Cancer Therapists in Washington, DC

“Warm and compassionate with a no-nonsense approach” is how my clients describe me. I have been working with children and adolescents for over 25 years and as a licensed clinical social worker for 15 years. I provide therapy to children, adolescents, adults and families. My broad range of experience includes helping clients struggling with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, gender identity & issues related to sexual orientation. I have the unique experience of guiding families through grief and issues related to chronic illness such as HIV and cancer . Often, I engage the whole family to address communication barriers.

As a clinical health psychologist, I’ve witnessed the impact of stress, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness as individuals manage their chronic health conditions. These are common reactions to navigating a life-altering health condition. I work with clients to better manage their mental health and chronic illness together to improve their overall health. I take a collaborative approach to therapy with my clients, and I strive to establish a supportive environment where we can discuss your goals for therapy and address the challenges associated with managing chronic illness.

If you are in the midst of a daunting medical diagnosis or grieving a painful loss, I am glad you found my page. Perhaps you are caring for a loved one, and find yourself mentally and physically exhausted, or you're a healthcare professional and you're feeling overwhelmed. Or maybe you are about to embark on treatment for cancer and are struggling with a tangled ball of emotions. In my work with clients, I create a safe, compassionate space to unpack and explore these issues, and to be a companion on your journey toward healing, growth, and transformation. Whatever brought you here today: I am here to listen.

I have been working with young to mid career professionals since 2012. Since then, I have become a therapist that Gen X, Y, and Z clients seek out to address various types of life challenges. I enjoy providing support and encouragement to people who are facing life stage transitions and change with all of the stress, anxiety, as well as excitement that these events may bring. My training is in family therapy and I work within the frameworks of family systems, attachment, as well as grief/loss and living with loss.

I work from a wellness model and believe anyone can benefit from counseling. I work to provide a safe environment where my clients feel supported and heard. Counseling has not, and still is not always accepted in many communities, so making the decision to come to counseling with the fear of "el que diran" (what will they say) can be difficult, and I will do my best to guide you in your journey to understand how therapy can help you. My specialties include Grief and Loss work and I have over 8 years experience working with individuals who have been affected by cancer .

Most of us are stuck in our heads, struggling with competing ideologies, worldviews, and internalized (usually critical) voices from our past. Using empathetic active listening and body-focused inquiry, I will work with you to create safe space within which to explore who you are and replace confusion with clarity---a body-based "felt sense" of what's true that becomes an increasingly reliable guide for authentic action.

With over 50 years of psychotherapy experience, I specialize in anxiety management, relationship issues, depression, medical illness-related concerns and chronic insomnia.

What all of my clients have in common is a desire to be self-reflective (even though this may be scary), to learn more about themselves at a deeper (unconscious) level, and to grow in ways that allow them to have the life and relationships for which their hearts yearn. Psychotherapy is a process of learning to listen to, care for and heal the pained parts of ourselves that burden our mind, body, heart and spirit. Including the body in this process is essential, as it carries our pain until we learn how to engage the brain and body to release our burdens. This is not always easy, but is certainly self-empowering and life-changing.

Accepting new patients- I am a seasoned clinician with extensive experience as a therapist for adolescents, adults, couples, parents, and families from various cultural backgrounds. My goal is to team with clients to reach a better emotional place. Working with your personal strengths and specific goals, we can help you gain new skills to cope with and overcome your challenges. My style is collaborative and we can find solutions together. Success requires honesty, understanding, strong communication skills, and a willingness to work through difficulties. Often people shy away from getting help.

Seeking to improve your relationships through the process of therapy can be an important but difficult step to take. As a licensed clinical social worker, I work with individual adults, families, and couples struggling with depression, anxiety, transitions, interpersonal difficulties, and other mental health issues that can develop in the face of life stressors.

Hello and welcome! All of us encounter times when our lives don't look like we expected they would. My passion for the last 17 years has been helping adults heal from past pain/trauma & live into their courage and freedom. I specialize in assisting people with re-discovering joy and wholeheartedness following life transitions. Your journey MATTERS and the way that you walk through this difficult season matters. I offer online psychotherapy to Clients in NY, TN, VA & FL, & DC.

Stellium Integrative Wellness is compassion-based & uses tools like positive psychology, meditation & hypnotherapy techniques to build confidence & resiliency. Clients include Millennials 20-45, Gen Xers 45-55, & Baby Boomers 56-74 dealing with relationships, career, concerns surrounding parenting, health issues/chronic illness ( cancer , diabetes, thyroid disorders, COVID-19), LGBTQIA, disability, & grief from loss (job, parent/family member/friend, partner, child, home, bankruptcy, divorce/separation). Areas of expertise include life coaching, hypnosis, love-relationships/dating, & confidence/self-esteem building.

Dr. Parkhurst's practice frequently centers on self esteem and identity development issues, especially, but not necessarily, as they relate to sexual orientation. Depression, anxiety, obsessiveness, relationship problems, and intimacy issues characterize the types of concerns with which he is often presented by clients. His competencies include couples counseling, parenting and child development issues, and academic concerns as counseling issues. He also has considerable experience in learning and cognition, and in career development from his years of counseling and training within the educational system.

**Currently accepting adult teletherapy clients** Sometimes, the idea of meeting a new therapist can be a daunting, whether or not it's a person's first time. I do my best to ensure that my office is a welcoming and judgment-free space where clients can feel comfortable sharing about their lives and difficulties. I believe in a person's capacity to heal and grow, and I believe that my role is to facilitate this experience in a way that is unique to each client's personality and strengths.

I work with children, adolescents, and adults facing whatever challenges that arise in the many different chapters of our lives. In addition to general psychotherapy I also provide specialized care in the exploration of sexual orientation and gender identity with youth, teens, adults and their families as they navigate through the social and emotional aspects of life.

There are times that you might feel stuck in patterns that make life feel unsatisfying and empty. Maybe you feel depressed, anxious or in chronic pain. You may be negotiating a relationship or trying to adjust to a new job. Psychotherapy allows you the space to understand how your past and present intersect and what gets in the way of living life to your fullest while also helping you to tap into your inner resources. My approach is collaborative, thus giving you the space to reflect carefully. I work with you to develop better coping skills and help you to understand & manage complex feelings of anxiety or sadness.

Are you looking for a safe place to ….. Check in with yourself. Practice being vulnerable. Rehearse being strong. Find out where the joy resides in your life. Observe your feelings with curiosity and without judgment. Work through your feelings. Get clear on your needs and wants. Be a better advocate for yourself. NOW offering WALK and TALK Therapy - in person or virtually.