Couples Counseling Therapists in Shaw, Washington, DC
I believe in the power of cultivating a trusting therapeutic relationship with my clients as we embark on this journey together toward achieving their goals.
Drawing from a blend of therapeutic modalities including Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I tailor my approach to suit each client's unique needs. Together, we confront maladaptive patterns, explore relational dynamics, and celebrate your successes every step of the way.
I believe in the power of cultivating a trusting therapeutic relationship with my clients as we embark on this journey together toward achieving their goals.
Drawing from a blend of therapeutic modalities including Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I tailor my approach to suit each client's unique needs. Together, we confront maladaptive patterns, explore relational dynamics, and celebrate your successes every step of the way.
Whether you need one session or you're seeking an ongoing therapeutic relationship, I am available to support you online in the morning hours.
As an ACT practitioner, I see you as a human, not a set of symptoms or a diagnosis. I offer non-judgmental support and acceptance of where you are right now, coupled with an unshakable belief that, with the right support, you CAN move closer to where you want to be, and right now (reading this!) you are taking the first steps.
Whether you need one session or you're seeking an ongoing therapeutic relationship, I am available to support you online in the morning hours.
As an ACT practitioner, I see you as a human, not a set of symptoms or a diagnosis. I offer non-judgmental support and acceptance of where you are right now, coupled with an unshakable belief that, with the right support, you CAN move closer to where you want to be, and right now (reading this!) you are taking the first steps.
Ashley Lauren Harrell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I offer individual therapy for adults as well as couples counseling.
Every client I work with is multifaceted and has many identities. I adapt my approach to meet people where they are, and honor the differences between us. People often come to therapy looking for change. I aim to provide a supportive space where change can safely occur. I have training in Somatic Experiencing, and believe that supporting the mind-body connection can be a fundamental part of a full healing and growth process. I believe every person has an innate capacity to heal, adapt, and thrive, once genuine support and safety are in place. Whether you reach out to me or another therapist, I hope you find what you need.
I offer individual therapy for adults as well as couples counseling.
Every client I work with is multifaceted and has many identities. I adapt my approach to meet people where they are, and honor the differences between us. People often come to therapy looking for change. I aim to provide a supportive space where change can safely occur. I have training in Somatic Experiencing, and believe that supporting the mind-body connection can be a fundamental part of a full healing and growth process. I believe every person has an innate capacity to heal, adapt, and thrive, once genuine support and safety are in place. Whether you reach out to me or another therapist, I hope you find what you need.
This can lead to a variety of issues related to anxiety, depression, shame, rejection, stress, relationship issues, identity development, grief & loss, and sexual intimacy.
I believe the therapeutic relationship is an important factor in the process of reaching your therapeutic goals. This is why a primary focus of mine is to build a strong therapeutic alliance with support, validation and acceptance. It is through building a trusting relationship that we can begin the process of deepening the therapeutic work.
This can lead to a variety of issues related to anxiety, depression, shame, rejection, stress, relationship issues, identity development, grief & loss, and sexual intimacy.
I believe the therapeutic relationship is an important factor in the process of reaching your therapeutic goals. This is why a primary focus of mine is to build a strong therapeutic alliance with support, validation and acceptance. It is through building a trusting relationship that we can begin the process of deepening the therapeutic work.
Jenna Weintraub
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I emphasize a collaborative, empathic relationship to help clients build a life worth living.
I am intensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and currently work on comprehensive DBT team. I am also trained in in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), prolonged exposure for PTSD (DBT-PE), and family based treatment (FBT) and enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E) for eating disorders. I am a Gottman Level I couples therapist.
I emphasize a collaborative, empathic relationship to help clients build a life worth living.
I am intensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and currently work on comprehensive DBT team. I am also trained in in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), prolonged exposure for PTSD (DBT-PE), and family based treatment (FBT) and enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-E) for eating disorders. I am a Gottman Level I couples therapist.
Allison Bondanza is a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist who specializes in helping individuals and couples navigate life's challenges and achieve emotional well-being.
During therapy, she focuses on the present while helping clients understand how past experiences influence current patterns, prioritizing individual needs and vulnerabilities while fostering self-understanding and growth. Dr. Bondanza creates a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their challenges and develop practical tools.
Allison Bondanza is a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist who specializes in helping individuals and couples navigate life's challenges and achieve emotional well-being.
During therapy, she focuses on the present while helping clients understand how past experiences influence current patterns, prioritizing individual needs and vulnerabilities while fostering self-understanding and growth. Dr. Bondanza creates a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their challenges and develop practical tools.
I believe the therapeutic relationship is built on a foundation of honesty, gentleness, and cultural sensitivity, and hope to empower my clients to navigate life’s challenges with greater self-awareness.
I am a compassionate and culturally competent LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) who creates a warm, honest, and gentle space for clients to explore their inner worlds. Drawing from trauma-informed care, narrative therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy for framework, I help clients understand the different parts of themselves and work collaboratively to foster healing and personal growth.
I believe the therapeutic relationship is built on a foundation of honesty, gentleness, and cultural sensitivity, and hope to empower my clients to navigate life’s challenges with greater self-awareness.
I am a compassionate and culturally competent LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker) who creates a warm, honest, and gentle space for clients to explore their inner worlds. Drawing from trauma-informed care, narrative therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy for framework, I help clients understand the different parts of themselves and work collaboratively to foster healing and personal growth.
I earned my Master of Arts in Social Work from Howard University in 2010, and I have over 15 years of experience providing counseling services to individuals, couples, and families.
When you work with me, you can expect a compassionate and empathetic space where your experiences are validated, and your strengths are recognized. My goal is to empower you with the tools and insights needed to navigate life's challenges and achieve a sense of well-being.
I earned my Master of Arts in Social Work from Howard University in 2010, and I have over 15 years of experience providing counseling services to individuals, couples, and families.
When you work with me, you can expect a compassionate and empathetic space where your experiences are validated, and your strengths are recognized. My goal is to empower you with the tools and insights needed to navigate life's challenges and achieve a sense of well-being.
Christ & Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shaw, Washington, DC 20002
I also work with married couples looking to repair and strengthen their relationships through the transformative process of Marriage Therapy.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), but I also draw from The Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Strength-Based Interventions to meet your specific needs. I have experience with a wide range of clinical concerns, including Grief, Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Domestic Violence, and Trauma.
I also work with married couples looking to repair and strengthen their relationships through the transformative process of Marriage Therapy.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), but I also draw from The Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Strength-Based Interventions to meet your specific needs. I have experience with a wide range of clinical concerns, including Grief, Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Domestic Violence, and Trauma.
DMV Wellness Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
The DMV Wellness Team provides inclusive services that address challenges such as identity struggles, racism, depression, grief, anxiety, self-harming, anger, ADHD management, relationship issues, divorce, parenting, trauma, infertility, couples' challenges, geriatric and senior care, stress, self-esteem, weight loss, and addiction.
Are you looking for a therapist who can challenge your thinking? If you want someone who encourages you to be authentic and helps you stop code-switching your vocabulary or life experiences, you've come to the right place. At DMV Wellness Center, we understand the experiences, struggles, and resilience of Black and Brown communities. We are dedicated to creating a space where you can be your true self. Together, we will work on shifting perspectives, building strength, and embracing your unique journey in a world that often misunderstands you. If you would like to learn more, please google us at DMV Wellness Center.
The DMV Wellness Team provides inclusive services that address challenges such as identity struggles, racism, depression, grief, anxiety, self-harming, anger, ADHD management, relationship issues, divorce, parenting, trauma, infertility, couples' challenges, geriatric and senior care, stress, self-esteem, weight loss, and addiction.
Are you looking for a therapist who can challenge your thinking? If you want someone who encourages you to be authentic and helps you stop code-switching your vocabulary or life experiences, you've come to the right place. At DMV Wellness Center, we understand the experiences, struggles, and resilience of Black and Brown communities. We are dedicated to creating a space where you can be your true self. Together, we will work on shifting perspectives, building strength, and embracing your unique journey in a world that often misunderstands you. If you would like to learn more, please google us at DMV Wellness Center.
Christ & Counseling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I also work with married couples looking to repair and strengthen their relationships through the transformative process of Marriage Therapy.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), but I also draw from The Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Strength-Based Interventions to meet your specific needs. I have experience with a wide range of clinical concerns, including Grief, Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Domestic Violence, and Trauma.
I also work with married couples looking to repair and strengthen their relationships through the transformative process of Marriage Therapy.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), but I also draw from The Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Strength-Based Interventions to meet your specific needs. I have experience with a wide range of clinical concerns, including Grief, Depression, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Domestic Violence, and Trauma.
Meet Our Couples Counseling Therapists
Livia Freier is a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in anxiety and depression, as well as ADHD, adjustment difficulties, eating disorders, and couples/marriage conflicts.
Clients who visit Dr. Freier are often navigating a life transition, such as personal, academic, or professional challenges, relationship conflict, or adjusting to an ADHD diagnosis. It is her aim to help clients get to a place where they are effectively using coping strategies, improve existing relationship dynamics, and build self-resilience.
Livia Freier is a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in anxiety and depression, as well as ADHD, adjustment difficulties, eating disorders, and couples/marriage conflicts.
Clients who visit Dr. Freier are often navigating a life transition, such as personal, academic, or professional challenges, relationship conflict, or adjusting to an ADHD diagnosis. It is her aim to help clients get to a place where they are effectively using coping strategies, improve existing relationship dynamics, and build self-resilience.
I have extensive experience working with adolescents, adults, couples and families; individuals who have experienced complex trauma; struggling with chronic illness; and individuals and families from diverse cultures.
In addition to Virginia, I am licensed in DC, Maryland, and Pennsylvania and available to provide teletherapy services to those living there who cannot come in person. I also provide clinical consultation, and am a Board-approved clinical supervisor.
I have extensive experience working with adolescents, adults, couples and families; individuals who have experienced complex trauma; struggling with chronic illness; and individuals and families from diverse cultures.
In addition to Virginia, I am licensed in DC, Maryland, and Pennsylvania and available to provide teletherapy services to those living there who cannot come in person. I also provide clinical consultation, and am a Board-approved clinical supervisor.
Whether the issue be a history of trauma or abuse, an eating disorder or a long standing problem with your weight, a difficult relationship or difficulty coping with the current pandemic crisis, successful therapy can help you rediscover your capacity to experience joy in your life.
It can be a difficult decision to seek help when your life is feeling off track or stuck in patterns that are not serving you. Particularly in our current climate of increased anxiety and rising levels of depression, it’s crucial that you have a sense of comfort and emotional safety with the person with whom you work to explore the issues that confront you. I implement an individualized course of therapy for each client using a combination of psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and relational techniques. I offer a free consultation in order for us to decide if I might be a good fit for you.
Whether the issue be a history of trauma or abuse, an eating disorder or a long standing problem with your weight, a difficult relationship or difficulty coping with the current pandemic crisis, successful therapy can help you rediscover your capacity to experience joy in your life.
It can be a difficult decision to seek help when your life is feeling off track or stuck in patterns that are not serving you. Particularly in our current climate of increased anxiety and rising levels of depression, it’s crucial that you have a sense of comfort and emotional safety with the person with whom you work to explore the issues that confront you. I implement an individualized course of therapy for each client using a combination of psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral and relational techniques. I offer a free consultation in order for us to decide if I might be a good fit for you.
Kelly has completed her externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) and received advanced training at the National Institute for the Psychotherapies in New York City and The Washington School of Psychiatry in Washington, DC.
Kelly provides psychotherapy to clients with a range of clinical needs, and gravitates towards adults and couples seeking support around perfectionism, burnout, major life transitions as well as perinatal & postpartum struggles. She strives to create a warm, compassionate, and direct environment with clients.
Kelly has completed her externship in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) and received advanced training at the National Institute for the Psychotherapies in New York City and The Washington School of Psychiatry in Washington, DC.
Kelly provides psychotherapy to clients with a range of clinical needs, and gravitates towards adults and couples seeking support around perfectionism, burnout, major life transitions as well as perinatal & postpartum struggles. She strives to create a warm, compassionate, and direct environment with clients.
Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or the after effects of trauma, I'm here to provide a safe and supportive space for you to heal and grow.
I believe in a collaborative and client-centered approach to therapy. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Art/Play therapy, Solution Focused therapy and Trauma Centered therapy, to tailor treatment to your unique needs and goals.
Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or the after effects of trauma, I'm here to provide a safe and supportive space for you to heal and grow.
I believe in a collaborative and client-centered approach to therapy. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Art/Play therapy, Solution Focused therapy and Trauma Centered therapy, to tailor treatment to your unique needs and goals.
Relationships in any context dominate our mood and motivation level, and allow us to enjoy life. Let me help you get the most out of your relationships, whether a romantic one, a parent-child one, or one with a colleague. I have personally lived through the trials and tribulations as well as the joys and fun in being married, divorced, remarried, losing close friends and family, and with all of these life experiences, offer to you a dedicated support source to get you where you want to be. It will be my privilege to accompany you in whatever goals you set.
Relationships in any context dominate our mood and motivation level, and allow us to enjoy life. Let me help you get the most out of your relationships, whether a romantic one, a parent-child one, or one with a colleague. I have personally lived through the trials and tribulations as well as the joys and fun in being married, divorced, remarried, losing close friends and family, and with all of these life experiences, offer to you a dedicated support source to get you where you want to be. It will be my privilege to accompany you in whatever goals you set.
Counseling And Consulting On The Hill
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
Serves Area
We strive to make this transition seamless for you & like to partner with you to develop your goals.
We provide therapy to individuals and couples in the historic neighborhood of Capitol Hill. We are also offering telehealth sessions. Qualified therapists work with you to learn your goals and develop a plan to reduce stressors and distressing symptoms (commonly anxiety and depression).
We strive to make this transition seamless for you & like to partner with you to develop your goals.
We provide therapy to individuals and couples in the historic neighborhood of Capitol Hill. We are also offering telehealth sessions. Qualified therapists work with you to learn your goals and develop a plan to reduce stressors and distressing symptoms (commonly anxiety and depression).
As a leading expert in trauma-informed couples therapy and bestselling author of Healing Trauma Together, I’ve dedicated 20,000+ clinical hours to helping couples heal even the most fractured bonds.
Good news: healing can happen faster than you think. When brain and body heal together, transformation accelerates. The same relationship that triggers pain can become your greatest source of healing. I use evidence-based methods like EMDR, Gottman, and CPT to create a personalized plan—rooted in deep clinical and research expertise.
As a leading expert in trauma-informed couples therapy and bestselling author of Healing Trauma Together, I’ve dedicated 20,000+ clinical hours to helping couples heal even the most fractured bonds.
Good news: healing can happen faster than you think. When brain and body heal together, transformation accelerates. The same relationship that triggers pain can become your greatest source of healing. I use evidence-based methods like EMDR, Gottman, and CPT to create a personalized plan—rooted in deep clinical and research expertise.
Tiffani Smithson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My specialty is working with busy Moms' of color, struggling with depression and anxiety along with couples (dating, premarital, married).
I know that asking for help can feel like a burden sometimes. Do you feel like you have to be “everything” to everyone but feel alone when your in need? Are you struggling to say “no” then resent your yes? Do you put everyone before you and then don't have enough time for you or your dreams? Do you feel “stuck” after giving so much and then realize your not making progress in your life? More often than we realize, we tend to lose ourselves giving what we don’t have while trying to manage it all; parenthood, relationships, careers, and life situations. We then become overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, or stuck about our next move.
My specialty is working with busy Moms' of color, struggling with depression and anxiety along with couples (dating, premarital, married).
I know that asking for help can feel like a burden sometimes. Do you feel like you have to be “everything” to everyone but feel alone when your in need? Are you struggling to say “no” then resent your yes? Do you put everyone before you and then don't have enough time for you or your dreams? Do you feel “stuck” after giving so much and then realize your not making progress in your life? More often than we realize, we tend to lose ourselves giving what we don’t have while trying to manage it all; parenthood, relationships, careers, and life situations. We then become overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, or stuck about our next move.
See more therapy options for Shaw, Washington
Couples Counseling Therapists
Does couples counseling work?
Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.
When should a couple seek counseling?
Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.
How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?
The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.
How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?
The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.