Buddhist Therapists in Washington, DC
I’m queer, gay, neurodivergent, & a non-linear thinker. I offer therapy for those tired of masking, pretending, performing, or polishing themselves just to get by. In a world that rewards fake smiles and emotional shutdown, being real is radical. I help you to reconnect with your body—not as a problem to fix, but as a source of truth, power, & resilience. Your emotions aren’t flaws; they’re signals. You don’t have to hold it all together to deserve support. You don’t have to fake calm to be okay. I’m here to help you feel what’s real, unmask safely, and discover the next honest step forward.
I’m queer, gay, neurodivergent, & a non-linear thinker. I offer therapy for those tired of masking, pretending, performing, or polishing themselves just to get by. In a world that rewards fake smiles and emotional shutdown, being real is radical. I help you to reconnect with your body—not as a problem to fix, but as a source of truth, power, & resilience. Your emotions aren’t flaws; they’re signals. You don’t have to hold it all together to deserve support. You don’t have to fake calm to be okay. I’m here to help you feel what’s real, unmask safely, and discover the next honest step forward.
Many adults seek therapy when life no longer feels aligned — even when things appear “fine” on the surface. You may feel stuck, emotionally depleted, navigating a transition, or questioning long-held roles, relationships, or expectations. Therapy can provide a steady space to pause, reflect, and move forward with intention. My holistic approach examines the individual's presenting concern, emotional and physical health, social connections, and environmental/social circumstances. Please visit my website for additional information.
Many adults seek therapy when life no longer feels aligned — even when things appear “fine” on the surface. You may feel stuck, emotionally depleted, navigating a transition, or questioning long-held roles, relationships, or expectations. Therapy can provide a steady space to pause, reflect, and move forward with intention. My holistic approach examines the individual's presenting concern, emotional and physical health, social connections, and environmental/social circumstances. Please visit my website for additional information.
People come for psychotherapy when they are hurting or feeling stuck in unproductive thinking and behavior. This can manifest in depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, issues with career and work performance and self deprecating behaviors. Loss, grief and illnesses can be hard to bear and cause feelings of aloneness. What is often needed is a safe environment for the cultivation of acceptance and compassion and the willingness to wisely explore in a trusting relationship. Developing space to have a new understanding of difficulties can open to greater awareness, sense of possibility and the capacity to live more fully.
People come for psychotherapy when they are hurting or feeling stuck in unproductive thinking and behavior. This can manifest in depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, issues with career and work performance and self deprecating behaviors. Loss, grief and illnesses can be hard to bear and cause feelings of aloneness. What is often needed is a safe environment for the cultivation of acceptance and compassion and the willingness to wisely explore in a trusting relationship. Developing space to have a new understanding of difficulties can open to greater awareness, sense of possibility and the capacity to live more fully.
You’re successful at work, an active community member, and the first person your friends call in a crisis. But inside, there’s a part of you that’s not getting what she needs. You know you ‘should’ value solitude and self-care, but it’s hard to be alone. Whenever there’s a pause in your busy life, you notice a gnawing sense of emptiness. Pain over past relationships is taking up a lot of your mental real estate. You wonder: Am I choosing the wrong people? Or am I pushing the ‘right’ people away? You long to be part of a close-knit tribe — but sometimes it feels like you need your friends more than they need you.
You’re successful at work, an active community member, and the first person your friends call in a crisis. But inside, there’s a part of you that’s not getting what she needs. You know you ‘should’ value solitude and self-care, but it’s hard to be alone. Whenever there’s a pause in your busy life, you notice a gnawing sense of emptiness. Pain over past relationships is taking up a lot of your mental real estate. You wonder: Am I choosing the wrong people? Or am I pushing the ‘right’ people away? You long to be part of a close-knit tribe — but sometimes it feels like you need your friends more than they need you.
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 certified in both DBT (C-DBT), and as a Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP). I am Anti-Racist, Queer, Trans, Kink, and Poly affirming.
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 certified in both DBT (C-DBT), and as a Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP). I am Anti-Racist, Queer, Trans, Kink, and Poly affirming.
Using the powerful tools of EMDR and Brainspotting to directly heal the nervous system and create new neural pathways in the brain, I will guide you from feeling stuck in old patterns to change with confidence and expansiveness. Together, we can free you from old traumas and habits to move past the past with renewed strength, real growth, and authenticity. It is possible to gain resilience and transform your life to live in the present moment and create meaningful relationships.
Using the powerful tools of EMDR and Brainspotting to directly heal the nervous system and create new neural pathways in the brain, I will guide you from feeling stuck in old patterns to change with confidence and expansiveness. Together, we can free you from old traumas and habits to move past the past with renewed strength, real growth, and authenticity. It is possible to gain resilience and transform your life to live in the present moment and create meaningful relationships.
LGBT clients come to me when they’re done shrinking to fit other people’s expectations. They’re insightful, often juggling complex intersections of identity, family, culture, and survival. Some are exploring gender or recovering from trauma; others are navigating relationships, grief, or big life shifts. They want a therapist who brings heart, depth, and real-life experience. I help them reclaim the narrative—with honesty, compassion, and a little bit of edge. I’m more than your therapist. I’m your biographer.
LGBT clients come to me when they’re done shrinking to fit other people’s expectations. They’re insightful, often juggling complex intersections of identity, family, culture, and survival. Some are exploring gender or recovering from trauma; others are navigating relationships, grief, or big life shifts. They want a therapist who brings heart, depth, and real-life experience. I help them reclaim the narrative—with honesty, compassion, and a little bit of edge. I’m more than your therapist. I’m your biographer.
Do you: Feel stuck and unable to move forward? Want to perform better under pressure? Feel overwhelmed and anxious? I help people manage the tension between what one has already achieved and what one still ought to accomplish. Together we explore questions about why powerful feelings and thoughts emerge, and how these emotions can be expressed and attended to in the most beneficial way.
Do you: Feel stuck and unable to move forward? Want to perform better under pressure? Feel overwhelmed and anxious? I help people manage the tension between what one has already achieved and what one still ought to accomplish. Together we explore questions about why powerful feelings and thoughts emerge, and how these emotions can be expressed and attended to in the most beneficial way.
I’m queer, gay, neurodivergent, & a non-linear thinker. I specialize in helping people who feel like misfits & outcasts find their power to be free & true to themselves. I do this work because I know what it's like to live it. You're not too much. You don't need to shrink to find your tribe. Your joy comes from finding people who love & celebrate you when you unmask, when you show the deeper parts of yourself you've learned to hide. I help people unlearn the internalized messages that say they’re broken, wrong, or unworthy. I help people tap into their power to be free & true. Let's get started in finding your power to be you.
I’m queer, gay, neurodivergent, & a non-linear thinker. I specialize in helping people who feel like misfits & outcasts find their power to be free & true to themselves. I do this work because I know what it's like to live it. You're not too much. You don't need to shrink to find your tribe. Your joy comes from finding people who love & celebrate you when you unmask, when you show the deeper parts of yourself you've learned to hide. I help people unlearn the internalized messages that say they’re broken, wrong, or unworthy. I help people tap into their power to be free & true. Let's get started in finding your power to be you.
I’m queer, gay, neurodivergent, & a non-linear thinker. I know what it's like to feel like a misfit; I help other misfits reclaim power, freedom, & truth. The world teaches queer & neurodivergent people to doubt our inner truths; I teach people how to slow down & listen inward. Your body isn’t the enemy. It holds a deeper wisdom: the key to your aliveness, your clarity, and your next right move. So stop fighting yourself & come learn how to have a dialogue within. Let’s work together to build trust in your deepest self, listen to your true guide, & find your inner home. Let's get started in finding your power to be you.
I’m queer, gay, neurodivergent, & a non-linear thinker. I know what it's like to feel like a misfit; I help other misfits reclaim power, freedom, & truth. The world teaches queer & neurodivergent people to doubt our inner truths; I teach people how to slow down & listen inward. Your body isn’t the enemy. It holds a deeper wisdom: the key to your aliveness, your clarity, and your next right move. So stop fighting yourself & come learn how to have a dialogue within. Let’s work together to build trust in your deepest self, listen to your true guide, & find your inner home. Let's get started in finding your power to be you.
Looking for support is a sign of strength and vitality. If you feel restless, stuck, or as if something essential is missing from your life or relationships, you are already attuned to yourself. I work well with those who are curious about their own experience and ready to engage with it—those who want to understand their feelings better, move beyond habitual patterns, and create a freer, more meaningful life. Together, we will follow the questions and desires that emerge, with patience and reflection.
Looking for support is a sign of strength and vitality. If you feel restless, stuck, or as if something essential is missing from your life or relationships, you are already attuned to yourself. I work well with those who are curious about their own experience and ready to engage with it—those who want to understand their feelings better, move beyond habitual patterns, and create a freer, more meaningful life. Together, we will follow the questions and desires that emerge, with patience and reflection.
Available for CA, NV, NY, SD and Washington DC residents.
My ideal client is insightful and driven, often first/second gen, BIPOC, HSP, neurodivergent, or globally mobile—someone tired of holding everything together while navigating trauma, identity shifts, family expectations, or money stress. They want healthier relationships, clearer boundaries, and relief from burnout or perfectionism. They’re ready to understand the emotional and cultural patterns they inherited and create a life that feels grounded, aligned, and truly their own.
Available for CA, NV, NY, SD and Washington DC residents.
My ideal client is insightful and driven, often first/second gen, BIPOC, HSP, neurodivergent, or globally mobile—someone tired of holding everything together while navigating trauma, identity shifts, family expectations, or money stress. They want healthier relationships, clearer boundaries, and relief from burnout or perfectionism. They’re ready to understand the emotional and cultural patterns they inherited and create a life that feels grounded, aligned, and truly their own.
In addition to her professional experience as a psychotherapist, Safoura is a devout Buddhist nun who incorporates daily mindfulness into her life and work.
Safoura Moraveji, LCSW-C, is a licensed psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience helping adults in Maryland and Washington, DC. She has extensive postgraduate training in psychodynamic psychotherapy and Gestalt therapy. Safoura integrates spirituality with evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). In 2016, she experienced the profound loss of her siblings and parents, which deepened her empathy, insight, and commitment to guiding clients through grief, trauma, life transitions, anxiety, and depression.
In addition to her professional experience as a psychotherapist, Safoura is a devout Buddhist nun who incorporates daily mindfulness into her life and work.
Safoura Moraveji, LCSW-C, is a licensed psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience helping adults in Maryland and Washington, DC. She has extensive postgraduate training in psychodynamic psychotherapy and Gestalt therapy. Safoura integrates spirituality with evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). In 2016, she experienced the profound loss of her siblings and parents, which deepened her empathy, insight, and commitment to guiding clients through grief, trauma, life transitions, anxiety, and depression.
Hi, I’m John. My practice is devoted to helping people feel better and create beautiful lives for themselves. Therapy with me is tailored specifically for each one of my clients based on their unique needs. As a counselor and art therapist, I bring a unique and refreshing approach to the therapeutic process. Currently, I'm offering remote sessions for clients who are based out of Maryland.
Having experience working with wide demographics, I specialize in working with children and youth, neurodiverse individuals, those on the spectrum and anyone who values creativity in their life.
Hi, I’m John. My practice is devoted to helping people feel better and create beautiful lives for themselves. Therapy with me is tailored specifically for each one of my clients based on their unique needs. As a counselor and art therapist, I bring a unique and refreshing approach to the therapeutic process. Currently, I'm offering remote sessions for clients who are based out of Maryland.
Having experience working with wide demographics, I specialize in working with children and youth, neurodiverse individuals, those on the spectrum and anyone who values creativity in their life.
Many persons cycle between trying to be the person they sense they are expected to be, and then coping in self-destructive ways when they inevitably don't measure up to these standards. They then cope with the pain this evokes in over-learned, automatic ways, that are self-defeating, or even self-destructive. They avoid, lash out, and withdraw. They misuse substances, food, and their bodies. They get stuck; they get waylaid from their goals; and they get into trouble with their health, finances, relationships, and jobs. Their lives get further and further away from the life they wanted for themselves. If this is you, I can help.
Many persons cycle between trying to be the person they sense they are expected to be, and then coping in self-destructive ways when they inevitably don't measure up to these standards. They then cope with the pain this evokes in over-learned, automatic ways, that are self-defeating, or even self-destructive. They avoid, lash out, and withdraw. They misuse substances, food, and their bodies. They get stuck; they get waylaid from their goals; and they get into trouble with their health, finances, relationships, and jobs. Their lives get further and further away from the life they wanted for themselves. If this is you, I can help.
I was Buddhist for 13 years and took many courses as well as a handful of retreats.
Do you love hanging out with your partner but feel more like roommates than anything else? Honestly, it's easy for the honeymoon phase to end and "real life" to take over. And unfortunately real life isn't that sexy. Work demands, kids who always need you and different preferences when it comes to your sex life. Even if you're a good communicator in general, it can be hard to talk about intimacy in a way that actually improves things. And then add in the fact that none of us were taught about pleasure and desire in any sort of helpful, constructive way. Of course the sexy spark you once had is going to fade at some point.
I was Buddhist for 13 years and took many courses as well as a handful of retreats.
Do you love hanging out with your partner but feel more like roommates than anything else? Honestly, it's easy for the honeymoon phase to end and "real life" to take over. And unfortunately real life isn't that sexy. Work demands, kids who always need you and different preferences when it comes to your sex life. Even if you're a good communicator in general, it can be hard to talk about intimacy in a way that actually improves things. And then add in the fact that none of us were taught about pleasure and desire in any sort of helpful, constructive way. Of course the sexy spark you once had is going to fade at some point.
As a licensed clinician and certified sex therapist, I have over 30 years of experience working with adults to help them achieve their goals. My main focus areas are self-actualization, addiction, sexuality, sex therapy, relationships, anxiety, depression, and spirituality. I am honest, fully present, and committed to my work with you. I use a compassion-centered perspective along with theory-based strategies to help you frame your problems into a series of value-based choices. My goal is to support you in making the best life decisions for your own best future.
As a licensed clinician and certified sex therapist, I have over 30 years of experience working with adults to help them achieve their goals. My main focus areas are self-actualization, addiction, sexuality, sex therapy, relationships, anxiety, depression, and spirituality. I am honest, fully present, and committed to my work with you. I use a compassion-centered perspective along with theory-based strategies to help you frame your problems into a series of value-based choices. My goal is to support you in making the best life decisions for your own best future.
Most of the problems that bring people to therapy began as solutions—ways of coping with difficult relationships, overwhelming feelings, or early environments that required you to adapt quickly. At one time, those strategies made sense. But over time they can become rigid. Anxiety lingers. Depression returns. Relationships repeat familiar tensions. What once protected you begins to limit you.
Therapy offers a different kind of relationship—one where we can examine those patterns carefully and develop greater freedom in how you respond to your life.
Most of the problems that bring people to therapy began as solutions—ways of coping with difficult relationships, overwhelming feelings, or early environments that required you to adapt quickly. At one time, those strategies made sense. But over time they can become rigid. Anxiety lingers. Depression returns. Relationships repeat familiar tensions. What once protected you begins to limit you.
Therapy offers a different kind of relationship—one where we can examine those patterns carefully and develop greater freedom in how you respond to your life.
At times the road to your fullest life is found by moving through trauma, rage, loss, and betrayal. How we cope with those hardships is important. Therapy can help you become more aware of suffering, the sources that are causing it, and tools to help you overcome it. I invite us to imagine a life beyond fear, shame, and regret. One where you feel your innate wisdom, compassion, and capacity, to live life more fully despite all of its complexities.
At times the road to your fullest life is found by moving through trauma, rage, loss, and betrayal. How we cope with those hardships is important. Therapy can help you become more aware of suffering, the sources that are causing it, and tools to help you overcome it. I invite us to imagine a life beyond fear, shame, and regret. One where you feel your innate wisdom, compassion, and capacity, to live life more fully despite all of its complexities.
I treat clients with anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, addiction, life transitions, chronic illness, memory loss, complex healthcare needs, or simply a desire to change. As a clinical social worker with over a decade of experience, I have cultivated a private practice where clinical rigor meets creative problem-solving. By understanding your circumstance, background, culture, identity, relationships, aspirations, values, purpose, and unique idiosyncrasies, I work in partnership with you to arrive at a biologically, psychologically, sociologically, and spiritually sound framework to approach and navigate the seas of life.
I treat clients with anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, addiction, life transitions, chronic illness, memory loss, complex healthcare needs, or simply a desire to change. As a clinical social worker with over a decade of experience, I have cultivated a private practice where clinical rigor meets creative problem-solving. By understanding your circumstance, background, culture, identity, relationships, aspirations, values, purpose, and unique idiosyncrasies, I work in partnership with you to arrive at a biologically, psychologically, sociologically, and spiritually sound framework to approach and navigate the seas of life.
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Buddhist Therapists
Is buddhism beneficial for mental health?
While Buddhism itself is not a treatment for mental health conditions, its practices can greatly enhance mental well-being by introducing coping skills and ideas that promote overall wellness. Key Buddhist practices, such as mindfulness, have been shown to alleviate symptoms of various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. Moreover, Buddhism's focus on self-compassion, non-judgment, and acceptance can benefit individuals with particularly negative or self-critical thought patterns.
What are the concepts and principles of buddhism as a therapeutic approach?
Core Buddhist principles are often used in therapy to help clients gain insight into their thoughts and emotions. Concepts such as suffering (dukkha) and impermanence (anicca) are applied to help clients recognize that common forms of suffering, like repetitive negative thought patterns, can be accepted and viewed as impermanent. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are additional core concepts utilized frequently in Buddhist therapy sessions. The Four Noble Truths highlight the existence of suffering as an inherent part of the human experience—an insight frequently used to move clients toward greater acceptance. The Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right concentration, and right mindfulness, offers practical skills to alleviate suffering.
What is the buddhist approach and practice during a therapy session?
Therapists informed by Buddhist principles often integrate mindfulness and meditation practices into therapy sessions to help clients cultivate greater acceptance, compassion, and non-judgment toward themselves and others. Typically, Buddhist therapists guide clients through mindfulness exercises, such as breathing exercises or body scans, and encourage them to practice similar exercises outside of sessions. Additionally, many Buddhist therapists utilize elements of Positive Psychology or Compassion-Focused Therapy, which can help reduce symptoms of self-criticism and shame common among clients with various mental health conditions. In general, Buddhist therapists strive to embody the compassion and non-judgmental approach they promote, often incorporating exercises aimed at developing compassion in session, such as loving-kindness meditation (Metta).
Is mindfulness the same as buddhism in the context of therapy?
While Buddhist therapists frequently integrate mindfulness practices into therapy sessions, the terms mindfulness and Buddhism are not synonymous in the context of therapy. Therapists may use mindfulness techniques, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), without identifying as a Buddhist therapist. In contrast, those practicing within a Buddhist belief framework typically encourage mindfulness therapies, in addition to foundational Buddhist beliefs, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These therapists may also guide clients toward a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy, unlike those who use Buddhist mindfulness principles without the broader spiritual context.