Self-Harming Therapists in 20036

Photo of Sarah Hershman, Psychologist in 20036, DC
Sarah Hershman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036  (Online Only)
As a clinical psychologist, my aim is to help clients resolve emotional and interpersonal conflicts, with the ultimate goal of improving functioning in all areas of life. I offer individual psychotherapy for adolescents and adults. I am particularly interested and skilled in helping adolescents and young adults work through issues related to development that often disrupt interpersonal relationships and goal-oriented behavior.
As a clinical psychologist, my aim is to help clients resolve emotional and interpersonal conflicts, with the ultimate goal of improving functioning in all areas of life. I offer individual psychotherapy for adolescents and adults. I am particularly interested and skilled in helping adolescents and young adults work through issues related to development that often disrupt interpersonal relationships and goal-oriented behavior.
(240) 219-8476 View (240) 219-8476
Photo of Jennifer Spatzer, Psychologist in 20036, DC
Jennifer Spatzer
Psychologist, PsyD, LCP
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
I have 10+ years of experience working with clients who are in the acute phase of psychosis or a mood episode as well as moderate and mild phases of mental health issues, major life stressors, challenges and transitions. I offer a collaborative approach to therapy and provide an environment of acceptance, warmth and respect that allows my clients to gain insight, self-efficacy, and empowerment while working toward an ultimate goal of well-being, growth and healing.
I have 10+ years of experience working with clients who are in the acute phase of psychosis or a mood episode as well as moderate and mild phases of mental health issues, major life stressors, challenges and transitions. I offer a collaborative approach to therapy and provide an environment of acceptance, warmth and respect that allows my clients to gain insight, self-efficacy, and empowerment while working toward an ultimate goal of well-being, growth and healing.
(202) 851-2776 View (202) 851-2776
Photo of Lenna Jawdat, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 20036, DC
Lenna Jawdat
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, EMDR-C, RYT200
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
I believe in our innate power to heal and grow from difficult life experiences. Whether you've experienced a trauma recently or many years ago, these experiences may continue to impact you in the present: physically, emotionally, psychologically and relationally. I offer a gentle, collaborative and affirming space to access and work through past events, however they show up, as well as for self-exploration and personal growth. I pay attention to the ways in which issues of identity (race, class, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, ability, size, etc.) may impact your experience. I am licensed in DC, CT, SC, DE.
I believe in our innate power to heal and grow from difficult life experiences. Whether you've experienced a trauma recently or many years ago, these experiences may continue to impact you in the present: physically, emotionally, psychologically and relationally. I offer a gentle, collaborative and affirming space to access and work through past events, however they show up, as well as for self-exploration and personal growth. I pay attention to the ways in which issues of identity (race, class, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, ability, size, etc.) may impact your experience. I am licensed in DC, CT, SC, DE.
(202) 838-4899 View (202) 838-4899
Photo of Samuel Chapman, Licensed Professional Counselor in 20036, DC
Samuel Chapman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036  (Online Only)
Suppose you are feeling overwhelming anxiety, experiencing depression, having difficulty handling your emotions, relationship issues, or having traumatic experiences and having trouble healthily coping with these experiences. In that case, I have extensive experience treating clients with all these issues and more. In a safe, confidential, and professional environment, I can help you explore the in-depth reasons you are experiencing these hardships and difficulties.
Suppose you are feeling overwhelming anxiety, experiencing depression, having difficulty handling your emotions, relationship issues, or having traumatic experiences and having trouble healthily coping with these experiences. In that case, I have extensive experience treating clients with all these issues and more. In a safe, confidential, and professional environment, I can help you explore the in-depth reasons you are experiencing these hardships and difficulties.
(202) 350-1864 View (202) 350-1864
Photo of Phalande Jean, Marriage & Family Therapist in 20036, DC
Phalande Jean
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LGPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036  (Online Only)
I see you. If you've made it here, you are searching for something and I am passionate about joining you at the core of the pain, in the middle of the mess, and within the distress. I aim to be a witness and to co-create a space where we can tap into your capacity to resist, rejoice, rest, and recharge.
I see you. If you've made it here, you are searching for something and I am passionate about joining you at the core of the pain, in the middle of the mess, and within the distress. I aim to be a witness and to co-create a space where we can tap into your capacity to resist, rejoice, rest, and recharge.
(202) 831-7967 View (202) 831-7967
Photo of Mengqi Li, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 20036, DC
Mengqi Li
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LGSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
Waitlist for new clients
No matter what has brought you to therapy, your experience is valid. I believe that even the most unlikeable, confusing, extreme parts of you have a wisdom to be understood, a protectiveness to be thanked, and a vulnerability to be seen and held. In my practice, I will seek to meet you exactly where you are, and together we can tend to the unique challenges in your life. My ultimate goal is for clients to uncover their essential self—to rediscover their own innate wisdom and strength that can face whatever life brings.
No matter what has brought you to therapy, your experience is valid. I believe that even the most unlikeable, confusing, extreme parts of you have a wisdom to be understood, a protectiveness to be thanked, and a vulnerability to be seen and held. In my practice, I will seek to meet you exactly where you are, and together we can tend to the unique challenges in your life. My ultimate goal is for clients to uncover their essential self—to rediscover their own innate wisdom and strength that can face whatever life brings.
(202) 360-4285 View (202) 360-4285
Photo of Umi Chong, Psychologist in 20036, DC
Umi Chong
Psychologist, PsyD, MS
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist trained at Harvard Medical School. Occasionally, we notice patterns of thinking, behaving, and experiencing others & ourselves, which can feel very familiar and frustrating. Or we can be hit by sudden life circumstances like loss, transition, identity shifts, or trauma that leave us feeling overwhelmed & scared, where existing strengths and coping skills are outstripped. Through a dynamic and collaborative process, I help patients understand & transform their old ways of being to feel more connected, renewed, and, ultimately, to better flourish in their relationships, work, and within themselves.
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist trained at Harvard Medical School. Occasionally, we notice patterns of thinking, behaving, and experiencing others & ourselves, which can feel very familiar and frustrating. Or we can be hit by sudden life circumstances like loss, transition, identity shifts, or trauma that leave us feeling overwhelmed & scared, where existing strengths and coping skills are outstripped. Through a dynamic and collaborative process, I help patients understand & transform their old ways of being to feel more connected, renewed, and, ultimately, to better flourish in their relationships, work, and within themselves.
(202) 838-7793 View (202) 838-7793
Photo of Julie Mitchell, Licensed Professional Counselor in 20036, DC
Julie Mitchell
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
Welcome! My primary goal as a therapist is to help you feel safe and comfortable exploring your concerns and challenges with me. Therapy can be both a difficult and rewarding endeavor, and I feel lucky to get to share with my clients in their fears, hopes, and joys. My hope is to help you feel comfortable and understood in delving into your own life and identifying areas where you wish for change. In my practice, I integrate elements of mindfulness, humanistic, and psychodynamic therapies to help you find new ways to relate to difficult emotions.
Welcome! My primary goal as a therapist is to help you feel safe and comfortable exploring your concerns and challenges with me. Therapy can be both a difficult and rewarding endeavor, and I feel lucky to get to share with my clients in their fears, hopes, and joys. My hope is to help you feel comfortable and understood in delving into your own life and identifying areas where you wish for change. In my practice, I integrate elements of mindfulness, humanistic, and psychodynamic therapies to help you find new ways to relate to difficult emotions.
(202) 813-1656 View (202) 813-1656
Photo of Duncan Price, Licensed Professional Counselor in 20036, DC
Duncan Price
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
My goal is to create a safe and accepting environment that allows us to better explore the issues you are facing. I believe that one of the most important elements of counseling is the therapeutic relationship. I value a trusting, open, and interactive relationship that allows us to improve insight into your struggles and issues, and develop a plan for recovery and healing.
My goal is to create a safe and accepting environment that allows us to better explore the issues you are facing. I believe that one of the most important elements of counseling is the therapeutic relationship. I value a trusting, open, and interactive relationship that allows us to improve insight into your struggles and issues, and develop a plan for recovery and healing.
(202) 601-3836 View (202) 601-3836
Photo of Catherine Grothus, Licensed Professional Counselor in 20036, DC
Catherine Grothus
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CST, CAC-I
Verified Verified
16 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
I believe that each and every one of us has a truth, and that discussing those truths can be both a powerful and a painful experience. As a therapist, I am honored to help individuals uncover and rediscover what brings fulfillment, meaning, and connection with themselves and others.
I believe that each and every one of us has a truth, and that discussing those truths can be both a powerful and a painful experience. As a therapist, I am honored to help individuals uncover and rediscover what brings fulfillment, meaning, and connection with themselves and others.
(202) 932-6588 View (202) 932-6588
Photo of Jocelyn V Vara, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 20036, DC
Jocelyn V Vara
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
Are you standing at a crossroads tempted to turn around because you're not sure how to take your next step? Do the "what if" scenarios that cycle through your mind make it difficult for you to make decisions and fall asleep at night? Do you feel stuck daydreaming of the life you want certain that it will only ever be a place you imagine? Does all of this make it hard to get out of bed some days, full of dread when you finally do, and likely to isolate from those you love?
Are you standing at a crossroads tempted to turn around because you're not sure how to take your next step? Do the "what if" scenarios that cycle through your mind make it difficult for you to make decisions and fall asleep at night? Do you feel stuck daydreaming of the life you want certain that it will only ever be a place you imagine? Does all of this make it hard to get out of bed some days, full of dread when you finally do, and likely to isolate from those you love?
(202) 946-5059 View (202) 946-5059
Photo of Elizabeth Tschoegl, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 20036, DC
Elizabeth Tschoegl
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MSW, MSc
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
Finding a therapist can be tough. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed. Maybe life has thrown more at you than you think you can handle, or your usual coping strategies are failing. Using humor and a collaborative approach, we can tackle these challenges together. Drawing on your own innate resilience and capacity to change, I hope to give confidence to the belief that change is possible and that you can feel better.
Finding a therapist can be tough. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed. Maybe life has thrown more at you than you think you can handle, or your usual coping strategies are failing. Using humor and a collaborative approach, we can tackle these challenges together. Drawing on your own innate resilience and capacity to change, I hope to give confidence to the belief that change is possible and that you can feel better.
(202) 618-3044 View (202) 618-3044
Photo of Daniela Vias, Counselor in 20036, DC
Daniela Vias
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036  (Online Only)
I work closely and collaboratively with you to explore emotions, process difficult experiences, identify feelings, and develop the skills you need to make effective changes. We will work together to establish the best course of treatment to meet your goals and needs. I help clients identify their problematic thinking patterns, develop coping mechanisms, and understand how past experiences affect their current functioning. I value the transformative nature of a strong therapeutic relationship. I have paired my passion for helping others and experience with multicultural and diverse populations into my counseling approach.
I work closely and collaboratively with you to explore emotions, process difficult experiences, identify feelings, and develop the skills you need to make effective changes. We will work together to establish the best course of treatment to meet your goals and needs. I help clients identify their problematic thinking patterns, develop coping mechanisms, and understand how past experiences affect their current functioning. I value the transformative nature of a strong therapeutic relationship. I have paired my passion for helping others and experience with multicultural and diverse populations into my counseling approach.
(202) 949-5841 View (202) 949-5841
Photo of Ariel VanDoren, Licensed Professional Counselor in 20036, DC
Ariel VanDoren
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
Therapy is a choice that may allow for insight, personal awareness and change. Therapy allows you to increase self-awareness so that you can be accountable for you thoughts, feelings, and actions and learn to avoid triggering situations, unhelpful patterns of behavior and overcome challenges you are facing. I firmly believe in a person's potential for growth by integrating aspects of their past into the present in an effort to heal. As you learn to externalize parts of your self, it is my hope that you become more comfortable with vulnerability and present in your daily life.
Therapy is a choice that may allow for insight, personal awareness and change. Therapy allows you to increase self-awareness so that you can be accountable for you thoughts, feelings, and actions and learn to avoid triggering situations, unhelpful patterns of behavior and overcome challenges you are facing. I firmly believe in a person's potential for growth by integrating aspects of their past into the present in an effort to heal. As you learn to externalize parts of your self, it is my hope that you become more comfortable with vulnerability and present in your daily life.
(202) 471-1507 View (202) 471-1507
Photo of Sarah Holland, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 20036, DC
Sarah Holland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036  (Online Only)
I am currently accepting new clients for daytime, virtual sessions. I help young adults process the unique challenges of their age, tame their inner critic and self-doubt, and heal from trauma. Together we will get really curious about what makes you tick and how your current patterns and coping mechanisms came to be. We can work through trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, shame and guilt, decision making, emotional regulation, feeling lost or purposeless, and building tangible coping skills. I utilize principles of Internal Family Systems, psychodynamic, somatic, and mindfulness-based therapies in my work.
I am currently accepting new clients for daytime, virtual sessions. I help young adults process the unique challenges of their age, tame their inner critic and self-doubt, and heal from trauma. Together we will get really curious about what makes you tick and how your current patterns and coping mechanisms came to be. We can work through trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, shame and guilt, decision making, emotional regulation, feeling lost or purposeless, and building tangible coping skills. I utilize principles of Internal Family Systems, psychodynamic, somatic, and mindfulness-based therapies in my work.
(202) 890-1828 View (202) 890-1828
Photo of John W Cornelius, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 20036, DC
John W Cornelius
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, MSW, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
I help individuals work on life issues tied to anxiety and depression, relationship difficulties, stress symptoms tied to childhood trauma, and families struggling with behavioral challenges. I teach communication skills that help with difficult relationships. These skills include helping my clients improve their power, voice, and contact with significant others. I employ many approaches in psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, gestalt, somatic experiencing (SE), accelerated experiential dynamic (AEDP), cognitive behavioral (CBT) and emotionally focused couples therapy (EFT).
I help individuals work on life issues tied to anxiety and depression, relationship difficulties, stress symptoms tied to childhood trauma, and families struggling with behavioral challenges. I teach communication skills that help with difficult relationships. These skills include helping my clients improve their power, voice, and contact with significant others. I employ many approaches in psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, gestalt, somatic experiencing (SE), accelerated experiential dynamic (AEDP), cognitive behavioral (CBT) and emotionally focused couples therapy (EFT).
(202) 600-9053 View (202) 600-9053
Photo of Nickesha Riggins, Licensed Professional Counselor in 20036, DC
Nickesha Riggins
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036  (Online Only)
Do you notice unhealthy patterns in your relationships? Do you find it difficult to build or maintain close relationships. Do your feelings and behaviors match your intentions? Lets work together, to uncover and more deeply understand how your past has brought you to this point. Through my relational approach, you’ll grow in your ability to heal from deep hurts and set strong healthy boundaries. I will work to understand you: your culture, faith, and generational trauma/family history to help you with depression, anxiety and challenging stages of life.
Do you notice unhealthy patterns in your relationships? Do you find it difficult to build or maintain close relationships. Do your feelings and behaviors match your intentions? Lets work together, to uncover and more deeply understand how your past has brought you to this point. Through my relational approach, you’ll grow in your ability to heal from deep hurts and set strong healthy boundaries. I will work to understand you: your culture, faith, and generational trauma/family history to help you with depression, anxiety and challenging stages of life.
(202) 875-6042 View (202) 875-6042
Photo of Sara Petrasso, Psychologist in 20036, DC
Sara Petrasso
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
I work with individuals who feel their lives are hindered by unwanted or distressing feelings, or self-defeating patterns of behavior, and who experience depression, anxiety, anger, low self esteem, compulsive or impulsive behaviors, or relationship difficulties. By establishing more effective coping skills and responses, positive changes can develop and lead to a greater sense of fulfillment. I approach each individual treatment collaboratively, exploring the foundation of the problem, identifying problematic patterns, and then developing treatment goals tailored to the unique needs of each individual client.
I work with individuals who feel their lives are hindered by unwanted or distressing feelings, or self-defeating patterns of behavior, and who experience depression, anxiety, anger, low self esteem, compulsive or impulsive behaviors, or relationship difficulties. By establishing more effective coping skills and responses, positive changes can develop and lead to a greater sense of fulfillment. I approach each individual treatment collaboratively, exploring the foundation of the problem, identifying problematic patterns, and then developing treatment goals tailored to the unique needs of each individual client.
(202) 618-5571 View (202) 618-5571
Photo of Lillian DePetrillo, Psychologist in 20036, DC
Lillian DePetrillo
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who sees adolescent and adult clients for individual and couples therapy. I take an integrative CBT approach utilizing empirically supported treatments and focus on mood and anxiety disorders with specific clinical and research interests in trauma, OCD, and mindfulness meditation. I specialize in treating eating disorders, body image, and self-esteem concerns. Therapy is a collaborative approach- with kindness and compassion we build trust and work together as a team to relieve symptoms and meet your goals for therapy.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who sees adolescent and adult clients for individual and couples therapy. I take an integrative CBT approach utilizing empirically supported treatments and focus on mood and anxiety disorders with specific clinical and research interests in trauma, OCD, and mindfulness meditation. I specialize in treating eating disorders, body image, and self-esteem concerns. Therapy is a collaborative approach- with kindness and compassion we build trust and work together as a team to relieve symptoms and meet your goals for therapy.
(202) 978-6731 View (202) 978-6731
Photo of Corene Alvarado, Psychologist in 20036, DC
Corene Alvarado
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
Therapy can empower you to cope with and improve a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, relationships, loss, low self-esteem, past trauma, identity issues, and insecurities. My gentle, strengths-based approach will help you recognize the best in yourself and tolerate difficult feelings, while promoting changes in your life. I have a nonjudgmental attitude and appreciate each individual's cultural, spiritual, and family backgrounds. My style is collaborative and respectful; together we will consider how experiences from the past intersect with the present and focus on what is most meaningful to you now.
Therapy can empower you to cope with and improve a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, relationships, loss, low self-esteem, past trauma, identity issues, and insecurities. My gentle, strengths-based approach will help you recognize the best in yourself and tolerate difficult feelings, while promoting changes in your life. I have a nonjudgmental attitude and appreciate each individual's cultural, spiritual, and family backgrounds. My style is collaborative and respectful; together we will consider how experiences from the past intersect with the present and focus on what is most meaningful to you now.
(202) 858-3165 View (202) 858-3165
Self-Harming Therapists

How does therapy for self-harm work?

A person may turn to self-injury so that they can distract themselves from their stress, depression, anxiety, or upsetting circumstances. Therapy can address the cause of an individual’s suffering. A therapist can help a person understand why they may want to self-harm and help the person learn new methods of coping. A person may have poor emotion regulation, and treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is helpful for breaking this behaviour. In addition, treatment such as dialectical behavior therapy can help a person manage their tolerance of distress.

Which therapies are best for self-harm?

Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic, and mentalisation-based therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies are common approaches for people who have painful thoughts and past traumas. These therapies help an individual cope with distress, regulate emotions, and manage impulsive urges.

Does the tendency to self-harm mean the person is suicidal?

Having this urge does not mean the individual suffers from suicidal ideation. People who want to self-injure look to distract or alleviate themselves from the pain they are experiencing. People with suicidal tendencies want to end life altogether. However, this does not mean a person with the intent to self-harm will not attempt suicide.

How often and how long are therapy sessions for self-harm?

As with any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Clients may see improvement within 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, while others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, maybe, a six-month period. People, especially those with co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety, may need to continue therapy for up to 12 to 18 months.