Therapists in Washington, DC

I work with adults struggling with relationship issues, addiction, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Many of my clients are high performers who have become successful despite a difficult childhood. If you are curious how therapy can help you reduce your suffering, improve your relationships, and help you heal from past traumas, I encourage you to reach out for a free consultation. I use elements of EMDR therapy in my approach. I am kink allied and sex positive. I invite you to come as you are. I will respect, support, and encourage you during our time in therapy.

Pouring from an empty cup doesn't work. It seems like a simple concept, but for most of us, prioritizing our own self-care feels like we are doing something wrong. Yet, when we are caring for others and not prioritizing our own needs, we are left feeling burnt out and often anxious. It's not a simple task to achieve balance when we are pulled in so many directions and experiencing so much stress. This is why seeking support is important.

You can become someone who you can learn to love and trust, and I would like to help you with that. My name is Ella Henley and I am a trauma therapist with over 20 years of experience working with survivors. I offer individual talk therapy services to address CPTSD, anxiety, dissociation, emotional regulation, identity, and attachment and developmental trauma. I enjoy working with LGBTQIA+ and neurodiverse individuals. I am a member of AASECT, am certified as a Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP) and am working towards credentialing in sex and couples therapy. I am Anti-Racist, and am Queer, Trans, Kink, and Poly affirming.

I believe change is possible - let me show you that it really is. Instead of leaving you with temporary band-aids, I offer you the space to make meaningful, lasting shifts in perspective, coping, and patterns.

People of all ages and walks of life have felt comfortable opening up in my presence, and many find our work together to be the foundation and structure for new areas of self knowledge and profound emotional growth. I connect with people that are in pain or who have been hurt, people that are confused, overwhelmed or just feeling bad. Through our work, we will facilitate a stronger sense of who you are and a greater ability for relational engagement -- discovering and building a full, desired life. I balance softness and smiles with challenge, deep curiosity and playfulness.

Results-oriented, compassionate and "Relentless work ethic" are words patients have described me. I take a "whatever it takes empathic attitude" serving patients suffering from depression, psychosis, eating disorders, substance abuse disorders, and family dysfunction. I spent my most of my career practicing in DC's Ward 7 and Ward 8 servicing DC's most vulnerable lower income populations. I have experience with The Department of Behavior Health as a crisis supervisor, ACT clinical supervisor and a Child/Adult psychotherapist.

At some point in our lives many of us will struggle with anxiety, depression, loss, relationship problems, career concerns or life transitions. If you are facing one or more of these challenges, I believe I can help. I am a licensed psychologist providing counseling and psychotherapy to adults in Washington DC. I have experience working with diverse clients on a wide range of issues. Depending on your needs and goals, I integrate various therapeutic approaches and treatment models, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal and mindfulness.

I will work with you to increase insight into your struggles, actively identify and work toward goals, and build resilience against stress. While I enjoy practicing with a wide variety of issues and types of people, I specialize in relationships (straight and gay), young adults, LGBT concerns, couples, anxiety and depression, and life transitions and losses. Building insight involves examining ways one's past impacts the present. I believe that this coupled with making concrete changes in one's life leads to a successful therapy. I am an active psychologist who will help you make these changes thoughtfully and effectively.

Many people suffer under the weight of their sadness, fear, anger, and pain; others struggle to feel anything at all. Our self-esteem, relationships, or work can suffer as old cognitive, emotional, and behavioral paradigms are applied to new situations, often outside of our awareness. While it may seem daunting, exploring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences within the context of a safe therapeutic relationship can increase your access to, your awareness of, and your sense of control over your internal world. Through this process, you will find your strength, resilience, agency, and, ultimately, your freedom to more effectively shape your external world.

Are you dealing with anxiety, depression, family or relationship issues? Together, we can understand the roots of your difficulties, build new coping skills and help you lead a more authentic and fulfilled life. My style of therapy is like my personality: compassionate, non-judgmental and direct. I use a combination of evidence-based techniques to help reduce anxiety and depression, improve relationships, and help you live your best life.

I have been working with young to mid career professionals since 2012. Since then, I have become a therapist that Gen X, Y, and Z clients seek out to address various types of life challenges. I enjoy providing support and encouragement to people who are facing life stage transitions and change with all of the stress, anxiety, as well as the excitement that these events may bring. My training is in family therapy and I work within the frameworks of family systems, attachment theory, as well as grief/loss and living with loss.

As children, we are learning from interactions with our parents who we are and how to fit into the world around us. After we leave home, we become our own parents as we continue to learn about ourselves and how to find our own place in life. And when we have families of our own, we are now parents both for our children and for ourselves, as we continue to understand more about who we are. I provide a warm, empathic and accepting environment where you can explore your current life challenges, as well as address past issues that impact your everyday life.

I think of therapy as a way of freeing ourselves from the obstacles which prevent us from moving forward in our lives. Frequently these obstacles present themselves to us in the challenges of the outer world--in problems at work, in difficult relationships, in adapting to life changes, or in the sudden impact of a traumatic event. And sometimes what stands in the way of our freedom and happiness lies within us, as negative thought patterns, conflicting or confusing emotions, and unexpressed feelings--all of which can result in depression, anxiety, chronic illness, low self esteem--burdens we often carry alone.

I work with individuals who feel their lives are hindered by unwanted or distressing feelings, or self-defeating patterns of behavior, and who experience depression, anxiety, anger, low self esteem, compulsive or impulsive behaviors, or relationship difficulties. By establishing more effective coping skills and responses, positive changes can develop and lead to a greater sense of fulfillment. I approach each individual treatment collaboratively, exploring the foundation of the problem, identifying problematic patterns, and then developing treatment goals tailored to the unique needs of each individual client.

I am a gay psychotherapist, and enjoy and have had success working with both LGBTq and heterosexual adult clients. A warm and supportive environment allows for the gradual development of a professional relationship between client and therapist that can provide an important basis for their work together. Individuals often come into my practice dealing with feelings of depression and anxiety, as well as the impact of trauma, that affect both their ability to have a positive self-image and sense of identity, and to move ahead in their life. I support a client around reducing these blocks in their life.

At The Heights Counseling and Wellness, we understand that the process of wellness can often be a daunting journey. It can feel like you are alone, climbing uphill, without the necessary support to keep moving forward. ​Whether it's seeking individual counseling during challenging times; desiring to begin a journey of wellness; or looking to support your staff, The Heights Counseling and Wellness will customize services to your unique needs. At The Heights we offer a variety of services all under one roof, including counseling and psychotherapy, wellness coaching, yoga, fitness & nutrition training, and wellness workshops.

Are you dealing with stress, relationship issues, mood disorders, career/professional concerns, or life transitions? Are you feeling overwhelmed and imbalanced? When this happens, everything else suffers from your personal to your professional life, including how you feel. You may find it challenging to find the right therapist who can help you heal. Just know that you are not alone. It can be difficult to seek therapy, especially if you tried it before and felt like it didn't work. “One size does not fit all.” Our approaches are tailored to the needs of each individual to help you find long lasting solutions. We can help.

I see people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other unpleasant emotions who want to learn more about themselves as a way of relieving their stress. These unpleasant emotions may involve problems in work, school, or close interpersonal relationships.

Seeking relief from unpleasant feelings like sadness, irritability, anxiety, depression, anger & grief? When you struggle emotionally, small things can require greater effort. You may have feelings or reactions you can’t explain that defy your best strategies for feeling better. Perhaps you find yourself repeating patterns of behavior you’re not proud of. Or lack interest in pursuits you once enjoyed. Maybe you envision a happier, more productive life but don’t know how to get it. Therapy can help you identify and harness your strengths while adapting and altering patterns that don’t serve you well.