Schema Therapy in Washington, DC
Are you struggling with relationships, feelings of rejection, or healing from past trauma? Do you find yourself stuck on intrusive thoughts or having a hard time breaking habits? Have you ever felt that you are “too much” or "not enough"? Even if these symptoms have persisted for years… even if you’ve tried therapy before and it wasn’t as helpful as you’d like, hope is not lost. With a background in outpatient and inpatient work, I am well suited to address the types of issues that range in severity.
Are you struggling with relationships, feelings of rejection, or healing from past trauma? Do you find yourself stuck on intrusive thoughts or having a hard time breaking habits? Have you ever felt that you are “too much” or "not enough"? Even if these symptoms have persisted for years… even if you’ve tried therapy before and it wasn’t as helpful as you’d like, hope is not lost. With a background in outpatient and inpatient work, I am well suited to address the types of issues that range in severity.
Sheila Delvalle—Substance Abuse•Couples•Teens
Licensed Master Social Worker, MSW, LMSW, LGSW
Online Only
We will draw from couples therapy tools, harm reduction, trauma-aware therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT, ACT, mindfulness, art therapy, music therapy, coaching, motivational interviewing, Schema Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, and other tools that support your growth.
Do you struggle with substance use? Has addiction taken over your life? Your past does not have to dictate your present or your future. You can recover from traumatic experiences. In therapy, you can defuse the factors powering addiction. You can build practical coping skills for sustained recovery. You can save your relationship with couples therapy. I am a social worker with advanced training in substance abuse, harm reduction, and trauma therapy. Experienced therapist for teenagers. Reach out now. I look forward to hearing your story and helping you, your teenager, or your relationship get back on track.
We will draw from couples therapy tools, harm reduction, trauma-aware therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT, ACT, mindfulness, art therapy, music therapy, coaching, motivational interviewing, Schema Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, and other tools that support your growth.
Do you struggle with substance use? Has addiction taken over your life? Your past does not have to dictate your present or your future. You can recover from traumatic experiences. In therapy, you can defuse the factors powering addiction. You can build practical coping skills for sustained recovery. You can save your relationship with couples therapy. I am a social worker with advanced training in substance abuse, harm reduction, and trauma therapy. Experienced therapist for teenagers. Reach out now. I look forward to hearing your story and helping you, your teenager, or your relationship get back on track.
I am a licensed Psychologist in Washington DC and in Maryland. I specialize in the treatment of trauma, specifically child sexual abuse. I have extensive experience in the utilization of evidenced based treatment in the area of trauma with children as young as 3 years old. I also provide psychological and psycho-educational evaluations. I have worked with children impacted by the foster care system, multiple traumas, grief and loss, gay, lesbian, and transgendered youth . I strongly believe in creating a warm and accepting amotsphere and that this is a neccessary condition for successful treatment.
I am a licensed Psychologist in Washington DC and in Maryland. I specialize in the treatment of trauma, specifically child sexual abuse. I have extensive experience in the utilization of evidenced based treatment in the area of trauma with children as young as 3 years old. I also provide psychological and psycho-educational evaluations. I have worked with children impacted by the foster care system, multiple traumas, grief and loss, gay, lesbian, and transgendered youth . I strongly believe in creating a warm and accepting amotsphere and that this is a neccessary condition for successful treatment.
I integrate Attachment Theory, Schema Therapy, IFS, CBT as well as Gottman Method to help you and your relationship have the best chance at success.
Dr. Ricaurte has worked with diverse individual of different races, ethnicities, religions, and sexual orientations in a variety of settings. Dr. Ricaurte is fluent in Spanish both written and spoken and welcomes the chance to work with Spanish speaking clients. She is an advocate, educator, and therapist, focusing her work on issues related to human sexuality and human rights. Dr. Ricaurte has conducted research on factors that influence relationship satisfaction, conflict, and compromise among interfaith couples.
I integrate Attachment Theory, Schema Therapy, IFS, CBT as well as Gottman Method to help you and your relationship have the best chance at success.
Dr. Ricaurte has worked with diverse individual of different races, ethnicities, religions, and sexual orientations in a variety of settings. Dr. Ricaurte is fluent in Spanish both written and spoken and welcomes the chance to work with Spanish speaking clients. She is an advocate, educator, and therapist, focusing her work on issues related to human sexuality and human rights. Dr. Ricaurte has conducted research on factors that influence relationship satisfaction, conflict, and compromise among interfaith couples.
My counseling style mainly integrates Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Schema Therapy (ST).
I provide individual counseling for various topics including mood disorders, life transitions, acculturation stress, and interpersonal relationships etc. I also have experience working with individuals with marginalized identities, such as international students, immigrants, racial/ethnic and gender minorities. With my own cross-cultural background, I stay humble and curious about learning different cultures and working with diverse populations. By creating a safe and warm space and building a compassionate, non-judgmental and genuine therapeutic relationship, my clients will be willing to self-explore, heal and grow.
My counseling style mainly integrates Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Schema Therapy (ST).
I provide individual counseling for various topics including mood disorders, life transitions, acculturation stress, and interpersonal relationships etc. I also have experience working with individuals with marginalized identities, such as international students, immigrants, racial/ethnic and gender minorities. With my own cross-cultural background, I stay humble and curious about learning different cultures and working with diverse populations. By creating a safe and warm space and building a compassionate, non-judgmental and genuine therapeutic relationship, my clients will be willing to self-explore, heal and grow.
Effective interventions and proper support can lead to lasting changes. I specialize in evidence-based treatments to help people overcome anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and a range of other mental health concerns. Whether you're struggling with social anxiety, feeling overwhelmed by depression, or facing other mental health challenges, my role is to help you develop practical ways to create real, measurable changes in your life. My approach combines warmth and understanding with proven therapeutic processes that address your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. I practice cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) because research consistently shows its effectiveness.
Effective interventions and proper support can lead to lasting changes. I specialize in evidence-based treatments to help people overcome anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, and a range of other mental health concerns. Whether you're struggling with social anxiety, feeling overwhelmed by depression, or facing other mental health challenges, my role is to help you develop practical ways to create real, measurable changes in your life. My approach combines warmth and understanding with proven therapeutic processes that address your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. I practice cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) because research consistently shows its effectiveness.
Do intrusive thoughts ever get stuck in your mind? Thoughts like, “What if I’m a terrible person?”, “What if I don’t actually love my spouse?”, or “What if I get a deadly disease?” These thoughts can feel so threatening that you may end up checking things repeatedly, replaying conversations, or seeking reassurance, but the relief never lasts. You’re not alone, and effective treatment is available.
Do intrusive thoughts ever get stuck in your mind? Thoughts like, “What if I’m a terrible person?”, “What if I don’t actually love my spouse?”, or “What if I get a deadly disease?” These thoughts can feel so threatening that you may end up checking things repeatedly, replaying conversations, or seeking reassurance, but the relief never lasts. You’re not alone, and effective treatment is available.
I am a third-year doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School in Washington, DC. I currently have a Master's in Forensic Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. As part of my doctoral training, I provide individual therapy to adolescents and adults at Counseling and Psychological Services of DC. I am a Spanish-speaking clinician with a passion for working with immigrants and individuals from diverse cultural and racial backgrounds. My clinical interests include trauma, depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, identity concerns, stress management, and supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community.
I am a third-year doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School in Washington, DC. I currently have a Master's in Forensic Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. As part of my doctoral training, I provide individual therapy to adolescents and adults at Counseling and Psychological Services of DC. I am a Spanish-speaking clinician with a passion for working with immigrants and individuals from diverse cultural and racial backgrounds. My clinical interests include trauma, depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, identity concerns, stress management, and supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Stressed at work, shut down with your partner, out of touch with friends: something in your life isn't working, but your normal go-tos, from exercise to positive self-talk, aren't fixing it. You're starting to think you need to approach the problem on a deeper, maybe more emotional, level - which sounds fine in principle, but not easy to pull off on your own. It's time to find the right therapist. You're ready to have a path, and a guide, to help you do the personal work you know you need to do.
Stressed at work, shut down with your partner, out of touch with friends: something in your life isn't working, but your normal go-tos, from exercise to positive self-talk, aren't fixing it. You're starting to think you need to approach the problem on a deeper, maybe more emotional, level - which sounds fine in principle, but not easy to pull off on your own. It's time to find the right therapist. You're ready to have a path, and a guide, to help you do the personal work you know you need to do.
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.
With more than 30 years of dedicated experience as a psychotherapist and clinical social work supervisor in Washington, DC, I am passionate about helping Individual adults and members of the LGBTQ+ community navigate life’s challenges. My practice centers on a wide range of concerns, including trauma, loss and grief, depression, anxiety, and conflict resolution within relationships.
Drawing from both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic approaches, I offer an integrative and flexible therapeutic experience designed to meet clients where they are. This eclectic style allows me to address each person’s unique story
With more than 30 years of dedicated experience as a psychotherapist and clinical social work supervisor in Washington, DC, I am passionate about helping Individual adults and members of the LGBTQ+ community navigate life’s challenges. My practice centers on a wide range of concerns, including trauma, loss and grief, depression, anxiety, and conflict resolution within relationships.
Drawing from both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic approaches, I offer an integrative and flexible therapeutic experience designed to meet clients where they are. This eclectic style allows me to address each person’s unique story
I have over 14 years experience working with both adolescents and adults. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, and other relationship related challenges. I have a level 1 and level 2 trauma certificate from the Ferentz institute and work with both childhood and adult trauma. I am also an Internal Family Systems Certified Therapist. Though trauma is my speciality, I have experience with a wide range of mental health issues.
I have over 14 years experience working with both adolescents and adults. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, and other relationship related challenges. I have a level 1 and level 2 trauma certificate from the Ferentz institute and work with both childhood and adult trauma. I am also an Internal Family Systems Certified Therapist. Though trauma is my speciality, I have experience with a wide range of mental health issues.
I tailor my services to each client and their unique needs, always from the humanistic approach. That means that I see my clients first and foremost as human beings, having a human experience. Clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, existential concerns, and a variety of other discomfort will benefit from my integration of mindfulness and meditative practices into their treatment, alongside the use of building the psychological tools that empower them to create measurable changes to their circumstances.
I tailor my services to each client and their unique needs, always from the humanistic approach. That means that I see my clients first and foremost as human beings, having a human experience. Clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, existential concerns, and a variety of other discomfort will benefit from my integration of mindfulness and meditative practices into their treatment, alongside the use of building the psychological tools that empower them to create measurable changes to their circumstances.
Welcome to my practice. I help people make meaningful changes in their lives, with a warm and empathic style, using evidence-based treatments that work. My clients gain a more compassionate and realistic understanding of themselves as well as solid skills and strategies for improving their moods, their functioning, their relationships, and their sense of purpose. I work collaboratively with clients to set goals for their therapy, and I view myself as their partner. I strive to create a non-judgmental, caring and connected therapeutic relationship, where we can work with good humor and deep respect for your values and goals.
Welcome to my practice. I help people make meaningful changes in their lives, with a warm and empathic style, using evidence-based treatments that work. My clients gain a more compassionate and realistic understanding of themselves as well as solid skills and strategies for improving their moods, their functioning, their relationships, and their sense of purpose. I work collaboratively with clients to set goals for their therapy, and I view myself as their partner. I strive to create a non-judgmental, caring and connected therapeutic relationship, where we can work with good humor and deep respect for your values and goals.
Accepting new clients. I believe in providing a safe and supportive space for my clients. From a cognitive-behavioral approach, I aim to balance symptom relief in the present while managing life’s challenges and uncertainties. Along with this, I help develop insights and depth into why one’s struggles may be happening. I value a strong therapeutic relationship as a channel for understanding and to foster open and honest dialogue. My therapy style can be described as compassionate, direct, solution-oriented, and mind-body-focused. Together, we will create a personalized and flexible plan for a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Accepting new clients. I believe in providing a safe and supportive space for my clients. From a cognitive-behavioral approach, I aim to balance symptom relief in the present while managing life’s challenges and uncertainties. Along with this, I help develop insights and depth into why one’s struggles may be happening. I value a strong therapeutic relationship as a channel for understanding and to foster open and honest dialogue. My therapy style can be described as compassionate, direct, solution-oriented, and mind-body-focused. Together, we will create a personalized and flexible plan for a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Paul B. Sheesley, MA, LPC, LCPC, LCADC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, LPC, LCADC
Washington, DC 20009
Additionally, I utilize schema therapy as an effective approach for both individuals and couples.
Therapy is distinct from education or offering advice. Since each individual is unique, therapeutic elements are customized to recognize that healing varies from person to person. My approach fosters a safe environment where you can express your thoughts openly, with someone who listens attentively and genuinely cares. I believe that a successful counseling experience hinges on the therapist's ability to understand and respect each patient’s distinct concerns, background, and context. I am dedicated to achieving this understanding in every counseling relationship.
Additionally, I utilize schema therapy as an effective approach for both individuals and couples.
Therapy is distinct from education or offering advice. Since each individual is unique, therapeutic elements are customized to recognize that healing varies from person to person. My approach fosters a safe environment where you can express your thoughts openly, with someone who listens attentively and genuinely cares. I believe that a successful counseling experience hinges on the therapist's ability to understand and respect each patient’s distinct concerns, background, and context. I am dedicated to achieving this understanding in every counseling relationship.
I am an easy to relate to therapist with 10+ years of experience who has an uncanny ability to balance warmth and validation with being genuine and direct. I will collaborate with you to determine the way of relating, therapeutic style, and specific therapy interventions that make you feel most comfortable and are the most successful. I will use my expert training and education, using a growth oriented approach, to help you recover from depression, manage anxiety, improve your relationships (work, family, friendships, and romantic), and cope with general life stressors.
I am an easy to relate to therapist with 10+ years of experience who has an uncanny ability to balance warmth and validation with being genuine and direct. I will collaborate with you to determine the way of relating, therapeutic style, and specific therapy interventions that make you feel most comfortable and are the most successful. I will use my expert training and education, using a growth oriented approach, to help you recover from depression, manage anxiety, improve your relationships (work, family, friendships, and romantic), and cope with general life stressors.
Welcome to the start of your therapy journey! I work with adults navigating reproductive and perinatal mental health, including infertility, IVF, pregnancy and postpartum transitions, pregnancy loss, and NICU-related trauma. I also support clients managing anxiety, self-esteem concerns, early trauma, relationship stress, and major life transitions. With over a decade of experience in private practice, I offer a compassionate, grounded approach shaped by both clinical training and personal experience, helping clients feel more understood, supported, and steadier during life’s most challenging moments.
Welcome to the start of your therapy journey! I work with adults navigating reproductive and perinatal mental health, including infertility, IVF, pregnancy and postpartum transitions, pregnancy loss, and NICU-related trauma. I also support clients managing anxiety, self-esteem concerns, early trauma, relationship stress, and major life transitions. With over a decade of experience in private practice, I offer a compassionate, grounded approach shaped by both clinical training and personal experience, helping clients feel more understood, supported, and steadier during life’s most challenging moments.
My ideal client may feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. They may be navigating anxiety, depression, emotional regulation challenges, or life transitions, and feel unsure where to begin. They often want relief from constant stress, greater emotional balance, and tools to better understand themselves. Many are seeking a supportive, nonjudgmental space where they can slow down, feel heard, and work toward meaningful change at their own pace.
My ideal client may feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. They may be navigating anxiety, depression, emotional regulation challenges, or life transitions, and feel unsure where to begin. They often want relief from constant stress, greater emotional balance, and tools to better understand themselves. Many are seeking a supportive, nonjudgmental space where they can slow down, feel heard, and work toward meaningful change at their own pace.
I am an easy to relate to therapist with 10+ years of experience who has an uncanny ability to balance warmth and validation with being genuine and direct. I will collaborate with you to determine the way of relating, therapeutic style, and specific therapy interventions that make you feel most comfortable and are the most successful. I will use my expert training and education, using a growth oriented approach, to help you recover from depression, manage anxiety, improve your relationships (work, family, friendships, and romantic), and cope with general life stressors.
I am an easy to relate to therapist with 10+ years of experience who has an uncanny ability to balance warmth and validation with being genuine and direct. I will collaborate with you to determine the way of relating, therapeutic style, and specific therapy interventions that make you feel most comfortable and are the most successful. I will use my expert training and education, using a growth oriented approach, to help you recover from depression, manage anxiety, improve your relationships (work, family, friendships, and romantic), and cope with general life stressors.
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Schema Therapy Therapists
How does schema therapy work?
Schema therapy is based on the idea that maladaptive thought patterns formed in childhood—that other people can never be relied on, for example—can interfere with healthy functioning in adulthood. Accordingly, schema therapy works by directly targeting such unhealthy schemas, identifying their consequences, and replacing them with more adaptive ways of thinking. To this end, schema therapists aim to “reparent” the client by offering what they didn’t get in childhood—validation, for instance, or compassion—to reorient their worldview.
Is schema therapy evidence-based?
Schema therapy is still considered relatively new, and research on its efficacy is still in progress. However, some studies have concluded that it can be effective at treating certain mental health conditions, most notably personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder. Evidence for its efficacy in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD is promising but less conclusive, and experts warn that much of the existing research is of low quality.
Is schema therapy a type of CBT?
Schema therapy is based on many principles of CBT, most notably the process of recognizing and challenging maladaptive thought patterns. But because schema therapy also draws from other approaches,including psychoanalysis and Gestalt therapy, it is not considered a form of CBT. It also typically delves deeper into the client’s childhood than does CBT.
How does schema therapy work?
Schema therapy does not call for a set number of sessions and is instead open-ended, with the treatment timeline depending on the client’s primary concern(s), progress, and preferences. Treatment that lasts between six months and two years is common, though many clients will start to see progress much earlier than that.