Karen Zagayko, Ph.D.

practice

Dr. Zagayko is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who provides therapy to children, adolescents and families who are dealing with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety and behavioral problems. She helps parents learn more effective ways to nurture and promote their children’s emotional and psychosocial development based upon the latest brain science.  

Dr. Zagayko works with adults to help them integrate their mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Depending on the interests and needs of her clients, she uses a variety of modalities including traditional approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy as well as alternative approaches such as mindfulness, breathing techniques, mandala drawings and Guided Imagery and Music (GIM).

Dr. Zagayko also conducts psychological and educational evaluations for children with all types of learning obstacles and ADHD. The goal is to provide parents with better understanding of their child’s unique pattern of strengths and weaknesses as well as information about learning strategies that will promote the child’s learning potential.

education & experience

Dr. Zagayko graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. She obtained her Ph.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University, and then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children (VTCC) at the Medical College of Virginia, where she had also completed her internship. 

While at VTCC, Dr. Zagayko became interested in the power of music and art in the healing process. Over the next 10 years, she gained training and experience in the Bonny Method of Music and Imagery (GIM). She is a Fellow with the Association of Music and Imagery. GIM is a transformational therapy using music to help clients integrate all aspects of themselves. Dr. Zagayko also uses art therapy techniques such as mandala drawings and MARI assessments to help clients gain further insight and healing. 

Following her fellowship, Dr. Zagayko worked for six years at Henrico Mental Health, where she provided therapy and conducted psychological evaluations for a wide variety of clients. Dr. Zagayko worked for a private practice in Fredericksburg for several years before joining WFP nine years ago. Over time, Dr. Zagayko has become increasingly interested in the power and efficacy of mindfulness and breathing approaches.

Dr. Zagayko lives with her husband, two children and their cat, Socks.