Therapists in Washington, DC

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.

Dr. Baly is a clinical psychologist who works with individuals and families experiencing a range of issues. He specializes in treating acute and complex trauma, anxiety and mood disorders, self-harm and suicide, addictive behaviors, relationship issues, and major life transitions. Dr. Baly received a B.A. from Harvard and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Virginia. He has trained at several nationally recognized institutions, including the Institute of Living, Johns Hopkins, and the Kennedy Krieger Institute. He is passionate about helping people cope with present day stressors and issues stemming from past trauma.

I work with adults at many stages of life and serve a diverse population, with a particular focus on the experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals. I’ve also worked with groups and individuals as an addiction counselor, focusing on the emotional processing necessary to address trauma and overcome addictive habits and behaviors. At the core of my practice is the belief that in knowing ourselves, we can show up more authentically with others. Whether your concerns revolve around relationships, sexual identity and gender expression, work-life, anxiety, or depression, I will help you find what you need to navigate your next right steps.

I am a licensed clinical social worker in the District of Columbia, and earned my Masters in Social Work with a clinical concentration from The Catholic National School of Social Sciences at The Catholic University of America. During my clinical work, I have worked with clients from diverse backgrounds and cultural groups, mostly in out-patient settings, with a variety of struggles including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, and PTSD. have expertise in working with sexual assault survivors, grief and trauma, and acculturation.

There are many misconceptions about what it means to be in therapy. Anyone can benefit from therapy regardless of what walk of life they come from. It does not mean that you are broken, weak or crazy. What it does mean is that you are up for the challenge of confronting harmful beliefs, habits, and communication styles so that you can live a life that is authentically yours. Sitting across from this screen right now takes courage and vulnerability. Our mental health shows itself in all areas of our lives: relationships, perception, management of daily life, sense of self, and our ability connect to our emotions and body.

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.

I help individuals work on life issues tied to anxiety and depression, relationship difficulties, stress symptoms tied to childhood trauma, and families struggling with behavioral challenges. I teach communication skills that help with difficult relationships. These skills include helping my clients improve their power, voice, and contact with significant others. I employ many approaches in psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, gestalt, somatic experiencing (SE), accelerated experiential dynamic (AEDP), cognitive behavioral (CBT) and emotionally focused couples therapy (EFT).

Congratulations on searching for someone to help you explore your mental health! It's not an easy decision and therapy can be challenging at times, but I have the utmost respect for people willing to face their vulnerable parts in order to grow and develop. The fit between a client and a counselor is an important part of therapy, so I recommend reaching out to speak with me further to see if I might be able to be of service for what you are seeking. I'll list some considerations here so you can see if you'd like to reach out to discuss our potential work together. I offer a free consultation session to explore your options.

30+ years practicing clinical psychotherapy /psychoanalysis, I especially loving working with: young adults, couples, adolescents & their families .....I am French bi-lingual and work in French with some clients; I have lived, and loved living in, France and in the Third World ..... Two offices: DC and Falls Church, VA...... Work some evenings....

It's essential for you to feel understood by your therapist. I strive to create an environment characterized by safety, trust, mutual respect, and even humor. The bond we form allows you to take the emotional risks necessary for deep exploration and enduring change. I offer a free consultation to help you decide if we'd be a good fit. Please join me for a cup of tea to share your story, chart a course for how we might work together, and ask any questions about therapy and how I can help you.

We know every person is unique and as such the therapeutic process must be uniquely designed to cater to each client's needs. Using evidenced-based practices including Psychodynamic, Trauma Informed Care, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, CBT, Strength Based, Narrative therapy, Mindfulness Based Approaches, Expressive Arts, among others, our team strives to support community members rise above the stressors that cause distress and suffering. We meet our clients wherever they are in their journey. In our work together, we tap your strengths and work in collaboration with you to achieve your wellness and therapy goals.

**ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS NOW VIA TELEHEALTH ONLY*** Safety and trust are key components to the working alliance between my clients and me. By creating a space of nonjudgement, compassion, empathy and unconditional positive regard, we work together to develop a safe and trusting environment to explore life's struggles and victories.

I believe that each person has an innate ability to heal from trauma and pain. Events from the past can impact our mind and body in the present--sometimes getting in the way of current relationships and goals. I offer a safe space to tap into transformative healing, self-exploration, and personal growth. My clients bring an array of issues to therapy including trauma, addiction, sexual difficulties, relationship challenges, self-injury, and dissociation. I work collaboratively, recognizing that each client brings their own unique strengths to the work.

No matter how much you do, that inner-voice insists, “you could be doing more.” You convince yourself you just need to work harder, sleep a little less, spread yourself more thin. Then you’ll finally feel that sense of accomplishment. But the more you do, the louder the voice gets. The weight of the constant stress is exhausting. The tension headache at the base of your skull won’t go away. You can’t control your emotions– the other day you blew up at your best friend. Your mother keeps calling; she’s worried about you. You’ve sacrificed so much, but don’t know what it’s all for. This can’t go on.

You may feel anxious, depressed, angry and you "can't get rid of" or change your feelings or thoughts. You may be looking for ways to find some relief from your stress, emotional pain or unwanted behavior. Life's disappointments, big and small can lead to great worry, overeating, drinking too much, feeling unmotivated, not wanting to get out of bed, or being irritable with loved ones; this often leads to feeling guilt and shame. For everyone, life's challenges, fears, losses, traumas and oppression in all forms, can impact our internal thoughts and feelings about ourselves in a variety of ways, you are not alone.

Through 25 years' experience in university, hospital and outpatient settings, I have developed specializations in Trauma & Abuse, Sexual & Relationship Violence, Women's Empowerment, Mindful Living, & the College Experience. Trained by a pioneer in complex trauma treatment, I assist survivors regain their sense of security and self. My past career research informs my continuing passion for mentoring women in their multiple roles and across their lifespans. I help individuals, couples & groups manage stress, anxiety, depression, and pain; navigate major life events and losses; & repair/strengthen their relationships.

I am currently accepting new clients for daytime, virtual sessions. I help young adults process the unique challenges of their age, tame their inner critic and self-doubt, and heal from trauma. Together we will get really curious about what makes you tick and how your current patterns and coping mechanisms came to be. We can work through trauma, relationship issues, anxiety, shame and guilt, decision making, emotional regulation, feeling lost or purposeless, and building tangible coping skills. I utilize principles of Internal Family Systems, psychodynamic, somatic, and mindfulness-based therapies in my work.

Every client I work with is multifaceted and has many identities. I adapt my approach to meet people where they are, and honor the differences between us. People often come to therapy looking for change. I aim to provide a supportive space where change can safely occur. I have training in Somatic Experiencing, and believe that supporting the mind-body connection can be a fundamental part of a full healing and growth process. I believe every person has an innate capacity to heal, adapt, and thrive, once genuine support and safety are in place. Whether you reach out to me or another therapist, I hope you find what you need.

No matter how difficult your current circumstances may feel, psychotherapy can help you identify what is holding you back and help you develop the right strategies to feel connected with yourself and others. My goal in therapy is to assist you to find your own voice and to guide you to live life in your own terms.