Meet Dr. Christine Brendle
Many of you said, "I want to meet the people running things in our community." So, I’ll be sharing some of the incredible faces I’m meeting from time to time— meet Dr. Christine Brendle: 👇
Background:
👋: Originally from Colorado Springs, Christine’s path to psychology took shape early, solidified by an undergrad internship working with foster children in France. She went on to complete her PhD in Clinical Psychology, training across Chicago, and Baltimore before landing in Alexandria in 2018. “We moved to Alexandria in 2018 and started the business in 2019.” After supporting other practices in McLean, she opened her own private practice on North Washington Street, specializing in psychological testing for kids and teens. The move to Alexandria was part career, part lifestyle as her husband, a commercial pilot, needed to be near an airport, and they both fell in love with the walkability and charm of Old Town during a weekend getaway as newlyweds.
Insight:
💡: “One of the biggest misconceptions is that testing is just a quick checklist. But it’s not. Diagnoses like ADHD aren’t black and white, sometimes anxiety or reading difficulties can mimic attention issues. I look at the full picture to make sure families get the right answers, not just fast ones.”
Christine also shared an important nuance often overlooked: families can sit on either side of the stigma barbell. “Some fear getting a label, while others really want one. My role is to be the objective voice in the middle, to guide, not to rush.”
Food for thought:
🧠: Christine’s reports aren’t just thorough, they’re readable. “I spend a lot of time making sure that a parent, teacher, or pediatrician can glance through my reports and actually understand what’s going on with the child.” That clarity helps parents feel less overwhelmed and more empowered to act.
If you’ve ever felt confused navigating school accommodations or unsure whether your child needs more support, Christine’s work might be a good place to start. Her practice is intentionally small so she can be present with every family she serves.
Want to support? Head to their website here, or email them at christine@christinebrendlephd.com. You can even give a call at 571-748-7844 to learn more!
Thanks for reading!