Guiding Your Path to Inner Peace

Welcome! 

I am so happy you are here! I am a licensed clinical social worker serving Virginia and DC. For over 25 years, I have worked with children, adolescents, young adults, adults, parents, and families. I am passionate about helping others and supporting my community through connection, growth, and an authentic, nurturing approach.

I am a native Alexandrian and earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. I began my career as a therapist just months after 9/11, working with youth and families in Alexandria. This early experience, shaped by the tragedy and the proximity to the Nation’s Capital, sparked my interest in crisis management, stress management, and developing coping skills.

I later found my professional home in pediatric oncology, where I spent 20 years supporting patients, families, and medical staff navigating childhood cancer. These experiences strengthened my clinical skills and deepened my passion for improving lives. Supporting patients, caregivers, and loved ones through a cancer diagnosis taught me about the fragility of life, the value of time, and the importance of strong support systems. I learned to hold space through crisis, grief, and celebration—finding strength through hope, faith, mindfulness, and human connection.

These experiences inspired the creation of Anne Carlson Schirmer, LLC, where I now offer in-person and telehealth therapy for adults seeking support.