Photo of Charnise Williams, MA, Psychological Associate
Charnise Williams
Psychological Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20002
Through my use of CBT, DBT, psychodynamic approaches, play therapy, and ACT I will help you or your child to build the skills needed to manage daily stressors, improve behavioral issues, and regulate emotions.
Through my use of CBT, DBT, psychodynamic approaches, play therapy, and ACT I will help you or your child to build the skills needed to manage daily stressors, improve behavioral issues, and regulate emotions.
(844) 570-2991 View (844) 570-2991
Photo of Monique J Douglas, MSW, LMFT, RPT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Monique J Douglas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MSW, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20002  (Online Only)
Through play, I have been able to allow children to express themselves to work through concerns regarding school, stress, and or family dynamics.
I have over 10 years of experience working with children and families to assist with the social and emotional well-being of children 0-5 years of age. My focus of treatment has been to allow children to express themselves in a way in which to be free and in a nonthreatening way.
Through play, I have been able to allow children to express themselves to work through concerns regarding school, stress, and or family dynamics.
I have over 10 years of experience working with children and families to assist with the social and emotional well-being of children 0-5 years of age. My focus of treatment has been to allow children to express themselves in a way in which to be free and in a nonthreatening way.
(202) 519-7794 View (202) 519-7794
Photo of Laelia Gilborn, LICSW, MPH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laelia Gilborn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MPH
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002
I combine play therapy, which utilizes children's natural means of self-expression, with cognitive behavioral techniques, to give children tools for adjusting to change, expressing feelings, and gaining confidence.
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.
I combine play therapy, which utilizes children's natural means of self-expression, with cognitive behavioral techniques, to give children tools for adjusting to change, expressing feelings, and gaining confidence.
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.
(202) 998-4757 View (202) 998-4757
Photo of Elaina Vasserman-Stokes, PhD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Elaina Vasserman-Stokes
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002
I offer individual, couples, and play therapy to adults, children, and parents.
My clinical expertise is in issues related to emotional regulation, trauma, loss, and early life attachment experiences. I have a particular interest in supporting parents of young children (particularly at this time and in relationship to COVID-related school and care transitions). My approach can broadly be described as insight oriented and rooted in attachment, relational, and interpersonal theories as well as self-psychology. My expertise rests on meaningful personal experiences and on continuing rigorous training and teaching.
I offer individual, couples, and play therapy to adults, children, and parents.
My clinical expertise is in issues related to emotional regulation, trauma, loss, and early life attachment experiences. I have a particular interest in supporting parents of young children (particularly at this time and in relationship to COVID-related school and care transitions). My approach can broadly be described as insight oriented and rooted in attachment, relational, and interpersonal theories as well as self-psychology. My expertise rests on meaningful personal experiences and on continuing rigorous training and teaching.
(240) 607-5480 View (240) 607-5480
Photo of Damian McBeth, LICSW, LMHP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Damian McBeth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LMHP
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002
You are not alone in this fight, as a former college football athlete your treatment will be a total team effort! I offer on-call services for patients in crisis, and also offer in-home play therapy.
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.
You are not alone in this fight, as a former college football athlete your treatment will be a total team effort! I offer on-call services for patients in crisis, and also offer in-home play therapy.
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.
(202) 972-7938 View (202) 972-7938
Photo of Melissa Melendez, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melissa Melendez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002
I specialize in using interventions including play therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and much more!.
Hi! I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depressive disorders, grieving, self-esteem, social skills, and relationship issues. I provide individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and young adults. I am passionate about working with clients from diverse backgrounds and strive to incorporate cultural competence in my therapeutic practice. I believe it’s crucial to provide psychotherapy and preventative services to clients from diverse backgrounds who may be unaware of potential warning signs and risk factors associated with mental health disorders.
I specialize in using interventions including play therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and much more!.
Hi! I specialize in trauma, anxiety, depressive disorders, grieving, self-esteem, social skills, and relationship issues. I provide individual and family therapy to children, adolescents, and young adults. I am passionate about working with clients from diverse backgrounds and strive to incorporate cultural competence in my therapeutic practice. I believe it’s crucial to provide psychotherapy and preventative services to clients from diverse backgrounds who may be unaware of potential warning signs and risk factors associated with mental health disorders.
(301) 769-7528 View (301) 769-7528
Photo of Nadia Marisa Tourinho - TrueYou Center, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
TrueYou Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002
You have come to this site to ask for help. That takes courage, strength, and a willingness to look at yourself, to lean into your fears, sadness, isolation, anger, and remove these roadblocks from your life, forever. Our therapists here at TrueYou Center are authentically here for you, supporting you as you unpack all the stories of your life that have lead up to this moment, and helping you rewrite your outcome. Together, we will gently, at your own pace, find the blocks that are preventing you from having the relationships and life you imagine having.
You have come to this site to ask for help. That takes courage, strength, and a willingness to look at yourself, to lean into your fears, sadness, isolation, anger, and remove these roadblocks from your life, forever. Our therapists here at TrueYou Center are authentically here for you, supporting you as you unpack all the stories of your life that have lead up to this moment, and helping you rewrite your outcome. Together, we will gently, at your own pace, find the blocks that are preventing you from having the relationships and life you imagine having.
(301) 918-5812 View (301) 918-5812
Photo of Oron G. Gan, PsyD, Psychologist
Oron G. Gan
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20002  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
The challenges of early childhood are sometimes overlooked. Common, age appropriate behaviors could be quite difficult to deal with. Moreover, when a child presents highly disruptive and even destructive behaviors, parents may experience helplessness, anxiety and even shame. Loving and caring parents may try to do all the right things and a child might still show signs of struggle. Managing difficult behaviors could become like a second job and increase levels of distress in the family. I utilize Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to help children and parents to enjoy their time together.
The challenges of early childhood are sometimes overlooked. Common, age appropriate behaviors could be quite difficult to deal with. Moreover, when a child presents highly disruptive and even destructive behaviors, parents may experience helplessness, anxiety and even shame. Loving and caring parents may try to do all the right things and a child might still show signs of struggle. Managing difficult behaviors could become like a second job and increase levels of distress in the family. I utilize Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to help children and parents to enjoy their time together.
(202) 499-7446 View (202) 499-7446
Photo of Kristin Drouin, LICSW, APHSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristin Drouin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, APHSW-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002
I specialize in working with individuals of all ages who are navigating illness, grief, loss, trauma, and professional burnout. My passion for supporting children, teens, young adults and families impacted by a life-limiting medical diagnosis is informed by the years I spent as a pediatric social worker. In my bereavement work, I support clients affected by all manner of death, with a particular focus on grief after the death of a parent, young child or sibling.
I specialize in working with individuals of all ages who are navigating illness, grief, loss, trauma, and professional burnout. My passion for supporting children, teens, young adults and families impacted by a life-limiting medical diagnosis is informed by the years I spent as a pediatric social worker. In my bereavement work, I support clients affected by all manner of death, with a particular focus on grief after the death of a parent, young child or sibling.
(202) 335-6360 View (202) 335-6360
Photo of Keira R Bell, MSW, LMSW, LGSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Keira R Bell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW, LGSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002  (Online Only)
KèIra is a practicing Licensed Master Social Worker in DMV area. Her experience includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Couples Counseling. KèIra is kindhearted, warm and makes her clients feel valued and validated through their life transitions. KèIra is passionate about supporting individuals through their mental health journey. As your therapist, KèIra will be open and non judgmental, but will hold you accountable to your goals. KèIra is dedicated to redefining the stigma of mental health in the black community and helping curate a Safe Space to do so.
KèIra is a practicing Licensed Master Social Worker in DMV area. Her experience includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, and Couples Counseling. KèIra is kindhearted, warm and makes her clients feel valued and validated through their life transitions. KèIra is passionate about supporting individuals through their mental health journey. As your therapist, KèIra will be open and non judgmental, but will hold you accountable to your goals. KèIra is dedicated to redefining the stigma of mental health in the black community and helping curate a Safe Space to do so.
(202) 849-9455 View (202) 849-9455
Photo of Angela Brown, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Angela Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002  (Online Only)
Angela Brown is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 22 years of experience in both the mental health and substance abuse field. She is interested in helping youth, adults, couples, and families address their presenting issues Angela specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, phobias, OCD, and other life issues. Her approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, rational emotive therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, positive psychology, and reality and grounding techniques.
Angela Brown is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 22 years of experience in both the mental health and substance abuse field. She is interested in helping youth, adults, couples, and families address their presenting issues Angela specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, phobias, OCD, and other life issues. Her approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, rational emotive therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, positive psychology, and reality and grounding techniques.
(202) 517-8390 View (202) 517-8390
Photo of Kelly M Baker - Strengthening Prides Mental Health Services, LICSW, ADHD-CP, CDBT, CSAM, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Strengthening Prides Mental Health Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, ADHD-CP, CDBT, CSAM
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20002  (Online Only)
Strengthening Prides uses evidence based treatments designed to empower youths and help them acquire the tools needed to fortify cohesiveness within home, school, and the community.
Strengthening Prides uses evidence based treatments designed to empower youths and help them acquire the tools needed to fortify cohesiveness within home, school, and the community.
(202) 933-9722 View (202) 933-9722
Photo of Elmer Diaz, LICSW, LCSW-C, TPSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elmer Diaz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, TPSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002  (Online Only)
For me, building rapport is an essential step when initiating therapy. I take a nonjudgmental approach, helping you feel you're getting the undivided attention you deserve. With a person-centered approach, you decide where you take your story and journey. I am here to make you feel listened to, supported, and valued.
For me, building rapport is an essential step when initiating therapy. I take a nonjudgmental approach, helping you feel you're getting the undivided attention you deserve. With a person-centered approach, you decide where you take your story and journey. I am here to make you feel listened to, supported, and valued.
(855) 740-3290 View (855) 740-3290
Photo of Dr. Nakieta Lankster - One Heartt, Inc. Mental Health Services , PsyD
One Heartt, Inc. Mental Health Services
PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20002
Therapy can be a challenging journey of self awareness and processing. This path becomes increasingly difficulty when you don't feel seen and heard. We are black female identifying mental health providers offering a wide range of mental health services. Our goal is to be a one-stop shop for culturally sensitive mental health treatment for all. Our patients come from a range of backgrounds, and participate in services such as medication management, psychological assessment, therapy, and PRP. At One Heartt, Inc. we specialize in providing holistic healthcare in a soothing indoor/outdoor environment.
Therapy can be a challenging journey of self awareness and processing. This path becomes increasingly difficulty when you don't feel seen and heard. We are black female identifying mental health providers offering a wide range of mental health services. Our goal is to be a one-stop shop for culturally sensitive mental health treatment for all. Our patients come from a range of backgrounds, and participate in services such as medication management, psychological assessment, therapy, and PRP. At One Heartt, Inc. we specialize in providing holistic healthcare in a soothing indoor/outdoor environment.
(410) 936-3361 View (410) 936-3361
Photo of Sharita Stevens - One Alkaline Life, LPC, LCPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
One Alkaline Life
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002  (Online Only)
Maybe you feel disconnected, overwhelmed, anxious, or alone. Whatever it is that brought you here, together we can find the answer to what is overloading your being. As the director of One Alkaline Life, LLC in Waldorf, Maryland, I have spent my career working with a patient-centered, holistic approach. I enjoy providing compassionate care to adults and children dealing with mood disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse issues, and trauma. Give yourself the opportunity to build confidence and self-love along the way.
Maybe you feel disconnected, overwhelmed, anxious, or alone. Whatever it is that brought you here, together we can find the answer to what is overloading your being. As the director of One Alkaline Life, LLC in Waldorf, Maryland, I have spent my career working with a patient-centered, holistic approach. I enjoy providing compassionate care to adults and children dealing with mood disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse issues, and trauma. Give yourself the opportunity to build confidence and self-love along the way.
(240) 823-5018 View (240) 823-5018
Photo of Janon Wilson, Licensed Professional Counselor
Janon Wilson
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002  (Online Only)
If you are reading this, you have already taken the hardest step toward feeling better- reaching out for help. As a therapist I understand that it is important for you to feel understood, heard and supported. When we all are working as a team, those things will be automatic. My approach is direct yet very compassionate. My goal is for us together to identify the cause of your issues, to develop what is needed and how it can be achieved. I would like to get you unstuck and on the path to happiness.
If you are reading this, you have already taken the hardest step toward feeling better- reaching out for help. As a therapist I understand that it is important for you to feel understood, heard and supported. When we all are working as a team, those things will be automatic. My approach is direct yet very compassionate. My goal is for us together to identify the cause of your issues, to develop what is needed and how it can be achieved. I would like to get you unstuck and on the path to happiness.
(866) 738-3081 View (866) 738-3081
Photo of Douglas Gotel - Gotel & Thrive, PLLC, LICSW, LCSW-C, RPT-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Gotel & Thrive, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, RPT-S
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20002
You are trying to shine bright like a diamond and have the things most of us desire for a good life. But there is something dimming your brilliance—it constricts you. You know, those feelings of doubt, dread, disgruntlement, desperation, or despair. Like that constant wondering about whether you are viewed as competent at work; like that disappointment you cover up with food, drink or overachieving because you haven’t met “the one;” like that hurt you carry from a past that shamed you or the depths of grief; or like the helplessness feel when your child is struggling.
You are trying to shine bright like a diamond and have the things most of us desire for a good life. But there is something dimming your brilliance—it constricts you. You know, those feelings of doubt, dread, disgruntlement, desperation, or despair. Like that constant wondering about whether you are viewed as competent at work; like that disappointment you cover up with food, drink or overachieving because you haven’t met “the one;” like that hurt you carry from a past that shamed you or the depths of grief; or like the helplessness feel when your child is struggling.
(202) 980-2433 View (202) 980-2433
Photo of Jessica Cetoute, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jessica Cetoute
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002  (Online Only)
Cheers to you for starting this powerful therapeutic journey to enhance your overall wellness! I am an enthusiastic, holistic and innovative mental health therapist that is committed to guiding you to gain clarity, transform, and live your best authentic life. I am excited to share my passion, commitment, and leadership expertise in serving individuals across the lifespan navigate chronic mental health and co-occurring illnesses, complex trauma, grief and loss
Cheers to you for starting this powerful therapeutic journey to enhance your overall wellness! I am an enthusiastic, holistic and innovative mental health therapist that is committed to guiding you to gain clarity, transform, and live your best authentic life. I am excited to share my passion, commitment, and leadership expertise in serving individuals across the lifespan navigate chronic mental health and co-occurring illnesses, complex trauma, grief and loss
(866) 738-3081 View (866) 738-3081
Photo of Natalie Bloodworth, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Natalie Bloodworth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002  (Online Only)
As a clinician for over 20 years, I have learned that people seek services because they want a sense of stability and control over their mental health and well-being to live a more fulfilling and balanced life. My aim is to assist them to achieve these goals to help them feel more confident, reduce their stress levels, improve their relationships, and enable them to handle life’s ups and downs with greater ease. Ultimately, the outcome is that they experience personal growth, happiness, and a greater sense of purpose and satisfaction in their lives.
As a clinician for over 20 years, I have learned that people seek services because they want a sense of stability and control over their mental health and well-being to live a more fulfilling and balanced life. My aim is to assist them to achieve these goals to help them feel more confident, reduce their stress levels, improve their relationships, and enable them to handle life’s ups and downs with greater ease. Ultimately, the outcome is that they experience personal growth, happiness, and a greater sense of purpose and satisfaction in their lives.
(888) 484-4606 View (888) 484-4606
Photo of Tamara L Thomas (Burke), LPC, LCPC, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tamara L Thomas (Burke)
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC, MA
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002
Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Are you feeling stuck and can't seem to find your way out? Let me guess, you've tried therapy before and it just wasn't the right fit. Well, you have come to the right place. Transpire Wellness is here to help.
Are you struggling with anxiety or depression? Are you feeling stuck and can't seem to find your way out? Let me guess, you've tried therapy before and it just wasn't the right fit. Well, you have come to the right place. Transpire Wellness is here to help.
(202) 831-1641 View (202) 831-1641
1
Play Therapy

Who is play therapy for?

Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.

Why do people need play therapy?

Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.

What happens in play therapy?

A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.

What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?

Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.

How long does play therapy last?

Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.