Therapists in Washington, DC

Are you in an unhealthy relationship? Is it hard for you to set boundaries with significant others? Do you have difficulty making decisions? Doubting yourself or feeling like an imposter can make tough times (and difficult decisions) even tougher. I can help you explore and develop a greater understanding and appreciation of your authentic self. Our bodies do keep the score, so it’s vital to connect mind and body. Unprocessed trauma can block that connection. Once our nervous system is regulated, everything seems to fall into place: Anxiety decreases, as does pain perception, while cognitive and creative capabilities increase.

I believe that by mastering our past we have the power to change our future. I use integrative approaches to assist clients with identifying their strengths and overcoming barriers that are impeding their happiness and emotional well being. I firmly believe that if we change our thoughts we can change our lives and my goal is to assist you through the process to lasting change.

At its core, therapy is a conversation. Like a greenhouse, this specially crafted conversation we call “therapy” aims to nurture and ripen our words, thoughts, images, emotions, and sensations, all "vitals" of the mind, so that they can become useful in our growth journey, both inside and outside the therapy room. Within the protective bounds of therapy, we find a rare space to talk, enhanced by the luxury of time and undivided attention, an array of choices, the chance for “multiple takes,” and a pause button. It is also in this space where the invitation to discover our innermost self or play a completely new role lives.

I think of therapy as a way of freeing ourselves from the obstacles which prevent us from moving forward in our lives. Frequently these obstacles present themselves to us in the challenges of the outer world--in problems at work, in difficult relationships, in adapting to life changes, or in the sudden impact of a traumatic event. And sometimes what stands in the way of our freedom and happiness lies within us, as negative thought patterns, conflicting or confusing emotions, and unexpressed feelings--all of which can result in depression, anxiety, chronic illness, low self esteem--burdens we often carry alone.

In prioritising my clients' diversity and identities, I use culturally-sensitive CBT, DBT, ACT, Person Centered Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), motivational therapy, attachment theory to support adults living with depression, anxiety, ADHD, Autism, bipolar disorder, and PTSD related to identity, career, relationships, immigrant experiences, grief and loss, divorce or marriage work . We'll will work toward behavior change, mood regulation, communication, self-acceptance, distress tolerance, assertiveness, resolving trauma, enhancing daily functioning, addressing relationship challenges, boundary setting and self-awareness.

I have been in practice for over 20 years, working with adults, children and adolescents in psychodynamic therapy and psychoanalysis. The frequency and duration of each treatment depends on the unique needs of every person; for example, a college student may be seeking short-term therapy to deal with the transition from home to school or an adult may be seeking longer term treatment to understand a pattern of failed relationships. Children are often referred by family members or school counselors, who provide valuable background information to help determine the best treatment. Ongoing collaboration with parents and professionals is essential.

I see people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other unpleasant emotions who want to learn more about themselves as a way of relieving their stress. These unpleasant emotions may involve problems in work, school, or close interpersonal relationships.

I bring a nonjudgemental, warm presence to therapy, helping you to move through suffering and heal from difficult experiences. I strongly believe that each of us is capable of more than just “getting by,” even if we sometimes struggle to access a sense of wholeness, contentment, or connection in life. Allowing ourselves to hope for a better experience, a better life, takes courage. However, I firmly believe that every human has the innate capacity to move through anxiety, depression, trauma, and dis-ease into spaces of freedom and joy.

Licensed in the District of Columbia, Virginia, Colorado, New Mexico, and PSYPACT member. Therapy can be helpful at anytime in your life, but it could be particularly important for you now, when so many of us are experiencing heightened emotions. Whether you're suffering from trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, loss, relationship struggles, or other concerns, we can work together to understand the underlying causes for your symptoms and help you pursue your inner truth and liberation.

Are your mental health struggles overwhelming you? I believe these challenges serve as a window into deeper intrapersonal and interpersonal processes, often rooted in our formative childhood experiences. Think of them as messengers, urging us to explore, understand, and transform our lived experience. Together, we can try to understand the function of these symptoms, which may be helpful in freeing you from their hold & embarking on a healing journey. I am also a firm believer in the transformative power of the therapeutic relationship and am committed to fostering authentic connection as we work together.

My primary focus is working with children and adolescents who are struggling with family discord, parent separation and/or divorce. Since 1996 I have been working within the school system, consulting for an adolescent residential/outpatient therapeutic treatment facility and in private practice. I work with children, adolescents, and their families to improve their skills navigating through life's challenges, transitions, and daily stressors. I also assist people who are feeling depressed, sad, anxious, or dealing with general relationship concerns. Together we develop skills to increase self esteem and coping abilities to promote resilient individuals and more communicative families.

As a certified psychoanalyst, I specialize in treating teens and adults who struggle with depression; intense anxiety; obsessive-compulsive symptoms including invasive, disturbing thoughts; intolerable, painful emotions; high-conflict relationships; impulsive behaviors including suicidal and self-injurious behavior; substance and/or alcohol abuse; eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Our collaboration strives to help you find internal harmony. My method of investigation of the mind is designed to help you gain clarity in your thinking, achieve emotional containment and experience self-empowerment.

Life can be overwhelming. It is easy to get stuck in a cycle of anxiety, hopelessness, frustration and/or depression making your days harder. Therapy can help you feel in control and allow you to feel your best. My job is to help you find your inner strength and reach your overall wellness goals. I believe that through understanding and compassion, I can help you identify those core thoughts and emotions that can delay happiness in a world that is already filled with chaos. My background includes work in anxiety, depression, childhood trauma, stress and behavioral issues.

I am a person-centered counselor who uses a variety of individual, group, and substance abuse counseling techniques to get the clients that are in treatment. Some of the counseling skills that will be focused on are motivational interviewing, Screening and assessment tools that focus on dynamic risk factors, Cognitive-Behavioral Approach, Skill Train with Directed Practices, and components of positive psychology. I am now serving the DC, MD and VA area. Contact me if you think that we could be a good fit!

I have an extensive and unique clinical experience with more than 15 years in inpatient and outpatients settings. I have helped many individuals with assorted emotional problems, including PTSD, mood and adjustment disorders, grief, anger, ADHD, and borderline personality disorder. I also serve as a mental health consultant for childhood and early childhood programs in Fairfax where I provide play therapy for young children with emotional and behavioral problems and parents' consultations.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, depression, or struggling with other difficult emotions that are hindering your personal growth or interfering with your relationships then take the first step to change. I have a decade of clinical training with children, adolescents and adults in both New York and California. More importantly, I am a warm, non-judgmental, compassionate psychotherapist that respects an individual's values and culture. I seek to work collaboratively with you, and empower you by emphasizing your strengths in treatment and helping you achieve goals and movement toward life fulfillment.

I have been helping people for 30+ years. It is my delight to see my patients grow and experience ways of feeling they never imagined. I create a safe environment in which you feel you can tell me any problem and be listened to with compassion and without shame. I have successfuly treated people who suffer from anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and work related problems with very high success rates. I am very devoted to the people I see and will help you make your life better by finding new ways of reacting to situations and people that are problematic.

Throughout a woman’s life there are many emotional shifts and it takes strength to reach out for support. I understand the many challenges and stress that sometimes might have you not feeling like yourself. Do you feel alone, anxious, tired, sad, angry, irritable, or stressed? I work with women who are experiencing anxiety, depressed mood, grief and loss, fertility, miscarriage, transition to motherhood, and other life changing events. I have specialized training in anxiety, maternal mental health (pregnancy, birth, postpartum, motherhood), child development, and eating disorders.

The most important goal of providing services is the ability to develop a rapport with my clients in a meaningful way....I work to facilitate the process and assist them in working through challenging situations and developing new insights.