured steps: mirroring, validation, and empathy. Other key principles of Imago include unconscious selection, where individuals are often drawn to partners who exhibit both the positive and negative traits of their childhood caregivers; conscious partnership, which involves moving from an unconscious, reactive relationship to one where both partners are aware of their triggers and growth needs; and safe conversations, where establishing safety is essential, as anxiety can hinder connection. 💕
If you are a client or clinician who wants to learn more about Imago, please reach out to me at amy@sunstonecounselers.com

02/17/2026

Love isn’t just the big moments. It’s the small, ordinary choices like sitting at the table together, listening when it’s hard, staying curious instead of defensive.

Relationships go through seasons. Some are light and connected, others feel distant or strained. Still choosing each other, even imperfectly, matters more than getting it right every time.

🧡 Ready to strengthen how you show up for each other? See our therapist bios and book today to begin.

https://sunstonecounselors.com/find-your-counselor/

02/11/2026

❄️ Jodie Burns successfully completed her onboarding at Sunstone Counseling as a new Resident in Counseling. The winter weather wasn’t didnt slow her foem a bit. I am thrilled to be her supervisor and welcome her to our Old Town Alexandria team.

With compassion and extensive experience, Jodie is ready to support individuals facing relationship struggles, anxiety, grief, or life transitions. She aims to be a trusted partner in exploring feelings of uncertainty, helping to build self-trust and foster compassionate relationships. Jodie is also excited to start working with couples. Her journey through various careers serving others has led her to her true calling in mental health. She brings clinical training and a rich array of life experiences that inform her empathetic approach. Her therapeutic style is warm and genuine, providing a safe space for clients to discover their authentic selves. With a holistic approach, each session is tailored to individual needs.

Outside of counseling, Jodie enjoys dancing, yoga, and planning her next adventure.

Please join me in welcoming our new counselor! We look forward to seeing her positive impact on the healing journeys of those she works with. ☀️

02/11/2026

02/10/2026

To kick off "Valentine's Day week," I am pleased to share these hand-painted stones crafted by a couple I work with, who have chosen these as their words for the year. Together, they dialogued in session about the importance of these words, both individually and in the context of their relationship. These stones grounded the couple to have a thoughtful, genuine, and heartfelt conversation, providing a deeper understanding of each other's worlds! 💗🙌💝 Since I "love love" 💘 so much, I am challenging myself to post about love and relationships this week, in hopes of spreading inspiration and insight to all. 💗

02/06/2026

☀️We at Sunstone Counseling are excited to have Caiti Baker, Graduate Intern, on our clinical team in our Falls Church office. Caitlin provides an inviting space for individuals to truly be themselves and provides a low fee of $85 per session.

With 13 years of experience as a Certified Peer Supporter, Caitlin understands the weight of stress and burnout. Her thoughtful, curious, and collaborative approach encourages reflection and meaningful progress tailored to each individual's pace. Whether you are a child, teen, adult, couple, or family, Caitlin's warm, non-judgmental demeanor creates a safe haven for healing and change. ☀️

We’re so excited to welcome Caitlin Baker, Graduate Intern, to the Sunstone Counseling family 🧡

Caitlin believes healing happens in connection, and that therapy should feel like a place where you can show up as you are and feel a little lighter once things are shared.

Her style is thoughtful, curious, and collaborative, creating space for reflection, meaning-making, and forward movement at a pace that feels right for each person.

With 13 years of experience as a Certified Peer Supporter in the federal government, Caitlin brings a deep understanding of stress, burnout, and feeling overwhelmed. She meets clients with warmth and without judgment, helping uncover what’s beneath the surface and reconnect with what matters most.

Outside the therapy room, Caitlin channels her creativity through painting, illustrating, writing, and tinkering. She also loves exploring the world through travel and time with family and friends.

Caitlin works with children, teens, adults, couples, and families in Falls Church and virtually across Virginia. ☀️

Book an appointment: https://sunstonecounselors.com/counselor/caitlin-baker/

01/29/2026

Mark your calendar for Friday, February 13th, for the “Share the Love” networking event cohosted by AMFM and Sunstone Counseling, where you can ignite meaningful connections, foster community, and spark collaboration with fellow mental health professionals. 🧡

💘 Two opportunities to join us:
• McLean: 9–11 AM
• Richmond: 2–4 PM

Please RSVP using the Eventbrite link for the location you plan to attend and feel free to share with colleagues who might love this too!

McLean RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/share-the-love-networking-event-tickets-1980375010968

Richmond RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/share-the-love-networking-event-tickets-1980094668456

01/26/2026

☀️Thank you for the spotlight Falls Church Chamber of Commerce! We have always valued being a member of this local chamber. It’s such a warm and wonderful community of business leaders! We are here to help all members of our community from the little kiddos, those amazing teens, emerging a young adults, couples and families. We are here for you Falls Church! ❄️🧡

This week's Member Monday highlight is Sunstone Counseling! ☀️

Sunstone Counseling offers high-quality and compassionate mental health therapy supporting all ages and stages of life. With a range of experienced counselors and price points, Sunstone sets itself apart by making mental health counseling accessible.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/45xPFD8!

01/26/2026

#6 Cooped up with your family ❄️ and you need to book a virtual appointment ASAP! 😆

Coming back to therapy doesn’t mean something went wrong. It often means you’re paying attention. New seasons, new stressors, and new goals are all valid reasons to check back in. 🧡

You don’t have to wait until things feel heavy to reach out. Support can be part of your rhythm, not just your emergency plan. ☀️

https://sunstonecounselors.com/

01/23/2026

☀️We are excited to welcome Paola
Paredes as Sunstone Counseling’s new Graduate Intern at our McLean office. Paola's client-centered, collaborative, and solution-focused approach to therapy makes her a valuable addition to our team.

Paola will be utilizing a variety of methodologies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), to help clients develop strong coping skills, enhance emotional awareness, and build confidence.

Paola is working towards a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University, which she is expected to complete in May 2027. She is supervised by Vanessa Cheshier, LCSW, C-DBT.

Paola's Areas of Expertise:
- Serving various age groups from small children to adults
- Specialties include anxiety, depression, trauma, family dynamics, and self-esteem
- Focused on enhancing emotional regulation, social skills, and coping strategies

We look forward to the positive impact Paola will have on our clients and the community. Please join us in welcoming her to Sunstone Counseling! ☀️

01/16/2026

The holidays packed up and left…
but your feelings didn’t get the memo.

If things feel a little heavier, quieter, or emotionally confusing right now, that’s more common than you think. Big seasons stir up big feelings, and they don’t vanish on January 1.

There’s no rush to “bounce back.”
Take your time. Be gentle with yourself.

We’re here when you’re ready. 🧡

https://sunstonecounselors.com/5-ways-family-therapy-can-reduce-holiday-stress-and-improve-connection/

01/14/2026

Everyone talks about fresh starts, but what if January feels more like a slow exhale?

Less noise can mean more space for emotions to show up. So, if this month feels heavier than you expected, you’re not alone. Sometimes awareness is the progress.

What’s been sitting with you lately? 🧡

sunstonecounselors.com