Therapists in Washington, DC

I am passionate about working with all minorities in society, including LGBTQ+ folx. I have experience working through taboo topics, trauma, racial identity and women's issues, and am vocal about my stance on social justice when necessary. I use an integrative approach to therapy to tailor sessions to the specific needs of each of my clients. I am humanistic, person-centered in my approach and facilitate interpersonal relational work. I am always strength based and really enjoy working with Black folx & people of color, but I am willing to work with anyone who is ready to work through current life stressors in non judgmental space.

The people I work with want to change the way they feel and relate to themselves, their life circumstances, and their relationships. We might be a good fit if you are experiencing sadness, anxiety, low motivation or self-esteem, intergenerational trauma, and/or feelings of grief and loss. I particularly enjoy working with people who want to increase self-worth, self-esteem, and self-empowerment, women of color, indigenous populations, and LGBTQIA+, survivors of trauma, domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment, and people living with medical conditions, grief, and loss.

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.

Moving through the ups and downs of life can be challenging. You might feel uncertain about who you are or where you are going. You might feel lonely or misunderstood. Maybe you feel stuck trying to move past painful experiences. Let’s work together to create a path toward healing, growth, and self-acceptance. I recognize how difficult it can be to find a therapist who gets it. I warmly welcome people from the queer community, black people, and people of color to contact me for services. Whether you are exploring your identity, navigating relationships, or feeling isolated.

Life has the ability to impact our physical, mental and emotional wellness. I am an avid believer that therapy has the ability to promote wellness throughout the challenges that each of us face. Do you ever find yourself battling negative thoughts? Feeling overwhelmed with trying to cope with feelings? Are you in need of a space where you can feel seen and heard? Whether you are facing loss, traumas, family conflict, life transitions or difficulty with social wellness, my collaborative and supportive style supports you as you work toward your wellness goals.

There are many layers and textures in each of our stories and individual healing journeys, that may make us believe that healing is impossible or that inner wellness after trauma is unattainable. You are worthy and capable of the healing you're envisioning. For many of us, a safe healing space is the first step in that journey back to self and is the support we’ve been searching for to become the next best version of ourselves. Together, we co-create the space you need to celebrate your innate wisdom; restore trust in your intuition and voice; and nurture your growth towards more healing and easeful living.

If you are struggling with sadness and emotional pain, help is available. I am a Clinical Social Worker and a Creative Arts therapist. I am a Certified Sand Tray therapist, and Psychodramatist. As a Clinician with the Department of Defense, I have treated all branches of the military and their family members for over 20 years, both in the states and overseas. I currently have a private practice in Washington D.C. and Maryland. I also provide Online Video Therapy, texting, and Skype. As your therapist, my role is to help you navigate through emotional pain while obtaining workable solutions.

You are a high achieving BIPOC person who has spent years working hard to prove that you are worthy and good enough. And now you’re tired, stressed, and maybe even experiencing burnout. You’re ready to learn new coping skills, claim your worth, and tap into your inner wisdom so you can make aligned choices, release anxiety and depression, and finally thrive.

Losing a loved one can be the most difficult time in your life. Emotions are often surprising in their strength or mildness. Grief often breaks a person completely from the inside out. Grieving is hard work, you can get worn out, and feel battered. It can take a lot longer to work through grief than most people realize. People around you may think it’s helpful for you to not talk or cry or focus on your loss but actually, this is just what people need to do. The goal is to not stay stuck, to move through it—and this is part of the process. Grief doesn’t get better by ignoring it and trying to ‘get over it.’

Evolve Therapy is a woman-owned business rooted in a holistic, strengths-based approach. Gabrielle Holder had the vision for a therapy culture built on her relationship expertise to foster empathy, empower client voice and create inclusivity. People need connections to survive and thrive, we are wired for it. We offer hope, possibility, and a space to connect with yourself and others.

Make peace with your thoughts and emotions, silence your inner critic and experience authentic emotions. Increase peace and understanding in your relationships, learn to communicate in ways that facilitate connection and lessen conflict. Find clarity in your purpose and uncover what has been holding you back, keeping you feeling stuck. Identify triggers to feelings of anxiety, overwhelm, and imposter syndrome. End feelings of unworthiness and shame. Maximize your potential, and express yourself authentically. My name is Shalin Carter, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, these are the things I want to help you with.

Eating disorders can be all encompassing and can start to take over so many different aspects of your life. It becomes hard to do anything without hearing the eating disorder’s disapproving voice in your head making comments about your food intake, your body, and most painfully, who you are as a person. This voice is not you. We can work together to help you fight back and regain your identity. You do not need to have an eating disorder for us to work together, I also work with those struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, life transitions, trauma, relationships, and identity.

Together we can improve your health, well-being, and help you overcome obstacles that may be getting in the way of life. My approach typically targets how you can be more open, aware, and actively engaged in your life. It is informed by a commitment to healing justice and fostering diversity and inclusion in all spaces. To accomplish this, I use several frameworks that bolster your intrinsic strengths, aid you in shaking free of unhelpful stories, deepen your sense of self-awareness, and allow you to heal collectively with natural supports. I also integrate the wisdom and the life experience that you bring.

Behavioral and cognitive patterns can have a significant impact on our lives, relationships, and sense of self-worth. If you are taking a closer, deeper look at your own patterns, you may find it helpful to do so in a safe, collaborative environment. I would love to come alongside you to help you identify and disrupt negative patterns and develop improved skills to grow and handle challenges. My specialities include: anxiety, trauma, grief, self esteem issues, life transitions, communication, and setting boundaries.

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.

I am temporarily accepting additional clients who genuinely want to transform their life into something better. Is that you? I work with my clients in Spanish because it was the language that shaped our perceptions of the world and the people we lived with at an early age. Even if you grew up bilingual, Spanish was the language your mother and father used. Whether we are immigrants or were born in the United States, it is our ancestral Latino language that contains the roots of our current experience. It also contains the keys to breaking through barriers we are currently experiencing with our health, wealth, and relationships.

Your treatment has a beginning, middle & end. I am trained and certified in many of the latest breakthrough treatments including EMDR and Brainspotting. I use these modalities because I have found them to be the most effective. The field of psychotherapy has come a long way since it began. We now know that it doesn't have to take as long as previously believed for permanent healing and change to take place. The term "neuroplasticity" refers to the brain's ability to change and rewire itself at any age or stage of life. Too often, clients participate in years of talk therapy and medication management without results.

We see individuals, families and couples in DC, MD, VA, PA, and FL. We provide an encouraging, warm and open environment to help learn more about yourself and heal from the root up. We identify when negative patterns began and guide you to lead a happier and more peaceful life.

I love working with couples and individuals with difficulty in romantic relationships (i.e. sexual issues, communication, infidelity, divorce), adults who come from dysfunctional childhoods, as well as those with anxiety, impulsivity, and addiction. I also enjoy working with those in non-traditional romantic relationships (i.e. ethically non-monogamous, polyamorous). I am LGBTQIA- affirming and sex positive. I work best with clients who are engaged, thoughtful, and motivated for change. My style is empathic and direct, with a sense of humor. I believe strongly in the therapeutic alliance and the client/therapist fit.