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Education: Doctorate of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Internship: Manhattan Psychiatric Center
Fellowship: Metropolitan Psychological Services & Virginia Therapy and Wellness
Specialties: Complex Trauma, Emotion Regulation, Self Harm & Suicidality, Attachment, Disordered Eating, Shame & Self Esteem, Psychosis, Dissociation
Populations: Adults (18-55); LGBTQ+, BIPOC
Dr. Aaliyah Gibbons, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Virginia and Psypact Participating States
Guiding Principles
Dr. Gibbons believes that healing is not about erasing the past. It's about understanding where you have been so you can start moving forward and living a life that feels fulfilling and whole. In her work, Dr. G has seen that people grow best when they feel safe enough to be themselves and are supported as they navigate hardship. As such, she creates an environment where every client is safe to be themselves and share their story. In doing so, clients can find steadiness, self- compassion, and renewed confidence in the present.
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Dr. G's philosophy is shaped by her clinical experience and her own journey with healing from trauma and chronic illness. She understands that experiencing pain is a part of being human but that there is power in naming the pain and learning the right tools to cope.
How She Works
As a provider, Dr. G is warm and compassionate. She combines honesty, humor, and practicality to help clients process experiences and learn skills to use in everyday practice. No matter the service, your work with Dr. G moves according to a pace that works well for you. Taking a trauma-informed approach to care, Dr. G helps you create safety, heal your nervous system, and create new patterns of interacting with the world. She is passionate about incorporating holistic wellness practices into her work and invites clients to bring all aspects of their identity into their healing and wellness journeys.
Additional Educational & Professional Experience
Dr. Gibbons received her bachelor's degree in biology and interdisciplinary social science from Clarkson University. She then pursued her master's and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Her clinical experiences range from settings like:
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- Criminal Justice and Forensic Programs
- Inpatient Psychiatric Facilities ​
- Private Practice Settings
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Besides clinical work, Dr. Gibbons teaches various diversity courses at the graduate level. She conducts research on the biopsychosocial implications of trauma and is an avid writer, publishing various academic and creative writing pieces. ​
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Specialized Training
Dr. Gibbons is committed to trauma-informed, evidence-based practice and mind-body integration. As such, she holds additional trainings in the following areas:
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- Advanced training in CBT, DBT, IFS, and somatic therapies
- Ongoing training toward Certified Clinical Trauma Professional-Level 2 (CCTP-II)
- Ongoing training toward Certified Yoga Instructor
What Clients Can Expect
Therapy with Dr. Gibbons is steady, reflective, and deeply human. Clients can expect:
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- Space to feel safe with their emotions
- Practical tools to grounding and emotional regulation
- Curiosity instead of shame or judgement
- Collaboration instead of pressure
- Support in learning skills to accomplish your goals
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At Ancora Psychological Services, healing and growth are not about perfection. They're about learning new ways to meet your pain, honor your story, and change your life.