Professional Background

I’m Anita Madhava, a holistic therapist at Path to Peace Psychotherapy in Reston, Virginia. My path into this work has grown from a deep interest in people: their resilience, their stories, and the ways we heal through connection.

I work with children, parents, adolescents, and adults, tailoring my approach to where each person is in their life and what they need in the moment. I integrate evidence-based and holistic modalities, including CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), somatic approaches, mindfulness, and relational work. I also incorporate nervous system–focused practices to support regulation and integration.

I support individuals navigating stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and life transitions, as well as those experiencing a quieter sense of disconnection from themselves or others. I pay close attention to how these experiences show up in the nervous system; whether as overwhelm, shutdown, restlessness, or feeling stuck and we work together to build awareness, regulation, and a sense of internal safety.

One area of my work that feels especially meaningful is supporting children. I have a natural ability to connect with kids and create a space where they feel comfortable, understood, and free to be themselves. Children often communicate their experiences through play, creativity, behavior, and relationships rather than words alone, and I enjoy meeting them in those spaces with curiosity, warmth, and respect. My approach helps children feel safe enough to express difficult emotions, build confidence, develop coping skills, and strengthen their connection with the important adults in their lives. Whether a child is struggling with anxiety, emotional regulation, life transitions, social challenges, or simply needs additional support, I work to help them feel seen, empowered, and capable of growth.

I help parents build calmer, more connected relationships with their kids by offering practical tools, emotional insight, and clear strategies for navigating everyday challenges. I support caregivers in understanding their child’s behavior, responding with confidence rather than reactivity, and fostering trust, communication, and resilience - turning difficult moments into meaningful opportunities for growth and connection. This has been a passion of mine long before I became a therapist.

Alongside my clinical training, I hold an advanced certificate in Yoga and Meditation, with a specialization in Cancer Yoga and Yoga Nidra (non-sleep deep relaxation). This training continues to inform my work, particularly in supporting nervous system regulation, mind-body awareness, and deeper states of rest and healing.

Alongside my clinical work, I’ve worked in education, volunteered with Crisis Text Line, continue to teach chair yoga to seniors in community settings, and support individuals through oncology yoga and mindfulness-based practices. These experiences continue to shape my understanding of how stress and trauma are held not only in the mind, but in the body.

Approach to Treatment

At the heart of my work is listening with genuine care and unconditional positive regard—fully hearing your story and recognizing patterns over time, not just symptoms in isolation. I take a client-centered approach and believe there is no one-size-fits-all path to healing.

I view healing as something that becomes possible when we feel safe enough both emotionally and within our nervous system to be fully seen and understood without judgment, especially in the parts of ourselves that feel hardest to face. From that place, change can emerge in a more meaningful and lasting way.

My style is gentle, grounded, and present. I bring compassion and honesty into the work, and will gently challenge patterns that may be keeping you stuck, always moving at a pace that feels manageable for you.

‍ ‍Certifications/Education/Licensure

I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I am currently a Resident in Counseling licensed to practice in Virginia and a certified Yoga and Meditation Teacher.  I serve as faculty with the Practice of Medicine program at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

A Bit About Me

I have been a Northern Virginia native for most of my life and am a mother of three children. Some days, you might find me wandering through art galleries and museums, enjoying unstructured moments of curiosity and exploration.

I also enjoy writing, listening to music, spending time in nature, or streaming shows when I need to recharge. I’m currently teaching myself to play the tongue drum, which has become a grounding and calming practice for me.

Anita provides therapy under the clinical supervision of Candice Arnold, LPC, LSATP.