Therapists in Washington, DC
Thérèse Aline Verley Strodel
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20011
Waitlist for new clients
My style is holistic, strength-based, person-centered, relational and intuitive.
Hello! Congratulations on taking this important first step in your healing journey! If you're struggling with depression, stress, anxiety, trauma, grief or other life transitions, I’d be honored to work collaboratively with you. When we better understand our patterns of behavior, we can then make small changes, that have great impact. This is how we find peace and equanimity. I will assist you in understanding what is getting in the way of living your best life, creating a non-judgmental and supportive space to discover your strengths and what is most important to you. Your healing journey awaits!
My style is holistic, strength-based, person-centered, relational and intuitive.
Hello! Congratulations on taking this important first step in your healing journey! If you're struggling with depression, stress, anxiety, trauma, grief or other life transitions, I’d be honored to work collaboratively with you. When we better understand our patterns of behavior, we can then make small changes, that have great impact. This is how we find peace and equanimity. I will assist you in understanding what is getting in the way of living your best life, creating a non-judgmental and supportive space to discover your strengths and what is most important to you. Your healing journey awaits!
Stephanie O'Brien
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LGSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009
In my practice, I incorporate training in grief and trauma-focused therapies, mindfulness and somatic techniques, and relational psychodynamic approaches.
Loss is the universal human condition. At times, all of us move with a sense of "lostness" - be it around a death, a relationship, our sense of safety, hopes for the future. Yet as a culture, we have a hard time being with loss and accompanying grief. I believe that loss and grief deserve attention. You may know exactly why you are seeking therapy, or you may something may just feel off. My role is to help you learn about yourself and your losses. I hold special interest and skill supporting people with experiences of infertility/pregnancy loss, relationship loss, trauma, illness and death and dying.
In my practice, I incorporate training in grief and trauma-focused therapies, mindfulness and somatic techniques, and relational psychodynamic approaches.
Loss is the universal human condition. At times, all of us move with a sense of "lostness" - be it around a death, a relationship, our sense of safety, hopes for the future. Yet as a culture, we have a hard time being with loss and accompanying grief. I believe that loss and grief deserve attention. You may know exactly why you are seeking therapy, or you may something may just feel off. My role is to help you learn about yourself and your losses. I hold special interest and skill supporting people with experiences of infertility/pregnancy loss, relationship loss, trauma, illness and death and dying.
Alex Swales
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009 (Online Only)
Life can be messy, chaotic, and complicated; therapy reminds me of spring cleaning. Similar to spring cleaning, therapy can be slow, overwhelming, & messy. Throughout the therapeutic process, it is my goal to support clients to embrace all the parts of them in healing from trauma. Together, we will work to unpack and find meaning, connection, understanding, and even humor. I work with individuals that have experienced sexual trauma, relational trauma, eating disorders, and struggle with the impacts of trauma. I deeply enjoy working with individuals that want to deepen their connection to self and community.
Life can be messy, chaotic, and complicated; therapy reminds me of spring cleaning. Similar to spring cleaning, therapy can be slow, overwhelming, & messy. Throughout the therapeutic process, it is my goal to support clients to embrace all the parts of them in healing from trauma. Together, we will work to unpack and find meaning, connection, understanding, and even humor. I work with individuals that have experienced sexual trauma, relational trauma, eating disorders, and struggle with the impacts of trauma. I deeply enjoy working with individuals that want to deepen their connection to self and community.
Alysa Ain
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, JD, LGSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
My approach is deeply empathic, psychodynamic, and relational.
Therapy is a creative space where we collaborate to help you discover what you need to live a satisfying, joyful life, and develop the freedom and courage to make choices that honor these needs. As a former corporate lawyer, I have a special interest in working with professionals (particularly lawyers!) who feel stressed and stuck in their careers. I also love working with anyone else urgently asking: What do I actually want? How can I feel more at home in my life and in the world?
My approach is deeply empathic, psychodynamic, and relational.
Therapy is a creative space where we collaborate to help you discover what you need to live a satisfying, joyful life, and develop the freedom and courage to make choices that honor these needs. As a former corporate lawyer, I have a special interest in working with professionals (particularly lawyers!) who feel stressed and stuck in their careers. I also love working with anyone else urgently asking: What do I actually want? How can I feel more at home in my life and in the world?
Pavani Khera
Psychologist, MSc, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20007
Focus areas in my practice include international student concerns, women's issues, depression and anxiety, relational trauma, life transitions, and grief & loss.
Are your mental health struggles overwhelming you? I believe these challenges serve as a window into deeper intrapersonal and interpersonal processes, often rooted in our formative childhood experiences. Think of them as messengers, urging us to explore, understand, and transform our lived experience. Together, we can try to understand the function of these symptoms, which may be helpful in freeing you from their hold & embarking on a healing journey. I am also a firm believer in the transformative power of the therapeutic relationship and am committed to fostering authentic connection as we work together.
Focus areas in my practice include international student concerns, women's issues, depression and anxiety, relational trauma, life transitions, and grief & loss.
Are your mental health struggles overwhelming you? I believe these challenges serve as a window into deeper intrapersonal and interpersonal processes, often rooted in our formative childhood experiences. Think of them as messengers, urging us to explore, understand, and transform our lived experience. Together, we can try to understand the function of these symptoms, which may be helpful in freeing you from their hold & embarking on a healing journey. I am also a firm believer in the transformative power of the therapeutic relationship and am committed to fostering authentic connection as we work together.
Julia Han
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20006
Many of my clients with prior therapy experience appreciate that I am very engaged and interactive --> my style is relational, experiential, humanistic; I provide specific tools to clients that can be easily used in between sessions.
Welcome to my site. Finding the right therapist can be daunting, so let me give you a sense of how I work. Most appreciate how engaged & active I am, We will explore not only the reasons for your difficulties, BUT more importantly, how stress affects your body; how you internalize thoughts of self & others. Thoughts lead to-> Beliefs -> Habits; automatic responses. I will give you tools to help with difficult emotions. I specialize in: 1) postpartum, 2) trauma/grief, 3) non-traditional family formation, 4) adoption, 5) ThirdCultureKid, 6) LGBTQ. I am open to explore non-traditional methods to assist you in the healing process.
Many of my clients with prior therapy experience appreciate that I am very engaged and interactive --> my style is relational, experiential, humanistic; I provide specific tools to clients that can be easily used in between sessions.
Welcome to my site. Finding the right therapist can be daunting, so let me give you a sense of how I work. Most appreciate how engaged & active I am, We will explore not only the reasons for your difficulties, BUT more importantly, how stress affects your body; how you internalize thoughts of self & others. Thoughts lead to-> Beliefs -> Habits; automatic responses. I will give you tools to help with difficult emotions. I specialize in: 1) postpartum, 2) trauma/grief, 3) non-traditional family formation, 4) adoption, 5) ThirdCultureKid, 6) LGBTQ. I am open to explore non-traditional methods to assist you in the healing process.
Dr. Sadaf Lotfalian
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20017 (Online Only)
To aid with this process, I use somatically-informed interventions (eg relational, sensorimotor, emotion-focused, mindfulness- & acceptance-based, dialectical- & cognitive-behavioral) geared toward your unique concerns and needs.
At times the road to your fullest life is found by moving through trauma, rage, loss, and betrayal. How we cope with those hardships is important. Therapy can help you become more aware of suffering, the sources that are causing it, and tools to help you overcome it. I invite us to imagine a life beyond fear, shame, and regret. One where you feel your innate wisdom, compassion, and capacity, to live life more fully despite all of its complexities.
To aid with this process, I use somatically-informed interventions (eg relational, sensorimotor, emotion-focused, mindfulness- & acceptance-based, dialectical- & cognitive-behavioral) geared toward your unique concerns and needs.
At times the road to your fullest life is found by moving through trauma, rage, loss, and betrayal. How we cope with those hardships is important. Therapy can help you become more aware of suffering, the sources that are causing it, and tools to help you overcome it. I invite us to imagine a life beyond fear, shame, and regret. One where you feel your innate wisdom, compassion, and capacity, to live life more fully despite all of its complexities.
Arielle Mesa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, RYT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009 (Online Only)
As a trauma-sensitive and holistic clinician, I approach therapy from a mind-body-spirit lens, integrating brain-body, psychodynamic, internal family systems, psycho-spiritual, and relational modalities.
Life often places obstacles on our path, which can leave us feeling stuck, in pain, uncertain of how to move forward. I specialize in guiding those who arrive here by creating a nurturing and curious space to help you explore, unearth, and effectively heal untended internal wounds. My passion and expertise lie in supporting people in healing from childhood abuse and neglect, sexual violence, complex loss, and ancestral and identity-based trauma. Many also turn to me to better understand with who they truly are, their roles within relationships, and their unique purpose, or to prepare for and integrate psychedelic healing journeys.
As a trauma-sensitive and holistic clinician, I approach therapy from a mind-body-spirit lens, integrating brain-body, psychodynamic, internal family systems, psycho-spiritual, and relational modalities.
Life often places obstacles on our path, which can leave us feeling stuck, in pain, uncertain of how to move forward. I specialize in guiding those who arrive here by creating a nurturing and curious space to help you explore, unearth, and effectively heal untended internal wounds. My passion and expertise lie in supporting people in healing from childhood abuse and neglect, sexual violence, complex loss, and ancestral and identity-based trauma. Many also turn to me to better understand with who they truly are, their roles within relationships, and their unique purpose, or to prepare for and integrate psychedelic healing journeys.
Morgan Christie
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036 (Online Only)
My practice is rooted in relational, social justice, and empowerment approaches.
Hello! I am a licensed psychologist working online with adults (both individuals and couples) in Maryland, DC, and Ohio. I provide evidence-based treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma, gender-affirming care, body affirmation and wellness, and identity development. My collaborative approach with clients allows us to build a strong connection in treatment, creating a space where clients feel safe and understood. We will work together to identify goals for therapy, develop helpful coping skills, and process life events in meaningful ways.
My practice is rooted in relational, social justice, and empowerment approaches.
Hello! I am a licensed psychologist working online with adults (both individuals and couples) in Maryland, DC, and Ohio. I provide evidence-based treatment for anxiety, depression, trauma, gender-affirming care, body affirmation and wellness, and identity development. My collaborative approach with clients allows us to build a strong connection in treatment, creating a space where clients feel safe and understood. We will work together to identify goals for therapy, develop helpful coping skills, and process life events in meaningful ways.
Naomi Nim
Licensed Professional Counselor, EdD, MS, LPC, BC-DMT, NCC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
I specialize in trauma treatment through somatic, relational, psychodynamic, and dance/movement psychotherapy.
My work is grounded in the centrality of the therapeutic relationship and the knowledge that the mind and body are interconnected, and thus home to our emotions and our history, as well as a source of healing and growth. I will work with you to gain self-understanding, self-acceptance and self-esteem, healing from trauma, anxiety, or depression, and to strengthen your resources using a somatic, relational, and expressive approach. My work is informed by multicultural and community-based professional and academic experiences in the US and abroad.
I specialize in trauma treatment through somatic, relational, psychodynamic, and dance/movement psychotherapy.
My work is grounded in the centrality of the therapeutic relationship and the knowledge that the mind and body are interconnected, and thus home to our emotions and our history, as well as a source of healing and growth. I will work with you to gain self-understanding, self-acceptance and self-esteem, healing from trauma, anxiety, or depression, and to strengthen your resources using a somatic, relational, and expressive approach. My work is informed by multicultural and community-based professional and academic experiences in the US and abroad.
Will Hayden
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20006 (Online Only)
I use a relational approach that emphasizes working together to develop insight, understanding, and behavioral change.
Being in distress and discomfort is hard, tiring, and sometimes discouraging. "I'm struggling with something, but what can I do about it?" "Why is it so easy for everyone else?" "I just want out of my head, and back into my life." I believe successful therapy is a collaborative effort that helps you build a real, authentic, and happy life. Therapy can be helpful when sensitive topics and difficult challenges feel intimidating and overwhelming. As your therapist, I will listen to and learn about your challenges. We'll find a pace that works for you and I'll help you keep your goals in focus.
I use a relational approach that emphasizes working together to develop insight, understanding, and behavioral change.
Being in distress and discomfort is hard, tiring, and sometimes discouraging. "I'm struggling with something, but what can I do about it?" "Why is it so easy for everyone else?" "I just want out of my head, and back into my life." I believe successful therapy is a collaborative effort that helps you build a real, authentic, and happy life. Therapy can be helpful when sensitive topics and difficult challenges feel intimidating and overwhelming. As your therapist, I will listen to and learn about your challenges. We'll find a pace that works for you and I'll help you keep your goals in focus.
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Rachael Schultz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20011
My approach is client-centered and collaborative, drawing from psychodynamic and relational psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavior Theory (CBT), mind-body practices, trauma-informed approaches, play therapy, and expressive arts.
I believe in the power of therapy to tap into our existing strengths, foster growth and connection, shift patterns, and move us toward living a more fulfilling life.
My approach is client-centered and collaborative, drawing from psychodynamic and relational psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavior Theory (CBT), mind-body practices, trauma-informed approaches, play therapy, and expressive arts.
I believe in the power of therapy to tap into our existing strengths, foster growth and connection, shift patterns, and move us toward living a more fulfilling life.
Gina Brezini
MA, LPC, CPLC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20007
Marital conflict, infidelity, fear, anxiety, depression, stress, relational disconnect and other emotional challenges don't have to rule your life.
Relationship expert and certified life coach with proven track record for guiding people to success in their personal and professional lives, motivating them to live and lead from their true power. I offer individual, couples and group counseling, using cutting edge methods that provide shortcuts for personal growth and create deeply rewarding relationships. I am committed to making a difference in ways that empower, inspire, and connect. During my extensive travels, I mentored teams of humanitarians to improve communication and interact effectively in diverse cultural environments.
Marital conflict, infidelity, fear, anxiety, depression, stress, relational disconnect and other emotional challenges don't have to rule your life.
Relationship expert and certified life coach with proven track record for guiding people to success in their personal and professional lives, motivating them to live and lead from their true power. I offer individual, couples and group counseling, using cutting edge methods that provide shortcuts for personal growth and create deeply rewarding relationships. I am committed to making a difference in ways that empower, inspire, and connect. During my extensive travels, I mentored teams of humanitarians to improve communication and interact effectively in diverse cultural environments.
Madeleine E. Bertin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009 (Online Only)
I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the central component to successful psychotherapy and I bring special attention to the ongoing process of relational safety. I also believe that self-harmful behaviors always have roots in past experiences of threat and it can be life-changing to discover these connections. I work to help individuals establish goals, explore their experiences, gain self-awareness, develop resources and skills, cultivate self-compassion, and find greater self-empowerment so they can create a more fulfilling and meaningful life for themselves.
I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the central component to successful psychotherapy and I bring special attention to the ongoing process of relational safety. I also believe that self-harmful behaviors always have roots in past experiences of threat and it can be life-changing to discover these connections. I work to help individuals establish goals, explore their experiences, gain self-awareness, develop resources and skills, cultivate self-compassion, and find greater self-empowerment so they can create a more fulfilling and meaningful life for themselves.
Anne Mader
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016 (Online Only)
Anne also works from a relational and psychodynamic perspective while integrating mindfulness and curiosity.
Anne is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington, DC, and Virginia. Currently, she is only seeing clients via telehealth. She received her Master's Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and holds a Bachelor of the Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Tennessee. Anne has received advanced training in Mindfulness, Internal Family Systems, and Sensorimotor Psychology. Anne's areas of interest working through life transitions, relationship issues, work/life balance, and trauma. She provides a warm and inviting space to come as you are, without judgment.
Anne also works from a relational and psychodynamic perspective while integrating mindfulness and curiosity.
Anne is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington, DC, and Virginia. Currently, she is only seeing clients via telehealth. She received her Master's Degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and holds a Bachelor of the Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Tennessee. Anne has received advanced training in Mindfulness, Internal Family Systems, and Sensorimotor Psychology. Anne's areas of interest working through life transitions, relationship issues, work/life balance, and trauma. She provides a warm and inviting space to come as you are, without judgment.
Cara Miller
Psychologist, PhD, SEP
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002 (Online Only)
These include relational-psychodynamic therapies, mindfulness-based therapies, and Somatic Experiencing for trauma resolution.
I believe every person has the ability to grow and transform. I believe that we can best do so when accompanied compassionately along our journeys. Through increasing self-awareness, cultivating our inner and external resources, and understanding the interconnected influences of mind and body in our daily lives, we can transform through painful times and arrive into greater and deeper capacity for relationships to ourselves and with others. I specialize in working with adults through trauma healing, grief and loss (including that of beloved animals), LGBTQIA+ identities and relationships, depression/anxiety, and life transitions.
These include relational-psychodynamic therapies, mindfulness-based therapies, and Somatic Experiencing for trauma resolution.
I believe every person has the ability to grow and transform. I believe that we can best do so when accompanied compassionately along our journeys. Through increasing self-awareness, cultivating our inner and external resources, and understanding the interconnected influences of mind and body in our daily lives, we can transform through painful times and arrive into greater and deeper capacity for relationships to ourselves and with others. I specialize in working with adults through trauma healing, grief and loss (including that of beloved animals), LGBTQIA+ identities and relationships, depression/anxiety, and life transitions.
Nicole Brzozowski
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20005 (Online Only)
I support clients' healing goals through self-compassion and mindfulness skills. Through compassionate reflection on relationships with self, family, friends, and society, I work with clients to identify and heal patterns of painful self-talk; patterns that can make us feel stuck and overwhelmed. I specialize in anxiety, depression, and trauma and have served diverse clients of all races, genders, and sexual orientations. As a mixed race Korean-American who has worked domestically and abroad, I also welcome the opportunity to work with clients facing challenges related to culture, identity, and intergenerational issues.
I support clients' healing goals through self-compassion and mindfulness skills. Through compassionate reflection on relationships with self, family, friends, and society, I work with clients to identify and heal patterns of painful self-talk; patterns that can make us feel stuck and overwhelmed. I specialize in anxiety, depression, and trauma and have served diverse clients of all races, genders, and sexual orientations. As a mixed race Korean-American who has worked domestically and abroad, I also welcome the opportunity to work with clients facing challenges related to culture, identity, and intergenerational issues.
Sara Sheikh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, RYT-500
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016
You might be coping with anxiety and stress that disrupts your quality of life, trying to heal from adverse life experiences, adjusting to a big change, or grieving a loss that carries a lot of significance and impact. You’re here because you’re looking for a safe, supportive, judgment free space to show up as yourself. You’ve tried traditional talk therapy but need something more. You’re ready to shed behaviors, feelings, and ways of thinking that no longer work for you. You’re motivated for a life that is infused with authenticity, purpose and connection.
You might be coping with anxiety and stress that disrupts your quality of life, trying to heal from adverse life experiences, adjusting to a big change, or grieving a loss that carries a lot of significance and impact. You’re here because you’re looking for a safe, supportive, judgment free space to show up as yourself. You’ve tried traditional talk therapy but need something more. You’re ready to shed behaviors, feelings, and ways of thinking that no longer work for you. You’re motivated for a life that is infused with authenticity, purpose and connection.
John Drollinger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20011 (Online Only)
Time and again, the same struggles can show up in relationships or at work. I know how hard it is to break the cycle. Other times, events and life changes challenge our ability to cope and accomplish what we need. Healing and self-discovery are possible in a safe and supportive therapy relationship. My goal is to help you create a rich and meaningful life and better navigate life's challenges. I work with folks facing a range of issues, with a specialty in trauma, burnout, relationship issues and eco-anxiety/climate grief. If you experience stress from caring for/about others and our environment, I am ready to support you.
Time and again, the same struggles can show up in relationships or at work. I know how hard it is to break the cycle. Other times, events and life changes challenge our ability to cope and accomplish what we need. Healing and self-discovery are possible in a safe and supportive therapy relationship. My goal is to help you create a rich and meaningful life and better navigate life's challenges. I work with folks facing a range of issues, with a specialty in trauma, burnout, relationship issues and eco-anxiety/climate grief. If you experience stress from caring for/about others and our environment, I am ready to support you.
Mali G Parke - Life Coachmediator
Coach, CPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20009
Are you longing for vitality, a sense of choice or self-love/confidence in your life? Are you looking for authenticity, courageous conversations, resonance or deep trust repair in your relationship/s? Are you hoping to find how to live a meaningful and impactful life? I support authentic, compassionate and empowered relating to yourself and others with courageous journeying opening your full expression, connection and power for change. My clients are individuals, partners, co-parents, educators, caregivers or leaders, teams or groups who want to achieve greater trust, connection, resonance, collaboration and systemic resilience.
Are you longing for vitality, a sense of choice or self-love/confidence in your life? Are you looking for authenticity, courageous conversations, resonance or deep trust repair in your relationship/s? Are you hoping to find how to live a meaningful and impactful life? I support authentic, compassionate and empowered relating to yourself and others with courageous journeying opening your full expression, connection and power for change. My clients are individuals, partners, co-parents, educators, caregivers or leaders, teams or groups who want to achieve greater trust, connection, resonance, collaboration and systemic resilience.
See more therapy options for Washington
Relational Therapists
How does relational therapy work?
Relational therapy was developed by psychologist Jean Miller, whose ideas stressed that having strong connections with others encourages better health and well-being when compared with a lonely existence. Conversely, poor interpersonal relationships do not foster growth and learning. Relational therapy also encourages trust in others and patience with others, along with better communication and less conflict.
Is relational therapy evidence-based?
Relational therapy is not well-studied, and it may not be as effective in treating certain mental health conditions when compared with evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral or acceptance and commitment therapy. However, relational therapy uses techniques found in cognitive behavioral therapy as well as psychodynamic therapy, which are both well-studied with empirical research.
How long are people typically in relational therapy?
Clients may see improvement after a few weeks or months of therapy. Like cognitive behavioral therapy, relational therapy can reduce symptoms within 10 to 20 weeks, at 45 to 50 minutes once a week. But like any type of therapy, improvement depends on the person and the severity of the problem.
Does relational therapy work?
While no therapy type will work for everyone, some evidence suggests that this therapy can be effective. Relational therapy can help a person manage problematic relationships as well as the mental health conditions that accompany difficult relationships like depression or anxiety. This therapy type may offer benefits that are hard to measure but can be just as valuable—including feelings of higher self-worth or healthier connections with others.