Photo of Strother Gaines, Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
Strother Gaines
Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
Email Me
or
Email Me
Photo of Strother Gaines, Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW

Strother Gaines

Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW (he, him)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
Washington, DC 20002
Call Me
Available both in-person and online
Washington, DC 20002
Let's Connect (202) 410-8921
Photo of Strother Gaines, Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
My ideal client is seeking more than traditional therapy. They want creative, playful ways to reconnect with joy and their authentic self. They may be navigating complex identities and need a supportive space to explore these. Often, they feel stuck or disconnected due to trauma, societal/familial expectations, or a desire for deeper self-awareness. Their goals may be about rediscovering their creativity, unlocking/understanding parts of their identity, and building deeper, more authentic connections in their relationships. They come to me ready for a dynamic, interactive approach that fosters growth and healing.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in authenticity, empathy, and a deep respect for each person's unique journey. I support clients navigating anxiety, depression, identity questions, and relationship challenges by using dynamic, supportive, and playful approaches that empower you to rewrite your story and move towards a life of growth, freedom, and joy.
My work spans the intersection of creativity, therapy, and personal growth. I also work frequently as a facilitator and public speaker with corporations, non-profits, and conferences. I'm dedicated to helping clients unlock their full potential in a world where play is not just for fun but an essential component of well-being and relational health.
Take the first step to help. Call or Strother Gaines now - (202) 410-8921

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Washington, DC 20002

(202) 410-8921

4809 Saint Elmo Avenue

Suite

Bethesda, MD 20814 map

My website
I operate primarily in telehealth, but have office availability on Tuesday and Thursday in the Bethesda area, right by a Trader Joe's!
I specialize in LGBTQ+, Family Conflict and Sex-Positive, Kink Allied 
$225 Per Session  
I see individuals, couples and groups  
Fifteen seconds isn't a lot of time to get to know someone, so feel free to judge me based on my tschotskies behind me. ;-)
Strother Gaines
Let's Connect (202) 410-8921
Photo of Strother Gaines, Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Washington, DC 20002

(202) 410-8921

4809 Saint Elmo Avenue

Suite

Bethesda, MD 20814 map

My website
I operate primarily in telehealth, but have office availability on Tuesday and Thursday in the Bethesda area, right by a Trader Joe's!
I specialize in LGBTQ+, Family Conflict and Sex-Positive, Kink Allied 
$225 Per Session  
I see individuals, couples and groups  
Fifteen seconds isn't a lot of time to get to know someone, so feel free to judge me based on my tschotskies behind me. ;-)
Strother Gaines

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $225
  • Couple Sessions $275
  • Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

ACH Bank transfer, Cash, Mastercard, Venmo, Visa, Zelle
"
While I am OON for all insurance, I offer a sliding scale based on need and am committed to making therapy more accessible, particularly to marginalized folks and artists.
Photo of Strother Gaines, Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
Strother Gaines
Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
or call with questions - (202) 410-8921
"
While I am OON for all insurance, I offer a sliding scale based on need and am committed to making therapy more accessible, particularly to marginalized folks and artists.
Photo of Strother Gaines, Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
Strother Gaines
Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
or call with questions - (202) 410-8921

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Supervised by Bradley Lake (District of Columbia / Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) Strother Gaines
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • Attended University of Denver Dual Degree, MSW/MBA
  • Additional Credentials

  • License: Maryland 33492 / 2025
  • Certificate from Accomplishment Coaching 2014
Photo of Strother Gaines, Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
Strother Gaines
Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
Feel free to ask about qualifications and training experience. or (202) 410-8921
Photo of Strother Gaines, Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
Strother Gaines
Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
Feel free to ask about qualifications and training experience. or (202) 410-8921

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • LGBTQ+
  • Family Conflict
  • Sex-Positive, Kink Allied

Expertise

  • ADHD
  • Anxiety
  • Body Image
  • Career Counseling
  • Depression
  • Dissociative Disorders (DID)
  • Grief
  • Infidelity
  • Life Coaching
  • Life Transitions
  • Men's Issues
  • Open Relationships Non-Monogamy
  • Peer Relationships
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Sex Therapy
  • Stress
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Transgender
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Video Game Addiction
"
I love working with clients who may feel they are misunderstood in larger groups (societal, familial, work, friend groups, etc). For those who may have experienced separation from families due to their identity, religious trauma, or ever felt like the outcast, I want to provide a place to feel supported and engage in the deep work of healing those wounds.
Photo of Strother Gaines, Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
Strother Gaines
Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
or call with questions - (202) 410-8921
"
I love working with clients who may feel they are misunderstood in larger groups (societal, familial, work, friend groups, etc). For those who may have experienced separation from families due to their identity, religious trauma, or ever felt like the outcast, I want to provide a place to feel supported and engage in the deep work of healing those wounds.
Photo of Strother Gaines, Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
Strother Gaines
Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
or call with questions - (202) 410-8921

Client Focus

Age

Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals
Couples
Group

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Gay Allied
HIV / AIDS Allied
Lesbian Allied
Little Person Allied
Non-Binary Allied
Queer Allied
Racial Justice Allied
Sex Worker Allied
Transgender Allied

Religion

Secular and Non-Religious

Age

Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals
Couples
Group

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Gay Allied
HIV / AIDS Allied
Lesbian Allied
Little Person Allied
Non-Binary Allied
Queer Allied
Racial Justice Allied
Sex Worker Allied
Transgender Allied

Religion

Secular and Non-Religious

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Art Therapy
  • Coaching
  • Culturally Sensitive
  • Existential
  • Experiential Therapy
  • Expressive Arts
  • Gestalt
  • Humanistic
  • Narrative
  • Play Therapy
  • Psychodynamic
  • Relational
  • Strength-Based
  • Structural Family Therapy
  • Trauma Focused
"
I love working in a relational/strengths-based style because I believe that understanding where we are uniquely skilled helps us deal with challenges in all areas of our lives. We'll work on better understanding your current narratives around your life and challenges, as well as work on re-writing areas that no longer serve you.
Photo of Strother Gaines, Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
Strother Gaines
Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
or call with questions - (202) 410-8921
"
I love working in a relational/strengths-based style because I believe that understanding where we are uniquely skilled helps us deal with challenges in all areas of our lives. We'll work on better understanding your current narratives around your life and challenges, as well as work on re-writing areas that no longer serve you.
Photo of Strother Gaines, Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
Strother Gaines
Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
or call with questions - (202) 410-8921

Location

Primary Location

Washington, DC 20002

(202) 410-8921

Additional Location

4809 Saint Elmo Avenue

Suite

Bethesda, MD 20814

(202) 410-8921
"
I operate primarily in telehealth, but have office availability on Tuesday and Thursday in the Bethesda area, right by a Trader Joe's!
Photo of Strother Gaines, Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
Strother Gaines
Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
Take the first step to help. Call now - (202) 410-8921
"
I operate primarily in telehealth, but have office availability on Tuesday and Thursday in the Bethesda area, right by a Trader Joe's!
Photo of Strother Gaines, Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
Strother Gaines
Pre-Licensed Professional, LGSW
Take the first step to help. Call now - (202) 410-8921