Gestalt Therapists in Washington, DC
While I have experience providing treatment for a wide range of mental health issues, I have a special interest in helping people improve their relationships and self-worth by reducing feelings of shame and insecurity. Helping clients cultivate self-compassion is a hallmark of my therapeutic approach. As an executive coach, I also specialize in helping leaders, attorneys, business owners, and other professionals overcome obstacles to achieve their personal and professional goals.
While I have experience providing treatment for a wide range of mental health issues, I have a special interest in helping people improve their relationships and self-worth by reducing feelings of shame and insecurity. Helping clients cultivate self-compassion is a hallmark of my therapeutic approach. As an executive coach, I also specialize in helping leaders, attorneys, business owners, and other professionals overcome obstacles to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Navigating life, finding (and maintaining) healthy and meaningful relationships, & parenthood can all be joyous and rewarding experiences. It can also bring forth unique challenges & pressures. Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself or others? Do you prioritize everyone else's needs before your own? Do you wonder if life should simply feel better? Happier? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and uncertain about how they are supposed to manage their relationships, careers, and lives. Mid-Atlantic Psychotherapy has therapists who can support you, let's find you a match today!
Navigating life, finding (and maintaining) healthy and meaningful relationships, & parenthood can all be joyous and rewarding experiences. It can also bring forth unique challenges & pressures. Do you struggle with feeling disconnected from yourself or others? Do you prioritize everyone else's needs before your own? Do you wonder if life should simply feel better? Happier? Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and uncertain about how they are supposed to manage their relationships, careers, and lives. Mid-Atlantic Psychotherapy has therapists who can support you, let's find you a match today!
You’ve been the strong one for everyone else, yet behind the smile, you’re exhausted. I help high-achieving Black women and women of color release the pressure to ‘have it all together’ and begin healing at their own pace.
I help high-achieving Black women and women of color who look “successful” on the outside but feel like they’re unraveling on the inside. Many of my clients are navigating:
•The weight of past trauma
•Constant pressure to perform
•Complicated relationships
•Quiet battles with anxiety, self-doubt, or burnout
My goal is for you to leave therapy feeling more confident, grounded, and clear about your next chapter
You’ve been the strong one for everyone else, yet behind the smile, you’re exhausted. I help high-achieving Black women and women of color release the pressure to ‘have it all together’ and begin healing at their own pace.
I help high-achieving Black women and women of color who look “successful” on the outside but feel like they’re unraveling on the inside. Many of my clients are navigating:
•The weight of past trauma
•Constant pressure to perform
•Complicated relationships
•Quiet battles with anxiety, self-doubt, or burnout
My goal is for you to leave therapy feeling more confident, grounded, and clear about your next chapter
I work with couples—and individuals—who feel stuck in painful cycles of disconnection, even when there’s love underneath. You may be having the same arguments on repeat, feeling more like roommates than partners, or struggling with mismatched desire and unmet emotional needs. Often, one partner is asking for more while the other feels overwhelmed or shut down—not because they don’t care, but because they feel lost in how to fix it.
Whether you’re coming in together or on your own, we work to understand the deeper patterns driving your relationship dynamics. My approach helps you slow down, make sense of what’s happening beneath.
I work with couples—and individuals—who feel stuck in painful cycles of disconnection, even when there’s love underneath. You may be having the same arguments on repeat, feeling more like roommates than partners, or struggling with mismatched desire and unmet emotional needs. Often, one partner is asking for more while the other feels overwhelmed or shut down—not because they don’t care, but because they feel lost in how to fix it.
Whether you’re coming in together or on your own, we work to understand the deeper patterns driving your relationship dynamics. My approach helps you slow down, make sense of what’s happening beneath.
As one of the few certified sex therapists in the DMV area, with over 15 years of experience, I provide a safe, judgment-free space, often with light humor, to talk openly about sex, intimacy, and relationships. I work with individuals and couples navigating low sexual desire, mismatched desire, sexual anxiety, intimacy avoidance, sexual dysfunction, and questions around sexual or gender identity. Sex is often shaped by shame or silence; therapy offers a chance to untangle that. Whether you’re feeling disconnected from a partner or stuck in unfulfilling patterns, meaningful change is possible.
As one of the few certified sex therapists in the DMV area, with over 15 years of experience, I provide a safe, judgment-free space, often with light humor, to talk openly about sex, intimacy, and relationships. I work with individuals and couples navigating low sexual desire, mismatched desire, sexual anxiety, intimacy avoidance, sexual dysfunction, and questions around sexual or gender identity. Sex is often shaped by shame or silence; therapy offers a chance to untangle that. Whether you’re feeling disconnected from a partner or stuck in unfulfilling patterns, meaningful change is possible.
I have over 8 years of experience as a mental health counselor working with families, couples, and individuals in counseling. I bring a wealth of knowledge to my practice. Before my counseling career, I served in the U.S. Army for 12 years as a career counselor. I am currently in the process of pursuing a PhD in counseling, a testament to my commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. My areas of expertise include anxiety, PTSD (physical, sexual, military, and first responders), couples, and a range of mental health issues. I am currently licensed in FL, CO, VA, and a qualified supervisor.
I have over 8 years of experience as a mental health counselor working with families, couples, and individuals in counseling. I bring a wealth of knowledge to my practice. Before my counseling career, I served in the U.S. Army for 12 years as a career counselor. I am currently in the process of pursuing a PhD in counseling, a testament to my commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. My areas of expertise include anxiety, PTSD (physical, sexual, military, and first responders), couples, and a range of mental health issues. I am currently licensed in FL, CO, VA, and a qualified supervisor.
My practice is a safe place for ALL women and their personal belief systems. I'm here to help women who are struggling with life's inevitable ups and downs. Are you navigating modern motherhood, and work-life "balance" (is there EVER really complete balance)? Does making friends feel like a chore? Maybe it's ADHD, anxiety, or postpartum mood disorder? Is perimenopause knocking at the door? Let's figure it out together. I am kind, but direct in my approach. Please understand that I no longer conduct phone consultations. I believe that the best way to truly decide if we are a good fit working together, is to meet and go from there.
My practice is a safe place for ALL women and their personal belief systems. I'm here to help women who are struggling with life's inevitable ups and downs. Are you navigating modern motherhood, and work-life "balance" (is there EVER really complete balance)? Does making friends feel like a chore? Maybe it's ADHD, anxiety, or postpartum mood disorder? Is perimenopause knocking at the door? Let's figure it out together. I am kind, but direct in my approach. Please understand that I no longer conduct phone consultations. I believe that the best way to truly decide if we are a good fit working together, is to meet and go from there.
She has extensive postgraduate training in psychodynamic psychotherapy and Gestalt therapy.
In addition to her professional experience as a psychotherapist, Safoura is a devout Buddhist nun who incorporates daily mindfulness into her life and work. She creates highly individualized and comprehensive intervention plans that integrate evidenced based with holistic interventions to address wide variety of mental health needs.
She has extensive postgraduate training in psychodynamic psychotherapy and Gestalt therapy.
In addition to her professional experience as a psychotherapist, Safoura is a devout Buddhist nun who incorporates daily mindfulness into her life and work. She creates highly individualized and comprehensive intervention plans that integrate evidenced based with holistic interventions to address wide variety of mental health needs.
Erin Elizabeth McCarthy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
5 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009
As a therapist, my clearest purpose is to help clients to alleviate debilitating symptoms of anxiety, depression and confusion. We do that in two major ways: one, finding the sources of the symptom and exploring the origins together and two, treating the symptoms with personally tailored, evidence-based interventions. As we participate in the treasure hunt of therapy, we battle pirates, feel the rain on our faces and build new structures for shelter along the way. Imagine building a map together where X marks the spot. What is your X? If you don't know, let's find out together.
As a therapist, my clearest purpose is to help clients to alleviate debilitating symptoms of anxiety, depression and confusion. We do that in two major ways: one, finding the sources of the symptom and exploring the origins together and two, treating the symptoms with personally tailored, evidence-based interventions. As we participate in the treasure hunt of therapy, we battle pirates, feel the rain on our faces and build new structures for shelter along the way. Imagine building a map together where X marks the spot. What is your X? If you don't know, let's find out together.
At Re-New Psychological we are of the belief that you're doing the best you can with the tools that you have. We work to help you identify your strengths and your successes and identify areas of growth. Rather than highlighting pathology in your life, we help you develop new tools to overcome any roadblocks you have encountered. We bring clinical expertise to our work with you, but regard you as the expert on your life. You can expect that our work with you will be collaborative and goal-focused.
At Re-New Psychological we are of the belief that you're doing the best you can with the tools that you have. We work to help you identify your strengths and your successes and identify areas of growth. Rather than highlighting pathology in your life, we help you develop new tools to overcome any roadblocks you have encountered. We bring clinical expertise to our work with you, but regard you as the expert on your life. You can expect that our work with you will be collaborative and goal-focused.
Chereen Gamal
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, RYT500, ACS
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016
Trauma‑Informed Talk Therapy: Rooted in CBT, Gestalt, and mindfulness, I offer tools to help you make sense of your emotions and reframe your inner narrative.
Losing a loved one can be the most difficult time in your life. Emotions are often surprising in their strength or mildness. Grief often breaks a person completely from the inside out. Grieving is hard work; you can get worn out and feel battered. It can take a lot longer to work through grief than most people realize. People around you may think it’s helpful for you to not talk or cry or focus on your loss but actually, this is just what people need to do. The goal is to not stay stuck, to move through it—and this is part of the process. Find wholeness through trauma informed talk therapy, yoga, mindfulness.
Trauma‑Informed Talk Therapy: Rooted in CBT, Gestalt, and mindfulness, I offer tools to help you make sense of your emotions and reframe your inner narrative.
Losing a loved one can be the most difficult time in your life. Emotions are often surprising in their strength or mildness. Grief often breaks a person completely from the inside out. Grieving is hard work; you can get worn out and feel battered. It can take a lot longer to work through grief than most people realize. People around you may think it’s helpful for you to not talk or cry or focus on your loss but actually, this is just what people need to do. The goal is to not stay stuck, to move through it—and this is part of the process. Find wholeness through trauma informed talk therapy, yoga, mindfulness.
Do you feel like no one truly understands you?
Perhaps you feel alone, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn. Therapy can be the first step toward finding relief and support—a safe space to talk openly, without judgment. I believe everyone can benefit from therapy, and my goal is to create a stress-free environment where you feel comfortable, heard, and supported as we work through life’s challenges together. I work with adults, couples, and adolescents navigating a wide range of concerns, including trauma, grief, life transitions, addictions, and relationship challenges.
Do you feel like no one truly understands you?
Perhaps you feel alone, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn. Therapy can be the first step toward finding relief and support—a safe space to talk openly, without judgment. I believe everyone can benefit from therapy, and my goal is to create a stress-free environment where you feel comfortable, heard, and supported as we work through life’s challenges together. I work with adults, couples, and adolescents navigating a wide range of concerns, including trauma, grief, life transitions, addictions, and relationship challenges.
The weight of survival, changing yourself to fit inside systems that were never meant for you has become unbearable. The old strategies, hypervigilance, the exhausting mental loops that once kept you safe now feel like a prison. And at some point, you said: "Enough". If you’re here, I see you. I know the battle you’re fighting because I help people dismantle it everyday. I specialize in trauma therapy using EMDR, Brainspotting, and IFS: modalities that don’t just help you cope but dismantle what’s keeping you stuck. Imagine a future where your choices are truly yours. You deserve more than survival. Reach out, and let’s begin.
The weight of survival, changing yourself to fit inside systems that were never meant for you has become unbearable. The old strategies, hypervigilance, the exhausting mental loops that once kept you safe now feel like a prison. And at some point, you said: "Enough". If you’re here, I see you. I know the battle you’re fighting because I help people dismantle it everyday. I specialize in trauma therapy using EMDR, Brainspotting, and IFS: modalities that don’t just help you cope but dismantle what’s keeping you stuck. Imagine a future where your choices are truly yours. You deserve more than survival. Reach out, and let’s begin.
With me, Gestalt & somatic therapy is a path toward repairing your relationship with your inner wisdom so you find your power to be free.
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.
With me, Gestalt & somatic therapy is a path toward repairing your relationship with your inner wisdom so you find your power to be free.
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.
Mending Hearts & Without Walls Counseling Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, BCD, CEAP, SAP
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
Are you ready to enhance your self-esteem, improve your relationships, strengthen your family, reduce self-defeating behaviors, and make lasting changes in your life? Counseling offers a powerful pathway for healing, exploration, and growth, and I warmly welcome the opportunity to walk alongside you on that journey.
Are you ready to enhance your self-esteem, improve your relationships, strengthen your family, reduce self-defeating behaviors, and make lasting changes in your life? Counseling offers a powerful pathway for healing, exploration, and growth, and I warmly welcome the opportunity to walk alongside you on that journey.
In therapy terminology, I utilize Gestalt and person-centered approaches with longterm psychotherapy focused on trauma healing and attachment work.
With over 15 years working in the mental health field, SC Nealy has their second Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is the Clinical Director at a group therapy practice. With a person-centered, attachment informed, emotion-focused approach aimed at finding solutions, healing trauma, building resilience, improving interpersonal relationships, connecting the mind and body, and working through triggers and past pain, SC wants their clients to feel heard, understood, and valued in the therapeutic space and in their lives. SC also wrote 30+ novels, and their non-fiction book "Healing Sacred Wounds" releases in 2026.
In therapy terminology, I utilize Gestalt and person-centered approaches with longterm psychotherapy focused on trauma healing and attachment work.
With over 15 years working in the mental health field, SC Nealy has their second Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is the Clinical Director at a group therapy practice. With a person-centered, attachment informed, emotion-focused approach aimed at finding solutions, healing trauma, building resilience, improving interpersonal relationships, connecting the mind and body, and working through triggers and past pain, SC wants their clients to feel heard, understood, and valued in the therapeutic space and in their lives. SC also wrote 30+ novels, and their non-fiction book "Healing Sacred Wounds" releases in 2026.
Jessie Wedell (she/her) is passionate about working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities who may face unique challenges with those intersections. With a strong foundation in social science, she recognizes the sociocultural influences that impact mental health. She also has an extensive background in dance and yoga and strongly believes in somatic interventions as a form of trauma recovery and to build a healthy connection with ones body. Her goal is to offer a validating space to guide clients through their journeys of healing, helping them reclaim their strength, resilience, and hope for the future.
Jessie Wedell (she/her) is passionate about working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities who may face unique challenges with those intersections. With a strong foundation in social science, she recognizes the sociocultural influences that impact mental health. She also has an extensive background in dance and yoga and strongly believes in somatic interventions as a form of trauma recovery and to build a healthy connection with ones body. Her goal is to offer a validating space to guide clients through their journeys of healing, helping them reclaim their strength, resilience, and hope for the future.
My primary clinical techniques derive from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy, ensuring an integrated and tailored approach to meet your unique needs.
“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face… You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” - Eleanor Roosevelt.
As a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and Washington, DC with over 10 years of experience, my primary goal is to provide individuals with an environment that nurtures authenticity and personal growth. Clients seeking my guidance desire to be challenged and to actively work towards tangible, transformative goals. I aim to address the potential challenges of therapy with transparency and safety essential for self-exploration.
My primary clinical techniques derive from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy, ensuring an integrated and tailored approach to meet your unique needs.
“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face… You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” - Eleanor Roosevelt.
As a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and Washington, DC with over 10 years of experience, my primary goal is to provide individuals with an environment that nurtures authenticity and personal growth. Clients seeking my guidance desire to be challenged and to actively work towards tangible, transformative goals. I aim to address the potential challenges of therapy with transparency and safety essential for self-exploration.
Dr. Shanelle Clay
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, ACS, BC-TMH
3 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20006
You’ve been strong for everyone else. Now it’s time to be supported.
As Black and Brown women, we often carry a quiet weight—always showing up, always pushing through. The world praises our strength, but rarely asks how we’re really doing.
This expectation known as the Superwoman Schema can leave us feeling isolated, emotionally exhausted, and unseen. It tells us we have to do it all, all the time.
You don’t have to live that way.
My counseling practice is a space where you can exhale.
Where you don’t have to explain your culture, code-switch your emotions, or shrink your truth.
Here, your whole self is welcomed.
You’ve been strong for everyone else. Now it’s time to be supported.
As Black and Brown women, we often carry a quiet weight—always showing up, always pushing through. The world praises our strength, but rarely asks how we’re really doing.
This expectation known as the Superwoman Schema can leave us feeling isolated, emotionally exhausted, and unseen. It tells us we have to do it all, all the time.
You don’t have to live that way.
My counseling practice is a space where you can exhale.
Where you don’t have to explain your culture, code-switch your emotions, or shrink your truth.
Here, your whole self is welcomed.
Our relationships with others and growing up include really profound and beautiful experiences; and, our experiences can also leave us feeling stuck, afraid, and angry. This can be especially true when we are BIPOC-identified, are the children of immigrants or first-generation immigrants ourselves, identify as LGBTQIA+, and/or have other marginalized identities. Common concerns endorsed by my clients include imposter syndrome, perfectionism, body image issues, difficulty with safety and trust in relationships, low self-esteem, and persistent anxiety and depression.
Our relationships with others and growing up include really profound and beautiful experiences; and, our experiences can also leave us feeling stuck, afraid, and angry. This can be especially true when we are BIPOC-identified, are the children of immigrants or first-generation immigrants ourselves, identify as LGBTQIA+, and/or have other marginalized identities. Common concerns endorsed by my clients include imposter syndrome, perfectionism, body image issues, difficulty with safety and trust in relationships, low self-esteem, and persistent anxiety and depression.
