Therapists in Washington, DC

I stress the importance of a strong, caring therapeutic relationship with my clients. My approach depends on each person's goals. My approach is exploratory and less structured for those with general concerns about identity issues, transitions, or relationships. For those seeking a resolution of a particular problem (e.g., depression, PTSD, OCD), I take a structured, goal-oriented approach. I have advanced training in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, and personality disorders. I often utilize EMDR for trauma, DBT for emotional dysregulation, and exposure therapy for anxiety disorders.

I specialize in working with people who have complicated relationships with their bodies. My patients come to me because they are interested in: addressing disordered eating and body image issues; learning to live better with medical problems; reconsidering their use of alcohol and drugs; or learning to live in their bodies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or non-binary individuals. Many of my patients have also been through difficult or even traumatic events, that at times have made their bodies feel unsafe. I help my patients to reestablish a sense of trust and safety in their bodies.

How do you know if your sexual behavior is out of control? It's a subjective question that many men unfortunately wait until relationship, occupational or medical consequences accumulate before considering. I believe the most important person to evaluate concerns with regulating sexual behavior is the man experiencing the dilemma. I start with two basic questions: "What is your conflict with your sexual behavior?" and "What is your vision for your sexual health?" Since 2001, I have provided a safe, informed and confidential space for sexual health conversations with heterosexual, gay and bisexual men.

Imagine this: You, at the center of a journey towards a more fulfilling life. You might be at a crossroads, navigating life's unpredictable transitions, or yearning to break free from a path that feels confining. What you're looking for is someone who truly gets it, who can be your anchor in the storm, and your guide to uncharted territories. I understand that your needs are unique, and your aspirations are deeply personal. You're seeking support, empathy, and practical tools to help you thrive. Your ultimate goal might be to find acceptance within yourself and make choices that resonate with your authentic self.

You can become someone who you can learn to love and trust, and I would like to help you with that. My name is Ella Henley and I am a trauma therapist with over 20 years of experience working with survivors. I offer individual talk therapy services to address CPTSD, anxiety, dissociation, emotional regulation, identity, and attachment and developmental trauma. I enjoy working with LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse individuals. I am a member of AASECT, am certified as a Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP) and am working towards credentialing in sex and couples therapy. I am Anti-Racist, and am Queer, Trans, Kink, and Poly affirming.

Managing or eliminating sadness, relationship challenges, immigrant experiences, trauma, LGBTQIA+ identity, intrusive thoughts, work stress, family stressors, isolation, difficulty concentrating and little interest or pleasure in activities are reasons why clients come to me. We'll use solution-focused, dialectical behavior therapy, trauma informed care and cognitive behavioral to improve communication, regulate mood, implement new behaviors and decrease symptoms. We'll discuss the impact experiences have on you, identify emotions related to these experiences, identify mood regulation techniques and implement behavioral change.

The people I work with want to change the way they feel and relate to themselves, their life circumstances, and their relationships. We might be a good fit if you are experiencing sadness, anxiety, low motivation or self-esteem, intergenerational trauma, and/or feelings of grief and loss. I particularly enjoy working with people who want to increase self-worth, self-esteem, and self-empowerment, women of color, indigenous populations, and LGBTQIA+, survivors of trauma, domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment, and people living with medical conditions, grief, and loss.

I am a trauma-informed somatic counselor, working with adults at various life stages. I serve a diverse population, with a particular focus on the experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals. At the core of my practice is the belief that in knowing ourselves, we can show up more authentically with others. Whether your concerns revolve around relationships, sexual identity and gender expression, work-life, anxiety, or depression, I will help you find what you need to navigate your next right steps.

I believe that improving your relationship with yourself improves everything. No matter what your presenting issues are, you are there as part of the equation. My approach is both practical and insight-oriented, and my goal is to help you understand what ways you can better take care of yourself by providing you the skills you need, and a vision to become who you want to be.

I believe that resiliency is in each of us. You may have tried multiple ways to create change for yourself and found it difficulty to break out of unhealthy patterns. These feelings may be affecting your work, relationships, or health. I have worked with many individuals and couples who struggle with creating change long term. Whether you've tried therapy before or this is your first time, deciding to step outside your comfort zone and try something different is the first step to a more fulfilling life.

The Pincus Center specializes in working with clients to build a life filled with pleasure and joy. We will help you to find your inner voice, establish your own goals and find a path that works for you. There is no one true way to do therapy or to live your life. We will help you find the tools to ride the waves of emotions that we all experience instead of being pulled under. We can't make everything perfect but we can make it better. We focus on issues around body acceptance, sexual freedom, neurodiversity, shame, low desire, sexual functioning issues and a wide variety of other mental health issues.

Do you ever feel stuck? Misunderstood? Have moments when you feel out of control, sad or hard to breathe? I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in Maryland and Washington, D.C., specializing in anxiety, depression, life transitions, career fatigue, substance use disorders, and living with chronic health conditions and life-threatening illnesses. I thoroughly believe in the power of self-care and teaching strategies to manage life stressors and the impact on clients’ well-being and relationships.

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 am licensed in both Washington DC and Maryland and can see clients in both locations. I want for clients to have a safe and non-judgmental space to heal and explore their experiences to find meaning. My interest and experience is with queer topics and populations, trauma and trauma related disorders, substance abuse, psychosis and mood disorders.

I work with adults struggling with relationship issues, addiction, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Many of my clients are high performers who have become successful despite a difficult childhood. If you are curious how therapy can help you reduce your suffering, improve your relationships, and help you heal from past traumas, I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. I use elements of EMDR therapy in my approach. I am kink allied and sex positive. I invite you to come as you are. I will respect, support, and encourage you during our time in therapy.

I'm a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor with a passion for fostering growth and resilience in individuals and families. My aim is to provide a nurturing and supportive environment where clients of all ages can explore their inner worlds, overcome challenges, and discover their innate potential for healing and transformation. Whether you're seeking therapy for yourself or your child, adolescent, or family unit, I tailor my approach to meet your specific needs and goals. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, anger, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, low self-esteem, trauma, drug and alcohol use and more.

The current climate of our society has been a stressful and enduring situation for people which has lead to or uncovered trauma, anxiety, or other overwhelming thoughts. It can be difficult to navigate these mental health stressors by ourselves or even with the support of friends and family. This is why reaching out for professional support can be impactful as you are able to discuss stressors in an empathic space and gain healthy coping skills.

I believe that each person has an innate ability to heal from trauma and pain. Events from the past can impact our mind and body in the present--sometimes getting in the way of current relationships and goals. I offer a safe space to tap into transformative healing, self-exploration, and personal growth. My clients bring an array of issues to therapy including trauma, addiction, sexual difficulties, relationship challenges, self-injury, and dissociation. I work collaboratively, recognizing that each client brings their own unique strengths to the work.

I will work with you to illuminate the meaning of your experience and help you practice greater self-acceptance. Therapy goals/counseling/education will be tailored to your unique needs. I may show you how to change your behavior by using Mindfulness/changing your thoughts, recovery/harm reduction tools to address substance use, guidance/education/resources for exploring sexual orientation/gender identity/transitioning/coming out, provide couples/individual work for better communication in relationships, and/or I can apply EMDR/somatic-based approaches for trauma/anxiety and even substance using/behavioral urges.