Parenting Therapists in Washington, DC
I am an experienced clinical social worker and therapist available to work with adults (18+) experiencing grief, loss, relationship or parenting challenges, and various life transitions.
People tend to find me compassionate, warm, direct and collaborative. I value humility in my client relationships. You know yourself best and we will work together to deepen self-understanding and access your innate wisdom.
I am an experienced clinical social worker and therapist available to work with adults (18+) experiencing grief, loss, relationship or parenting challenges, and various life transitions.
People tend to find me compassionate, warm, direct and collaborative. I value humility in my client relationships. You know yourself best and we will work together to deepen self-understanding and access your innate wisdom.
I treat a wide range of concerns, with particular experience in infertility/pregnancy/perinatal, relationships, and navigating the demands of a busy family life and career, including parenting and elder care.
I strive to create a safe, supportive, non-judgmental space for clients who feel burdened with hard feelings. You may be navigating a period of anxiety or depression, struggling with a difficult phase of life, or are unsure how to move beyond past experiences. We will create a collaborative partnership where we can work through these questions together, empowering you to find a path back to joy and calm in your life. I work with college students, adults, am Gottman-trained in couples work, and have particular expertise with clients experiencing infertility, adjusting to parenthood or navigating the joys and challenges of older kids.
I treat a wide range of concerns, with particular experience in infertility/pregnancy/perinatal, relationships, and navigating the demands of a busy family life and career, including parenting and elder care.
I strive to create a safe, supportive, non-judgmental space for clients who feel burdened with hard feelings. You may be navigating a period of anxiety or depression, struggling with a difficult phase of life, or are unsure how to move beyond past experiences. We will create a collaborative partnership where we can work through these questions together, empowering you to find a path back to joy and calm in your life. I work with college students, adults, am Gottman-trained in couples work, and have particular expertise with clients experiencing infertility, adjusting to parenthood or navigating the joys and challenges of older kids.
I've learned volumes about parenting from my own children, though no lesson is learned soon enough.
I work with individuals and couples, as well as children, in both DC and Chapel Hill. I do best with adults who are educated or reflective: many are scientists, artists, health and business professionals, or psychotherapists, and some are not pursuing conventional achievement.Some see me for family or work problems, some for help dealing with a chronic health issue or a loss, some to change longstanding emotional and interpersonal patterns involving anxiety, anger, or intimacy. We may try quick and simple approaches first, because sometimes they work, but if not we can go more deeply into the individual's unique personal narrative.
I've learned volumes about parenting from my own children, though no lesson is learned soon enough.
I work with individuals and couples, as well as children, in both DC and Chapel Hill. I do best with adults who are educated or reflective: many are scientists, artists, health and business professionals, or psychotherapists, and some are not pursuing conventional achievement.Some see me for family or work problems, some for help dealing with a chronic health issue or a loss, some to change longstanding emotional and interpersonal patterns involving anxiety, anger, or intimacy. We may try quick and simple approaches first, because sometimes they work, but if not we can go more deeply into the individual's unique personal narrative.
Kristin Pillay
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MEd, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20015
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in the changing needs of families, children and adolescents from ages 4-14 including parenting, school challenges, life transitions, ADHD, anxiety, depression, relationships, self esteem.
I have extensive experience working with kids, adolescents, and families and use a strengths based approach to meet children where they are. You can show up now and be seen, known, and valued at our new office. As a former school counselor, I know that children have varying school experiences and show up with you to build community, partner with you, and to meet each child where they are. I am curious, not all knowing, and consider the impact of words and actions. Our creative therapeutic interventions to support and to increase self understanding for kids across developmental stages
I specialize in the changing needs of families, children and adolescents from ages 4-14 including parenting, school challenges, life transitions, ADHD, anxiety, depression, relationships, self esteem.
I have extensive experience working with kids, adolescents, and families and use a strengths based approach to meet children where they are. You can show up now and be seen, known, and valued at our new office. As a former school counselor, I know that children have varying school experiences and show up with you to build community, partner with you, and to meet each child where they are. I am curious, not all knowing, and consider the impact of words and actions. Our creative therapeutic interventions to support and to increase self understanding for kids across developmental stages
Emily Griffin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20012
In-home, virtual, and in-office services include: couples counseling, individual support around perinatal mental health for moms AND dads (aiming to prevent Postpartum Depression & Anxiety when possible), hands-on parenting support and guidance.
Building self-awareness and developing a rewarding connection with your child is a unique and sensitive process for each parent. Many of us can use some support along the way. I am the mother of four sons & a daughter who are their own masterpieces in the making.
In-home, virtual, and in-office services include: couples counseling, individual support around perinatal mental health for moms AND dads (aiming to prevent Postpartum Depression & Anxiety when possible), hands-on parenting support and guidance.
Building self-awareness and developing a rewarding connection with your child is a unique and sensitive process for each parent. Many of us can use some support along the way. I am the mother of four sons & a daughter who are their own masterpieces in the making.
Leslie C. Kilpatrick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MEd, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
While I work with clients of all ages in any stage of life, my specialties include teen and family LGBTQIA issues, prenatal/postpartum challenges, parenting children with special needs and working with women who feel “stuck.
You may be: a teenager confronting challenges such as anxiety, depression, peer comparison, gender identity or sexual orientation; a family that needs support with general discord, parenting a child who is neurodiverse or LGBTQIA; or a woman feeling stuck or lost, managing anxiety or depression post-college, or during pregnancy, postpartum or infertility.
While I work with clients of all ages in any stage of life, my specialties include teen and family LGBTQIA issues, prenatal/postpartum challenges, parenting children with special needs and working with women who feel “stuck.
You may be: a teenager confronting challenges such as anxiety, depression, peer comparison, gender identity or sexual orientation; a family that needs support with general discord, parenting a child who is neurodiverse or LGBTQIA; or a woman feeling stuck or lost, managing anxiety or depression post-college, or during pregnancy, postpartum or infertility.
Depending on the situation, I may address such problems with individual therapy, family therapy, or parenting work.
My work is more present- than past-focused, and more active than passive. Some clinical perspectives on which I draw are cognitive-behavioral, acceptance/mindfulness, Gottman couple therapy, and family systems. Key to my work are building a trusting relationship, careful assessment, collaborative goal-setting, and incorporating evidence-based approaches.
Depending on the situation, I may address such problems with individual therapy, family therapy, or parenting work.
My work is more present- than past-focused, and more active than passive. Some clinical perspectives on which I draw are cognitive-behavioral, acceptance/mindfulness, Gottman couple therapy, and family systems. Key to my work are building a trusting relationship, careful assessment, collaborative goal-setting, and incorporating evidence-based approaches.
Parent-Child Dynamics: working with parents and children/teens to improve the quality and flexibility of their relationships, improve parenting skills (how to help kids better regulate emotions and behaviors), as well as understand how parents' past family-of-origin experiences may be influencing their current parenting style (i.
Work-Related / Academic-Related Stress, Performance & Relationships: therapy or coaching with diverse professionals (managers, lawyers, doctors, therapists, researchers, students) to improve their mood and their performance through increased awareness / regulation of difficult emotions, repetitive negative thoughts, challenging work relationships, as well as past experiences that influence current functioning (i.e., Tavistock model).
Parent-Child Dynamics: working with parents and children/teens to improve the quality and flexibility of their relationships, improve parenting skills (how to help kids better regulate emotions and behaviors), as well as understand how parents' past family-of-origin experiences may be influencing their current parenting style (i.
Work-Related / Academic-Related Stress, Performance & Relationships: therapy or coaching with diverse professionals (managers, lawyers, doctors, therapists, researchers, students) to improve their mood and their performance through increased awareness / regulation of difficult emotions, repetitive negative thoughts, challenging work relationships, as well as past experiences that influence current functioning (i.e., Tavistock model).
Parenting a young child can be incredibly joyful but also stressful.
I help parents who are struggling with challenges with their young child (0-6 years) around any number of issues, including: sleep, feeding, potty learning, cooperation, getting through daily routines, discipline, challenges functioning in a group setting, developing positive peer relationships, learning to develop self-regulation, and managing sibling rivalry. I help parents understand what makes their child tick and how to meet their needs, especially when it comes to how to discipline using positive, not punitive approaches.
Parenting a young child can be incredibly joyful but also stressful.
I help parents who are struggling with challenges with their young child (0-6 years) around any number of issues, including: sleep, feeding, potty learning, cooperation, getting through daily routines, discipline, challenges functioning in a group setting, developing positive peer relationships, learning to develop self-regulation, and managing sibling rivalry. I help parents understand what makes their child tick and how to meet their needs, especially when it comes to how to discipline using positive, not punitive approaches.
I specialize in working with depression, interpersonal relationships, parenting concerns, the motherhood transition, college transitions, loss and grief.
I have over 20 years of clinical experience providing individual, couples and group therapy to late adolescents and adults and supervising clinicians. My services are reimbursable by most insurance companies. I'm currently accepting clients who are able to meet primarily (though not exclusively) in person.
I specialize in working with depression, interpersonal relationships, parenting concerns, the motherhood transition, college transitions, loss and grief.
I have over 20 years of clinical experience providing individual, couples and group therapy to late adolescents and adults and supervising clinicians. My services are reimbursable by most insurance companies. I'm currently accepting clients who are able to meet primarily (though not exclusively) in person.
Molly Louise Mattison
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
I also offer parenting work that strengthens parents skill sets.
Through a cognitive behavioral approach that is strengths based and solution focused I help clients identify and label their feelings, examine the thoughts they are telling themselves about those feelings and evaluate if those thoughts are rooted in distortions or evidence based. Upon examination and labeling, new and helpful cognitions can be learned.
I also offer parenting work that strengthens parents skill sets.
Through a cognitive behavioral approach that is strengths based and solution focused I help clients identify and label their feelings, examine the thoughts they are telling themselves about those feelings and evaluate if those thoughts are rooted in distortions or evidence based. Upon examination and labeling, new and helpful cognitions can be learned.
Meet Our Parenting Therapists
For parents, I offer Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to support them in their roles and foster resilience in and connection with their children.
I have extensive experience in evidence-based treatments for children and adults, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma focused CBT, and exposure and response prevention (ERP), as well as PCIT and SPACE. In addition, I am board certified in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).
For parents, I offer Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to support them in their roles and foster resilience in and connection with their children.
I have extensive experience in evidence-based treatments for children and adults, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma focused CBT, and exposure and response prevention (ERP), as well as PCIT and SPACE. In addition, I am board certified in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).
Katie Blumenthal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, PMH-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
As a parent myself, I enjoy working with clients transitioning to parenthood, including fertility patients.
I believe that the foundation of successful therapeutic work is forming strong, collaborative relationships with my clients. This emphasis is essential when tackling complex problems and stressors. I join with clients to heal from trauma, build emotional skills and resilience, and gain insight into relationships and events, both past and present. I challenge clients to integrate skills gained in sessions into their daily lives and we review progress and adjust the clinical approach as needed.
As a parent myself, I enjoy working with clients transitioning to parenthood, including fertility patients.
I believe that the foundation of successful therapeutic work is forming strong, collaborative relationships with my clients. This emphasis is essential when tackling complex problems and stressors. I join with clients to heal from trauma, build emotional skills and resilience, and gain insight into relationships and events, both past and present. I challenge clients to integrate skills gained in sessions into their daily lives and we review progress and adjust the clinical approach as needed.
Lets Play Psychotherapy Services, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSW, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
It is important to include the parent into the therapeutic process, with such inclusion, both parent and child can restore attachment and find healthy ways to express their needs.
I have over 15 years of experience working with children and families to assist with the social and emotional well-being of children 0-5 years of age. My focus of treatment has been to allow children to express themselves in a way in which to be free and in a nonthreatening way.
It is important to include the parent into the therapeutic process, with such inclusion, both parent and child can restore attachment and find healthy ways to express their needs.
I have over 15 years of experience working with children and families to assist with the social and emotional well-being of children 0-5 years of age. My focus of treatment has been to allow children to express themselves in a way in which to be free and in a nonthreatening way.
As a parent, do you want to learn ways to better support them?.
Therapy is an opportunity for you to gain both practical skills and insight/awareness to more effectively identify and respond to the challenges impacting how you think and feel. I'll help you develop the ability to acknowledge and accept these obstacles without allowing them to hinder your capacity for greater joy and personal connection.
As a parent, do you want to learn ways to better support them?.
Therapy is an opportunity for you to gain both practical skills and insight/awareness to more effectively identify and respond to the challenges impacting how you think and feel. I'll help you develop the ability to acknowledge and accept these obstacles without allowing them to hinder your capacity for greater joy and personal connection.
I utilize Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to help children and parents to enjoy their time together.
I have over two decades of experience supporting young children and their parents by identifying and treating problems according to their developmental context. I use Parent-Child Interaction Therapy in my work. PCIT is an evidence-based treatment for young children with intense behavioral problems and could be conducted using tele-health platform.
I utilize Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to help children and parents to enjoy their time together.
I have over two decades of experience supporting young children and their parents by identifying and treating problems according to their developmental context. I use Parent-Child Interaction Therapy in my work. PCIT is an evidence-based treatment for young children with intense behavioral problems and could be conducted using tele-health platform.
Judith Wides
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MEd, LMFT, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20003
The scope of my practice includes early childhood education and mental health, child development, parenting support, couples counseling, adolescent mentoring, women’s health, and expert collaboration with educational institutions.
My approach is very practical and direct. I focus on helping you gain greater clarity as I support you in making meaningful changes in your relationships, parenting, and professional pursuits. Success will be defined by you feeling that you have found a more authentic path toward contentment in your daily life.
The scope of my practice includes early childhood education and mental health, child development, parenting support, couples counseling, adolescent mentoring, women’s health, and expert collaboration with educational institutions.
My approach is very practical and direct. I focus on helping you gain greater clarity as I support you in making meaningful changes in your relationships, parenting, and professional pursuits. Success will be defined by you feeling that you have found a more authentic path toward contentment in your daily life.
Mickie Simon, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20015
I work with individuals and families providing supportive psychotherapy to address life transitions, anxiety, depression, loss and parenting challenges.
My practice focuses on using a strength based model to assist clients in developing insight into their relationships, communication patterns and problem solving strategies to achieve their fullest potential. I specialize in working with women throughout life stages, and particularly in times of transition. I incorporate psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral strategies including mindfulness practices.
I work with individuals and families providing supportive psychotherapy to address life transitions, anxiety, depression, loss and parenting challenges.
My practice focuses on using a strength based model to assist clients in developing insight into their relationships, communication patterns and problem solving strategies to achieve their fullest potential. I specialize in working with women throughout life stages, and particularly in times of transition. I incorporate psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral strategies including mindfulness practices.
Next Level Up Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
Started in 2022, Next Level Up Counseling was founded by three clinicians with over a decade of experience each in supporting children, adolescents and families with childhood behavioral challenges, concerns and parenting issues.
At Next Level Up Counseling, we specialize in services to children, caregivers and families navigating behavioral challenges and anxiety disorders in childhood. We believe that progress is not made by jumping to the top. It is made by doing the work to get to the next level up from where you were, and celebrating that as the moment of growth that it is.
Started in 2022, Next Level Up Counseling was founded by three clinicians with over a decade of experience each in supporting children, adolescents and families with childhood behavioral challenges, concerns and parenting issues.
At Next Level Up Counseling, we specialize in services to children, caregivers and families navigating behavioral challenges and anxiety disorders in childhood. We believe that progress is not made by jumping to the top. It is made by doing the work to get to the next level up from where you were, and celebrating that as the moment of growth that it is.
Kelly G. Ezickson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20007
for over 25 years and bring a very personal understanding to the struggles of identity, parenting, and the martial relationship.
There are few things more painful than feeling isolated and alone. Many people enter therapy because they are feeling alone, disconnected and their relationships are suffering. I see therapy as a place where you can feel truly heard, seen, and understood and it is in this safe place that you can begin to make more satisfying and effective life decisions. I work with people to help them understand the unconscious role they may be playing in life decisions and to develop a life of confidence and joy. I work with adults, couples, and families around issues of depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and addictions.
for over 25 years and bring a very personal understanding to the struggles of identity, parenting, and the martial relationship.
There are few things more painful than feeling isolated and alone. Many people enter therapy because they are feeling alone, disconnected and their relationships are suffering. I see therapy as a place where you can feel truly heard, seen, and understood and it is in this safe place that you can begin to make more satisfying and effective life decisions. I work with people to help them understand the unconscious role they may be playing in life decisions and to develop a life of confidence and joy. I work with adults, couples, and families around issues of depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and addictions.
See more therapy options for Washington
Parenting Therapists
What does therapy for parenting look like?
Therapists may work with parents individually, together, or include the whole family to find solutions for the problems a parent faces. Many parent-based therapies work on a parent’s relationship with their children, problem-solving within the family, and analysis of family dynamics. Therapy conducted remotely by video may be helpful in allowing a therapist to observe how families interact in their own homes.
When should a parent seek therapy?
When behavioral problems begin to disrupt the healthy functioning of a family, it may be a good time to look into therapy. If parents find that children are acting out in school, have started using drugs or alcohol, have developed eating disorders, or other similar red flags, a therapist may be able to help.
How long does therapy take for parenting problems?
Depending on the severity of a family’s challenges and the type of treatment utilized, therapy for parenting can last from weeks to months. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a pragmatic therapy type that can be brief, most often ranging from between 5 and 20 sessions. Structural family therapy, which inspects family dynamics, often takes several months. Parent-child interaction therapy is typically shorter-term, lasting between 10 and 20 sessions. For any therapy, the duration will depend on the progress made and results realized.
Can therapy help parents dealing with burnout or stress?
Parenting is difficult. Parents may dismiss or conceal feelings of exhaustion, overwhelm, or escape ideation—imagining withdrawing from their parental obligations altogether. but left unattended, these feelings can have negative effects on the whole family. A therapist can help parents work on the skills they might need to better cope with the burdens of parenting and help them be the best parents they can be.