Sex-Positive, Kink Allied Therapists in Potomac West, Alexandria, VA
Licensed in CA (in person/virtual) and VA (virtual). Transitions bring us face to face with the joys, anxieties, grief, and triumphs of change, and offer an opportunity for us to see where we might be stuck, lost, confused, or needing clarity or compassion. The way transitions manifest in your life can be informed by trauma, attachment styles, and the unique way your brain and temperament process the world around you. These can appear as depression, anxiety, obsessive thinking, dissociation, or other symptoms. But you’re more than a list of symptoms and diagnoses, and I can help you find relief and make meaning from your experience.
Licensed in CA (in person/virtual) and VA (virtual). Transitions bring us face to face with the joys, anxieties, grief, and triumphs of change, and offer an opportunity for us to see where we might be stuck, lost, confused, or needing clarity or compassion. The way transitions manifest in your life can be informed by trauma, attachment styles, and the unique way your brain and temperament process the world around you. These can appear as depression, anxiety, obsessive thinking, dissociation, or other symptoms. But you’re more than a list of symptoms and diagnoses, and I can help you find relief and make meaning from your experience.
Whatever you are facing today, know that tomorrow is an opportunity to thrive and overcome! I am a National Board Certified Therapist in Washington, D. C., Maryland and Virginia who focuses on the total diaspora of adult mental and behavioral health concerns, including general life, anxiety, mood, and personality disorders, and more. I am privileged to work with couples who want to work on intimacy, communication, wholeness, and fulfillment and individuals who want to live a healthier and fulfilled life.
Whatever you are facing today, know that tomorrow is an opportunity to thrive and overcome! I am a National Board Certified Therapist in Washington, D. C., Maryland and Virginia who focuses on the total diaspora of adult mental and behavioral health concerns, including general life, anxiety, mood, and personality disorders, and more. I am privileged to work with couples who want to work on intimacy, communication, wholeness, and fulfillment and individuals who want to live a healthier and fulfilled life.
Preston works with individuals and couples, specializing in LGBTQIA+ populations 16 years and older. As a gay man, he recognizes the need for an unconditionally affirming space to explore issues of sexuality, gender, self-esteem/self-hate, body image, relationship issues, open/poly relationships, anxiety, depression, etc. His counseling style focuses on developing a genuine connection with his clients based on mutual respect and trust in order to facilitate the client’s growth. Therapy can feel like serious work, but Preston recognizes the need for positivity, encouragement, and laughter throughout the process.
Preston works with individuals and couples, specializing in LGBTQIA+ populations 16 years and older. As a gay man, he recognizes the need for an unconditionally affirming space to explore issues of sexuality, gender, self-esteem/self-hate, body image, relationship issues, open/poly relationships, anxiety, depression, etc. His counseling style focuses on developing a genuine connection with his clients based on mutual respect and trust in order to facilitate the client’s growth. Therapy can feel like serious work, but Preston recognizes the need for positivity, encouragement, and laughter throughout the process.
I have a BA from Radford University and an MS in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. I enjoy working with a broad spectrum of individuals from diverse backgrounds. I am bilingual, English and Spanish, and I offer a sliding fee scale. Providing tools, emotional support, and education to those in need is a passion of mine. I have experience working with adolescents and adults suffering from complex traumas as well as providing a variety of community support resources to individuals and families.
I have a BA from Radford University and an MS in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. I enjoy working with a broad spectrum of individuals from diverse backgrounds. I am bilingual, English and Spanish, and I offer a sliding fee scale. Providing tools, emotional support, and education to those in need is a passion of mine. I have experience working with adolescents and adults suffering from complex traumas as well as providing a variety of community support resources to individuals and families.
Kjerstin Lemke
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, C-DBT, C-PD
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Does this sound familiar to you?
“I feel like I’m crazy!”, “My family and friends care so much about me but they feel helpless in how to support me.” , “I constantly experience moments where it feels like I’m drowning and I don’t know what to do about it!”, “I’ve tried therapy so many times and it never helped!”… If it does, this might be exactly the right time to try therapy differently. There is no one-size-fits all therapy approach. I use a multimodal therapeutic approach tailored to your unique needs and fully believe your experience should be as individualized as you are.
Does this sound familiar to you?
“I feel like I’m crazy!”, “My family and friends care so much about me but they feel helpless in how to support me.” , “I constantly experience moments where it feels like I’m drowning and I don’t know what to do about it!”, “I’ve tried therapy so many times and it never helped!”… If it does, this might be exactly the right time to try therapy differently. There is no one-size-fits all therapy approach. I use a multimodal therapeutic approach tailored to your unique needs and fully believe your experience should be as individualized as you are.
My ideal client(s) are those struggling with both trauma and relationships. Trauma can profoundly impact how we relate to others. I am especially interested in people who struggle with attachment issues in relationships. The ideal client is receptive to change, can take ownership of their life, and has the capacity for self-reflection. I also work with clients interested in exploring spiritual matters in whatever form. I have extensive training in esoteric practices, such as archetypal astrology and tarot.
My ideal client(s) are those struggling with both trauma and relationships. Trauma can profoundly impact how we relate to others. I am especially interested in people who struggle with attachment issues in relationships. The ideal client is receptive to change, can take ownership of their life, and has the capacity for self-reflection. I also work with clients interested in exploring spiritual matters in whatever form. I have extensive training in esoteric practices, such as archetypal astrology and tarot.
I offer an LGBTQ+ affirming therapy space that is welcoming to those with nonreligious or spiritual beliefs. My goal is to create a collaborative, honest environment where you can show up as you are and think out loud without fear of judgment. Together, we'll work toward building trust in yourself and making changes that last. I work best with people who are curious about their patterns, open to humor, and ready to explore what’s been getting in the way. I don’t position myself as “the expert,” but as a problem-solving partner alongside you.
I offer an LGBTQ+ affirming therapy space that is welcoming to those with nonreligious or spiritual beliefs. My goal is to create a collaborative, honest environment where you can show up as you are and think out loud without fear of judgment. Together, we'll work toward building trust in yourself and making changes that last. I work best with people who are curious about their patterns, open to humor, and ready to explore what’s been getting in the way. I don’t position myself as “the expert,” but as a problem-solving partner alongside you.
My intention is for you to feel safe bringing all parts of yourself into our sessions. All of you - all feelings, all identities - are welcome. Only in a relationship of relative safety & non-judgement can growth happen. I maintain that YOU are the expert on you and as such I take a client-centered, collaborative, and relational approach to therapy. I will use our relationship, my experience, and YOUR insight & self-knowing, as well as appropriate tools & techniques. I will ask about your goals, challenges, strengths, and what has worked for you in the past. Your care will be as individual as you are.
My intention is for you to feel safe bringing all parts of yourself into our sessions. All of you - all feelings, all identities - are welcome. Only in a relationship of relative safety & non-judgement can growth happen. I maintain that YOU are the expert on you and as such I take a client-centered, collaborative, and relational approach to therapy. I will use our relationship, my experience, and YOUR insight & self-knowing, as well as appropriate tools & techniques. I will ask about your goals, challenges, strengths, and what has worked for you in the past. Your care will be as individual as you are.
I am a queer, telehealth based Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adult individuals who are thinking they may be ready for a change. I have over 10 years of experience, 5 of which have been in Private Practice working with clients ranging from people with major mood disorders to people trying to form healthier relationships. I have clients who have stayed with me all 5 years, as well as those who have come and gone, satisfied with their progress. I meet clients where they are in order to provide the best service that I can to their individual needs.
I am a queer, telehealth based Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adult individuals who are thinking they may be ready for a change. I have over 10 years of experience, 5 of which have been in Private Practice working with clients ranging from people with major mood disorders to people trying to form healthier relationships. I have clients who have stayed with me all 5 years, as well as those who have come and gone, satisfied with their progress. I meet clients where they are in order to provide the best service that I can to their individual needs.
It’s easy to feel like we’re falling behind when life gets heavy but sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is pause, breathe, and realign. If you grew up in a space where shame silenced your needs or where survival took priority over self-care, giving yourself permission to rest or seek help can feel unfamiliar even uncomfortable.
If you're the first in your family to break generational cycles, navigating healing can be both brave and overwhelming. I hold space for that tension - between fear and hope - and walk with you as you learn to trust yourself and your path.
It’s easy to feel like we’re falling behind when life gets heavy but sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is pause, breathe, and realign. If you grew up in a space where shame silenced your needs or where survival took priority over self-care, giving yourself permission to rest or seek help can feel unfamiliar even uncomfortable.
If you're the first in your family to break generational cycles, navigating healing can be both brave and overwhelming. I hold space for that tension - between fear and hope - and walk with you as you learn to trust yourself and your path.
I believe mental health is one of the most universal and human experiences we share. Everyone deserves the opportunity to feel grounded, confident, and at peace. My passion for this work comes from seeing how transformative therapy can be when people are given the space and support to truly understand themselves. With over five years of experience in the treatment field, including three years as a Clinical Director, I specialize in substance use, acute mental health, and life transitions. I work with adults navigating stress, uncertainty, and major turning points, helping them gain insight and move towards a life worth living.
I believe mental health is one of the most universal and human experiences we share. Everyone deserves the opportunity to feel grounded, confident, and at peace. My passion for this work comes from seeing how transformative therapy can be when people are given the space and support to truly understand themselves. With over five years of experience in the treatment field, including three years as a Clinical Director, I specialize in substance use, acute mental health, and life transitions. I work with adults navigating stress, uncertainty, and major turning points, helping them gain insight and move towards a life worth living.
I view the relationship between the client and therapist as the most important aspect of therapy. I value creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space in which clients feel comfortable being open about their experiences. I spend time getting to know my clients, listening to their needs, and meeting them where they are. I utilize an integrative approach to treatment, emphasizing emotion-focused and interpersonal process theories, along with evidence-based techniques.
I view the relationship between the client and therapist as the most important aspect of therapy. I value creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space in which clients feel comfortable being open about their experiences. I spend time getting to know my clients, listening to their needs, and meeting them where they are. I utilize an integrative approach to treatment, emphasizing emotion-focused and interpersonal process theories, along with evidence-based techniques.
Mmere Dane Counseling, LLC (Tangela Francis)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Dear New Client, Thank you for beginning this journey, I believe you are making a good decision. Therapy is an inviting place where every single part of you is welcome, even the parts that are uncomfortable to share. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia with over 10 years of experience as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, physical trauma, emotional abuse, and domestic violence.
Dear New Client, Thank you for beginning this journey, I believe you are making a good decision. Therapy is an inviting place where every single part of you is welcome, even the parts that are uncomfortable to share. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia with over 10 years of experience as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, physical trauma, emotional abuse, and domestic violence.
Whether you are struggling with anxiety or depression, loss, oppression, life transitions, capitalism, difficult relationships, or existential thoughts. I can help you explore your inner world, navigate the challenges in your life, and learn skills and tools to help you move through your life with more grounded ease and joy. Let’s make positive changes together that enable you to feel more nourished and alive each day.
Whether you are struggling with anxiety or depression, loss, oppression, life transitions, capitalism, difficult relationships, or existential thoughts. I can help you explore your inner world, navigate the challenges in your life, and learn skills and tools to help you move through your life with more grounded ease and joy. Let’s make positive changes together that enable you to feel more nourished and alive each day.
My ideal client can be anyone. I approach counseling from a wellness model, which means that I believe that people are inherently good, and that people tend to thrive under the right conditions. I am most interested in creating deep and lasting changes, and for most people this is long-term work. My clients tend to find me warm and approachable, but also clear and direct in my communication.
My ideal client can be anyone. I approach counseling from a wellness model, which means that I believe that people are inherently good, and that people tend to thrive under the right conditions. I am most interested in creating deep and lasting changes, and for most people this is long-term work. My clients tend to find me warm and approachable, but also clear and direct in my communication.
Welcome! With more than 25 years of experience as a therapist, I am passionate about providing a safe, affirming, and inclusive space for adults from all walks of life. My practice is deeply rooted in serving the LGBTQ community, and I understand that seeking support is a meaningful and courageous step. In our therapy sessions, you will be met with respect, compassion, and a commitment to recognizing your unique identity while supporting your personal growth. I specialize in working with adults navigating depression, anxiety, healing from past trauma, substance use challenges, and relationship concerns.
Welcome! With more than 25 years of experience as a therapist, I am passionate about providing a safe, affirming, and inclusive space for adults from all walks of life. My practice is deeply rooted in serving the LGBTQ community, and I understand that seeking support is a meaningful and courageous step. In our therapy sessions, you will be met with respect, compassion, and a commitment to recognizing your unique identity while supporting your personal growth. I specialize in working with adults navigating depression, anxiety, healing from past trauma, substance use challenges, and relationship concerns.
Do you feel "drained" after interacting with certain people? Are you working on building healthier relationships and boundaries? Are you navigating a major life transition or event? Are you a high-functioning person who feels "stuck" in certain areas of your life or that you are "not living up to your potential"? Many of my clients identify as creative, intuitive, and empathic. Clients who choose to work with me are often seeking a more fulfilling and authentic life, working through layers of internalized conditioning, and healing old wounds that are standing in the way of fully embracing and loving themselves and their lives.
Do you feel "drained" after interacting with certain people? Are you working on building healthier relationships and boundaries? Are you navigating a major life transition or event? Are you a high-functioning person who feels "stuck" in certain areas of your life or that you are "not living up to your potential"? Many of my clients identify as creative, intuitive, and empathic. Clients who choose to work with me are often seeking a more fulfilling and authentic life, working through layers of internalized conditioning, and healing old wounds that are standing in the way of fully embracing and loving themselves and their lives.
You might be feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or stuck in patterns that leave you exhausted and frustrated with yourself. Maybe you’re managing anxiety, ADHD, trauma, or the invisible weight of trying to hold everything together for everyone else. Therapy can be a place to finally slow down, make sense of what’s happening, and feel supported without judgment.
You might be feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or stuck in patterns that leave you exhausted and frustrated with yourself. Maybe you’re managing anxiety, ADHD, trauma, or the invisible weight of trying to hold everything together for everyone else. Therapy can be a place to finally slow down, make sense of what’s happening, and feel supported without judgment.
I believe, within each of us, lay the resources & strengths to tackle life's challenges. I am here to support you on your path of transformation, recognize you are the expert on your own life, & facilitate a deep dive into your capacity for change. I am genuinely committed to working by your side as we learn from one another! I will not pass judgment based on where you have been, currently are, or may be going. Practicing from a trauma-informed perspective challenges shame & guilt as they raise their ugly head along your journey of change. No matter what you choose to reveal to me, I will hold you in high regard – truly, I will.
I believe, within each of us, lay the resources & strengths to tackle life's challenges. I am here to support you on your path of transformation, recognize you are the expert on your own life, & facilitate a deep dive into your capacity for change. I am genuinely committed to working by your side as we learn from one another! I will not pass judgment based on where you have been, currently are, or may be going. Practicing from a trauma-informed perspective challenges shame & guilt as they raise their ugly head along your journey of change. No matter what you choose to reveal to me, I will hold you in high regard – truly, I will.
The relationship we have with ourselves is our most meaningful relationship, closely followed by our relationships with others. In a nonjudgmental and relaxed environment, my aim is to help you achieve the healthy life and relationships you desire. We will collaborate together to build upon your inherent strengths towards your specific goals. Life is hard for all of us. There are countless demands on our time at home and work. We are surrounded by injustices of many sorts, and often feel powerless to make necessary personal and/or community level changes. Therapy addresses these realities in the relationship we build together.
The relationship we have with ourselves is our most meaningful relationship, closely followed by our relationships with others. In a nonjudgmental and relaxed environment, my aim is to help you achieve the healthy life and relationships you desire. We will collaborate together to build upon your inherent strengths towards your specific goals. Life is hard for all of us. There are countless demands on our time at home and work. We are surrounded by injustices of many sorts, and often feel powerless to make necessary personal and/or community level changes. Therapy addresses these realities in the relationship we build together.
