My Background

At an early age, I became fascinated by people’s behavior and the many reasons we think, feel, and respond the way we do. My personal experience with grief and loss shaped that curiosity into a calling: to help people understand their pain, strengthen their relationships, and build emotional skills that support a more meaningful life.

Education and professional path

I received my Ph.D. from the University of Florida in counseling and counselor education in 2018. Before moving to the United States, I earned my Master’s of Social Psychology and candidate of psychological science in social psychology from Lomonosov Moscow State University. My professional background includes research, teaching, counseling, private practice, and public education through radio and community work.

My clinical training includes Family Systems, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Play Therapy, Theraplay, and Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR). These approaches allow me to support clients with practical tools as well as deeper emotional healing.

How I help

I work with adults, mothers, children, couples, families, and professionals navigating anxiety, trauma, anger, stress, parenting challenges, relationship concerns, and major life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that healing is possible when people feel safe, understood, and supported.

As someone with a multicultural background, I value the complexity of identity, family history, culture, and lived experience. I work with clients from many countries and communities, and I strive to create a space where each person can bring their full self into the work.

My philosophy

I believe therapy should help people feel less alone and more capable. Sometimes that means learning practical skills for emotion regulation. Sometimes it means processing trauma or grief. Sometimes it means changing patterns in relationships, parenting, work, or self-talk. Most often, it is a combination of all of these.

Whether we are working through anxiety, family stress, anger, trauma, or a difficult transition, my goal is to help you develop clarity, resilience, and a stronger sense of trust in yourself.

Dr. Prikhidko has dedicated her professional career to helping adults, mothers, children, couples, and families navigate mental health challenges, family dynamics, adjustment, trauma, and emotional development.