Therapists in District of Columbia

Feeling heard -- with thoughtfulness and curiosity -- and being challenged, helps you develop insight and strategies for life changes. Patients tell me they appreciate the rewards of our collaborative process, and their lives show the benefits. Together, we will explore your life, deciphering your concerns and building upon your strengths. We will look at anxious, dark or self-critical thoughts that may be the source of problematic behaviors, and identify patterns and solutions. We will work together to help you achieve happiness and success. Of note, I was voted as one of the areas' best therapists in the Washingtonian Magazine.

I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families on a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, communication, divorce, grief, relationships and behavior management. I am primarily cognitive behavioral and take an active role in therapy, challenging clients to explore alternative ways to deal with their issues while creating a trusting and caring environment. I am the founder and clinical director of District Therapy Associates, a psychotherapy practice with several diverse therapists who focus on child, adolescent, adult, family, marriage, and group therapy.

Do you keep asking yourself "When is this going to get better?" or "Why can't I figure this out?" or "Why does this keep happening?" Your past experiences might be causing you to be fearful or angry or defensive and negative feelings often get us stuck in unhelpful repetitive patterns. When those feelings and patterns are interrupting your productivity at work or are causing communication or connection problems with friends, family members, and romantic partners, counseling can help.

I help clients to create change through a better understanding of themselves and their relationships. You may be feeling dissatisfied or uncertain, disconnected from others or lacking a sense of control over your emotions or life choices, but I believe that you already have the ability and determination to help yourself. I work to draw out that ability through a combination of insight-expanding exploration and skill building to help you overcome challenges, all while utilizing my training to call out patterns and behaviors that may be getting in your way. I aim to create an environment that feels safe, accepting, and empowering.

For over 35 years, I have helped clients understand and work through a wide variety of life challenges. I provide a safe place and an experienced ear to explore such issues as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, health problems, self-esteem challenges and career struggles. I also work with many clients on relationship issues, be they couples, marital, family, work or social in nature. My style is warm, sensitive, active, and insightful. I help my clients understand and find solutions to their struggles, while helping them create more healthy, balanced and satisfying lives.

Have you or a member of your family experienced a trauma, suffered a loss or are having trouble overcoming past events? I meet all children, individuals and families where they are. I try to put everyone at ease, answer all your questions and begin to instill hope that the problems will get better. I also have a specialty in forensic psychology and can put my assessment and clinical skills to use in the courtroom to help you achieve justice in the criminal or civil arena.

In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to find the right person to support you as you navigate today's "new normal". I am a licensed psychologist who strives to meet the needs of all those who are struggling. Whether your concerns are being directly caused by our current changes or just exacerbated by them, I can provide the support you need. I have helped many individuals and families understand the emotional, behavioral, and familial patterns that keep them from becoming their optimal selves. I have special training and interest in working with those from diverse backgrounds and in unique family situations.

Are you suffering alone with painful emotions? You resist telling all to your friends and family. You don't want to burden them but you need a safe place to vent your anger, your fears, your frustration, your pain, and sometimes despair. I can help. Together we will gain insight and understanding that lead to positive change.

We all experience challenging times when we don’t feel like ourselves. We may feel stuck, lost, or experience the same unsatisfying relationships. Engaging in therapy, with the right therapist, can help. Within a supportive and collaborative relationship, I actively work with my clients to better understand themselves and their relationships; to acquire healthy coping strategies; and to achieve an enhanced sense of well-being. I am flexible, tailoring the therapy according to the needs of each client. I bring an integrative approach to psychotherapy that includes insight-oriented work, practical interventions, and cognitive/behavioral techniques, all within a nurturing relationship.

Dr. Grigera is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, self-injury, suicidal ideation, trauma, and relationship concerns. She provides individualized evidence-based therapeutic services to children, adolescents, young adults, and families. She has extensive experience in conducting individual, group, and family therapy. Dr. Grigera has worked in a variety of settings, including private practices, public school systems, medical centers, and residential treatment centers.

No matter what has brought you to therapy, your experience is valid. I believe that even the most unlikeable, confusing, extreme parts of you have a wisdom to be understood, a protectiveness to be thanked, and a vulnerability to be seen and held. In my practice, I will seek to meet you exactly where you are, and together we can tend to the unique challenges in your life. My ultimate goal is for clients to uncover their essential self—to rediscover their own innate wisdom and strength that can face whatever life brings.

Adult clients come to me when feeling stuck, anxious or depressed. Others are coping with trauma, loss, relationship issues, parenting struggles, or a major life change. Using a variety of approaches, I help clients gain insight and self-acceptance, to navigate life transitions from a position of strength, to grow in relationships, and to make meaning from loss. Therapy is a wonderful form of self-care. Whether you are in crisis or just feeling stuck, I strive to be an honest, accepting, and active partner in your journey to greater fulfillment.

My specialty is helping individuals to work to remove challenges to achieving satisfaction in their lives. Many times we find ourselves stuck in patterns that are self-defeating but seem difficult to change. These may cause us problems in school and work, as well as in our peer and family relationships, and interfere with the enjoyment of pleasurable activities. These patterns may be due to our early experiences within our families, or as a result of challenges faced in adolescence and adulthood. No matter your age or phase of life, therapy can help.

After 26 years of practice I see my ideal client as one who is ready for change. Ultimately, life is the method by which we grow. I work with a variety of tools to meet each client where they are. I have faith that we can all meet the challenges within ourselves and in life and find the inner capacity to move forward. My clients have ranged from those healing from a recent or historical trauma to those wanting life coaching. I have a holistic/systemic vision of my clients and enjoy working with body, mind spirit when appropriate.

I offer psychological services for individuals (adolescents, adults) and couples. I have helped clients with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, the aftermath of abuse and trauma, family conflict, life transitions, multicultural challenges, and career development. My specialties include working with people struggling with "self-invalidating" modes of thinking, as well as issues related to effectively navigating relationships and managing distress. I have expertise in supporting people struggling with multicultural situations, multiple cultural transitions, and family separations.

I offer psychological services for individuals and couples in a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment. My goal is to help individuals and couples gain a better understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and relationships. I strive to help my patients reflect and examine issues in order to bring about personal growth and change. I believe in the importance of exploring both past and present and place particular emphasis on formative relationships and significant experiences. I have helped clients with a wide variety of issues, including: Depression, Anxiety, Relationships, Trauma, Life Transitions, Grief, and Family Conflict.

If you feel anxious, sad, overwhelmed or stuck, if you are frustrated by your family or relationships, navigating a challenging life transition or are worn out by disordered eating, my practice may be a good fit for you. My therapy style is collaborative, warm, and nonjudgmental, with room for humor. Together, we will work to improve your symptoms, gain a deeper understanding of your concerns and bring about lasting change.

I specialize in working with clients experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and self-worth, trauma, and family of origin concerns. Often clients are discovering that their ways of coping with their emotions, their past experiences, and their relationships are no longer effective or healthy. Therapy is an opportunity to recognize and untangle patterns in order to have healthier coping strategies and a healthier relationship with yourself.

I strive to provide a collaborative and supportive working space for individual clients or couples with a range of presenting concerns. My clients tell me that they appreciate my warmth and practicality, as well as my willingness to provide an individualized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. I believe that most clients' struggles-be they with depression, anxiety, attentional difficulties, or relationship issues-are born of and maintained by a range of factors. These factors may include past experiences, family history, biology, or unhelpful patterns of thinking.