Secular and Non-Religious Therapists in Washington, DC
Alicia Cohen is a clinical social worker who practices telehealth psychotherapy in Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia. Her specialty is with neurodivergent individuals, people in ethical non-monogamous relationships, the kink/BDSM community, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Alicia also specializes in working with adults who have been marginalized by their body, gender, and sexuality.
Alicia Cohen is a clinical social worker who practices telehealth psychotherapy in Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia. Her specialty is with neurodivergent individuals, people in ethical non-monogamous relationships, the kink/BDSM community, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Alicia also specializes in working with adults who have been marginalized by their body, gender, and sexuality.
Life can be tricky. Maybe you’ve encountered a rut. Perhaps you’re doing just fine, except that you’re afraid of the other shoe dropping. This may be your first foray into individual therapy, or you may be a seasoned patient in need of a new therapeutic voice and perspective. Regardless, I am here to listen and help you discover solutions, whether immediate, long-term, or anywhere along the continuum.
Life can be tricky. Maybe you’ve encountered a rut. Perhaps you’re doing just fine, except that you’re afraid of the other shoe dropping. This may be your first foray into individual therapy, or you may be a seasoned patient in need of a new therapeutic voice and perspective. Regardless, I am here to listen and help you discover solutions, whether immediate, long-term, or anywhere along the continuum.
My ideal client is seeking more than traditional therapy. They want creative, playful ways to reconnect with joy and their authentic self. They may be navigating complex identities and need a supportive space to explore these. Often, they feel stuck or disconnected due to trauma, societal/familial expectations, or a desire for deeper self-awareness. Their goals may be about rediscovering their creativity, unlocking/understanding parts of their identity, and building deeper, more authentic connections in their relationships. They come to me ready for a dynamic, interactive approach that fosters growth and healing.
My ideal client is seeking more than traditional therapy. They want creative, playful ways to reconnect with joy and their authentic self. They may be navigating complex identities and need a supportive space to explore these. Often, they feel stuck or disconnected due to trauma, societal/familial expectations, or a desire for deeper self-awareness. Their goals may be about rediscovering their creativity, unlocking/understanding parts of their identity, and building deeper, more authentic connections in their relationships. They come to me ready for a dynamic, interactive approach that fosters growth and healing.
I specialize in two areas: 1) I help working professionals manage chronic anxiety, self-doubt, procrastination, and reduce overthinking to increase professional success. My clients work in politics, health, mental health, law, upper management, business owners, creatives, or PhD/graduate students. 2) Interpersonal stress. Understanding family dynamics, reducing social conflict, improving romantic relationships, and friendships. I work best with high functioning people who are introspective, motivated, and want change in their life.
I specialize in two areas: 1) I help working professionals manage chronic anxiety, self-doubt, procrastination, and reduce overthinking to increase professional success. My clients work in politics, health, mental health, law, upper management, business owners, creatives, or PhD/graduate students. 2) Interpersonal stress. Understanding family dynamics, reducing social conflict, improving romantic relationships, and friendships. I work best with high functioning people who are introspective, motivated, and want change in their life.
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.
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 am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of licensed clinical experience specializing in individual therapy adults. I have served over 25 years in the military administering mental health services. I help individuals struggling with life's challenges, such as workplace issues, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, past and present traumas, and life transitions. I believe that you are the expert of your own life and goals. My role is to support you in your journey.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of licensed clinical experience specializing in individual therapy adults. I have served over 25 years in the military administering mental health services. I help individuals struggling with life's challenges, such as workplace issues, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, past and present traumas, and life transitions. I believe that you are the expert of your own life and goals. My role is to support you in your journey.
Life can feel overwhelming — especially when anxiety, relationship stress, past experiences, or self-doubt begin to pull you off course. At Serene Seas Counseling, I offer a calm, supportive space to help you slow down, feel understood, and reconnect with what matters most. You don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone. Together, we focus on clarity, balance, and meaningful change — at a pace that honors your nervous system and your story.
Life can feel overwhelming — especially when anxiety, relationship stress, past experiences, or self-doubt begin to pull you off course. At Serene Seas Counseling, I offer a calm, supportive space to help you slow down, feel understood, and reconnect with what matters most. You don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone. Together, we focus on clarity, balance, and meaningful change — at a pace that honors your nervous system and your story.
For most of us, especially in the context of romantic relationships, we have things that have happened in our past that influence how we are responding to challenges in the present. These past events do not need to be especially traumatic in order to have an impact. I work with individuals and couples on identifying unhelpful patterns occurring in their present-day lives, help them gain a better understanding of where these patterns started, and - most importantly - I provide actual, meaningful ways to change these unhelpful patterns so that clients can live less chaotic, more meaningful lives.
For most of us, especially in the context of romantic relationships, we have things that have happened in our past that influence how we are responding to challenges in the present. These past events do not need to be especially traumatic in order to have an impact. I work with individuals and couples on identifying unhelpful patterns occurring in their present-day lives, help them gain a better understanding of where these patterns started, and - most importantly - I provide actual, meaningful ways to change these unhelpful patterns so that clients can live less chaotic, more meaningful lives.
Welcome! ADHD is hard to deal with. If you have come to this page you have probably spent some time wondering why you can't get things done like everyone else. Perhaps you have battled anxiety but nothing has really worked for you. Maybe you have even put together some really good plans and, somewhere down the line, they fell away. I know that too much time is spent trying to get small and big things done at work, school or home. Too many times other people have not understood why you are struggling and it might have been hard to even describe. This creates a lot of shame and embarrassment.
Welcome! ADHD is hard to deal with. If you have come to this page you have probably spent some time wondering why you can't get things done like everyone else. Perhaps you have battled anxiety but nothing has really worked for you. Maybe you have even put together some really good plans and, somewhere down the line, they fell away. I know that too much time is spent trying to get small and big things done at work, school or home. Too many times other people have not understood why you are struggling and it might have been hard to even describe. This creates a lot of shame and embarrassment.
Since establishing my private practice in 2015, I have had the pleasure of working with and learning from hundreds of clients with a desire to better understand themselves, their history, and to improve their quality of life.
I support my clients with developing and improving upon the necessary tools and skills to persevere despite the challenges they may face. Many of my clients have experienced the death or loss of a significant person in their life (such as a parent, sibling or partner).
Since establishing my private practice in 2015, I have had the pleasure of working with and learning from hundreds of clients with a desire to better understand themselves, their history, and to improve their quality of life.
I support my clients with developing and improving upon the necessary tools and skills to persevere despite the challenges they may face. Many of my clients have experienced the death or loss of a significant person in their life (such as a parent, sibling or partner).
Are you struggling and don’t know why? I provide psychotherapy to individuals who feel lost, burned out, and want something better. I work with engineers, industry leaders, and high-achieving professionals who find that their excellence is not leaving them satisfied. I offer evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, and stress-related problems.
Are you struggling and don’t know why? I provide psychotherapy to individuals who feel lost, burned out, and want something better. I work with engineers, industry leaders, and high-achieving professionals who find that their excellence is not leaving them satisfied. I offer evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, and stress-related problems.
Does life feel overwhelming or like you’re carrying more than you can handle? Therapy can help you find your footing and reconnect with yourself.
I work with clients navigating anxiety, depression, attachment patterns, identity exploration, and life transitions. Together, we increase insight, build self-compassion, and develop tools that actually feel usable in your day-to-day life. I especially enjoy supporting women, LGBTQIA+ folks, and college students as they find balance, confidence, and connection.
Outside of work, I love spending time in nature with my rescue dogs!
Does life feel overwhelming or like you’re carrying more than you can handle? Therapy can help you find your footing and reconnect with yourself.
I work with clients navigating anxiety, depression, attachment patterns, identity exploration, and life transitions. Together, we increase insight, build self-compassion, and develop tools that actually feel usable in your day-to-day life. I especially enjoy supporting women, LGBTQIA+ folks, and college students as they find balance, confidence, and connection.
Outside of work, I love spending time in nature with my rescue dogs!
My ideal clients are those who are ready and motivated to make meaningful changes in their lives. They may seek therapy to heal from past trauma, improve communication, navigate workplace challenges and microaggressions, or strengthen emotional regulation. They approach therapy with a willingness to explore, grow, and actively engage in the process; understanding that becoming their best selves requires effort, openness, and personal accountability. Together we will uncover strengths, address challenges, and create a clear path toward lasting growth and fulfillment.
My ideal clients are those who are ready and motivated to make meaningful changes in their lives. They may seek therapy to heal from past trauma, improve communication, navigate workplace challenges and microaggressions, or strengthen emotional regulation. They approach therapy with a willingness to explore, grow, and actively engage in the process; understanding that becoming their best selves requires effort, openness, and personal accountability. Together we will uncover strengths, address challenges, and create a clear path toward lasting growth and fulfillment.
5 Star EAP & Consultation Services,
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC, CEAP
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Greetings! My name is Dr. Nyasha and I use a holistic, eclectic, strengths based approach when working with clients. This entails embracing the "whole person" and making efforts to understand how all aspects of each person's life impacts their daily functioning.
It is important to identify strengths and interest in order to draw upon these components, enabling the development of a comprehensive approach to treatment, which is custom and unique for each individual.
It would be my honor to assist you in further defining your goals as well as supporting you as you work towards achieving your best life!
Greetings! My name is Dr. Nyasha and I use a holistic, eclectic, strengths based approach when working with clients. This entails embracing the "whole person" and making efforts to understand how all aspects of each person's life impacts their daily functioning.
It is important to identify strengths and interest in order to draw upon these components, enabling the development of a comprehensive approach to treatment, which is custom and unique for each individual.
It would be my honor to assist you in further defining your goals as well as supporting you as you work towards achieving your best life!
We can all benefit from someone to help us navigate the expected and unexpected events life brings us as we transition from one life stage to the next or the challenges involved in moving to a new place. I will help you negotiate those transitions and moves, including the stress and emotional turmoil they may bring. If you are an individual or a couple finding transitioning into a new life stage, a new career or a new living arrangement stressful or confusing, I am here to walk with you down the path of negotiating these changes and processes.
We can all benefit from someone to help us navigate the expected and unexpected events life brings us as we transition from one life stage to the next or the challenges involved in moving to a new place. I will help you negotiate those transitions and moves, including the stress and emotional turmoil they may bring. If you are an individual or a couple finding transitioning into a new life stage, a new career or a new living arrangement stressful or confusing, I am here to walk with you down the path of negotiating these changes and processes.
My ideal clients are high achievers-whether a medical professional, scientist, college/graduate student, athlete, military/intelligence member, or executive. They may be navigating challenges like anxiety, depression, perfectionism, or burnout but are ultimately seeking deeper fulfillment. They value growth, balance, and reconnecting with their strengths. Using my Health Promotions background and holistic mind-body approach, I blend CBT, psychoanalytic insights, and performance psychology to help them thrive holistically. Together, we’ll address mental/physical wellness, cultivate self-compassion, and align their goal
My ideal clients are high achievers-whether a medical professional, scientist, college/graduate student, athlete, military/intelligence member, or executive. They may be navigating challenges like anxiety, depression, perfectionism, or burnout but are ultimately seeking deeper fulfillment. They value growth, balance, and reconnecting with their strengths. Using my Health Promotions background and holistic mind-body approach, I blend CBT, psychoanalytic insights, and performance psychology to help them thrive holistically. Together, we’ll address mental/physical wellness, cultivate self-compassion, and align their goal
I believe that the most effective way to help clients achieve their goals is through empathy and empowerment. Therapy is a collaborative team effort as the client is the expert in their life and experience and I, the therapist, am here to help you find the answers you need!
I believe that the most effective way to help clients achieve their goals is through empathy and empowerment. Therapy is a collaborative team effort as the client is the expert in their life and experience and I, the therapist, am here to help you find the answers you need!
2026 is here - the start of a new year can be a good time to address patterns that are not working for you anymore! As a therapist I provide support as you navigate stress, anxiety, grief, chronic illness, pain, academic or work transitions, relationship challenges, or past trauma. While these experiences may seem overwhelming, there are ways to relate to these them and to make sure they you still move forward with the things that are most meaningful to you.
I also offer mental health evaluations in English, French and Spanish for immigration legal cases.
2026 is here - the start of a new year can be a good time to address patterns that are not working for you anymore! As a therapist I provide support as you navigate stress, anxiety, grief, chronic illness, pain, academic or work transitions, relationship challenges, or past trauma. While these experiences may seem overwhelming, there are ways to relate to these them and to make sure they you still move forward with the things that are most meaningful to you.
I also offer mental health evaluations in English, French and Spanish for immigration legal cases.
We all carry around a metaphorical bag of stuff with us. That bag is filled with our thoughts, feelings, and experiences; everything that makes us who we are. In therapy, we unpack your bag. We explore each item and get curious about it. How did that item get in the bag? What is the impact of carrying it around with you? Together, we make meaning of your items. Some items you will decide are essential. Others are weighing you down, and preventing you from being your authentic self. I help you decide what you want to do with those items and together we figure out how to do it.
We all carry around a metaphorical bag of stuff with us. That bag is filled with our thoughts, feelings, and experiences; everything that makes us who we are. In therapy, we unpack your bag. We explore each item and get curious about it. How did that item get in the bag? What is the impact of carrying it around with you? Together, we make meaning of your items. Some items you will decide are essential. Others are weighing you down, and preventing you from being your authentic self. I help you decide what you want to do with those items and together we figure out how to do it.
Relax. This is a space where you don’t have to mask, perform, or be “on.” I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. Many of my clients also identify with ADHD—or feel stuck in patterns of overwhelm, emotional reactivity, or self-criticism. I’m ADHD-CSSP certified and provide LGBTQ+-friendly care. My approach is practical, down-to-earth, and human. You can expect honest conversation, lots of thoughtful questions, clear strategies, and gentle but direct pushback when it’s useful.
Relax. This is a space where you don’t have to mask, perform, or be “on.” I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. Many of my clients also identify with ADHD—or feel stuck in patterns of overwhelm, emotional reactivity, or self-criticism. I’m ADHD-CSSP certified and provide LGBTQ+-friendly care. My approach is practical, down-to-earth, and human. You can expect honest conversation, lots of thoughtful questions, clear strategies, and gentle but direct pushback when it’s useful.
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Secular and Non-Religious Therapists
What is a secular and non religious approach in therapy?
Secular or non-religious therapy is a theoretical orientation used by many therapists and describes a therapeutic approach that does not rely on any specific religious or faith-based beliefs in the therapeutic process. Secular counselors will often approach therapy with an emphasis on evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients, instead of relying on religious practices, such as prayer or belief in God.
Is secular therapy primarily for non-religious people?
Both religious and non-religious individuals can benefit from secular therapy. People exploring their religious or spiritual beliefs may find it especially useful to work with a secular therapist who is unbiased toward any specific religion. While religious individuals might value the connection and familiarity of seeing a counselor who shares their beliefs, secular counseling can offer them the chance to develop coping skills independent of their religious practice, which can be beneficial in various aspects of their lives.
Can a secular approach to therapy help with religious trauma?
One major reason clients may seek a secular therapist is to process previous religious experiences, including religious trauma. Secular therapists can help clients manage symptoms of the trauma through practices such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). They can also encourage clients through talk therapy or psychodynamic approaches to explore the roots of their religious trauma. Since secular therapists do not have any predetermined religious beliefs, they can be particularly helpful for clients looking to explore their own religious beliefs following a history of religious trauma.
What does non religious marriage and premarital counseling involve?
Marriage and premarital counseling typically involves a couple meeting with a therapist to discuss topics such as planning for marriage, navigating a new marriage, addressing relationship challenges, and developing better communication and conflict resolution skills. Non-religious therapists assist couples in achieving these goals without adhering to specific religious beliefs or frameworks, often emphasizing inclusivity and non-judgment, especially for "nontraditional" couples. However, seeking couples therapy from a non-religious counselor does not mean religious topics are off-limits. In fact, non-religious couples from different religious backgrounds may benefit from a secular therapist who remains neutral toward the beliefs of each partner.