LGBTQ+ Therapists in Cleveland Park, Washington, DC

Are you an adult struggling with depression, anxiety, addiction, or symptoms of Bipolar disorder, OCD, or Personality disorders? You want a therapist who recognizes your strengths and helps you navigate through stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, and abuse. You seek someone who can help you gain insights and see patterns in your life that you might not notice on your own.

Malca Gottlieb is described by her clients as a wonderful listener -- calm, patient, and deeply insightful about people and their relationships. She works with clients who may feel routinized or feel that their passions and ambitions are being frustrated by their surroundings. She specializes in working with families and individuals who feel that family dynamics may be working against them, and who seek better relationships for themselves and their families. Malca helps her clients engage with the world in a way that prioritizes collaboration over conflict. Malca is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LC50079200) in

I am a strong believer in therapy being a collaborative, healing, and restorative experience. As Pema Chödrön once said, “Let difficulty transform you. And it will. In my experience, we just need help in learning how to not run away.” But that’s easier said than done – what are the steps to getting to a better place? Where do you even start? You are not alone in this journey. I take great pride in building a therapeutic connection and a safe space for you to be your genuine self so that you may find that resiliency within.

Life can be overwhelming and you are not alone in your struggles. Though reaching out for help can feel scary, making this choice is often transformative. You deserve support and to have hope in your life. Therapy with me is a process where this happens and I find it an honor to walk beside and gently guide you through whatever you may be experiencing. I believe in basing our therapeutic relationship on acceptance, genuineness, and empathy. I work with all types of people--children, adolescents, and adults--who are struggling with the external, internal, or both in a non-judgmental, strengths-based, trauma-informed manner.

All of us experience difficulties in our lives, but it can be hard to face them alone. I am an active and engaged therapist and together we will get to know you well, approaching this task with interest and curiosity, and without judgment. Whether you are feeling depressed, anxious, unfocused or dissatisfied, this exploration will support you in bringing out your most adaptive capacities.

Are you feeling emotionally exhausted? Do you want to learn how to create better boundaries, manage anxiety, prioritize self care or process the parts of your life that feel like they are draining you of hope and joy? Are you a couple who wants to optimize your communication, intentionally manage conflict and make the next few years better than the last? With warmth, humor, and a direct style, I help individuals and couples find their own strengths, understand their challenges with compassion, and use this knowledge to improve the their lives.

You might be feeling stuck in ways that disrupts your quality of life and creative potential, desiring to heal wounds from painful life experiences, adjusting to a big change, or grieving a loss that carries great significance and impact. You’re here because you’re looking for a safe, supportive, judgment free space to heal and grow. You’ve tried traditional talk therapy but need an approach the values the wisdom of the body-mind connection. You’re ready to process feelings, sensations and ways of being that no longer serve you. You’re motivated for a life that feels whole, authentic, and connected.

Do you have a sense that something about your childhood is affecting you as an adult? Maybe you can put your finger on exactly what it is, or maybe you are just seeing patterns in your life & relationships that have you wondering if there’s something deeper behind it. Past therapy experiences may have been helpful in some ways, but you seem to keep getting stuck. It feels like anxiety and self-doubt are the ones controlling the direction of your life, not what is true and authentic to you. You’re ready to address these things at the source, so you can finally work with your inner critic and regain control of your life.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges? Are your emotions, or a complicated relationship, weighing you down? Are you interested in finding creative solutions to your problems? If so, perhaps counseling, art therapy, or some combination of the two might be right for you! I offer a supportive and non-judgmental space where you will learn to take charge of your thoughts, emotions, and actions while practicing better self-care and improving insight. My areas of expertise include trauma, HIV, diabetes, depression, anxiety, multicultural and LGBTQ+ concerns, existential dilemmas, spiritual concerns, and grief and loss.

Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to pursue a career path that would make a difference in people’s lives. This interest led me to study psychological science, social work, and social justice. I care deeply about human rights, cultural humility, and integrating anti-oppressive practices. As a LCSW, I am committed to the well-being of all my clients to cater to their holistic needs. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults regarding various issues, including: anxiety, depression, stress, complex trauma, oppression, relationships and intimacy, sexual assault and domestic violence, and LGBTQ+ dynamics.

As an AASECT certified Sex Therapist and ISTI Certified Sex and Couples Therapist, I know that life and relationships take a lot of work. My practice is dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and relationship(s) who need support and/or seeking growth and change. From anxiety and depression to sexual functioning and communication, I can help you and your partner(s) work on bringing authenticity back into your lives. I have extensive experience working with military (Active Duty/Vets & Spouses), LGBTQ+, kink/poly relationships, HAES/Intuitive Eating, as well as Ex-pats and International Aid Workers stationed overseas.

Our experiences impact the way we see the world. Symptoms often emerge as attempts to adapt. In the context of a supportive therapeutic relationship, we can look at the parts of your life that are no longer serving you. In therapy, I will help you express your thoughts and feelings and listen to you on multiple levels. At times, I may call attention to your here-and-now experience.

It takes courage to face emotional and relationship problems. With over 20 years professional experience treating clients and consulting to businesses, I specialize in helping people find and utilize their strengths and sideline their difficulties. With children and adults, I specialize in treating complex anxiety, attachment, and learning issues and developing talent and leadership. Once clients are freed from the crippling impact of excessive anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or self defeating behavior patterns, drawing upon Positive Psychology and Mindfulness techniques helps us identify and capitalize on personal strengths. Clients are able to heal - thrive - grow - bloom into excellence.

Thank you for your interest in my practice. I form strong, collaborative relationships with my clients so we can tackle complex problems and stressors. I join with clients to do some practical problem-solving, build emotional skills and resilience, and gain insight into relationships and events, both past and present. I challenge clients to integrate skills gained in sessions into their daily lives and we then review progress and adjust the clinical approach as needed.

The mission of OTR is to provide ethical and professional clinical services to those overcoming trauma and those struggling within their self and relationships. OTR's commitment to our patients is to empower, support, and guide them on a journey of healing and growth. Our clinicians are integrative in their treatment approaches in order to effectively meet our patients' needs. Licensed to practice in VA, DC, and MD. We do at times have a wait for new clients due to most cases being long term. Please let us know if you are public safety/first responder, or deploying or leaving for assignment soon for further intake information.

My goal is to create a safe and accepting environment that allows us to better explore the issues you are facing. I believe that one of the most important elements of counseling is the therapeutic relationship. I value a trusting, open, and interactive relationship that allows us to improve insight into your struggles and issues, and develop a plan for recovery and healing.