Photo of Paula D Atkinson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washington, DC
Paula D Atkinson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, E-RYT, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20007  (Online Only)
My goal for every one of my clients is peace, freedom and sanity. For over a decade, I have helped clients who suffer from depression and anxiety, relationship strife, self doubt and the deep despair that results from living in a society that worships perfection, productivity, restriction, and rigidity. ​ My passion is working with those who suffer from a history of dieting, disordered eating, food obsession, and body hatred. The treatment I provide is Body Justice-focused, weight neutral, and anti-diet. I am an IFS-trained therapist, our work together will be warm, playful, transformative, grounding, and fun!
My goal for every one of my clients is peace, freedom and sanity. For over a decade, I have helped clients who suffer from depression and anxiety, relationship strife, self doubt and the deep despair that results from living in a society that worships perfection, productivity, restriction, and rigidity. ​ My passion is working with those who suffer from a history of dieting, disordered eating, food obsession, and body hatred. The treatment I provide is Body Justice-focused, weight neutral, and anti-diet. I am an IFS-trained therapist, our work together will be warm, playful, transformative, grounding, and fun!
(213) 566-3719 View (213) 566-3719
Photo of RedemptionTriple-C , Counselor in Washington, DC
RedemptionTriple-C
Counselor, MHS, MA, NCC, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
Are you suffering with anxiety, anger, severe grief, or relationship issues? Is your child experiencing behavior or academic issues in school? Is your partner in the throes of addiction, while creating a stressful environment at home? Maybe it's trauma, or a social issue that you or a family member is dealing with. I can help you create a plan that will leave you feeling supported, as opposed to just being heard. I am a highly skilled mental health clinician who understands the challenges of today's highly stressed world. Together, the solution awaits us!
Are you suffering with anxiety, anger, severe grief, or relationship issues? Is your child experiencing behavior or academic issues in school? Is your partner in the throes of addiction, while creating a stressful environment at home? Maybe it's trauma, or a social issue that you or a family member is dealing with. I can help you create a plan that will leave you feeling supported, as opposed to just being heard. I am a highly skilled mental health clinician who understands the challenges of today's highly stressed world. Together, the solution awaits us!
(844) 727-6441 View (844) 727-6441
Photo of Priya K Tahim, Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington, DC
Priya K Tahim
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20007
Therapy can be an intimidating process, and my goal is to provide an open, safe environment to help instill support, understanding and empowerment throughout your therapeutic journey. Whether you’re looking to build confidence as an individual or within your relationship, together we can build the tools you need to succeed. I believe in fostering hope and creating a safe space for individuals/couples/families to process, as well as find healthy solutions.My passion is helping others find confidence within themselves, and/or within relationships.
Therapy can be an intimidating process, and my goal is to provide an open, safe environment to help instill support, understanding and empowerment throughout your therapeutic journey. Whether you’re looking to build confidence as an individual or within your relationship, together we can build the tools you need to succeed. I believe in fostering hope and creating a safe space for individuals/couples/families to process, as well as find healthy solutions.My passion is helping others find confidence within themselves, and/or within relationships.
(202) 899-8253 View (202) 899-8253
Photo of Lois Ann Clinton, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washington, DC
Lois Ann Clinton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20010  (Online Only)
My passion is teaching people how to realize their potential. I can help you let go of old patterns and fears and develop more of your SELF. I bring 30 years of experience helping people face their challenges in more constructive ways. Adversity can unleash creativity and new parts of your SELF rather than leave you cynical, isolated and exhausted. I have significant expertise in treating trauma and other mental health issues that perpetuate unhealthy patterns. With an integrative, gentle approach, I will support you in building your own internal and external resources to make vital changes in your life.
My passion is teaching people how to realize their potential. I can help you let go of old patterns and fears and develop more of your SELF. I bring 30 years of experience helping people face their challenges in more constructive ways. Adversity can unleash creativity and new parts of your SELF rather than leave you cynical, isolated and exhausted. I have significant expertise in treating trauma and other mental health issues that perpetuate unhealthy patterns. With an integrative, gentle approach, I will support you in building your own internal and external resources to make vital changes in your life.
(202) 831-2079 View (202) 831-2079
Photo of Mary Catherine Donahue, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Washington, DC
Mary Catherine Donahue
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, NBCCH, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20006  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with individuals in recovery from substance use, those who have faced personal loss in life or are struggling with life transitions and are seeking a place of peace. At the initial interview, we will jointly set treatment goals and determine the course to achieve those goals. In sessions, neuroscience informed skills are utilized to activate and heal emotional pain, examine obstructive thinking and barriers to growth, determine more supportive self choices, increase self and other awareness and to ultimately bring about greater presence, joy and calmness in life.
I specialize in working with individuals in recovery from substance use, those who have faced personal loss in life or are struggling with life transitions and are seeking a place of peace. At the initial interview, we will jointly set treatment goals and determine the course to achieve those goals. In sessions, neuroscience informed skills are utilized to activate and heal emotional pain, examine obstructive thinking and barriers to growth, determine more supportive self choices, increase self and other awareness and to ultimately bring about greater presence, joy and calmness in life.
(804) 570-2055 View (804) 570-2055
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapists

What is Internal Family Systems therapy?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a type of talk therapy that focuses on sub-personalities, or “families,” within a person, which may be made up of wounded parts and unpleasant emotions like anger and shame. These sub-personalities can come into conflict with each other and with an individual’s core Self, leaving the person feeling detached from positive traits such as the “8 C’s” of confidence, calmness, creativity, clarity, curiosity, courage, compassion, and connectedness. By healing a patient’s wounded parts, a therapist aims to restore balance and bring on positive change.

How does Internal Family Systems therapy work?

An IFS therapist will work with a patient to identify their particular sub-personalities, recognize the emotions powering them, and release them. By doing so, the patient should become more able to address any underlying problems their sub-personalities may have been trying to protect them from. Ultimately, a patient discovers ways to manage internal and external conflicts on their own, through techniques such as relaxation exercises, journaling, and making charts depicting the relationships between their core Self and their distinct parts.

Does Internal Family Systems therapy work?

IFS therapy has been shown to help people address conditions such as depression, anxiety, panic, fears and phobias, trauma, and substance use disorders. Some research has also found that it can help individuals deal with symptoms of physical health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, such as pain, everyday functioning, depressive feelings, and low self-compassion. There are some conditions for which IFS treatment, specifically discussions of one’s “parts,” may be less appropriate, such as schizophrenia or other states that involve psychosis or paranoia.

How long does Internal Family Systems therapy take?

As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for IFS therapy. After becoming comfortable with a therapist and the core concepts of IFS, some patients quickly make progress. While experiences vary, most will find that it is a relatively longer-term therapy, involving months and sometimes years of sessions.