Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Therapists in Columbia Heights, Washington, DC
I work with individuals navigating identity, intimacy, addiction, and their relationship to sex. Many clients come in feeling disconnected from their bodies, carrying shame, or struggling to find spaces where they feel understood, especially around kink, non-traditional relationships, or sex and substance use.
My practice is inclusive by design. While I bring a lens shaped by queerness, race, and disability, I welcome people of all backgrounds. Together, we focus on unpacking shame, reconnecting with your body, and building a more grounded, honest relationship with yourself.
I work with individuals navigating identity, intimacy, addiction, and their relationship to sex. Many clients come in feeling disconnected from their bodies, carrying shame, or struggling to find spaces where they feel understood, especially around kink, non-traditional relationships, or sex and substance use.
My practice is inclusive by design. While I bring a lens shaped by queerness, race, and disability, I welcome people of all backgrounds. Together, we focus on unpacking shame, reconnecting with your body, and building a more grounded, honest relationship with yourself.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapies ( CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are based in brain science.
Together we can learn new ways to cope with difficult emotions, change the way you see yourself, and build a life based on what’s most important to you. We tailor treatment to your goals and needs, so you can feel better faster. Because of our science-based approach, most people start to feel significantly better within 8-12 sessions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapies ( CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are based in brain science.
Together we can learn new ways to cope with difficult emotions, change the way you see yourself, and build a life based on what’s most important to you. We tailor treatment to your goals and needs, so you can feel better faster. Because of our science-based approach, most people start to feel significantly better within 8-12 sessions.
Sonja Favaloro
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LGPC
3 Endorsed
Columbia Heights, Washington, DC 20010
Healing often happens when we move beyond "knowing" and begin "feeling."
Many people I work with share that, from the outside, they may appear to have it all together. Yet inside, there might be a persistent feeling of inadequacy or a critical voice saying that you aren’t quite "enough." You may have even tried therapy before and walked away with a helpful intellectual understanding of your past, while still feeling as though your daily life and emotional reactions haven't fully shifted.
Healing often happens when we move beyond "knowing" and begin "feeling."
Many people I work with share that, from the outside, they may appear to have it all together. Yet inside, there might be a persistent feeling of inadequacy or a critical voice saying that you aren’t quite "enough." You may have even tried therapy before and walked away with a helpful intellectual understanding of your past, while still feeling as though your daily life and emotional reactions haven't fully shifted.
Winner of the Best of Bethesda Magazine's Child/Adolescent Therapist of 2026!
Do you feel stuck navigating the challenges your child or teen is facing, wondering if they stem from school stress, family dynamics, or something deeper? Are you, as an adult, grappling with feelings of burnout, anxiety, or the weight of balancing too much at once? It can be overwhelming to balance emotional needs with everyday demands. Together, we can create a space where you feel heard, supported, and equipped to tackle these challenges. You deserve tools and strategies that not only foster growth but also strengthen your relationships along the way.
Winner of the Best of Bethesda Magazine's Child/Adolescent Therapist of 2026!
Do you feel stuck navigating the challenges your child or teen is facing, wondering if they stem from school stress, family dynamics, or something deeper? Are you, as an adult, grappling with feelings of burnout, anxiety, or the weight of balancing too much at once? It can be overwhelming to balance emotional needs with everyday demands. Together, we can create a space where you feel heard, supported, and equipped to tackle these challenges. You deserve tools and strategies that not only foster growth but also strengthen your relationships along the way.
Kris Oseth
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC, LPCC, CPT
1 Endorsed
Columbia Heights, Washington, DC 20010
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.
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.
Jennifer Loken
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW
Columbia Heights, Washington, DC 20001
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. I bring years of experience and a strong commitment to helping you clarify your goals and address what matters most to you—whether that’s everyday anxiety, stress management, substance use concerns, sexual health, or the lasting effects of trauma. Together, we’ll develop a thoughtful plan to support healing and growth.
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. I bring years of experience and a strong commitment to helping you clarify your goals and address what matters most to you—whether that’s everyday anxiety, stress management, substance use concerns, sexual health, or the lasting effects of trauma. Together, we’ll develop a thoughtful plan to support healing and growth.
I tailor my services to each client and their unique needs, always from the humanistic approach. That means that I see my clients first and foremost as human beings, having a human experience. Clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, existential concerns, and a variety of other discomfort will benefit from my integration of mindfulness and meditative practices into their treatment, alongside the use of building the psychological tools that empower them to create measurable changes to their circumstances.
I tailor my services to each client and their unique needs, always from the humanistic approach. That means that I see my clients first and foremost as human beings, having a human experience. Clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, existential concerns, and a variety of other discomfort will benefit from my integration of mindfulness and meditative practices into their treatment, alongside the use of building the psychological tools that empower them to create measurable changes to their circumstances.
Kirk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, LLM, CCTP, LCSW, LICSW
2 Endorsed
Columbia Heights, Washington, DC 20010
With CBT, we'll look at how your thoughts affect your emotions and experience.
I help patients find hope in adversity. I explore a patient's need for external validation and identify old, negative motivators used to inspire achievement-based goals. I teach self-care and self-regulating practices while modeling healthy attunement. Together, we explore conflict-avoidant behaviors and healthy dependency. Being a highly sensitive person is not a weakness but an empathic strength. I explore the guilt, shame, and fear that cause "analysis paralysis." I analyze unhealthy habits and teach clients to build trust and reconnect with a traumatic body that no longer trusts. You are the expert and I am your guide.
With CBT, we'll look at how your thoughts affect your emotions and experience.
I help patients find hope in adversity. I explore a patient's need for external validation and identify old, negative motivators used to inspire achievement-based goals. I teach self-care and self-regulating practices while modeling healthy attunement. Together, we explore conflict-avoidant behaviors and healthy dependency. Being a highly sensitive person is not a weakness but an empathic strength. I explore the guilt, shame, and fear that cause "analysis paralysis." I analyze unhealthy habits and teach clients to build trust and reconnect with a traumatic body that no longer trusts. You are the expert and I am your guide.
I utilize DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), CBT ( Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy), and mindfulness-based approaches to support my clients’ growth and healing.
Does it feel like a struggle just to get through each day? Do you long for relief from unresolved issues, anxiety, or depression?
If you're feeling overwhelmed by these challenges, you're not alone. Together, we can work on understanding the root causes of your struggles and help you find peace and healing. Whether you're dealing with past trauma, painful emotions, or just feeling stuck, I am dedicated to helping you build a life that feels enjoyable and fulfilling.
I’m passionate about working with LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color, integrating each client’s cultural background and values into our work together.
I utilize DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), CBT ( Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy), and mindfulness-based approaches to support my clients’ growth and healing.
Does it feel like a struggle just to get through each day? Do you long for relief from unresolved issues, anxiety, or depression?
If you're feeling overwhelmed by these challenges, you're not alone. Together, we can work on understanding the root causes of your struggles and help you find peace and healing. Whether you're dealing with past trauma, painful emotions, or just feeling stuck, I am dedicated to helping you build a life that feels enjoyable and fulfilling.
I’m passionate about working with LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color, integrating each client’s cultural background and values into our work together.
I am a compassionate, trauma‑informed therapist committed to supporting individuals, couples, and families in navigating life transitions, healing from complex trauma, and reclaiming emotional balance. Based in Washington, D.C., I bring a warm, collaborative presence to every session, offering a safe, empowering space where clients feel heard and understood.
I am a compassionate, trauma‑informed therapist committed to supporting individuals, couples, and families in navigating life transitions, healing from complex trauma, and reclaiming emotional balance. Based in Washington, D.C., I bring a warm, collaborative presence to every session, offering a safe, empowering space where clients feel heard and understood.
I use CBT and exposure-based strategies.
I specialize in treating anxiety, especially health anxiety, panic, and specific phobias. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in cycles of worry, “what if” thinking, reassurance seeking, or difficulty trusting their own sense of safety. Even when life is going well, anxiety can create a constant sense of unease that is hard to turn off. Therapy can help you change these patterns so anxiety has less control over your life.
I use CBT and exposure-based strategies.
I specialize in treating anxiety, especially health anxiety, panic, and specific phobias. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in cycles of worry, “what if” thinking, reassurance seeking, or difficulty trusting their own sense of safety. Even when life is going well, anxiety can create a constant sense of unease that is hard to turn off. Therapy can help you change these patterns so anxiety has less control over your life.
My therapeutic style is client centered & behavioral focused with the frequent use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT) and Solution Focused interventions with clients.
“Be gentle with yourself”! That is my motto, as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. Life circumstances can happen that are completely out of our control, and helping clients develop the tools to handle adversities in life is my passion. Society has placed a stigma on therapy, and my work is focused on helping individuals realize that taking care of their mental health is just as important as taking care of their physical health. The shame in therapy must the removed!
My therapeutic style is client centered & behavioral focused with the frequent use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT) and Solution Focused interventions with clients.
“Be gentle with yourself”! That is my motto, as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. Life circumstances can happen that are completely out of our control, and helping clients develop the tools to handle adversities in life is my passion. Society has placed a stigma on therapy, and my work is focused on helping individuals realize that taking care of their mental health is just as important as taking care of their physical health. The shame in therapy must the removed!
William G McVey
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
2 Endorsed
Columbia Heights, Washington, DC 20009
With a trauma-informed and integrative approach, including EMDR and cognitive-based therapy, I empower you to transform your life.
I have been in the field since 2013 providing psychotherapy regarding LGBTQ+ issues, addiction, sex, couples therapy, trauma, anger management, grief, adjustment issues, mood disorders, and military life. I have worked with folx in all ages and stages. I have recently taken a military contract and do this along with my private practice.
With a trauma-informed and integrative approach, including EMDR and cognitive-based therapy, I empower you to transform your life.
I have been in the field since 2013 providing psychotherapy regarding LGBTQ+ issues, addiction, sex, couples therapy, trauma, anger management, grief, adjustment issues, mood disorders, and military life. I have worked with folx in all ages and stages. I have recently taken a military contract and do this along with my private practice.
Paul Rahn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW
2 Endorsed
Columbia Heights, Washington, DC 20010
I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in individual sessions.
Are you feeling disconnected from yourself, those around you, or in your relationships? Do you find yourself disengaging, lonely, anxious, avoiding dealing with your feelings or daily life? If you are feeling uncertain, struggling in your daily life, or simply surviving the day, now may be an important time to connect with a therapist. Let's work together to develop a plan to target what you are facing and offer you hope in overcoming these challenging moments. Continue reading to learn more about how taking this step can transform your life, your mental health, and your relationships.
I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in individual sessions.
Are you feeling disconnected from yourself, those around you, or in your relationships? Do you find yourself disengaging, lonely, anxious, avoiding dealing with your feelings or daily life? If you are feeling uncertain, struggling in your daily life, or simply surviving the day, now may be an important time to connect with a therapist. Let's work together to develop a plan to target what you are facing and offer you hope in overcoming these challenging moments. Continue reading to learn more about how taking this step can transform your life, your mental health, and your relationships.
My approach to therapy is rooted in safety, growth, and authentic connection. I offer a supportive and engaging space where we explore what you truly want for your life and relationships—and uncover what may be getting in the way. I bring a balance of honesty, empathy, and active collaboration to every session.
I work with intelligent, high-achieving individuals and couples who want more than just coping—they want clarity, connection, and meaningful change. In a city like Washington, D.C., it’s easy to appear successful while feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected inside.
Therapy offers a space to slow down, reflect, and
My approach to therapy is rooted in safety, growth, and authentic connection. I offer a supportive and engaging space where we explore what you truly want for your life and relationships—and uncover what may be getting in the way. I bring a balance of honesty, empathy, and active collaboration to every session.
I work with intelligent, high-achieving individuals and couples who want more than just coping—they want clarity, connection, and meaningful change. In a city like Washington, D.C., it’s easy to appear successful while feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected inside.
Therapy offers a space to slow down, reflect, and
My training is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT), and I integrate solution-focused strategies, mindfulness, and psychoeducation to help clients recognize patterns, develop practical coping tools, and make sustainable change.
I specialize in working with high-functioning professionals who are succeeding by most external measures, yet privately feel overwhelmed, depleted, or disconnected from what matters most. Many of my clients work in demanding fields where performance expectations are high and vulnerability feels costly. Common concerns include chronic stress and burnout, high-functioning anxiety, depression, relationship strain, and navigating significant personal or professional transitions. My background working in corporate and government environments gives me firsthand familiarity with the pressures professionals in the DC-Virginia corridor face.
My training is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT), and I integrate solution-focused strategies, mindfulness, and psychoeducation to help clients recognize patterns, develop practical coping tools, and make sustainable change.
I specialize in working with high-functioning professionals who are succeeding by most external measures, yet privately feel overwhelmed, depleted, or disconnected from what matters most. Many of my clients work in demanding fields where performance expectations are high and vulnerability feels costly. Common concerns include chronic stress and burnout, high-functioning anxiety, depression, relationship strain, and navigating significant personal or professional transitions. My background working in corporate and government environments gives me firsthand familiarity with the pressures professionals in the DC-Virginia corridor face.
Grief Group Starting June 14. Complete your screening today.
I aim to work with clients who are experiencing changes and having difficulty coping and working through those changes and new choices. My ideal client is one that is growing confidence in themselves in relationships, coping with loss and change and also first time therapy goers that want a smooth entrance into therapeutic spaces. Clients often enjoy this space as it is warm, comfortable and a place to be exactly who they are. My clients will move forward with new skills, patterns and habits.
Grief Group Starting June 14. Complete your screening today.
I aim to work with clients who are experiencing changes and having difficulty coping and working through those changes and new choices. My ideal client is one that is growing confidence in themselves in relationships, coping with loss and change and also first time therapy goers that want a smooth entrance into therapeutic spaces. Clients often enjoy this space as it is warm, comfortable and a place to be exactly who they are. My clients will move forward with new skills, patterns and habits.
If life has felt especially overwhelming lately, know that you're not alone. Many of my clients are first-time therapy seekers looking for extra support during times of stress. I believe in empowering my clients through collaborative goal setting, providing an empathetic and non-judgmental space, and re-establishing a sense of hope for the future. I like to describe my style as warm, welcoming, and direct. Our time together will provide you with a trusted place to vent, coping strategies to expand your toolbox, and education on how our minds and bodies are wired to process our world.
If life has felt especially overwhelming lately, know that you're not alone. Many of my clients are first-time therapy seekers looking for extra support during times of stress. I believe in empowering my clients through collaborative goal setting, providing an empathetic and non-judgmental space, and re-establishing a sense of hope for the future. I like to describe my style as warm, welcoming, and direct. Our time together will provide you with a trusted place to vent, coping strategies to expand your toolbox, and education on how our minds and bodies are wired to process our world.
I have a passion for helping people gain freedom in their lives + thrive in their relationships. I do my best to compassionately understand where you are in this season of life and help you honestly identify where you want to be. I enjoy working with adult + adolescent clients in individual, couples and group therapy to identify & work through the barriers the get in the way of living a full and rich life, including past trauma, stress management, life transitions, attachment issues & self-esteem.
I have a passion for helping people gain freedom in their lives + thrive in their relationships. I do my best to compassionately understand where you are in this season of life and help you honestly identify where you want to be. I enjoy working with adult + adolescent clients in individual, couples and group therapy to identify & work through the barriers the get in the way of living a full and rich life, including past trauma, stress management, life transitions, attachment issues & self-esteem.
Therapist and Harvard-trained wellness coach for women, children, and professionals navigating the stressful and high-pressure lifestyle of our nation’s capital. Many of my clients feel as though stress and anxiety are consuming them, leaving little room to truly live. My practice provides a tailored blend of integrative therapy to help you release stress and anxiety. Whether you are a professional breaking a cycle of exhaustion or a parent seeking stability for your child, we work together to get you "unstuck" and living a life you actually enjoy.
Therapist and Harvard-trained wellness coach for women, children, and professionals navigating the stressful and high-pressure lifestyle of our nation’s capital. Many of my clients feel as though stress and anxiety are consuming them, leaving little room to truly live. My practice provides a tailored blend of integrative therapy to help you release stress and anxiety. Whether you are a professional breaking a cycle of exhaustion or a parent seeking stability for your child, we work together to get you "unstuck" and living a life you actually enjoy.
See more therapy options for Columbia Heights, Washington
Nearby Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Therapists Searches for Columbia Heights, Washington
- Adams Morgan
- Dupont Circle
- Ledroit Park
- Logan Circle
- Mount Pleasant
- Petworth
- Pleasant Plains
- Shaw
- U Street Corridor
- Woodley Park
Nearby Searches for Columbia Heights, Washington
- Adams Morgan
- Dupont Circle
- Ledroit Park
- Logan Circle
- Mount Pleasant
- Petworth
- Pleasant Plains
- Shaw
- U Street Corridor
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Therapists
How does cognitive behavioral therapy work?
Cognitive behavioral therapy works by exploring how your thoughts affect your emotions and experiences. CBT helps you identify distortions in your thinking. For example, you may tend to jump to the worst case scenario catastrophizing or think in extremes (all-or-nothing thinking). A therapist can teach you how to push back against those thoughts to ultimately change your feelings and behavior for the better. They can also provide coping skills to better deal with stressors and challenges.
When do I know to seek treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy?
It’s reasonable to consider cognitive behavioral therapy if you struggle to manage difficult emotions or behaviors to such an extent that you are not getting the most out of life on a day-to-day basis. If you want a shorter term, concrete, skills-based approach, CBT is a great option. (By contrast, other types of therapy may devote more time to exploring your past and its effects.) The decision to seek CBT also depends on the condition you’re treating; CBT is an effective treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma, and many other disorders.
How can I find a cognitive behavioral therapist for someone else?
To find a cognitive behavioral therapist for someone else, you may want to begin by discussing the person’s problem, researching cognitive behavioral therapy, and assessing whether the approach is the right fit. You could then reach out to a few cognitive behavioral therapists in this directory, explain the scenario, have a consultation with those available, and determine who could be a good match.
Why is CBT such a popular form of therapy?
CBT has become a popular form of therapy because it is effective and accessible. Robust research has demonstrated that CBT is an effective treatment for many mental health conditions. And CBT can be learned in relatively few sessions, which means that many people can engage in the process, afford it, and see results quickly. It involves learning concrete skills such as disputing unhelpful thoughts; these skills can also be taught and spread widely.