Alan Pachter, LCSW

I believe, and have seen for myself, that the mind is the most powerful organ in our body as well as the most influential tool on our planet.  The type of therapy that I practice reflects that idea.  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the cornerstone of my work with my clients who choose individual therapy.  For couples I use Imago Relationship Therapy, and with families I use a blend of many perspectives, including behavioral and systems approaches.

Rule Number 1 for therapists: Never ask your client to do something you wouldn't be willing to do yourself.  The Imago Relationship Therapy that I practice in my office is the same that I use with my wife at home.  It also has applications at home with our daughter. 

Experience 

• I have been working with families and adolescents since 1989
  
• I have been at NOVA PSY since 1999.  I had done part-time outpatient private practice prior to that with Andy Mahoney and at the Recovery Center of Northern Virginia
  
• Prior to that I worked at the Inova Kellar Center in Fairfax, VA from 1994-1998.  The Kellar Center is the most complete outpatient treatment center for teens and families.
• In 1998 I took a brief break from full time face-to-face client contact so that I could work for Value Options as a phone-based clinician.  During that time I helped clients find insurance-based care, did crisis assessment and intervention and generally learned about managed care.  Always good to know your adversary.   During that year I also kept up my part-time private practice that I had with Andy and at RCNV.
• I started my career in 1989 at Boys Probation House, a residential facility run by the Fairfax County Juvenile Court.  I worked there until 1994.
  

Specialties 

I have extensive and ongoing training in Imago Relationship Therapy , a wonderful model of couples therapy. 

I also have training in Mood and Anxiety Disorders

I have extensive experience working with addictions, adolescents and issues of the gifted 

When I'm not at work...

I like to spend time with my wife, daughter, toddler son and our cat.  I enjoy playing popular and jazz music, playing and watching sports, going to the movies and various home improvement projects.  I love to learn continuously and I find that a good day is one where I can feel that I offered the world just a small portion of what it offers me in return.

If you click the pictures below, you'll get a little more info about what I do with music.