Irene Ilachinski, LCSW, TIRF-C

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My Philosophy:

Your Goals, Your Space

I believe that what you are going through is entirely unique to you. My primary goal is to provide a safe, judgment-free space where you can voice your struggles and feel truly heard. I tailor my work around your specific therapy goals rather than imposing my own assumptions.

Early in my career, I realized that general talk therapy wasn't always enough to help people escape the feeling of being "stuck" in their distress. To provide deeper relief, I pursued targeted trauma training. I specialize in Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR), Somatic Experiencing, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). These effective modalities help clients reprocess trauma, manage stress, and find balance—even if they do not explicitly identify as having trauma.

Lived Experience with Life's Transitions

My work is deeply informed by my clinical background and my personal life journey.

  • The "Sandwich Generation": As a parent of two adult children who has also navigated supporting aging parents (including a parent with dementia), I understand the overwhelming pressures of caring for everyone else while maintaining your own life.

  • Systems of Aging: My past work with a local DHS Aging and Adult Services Department gave me the professional tools to navigate these transitions, but living through it taught me the ultimate value of self-compassion and healthy boundaries.

We are all interdependent, but independence does not mean managing everything in isolation. I am deeply committed to your healing journey.

Credentials:

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker: Practicing psychotherapist since 2006.

    VA license #0904006259

    MD license #34067

  • Certified TIR Facilitator: Certified Traumatic Incident Reduction Facilitator since 2022.

  • Education: Master of Social Work from the National Catholic School of Social Service. (Note: I am not Catholic, but I remain strictly person-centered and sensitive to all belief systems).

Professional Affiliations:

Greater Washington Society for Clinical Social Work Member.

NASW Member.

Northern Virginia Professional Liaison Association Member.

Trauma Therapist Network Member.

Traumatic Incident Reduction Association: Member, Certified Facilitator since 2022.

More Than Words Podcast, Reading and Language Learner Center: Featured Speaker on June 26, 2024 Episode, “Moms with ADHD”