Amy Papinchak, Psy.D.

About

Dr. Amy Papinchak is a post-doctoral resident at Expand Psychology in Falls Church and Alexandria, Virginia. She provides therapeutic services to individuals across the lifespan, with a focus on creating a supportive, person-centered therapeutic environment. Dr. Papinchak emphasizes strong therapeutic alliances built on empathy and unconditional positive regard to help clients feel comfortable and understood. She focuses on helping clients be the best versions of themselves and reaching their full potential. 

Specialization

Dr. Papinchak specializes in working with children, teens, and young adults experiencing anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, stress, life transitions, emotional dysregulation, low self-esteem, selective mutism, and trauma. She uses an integrative approach that incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, attachment theory, and trauma-informed care. Her work is tailored to support the unique needs of each client across developmental stages.

Education, Training, and Professional Experience

Dr. Papinchak earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at Community Services Institute in Springfield, Massachusetts, and received postdoctoral training at the Capital Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the Washington, DC area. Her prior training included work with children and adults involved with the Florida Department of Children and Families, conducting developmental assessments for preschoolers in Miami-Dade County Head Start schools, and providing therapy in university, community mental health, and private practice settings.