Female Therapists in Shaw, Washington, DC
In today's society, there’s often a persistent pull to stay busy and keep up with constant demands. Healing and growth can only happen when you're in an environment where you can express yourself openly, at your own pace, and without fear of judgment or rejection. As a therapist, this is my top priority.
In today's society, there’s often a persistent pull to stay busy and keep up with constant demands. Healing and growth can only happen when you're in an environment where you can express yourself openly, at your own pace, and without fear of judgment or rejection. As a therapist, this is my top priority.
My ideal client is someone who has spent much of their life holding it all together, often in silence. They may be grieving, navigating anxiety, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve them—despite years of effort. Many are healing from emotionally unavailable parenting, childhood trauma, or recent loss. They want to feel more present, connected, and at ease in their relationships and within themselves. Most of all, they’re ready to begin understanding not just why they feel this way, but how to truly heal.
My ideal client is someone who has spent much of their life holding it all together, often in silence. They may be grieving, navigating anxiety, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve them—despite years of effort. Many are healing from emotionally unavailable parenting, childhood trauma, or recent loss. They want to feel more present, connected, and at ease in their relationships and within themselves. Most of all, they’re ready to begin understanding not just why they feel this way, but how to truly heal.
Darlene Gardner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
Online Only
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or weighed down by the challenges in your life? If so, you're not alone, and you're in the right place. I work with individuals just like you who are ready to take the first step toward healing, even if it feels a little scary. You might be navigating the effects of past trauma or abuse, struggling with depression or anxiety, or feeling uncertain during a big life transition. Maybe you're carrying self-doubt, feeling disconnected from the people you care about, or unsure how to move forward. Whatever you're going through, you don’t have to face it alone.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or weighed down by the challenges in your life? If so, you're not alone, and you're in the right place. I work with individuals just like you who are ready to take the first step toward healing, even if it feels a little scary. You might be navigating the effects of past trauma or abuse, struggling with depression or anxiety, or feeling uncertain during a big life transition. Maybe you're carrying self-doubt, feeling disconnected from the people you care about, or unsure how to move forward. Whatever you're going through, you don’t have to face it alone.
The foundation of my approach is rooted in social justice and liberation frameworks. This means an acknowledgement, honoring, and connecting of how our individual and collective communities’ histories, the histories of our ancestors, and cultural backgrounds and identities influence our current lived experiences. My approach to therapy is integrated and holistic— mainly informed through psychodynamic (insight-oriented), somatic (body-focused), and interpersonal process interventions. At times, I might use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or Exposure and Response Prevention therapy approach if it is a better for my client.
The foundation of my approach is rooted in social justice and liberation frameworks. This means an acknowledgement, honoring, and connecting of how our individual and collective communities’ histories, the histories of our ancestors, and cultural backgrounds and identities influence our current lived experiences. My approach to therapy is integrated and holistic— mainly informed through psychodynamic (insight-oriented), somatic (body-focused), and interpersonal process interventions. At times, I might use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or Exposure and Response Prevention therapy approach if it is a better for my client.
Alex Swales
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shaw, Washington, DC 20009
Waitlist for new clients
Life can be messy, chaotic, and complicated; therapy reminds me of spring cleaning. Similar to spring cleaning, therapy can be slow, overwhelming, & messy. Throughout the therapeutic process, it is my goal to support clients to embrace all the parts of them in healing from trauma. Together, we will work to unpack and find meaning, connection, understanding, and even humor. I work with individuals that have experienced sexual trauma, relational trauma, eating disorders, and struggle with the impacts of trauma. I deeply enjoy working with individuals that want to deepen their connection to self and community.
Life can be messy, chaotic, and complicated; therapy reminds me of spring cleaning. Similar to spring cleaning, therapy can be slow, overwhelming, & messy. Throughout the therapeutic process, it is my goal to support clients to embrace all the parts of them in healing from trauma. Together, we will work to unpack and find meaning, connection, understanding, and even humor. I work with individuals that have experienced sexual trauma, relational trauma, eating disorders, and struggle with the impacts of trauma. I deeply enjoy working with individuals that want to deepen their connection to self and community.
My name is McKenna Polak and I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) working at a private counseling practice, MBS Performance Counseling in Frederick, MD. We provide counseling services to adolescents with a specific focus on athletes; helping them manage anxiety, doubt, and fear in their sport, in the classroom, and in their lives. Student-athletes deal with specific challenges and demands which, as a former college athlete and coach, I understand. The MBS Performance Counseling approach is specifically geared to build resilience, grit, and self confidence in athletes age 10-24!
My name is McKenna Polak and I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) working at a private counseling practice, MBS Performance Counseling in Frederick, MD. We provide counseling services to adolescents with a specific focus on athletes; helping them manage anxiety, doubt, and fear in their sport, in the classroom, and in their lives. Student-athletes deal with specific challenges and demands which, as a former college athlete and coach, I understand. The MBS Performance Counseling approach is specifically geared to build resilience, grit, and self confidence in athletes age 10-24!
You’re meant for something more. Maybe your past is holding your back, or you feel like something is missing but you aren’t sure what. Many of us find that previous experiences get in the way of a full and meaningful life. Maybe your struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression, or challenging relationships has interfered with knowing and living into your purpose. If this sounds like you, I’d like to help. I can guide you as you heal, learning to trust yourself. We will draw upon your strengths, including your spirituality and inner wisdom, so you can be kind to yourself and present for your meaningful life.
You’re meant for something more. Maybe your past is holding your back, or you feel like something is missing but you aren’t sure what. Many of us find that previous experiences get in the way of a full and meaningful life. Maybe your struggle with trauma, anxiety, depression, or challenging relationships has interfered with knowing and living into your purpose. If this sounds like you, I’d like to help. I can guide you as you heal, learning to trust yourself. We will draw upon your strengths, including your spirituality and inner wisdom, so you can be kind to yourself and present for your meaningful life.
Whether you need one session or you're seeking an ongoing therapeutic relationship, I am available to support you online in the morning hours. If you want to move forward, but need help organizing your next steps, or if something is getting in the way of you living the life you want to live, you are warmly welcome to contact me via Psychology Today or my website. I also treat couples using the gold standard therapeutic model for couple's therapy, EFT.
Whether you need one session or you're seeking an ongoing therapeutic relationship, I am available to support you online in the morning hours. If you want to move forward, but need help organizing your next steps, or if something is getting in the way of you living the life you want to live, you are warmly welcome to contact me via Psychology Today or my website. I also treat couples using the gold standard therapeutic model for couple's therapy, EFT.
Dr. Allison Bondanza is a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist who specializes in helping individuals and couples navigate life's challenges and achieve emotional well-being. Her approach is research-driven and combines the latest insights from neuroscience, attachment theory, and emotion regulation to help clients develop stronger relationships with themselves and others. Dr. Bondanza specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Her approach is designed to empower clients to reconnect with their authentic selves and develop effective coping strategies.
Dr. Allison Bondanza is a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist who specializes in helping individuals and couples navigate life's challenges and achieve emotional well-being. Her approach is research-driven and combines the latest insights from neuroscience, attachment theory, and emotion regulation to help clients develop stronger relationships with themselves and others. Dr. Bondanza specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Her approach is designed to empower clients to reconnect with their authentic selves and develop effective coping strategies.
Ashley Lauren Harrell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
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.
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.
We all carry around a metaphorical bag of stuff with us. That bag is filled with our thoughts, feelings, and experiences; everything that makes us who we are. In therapy, we unpack your bag. We explore each item and get curious about it. How did that item get in the bag? What is the impact of carrying it around with you? Together, we make meaning of your items. Some items you will decide are essential. Others are weighing you down, and preventing you from being your authentic self. I help you decide what you want to do with those items and together we figure out how to do it.
We all carry around a metaphorical bag of stuff with us. That bag is filled with our thoughts, feelings, and experiences; everything that makes us who we are. In therapy, we unpack your bag. We explore each item and get curious about it. How did that item get in the bag? What is the impact of carrying it around with you? Together, we make meaning of your items. Some items you will decide are essential. Others are weighing you down, and preventing you from being your authentic self. I help you decide what you want to do with those items and together we figure out how to do it.
Meet Our Female Therapists
My therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in building a genuine connection and honoring each client's individual needs and values. 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. Establishing a safe and secure environment is at the heart of the work, providing a solid foundation for us to navigate through challenges, uncover profound insights, and create positive change in cognitions and behaviors.
My therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in building a genuine connection and honoring each client's individual needs and values. 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. Establishing a safe and secure environment is at the heart of the work, providing a solid foundation for us to navigate through challenges, uncover profound insights, and create positive change in cognitions and behaviors.
Jenna Weintraub
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Seeking support and pursuing change in your life is a brave decision, and one I admire. I emphasize a collaborative, empathic relationship to help clients build a life worth living. I focus on creating a safe and supportive environment that helps clients achieve wanted changes and navigate challenges in their lives. I individually tailor treatment to each person I work with using evidence based treatment practices. My areas of focus are eating disorders, mood disorders, emotion dysregulation, self-injurious behaviors, relationship difficulties, challenging life transitions, and substance abuse.
Seeking support and pursuing change in your life is a brave decision, and one I admire. I emphasize a collaborative, empathic relationship to help clients build a life worth living. I focus on creating a safe and supportive environment that helps clients achieve wanted changes and navigate challenges in their lives. I individually tailor treatment to each person I work with using evidence based treatment practices. My areas of focus are eating disorders, mood disorders, emotion dysregulation, self-injurious behaviors, relationship difficulties, challenging life transitions, and substance abuse.
Jessica Harris: EMDR, Brainspotting + Ketamine
Counselor, MA, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Online Only
Do you find yourself saying, "I'm tired and don't want to feel like this anymore"?
If you're caught in constant mental chatter, self-sabotaging thoughts, feeling distant, lost, or questioning how you show up—while memories of past trauma make it hard to connect meaningfully with yourself and others—I offer specialized virtual private-pay therapy for high-achieving professionals like you. This work is designed to help you experience lasting transformation faster than traditional weekly therapy.
Do you find yourself saying, "I'm tired and don't want to feel like this anymore"?
If you're caught in constant mental chatter, self-sabotaging thoughts, feeling distant, lost, or questioning how you show up—while memories of past trauma make it hard to connect meaningfully with yourself and others—I offer specialized virtual private-pay therapy for high-achieving professionals like you. This work is designed to help you experience lasting transformation faster than traditional weekly therapy.
Veronica Dos Santos
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Shaw, Washington, DC 20001
Do you feel stuck in self-defeating patterns and self-sabotage that leave you feeling drained and not good enough? Are you navigating a life transition that has left you questioning your identity and what truly brings you joy? Is persistent worry overshadowing your everyday life, making it difficult to find peace? If these challenges resonate with you, I would love to hear from you. I work hard to ensure you feel comfortable, safe, and supported as you build trust in the therapeutic relationship, allowing you to gain insight and make meaningful progress.
Do you feel stuck in self-defeating patterns and self-sabotage that leave you feeling drained and not good enough? Are you navigating a life transition that has left you questioning your identity and what truly brings you joy? Is persistent worry overshadowing your everyday life, making it difficult to find peace? If these challenges resonate with you, I would love to hear from you. I work hard to ensure you feel comfortable, safe, and supported as you build trust in the therapeutic relationship, allowing you to gain insight and make meaningful progress.
Christ & Counseling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I specialize in supporting women ages 21-65 who are navigating life post-breakup or divorce.
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 specialize in supporting women ages 21-65 who are navigating life post-breakup or divorce.
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.
Christ & Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shaw, Washington, DC 20002
I specialize in supporting women ages 21-65 who are navigating life post-breakup or divorce.
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 specialize in supporting women ages 21-65 who are navigating life post-breakup or divorce.
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.
Dr. Livia Freier is a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in anxiety and depression, as well as ADHD, adjustment difficulties, eating disorders, and couples/marriage conflicts. Additionally, Dr. Freier works with clients who would like to gain a strong sense of self and build self-confidence both long-term and situational. Her practice is open to individuals, couples, and families. Dr. Freier also focuses on working with college students and their families. Her neuroscience research is affiliated with Brown University and her practice is located within close walking distance of the Brown University campus and RISD.
Dr. Livia Freier is a Clinical Psychologist who specializes in anxiety and depression, as well as ADHD, adjustment difficulties, eating disorders, and couples/marriage conflicts. Additionally, Dr. Freier works with clients who would like to gain a strong sense of self and build self-confidence both long-term and situational. Her practice is open to individuals, couples, and families. Dr. Freier also focuses on working with college students and their families. Her neuroscience research is affiliated with Brown University and her practice is located within close walking distance of the Brown University campus and RISD.
Virtual Only at this Time! Are you having trouble with relationships? Adult Family Relationships, friendship relationships, work relationships? Do you feel like you need to yell to be heard? Are you having trouble with friendships not respecting your boundary? Are you wanting more respectful relationships, wanting to communicate your needs in a healthy way? Are you finding yourself reacting to things more than is justified for the situation? Do you put others before you at the cost of yourself? Feeling depressed and anxious because you end up in the same relationships over and over again?
Virtual Only at this Time! Are you having trouble with relationships? Adult Family Relationships, friendship relationships, work relationships? Do you feel like you need to yell to be heard? Are you having trouble with friendships not respecting your boundary? Are you wanting more respectful relationships, wanting to communicate your needs in a healthy way? Are you finding yourself reacting to things more than is justified for the situation? Do you put others before you at the cost of yourself? Feeling depressed and anxious because you end up in the same relationships over and over again?
I approach therapy in a direct yet compassionate manner believing that long-term sustained change can only happen when growth occurs on the inside and flows outward. My goal is to help my clients walk their own individual path from self-judgment to self-transformation. I use a cognitive behavioral approach which guides you to understand how your thoughts/beliefs, feelings, and behaviors work together to determine your life experiences. Together, we will identify self-destructive patterns that stop you from getting what you want in life and replace them with constructive and goal-achieving ways of thinking and behaving.
I approach therapy in a direct yet compassionate manner believing that long-term sustained change can only happen when growth occurs on the inside and flows outward. My goal is to help my clients walk their own individual path from self-judgment to self-transformation. I use a cognitive behavioral approach which guides you to understand how your thoughts/beliefs, feelings, and behaviors work together to determine your life experiences. Together, we will identify self-destructive patterns that stop you from getting what you want in life and replace them with constructive and goal-achieving ways of thinking and behaving.
See more therapy options for Shaw, Washington
Nearby Female Therapists Searches for Shaw, Washington
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Female Therapists
Does it matter what gender my therapist is?
In general, there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or because they feel more comfortable with a therapist of their own gender due to shared life experiences or perspectives. Considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender may matter or improve their therapeutic experience. The most important consideration is that a client is able to build a trusting relationship with their therapist.
Should I see a female therapist?
Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist. For women, this could be because they believe that they will be able to better connect with a woman, and that a female therapist will be able to relate to their specific challenges and personal issues. It may be particularly beneficial for women to see a female therapist, for example, for gender-specific issues, such as sexism in the workplace, relationship issues, and gender roles. The most important factor in therapy is the client-therapist connection, and a therapist's gender as well as many other factors may play an important role in this.
Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?
Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?
It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.