Strength-Based Therapists in Washington, DC
Mengqi Li
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LGSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
Waitlist for new clients
No matter what has brought you to therapy, your experience is valid. I believe that even the most unlikeable, confusing, extreme parts of you have a wisdom to be understood, a protectiveness to be thanked, and a vulnerability to be seen and held. In my practice, I will seek to meet you exactly where you are, and together we can tend to the unique challenges in your life. My ultimate goal is for clients to uncover their essential self—to rediscover their own innate wisdom and strength that can face whatever life brings.
No matter what has brought you to therapy, your experience is valid. I believe that even the most unlikeable, confusing, extreme parts of you have a wisdom to be understood, a protectiveness to be thanked, and a vulnerability to be seen and held. In my practice, I will seek to meet you exactly where you are, and together we can tend to the unique challenges in your life. My ultimate goal is for clients to uncover their essential self—to rediscover their own innate wisdom and strength that can face whatever life brings.
I help adults navigate the challenging experience of coping with grief. Loss is often highly distressing and there is not a duration of time that grieving should take. However, we sometimes feel stuck in our grief or desire support. Because grief is a natural response to loss, the goal of our work together is not to "cure" your grief, but to help you find ways to adjust to your loss and cope with the stressors that accompany it. I also work with clients experiencing relationship and family-of-origin concerns and with individuals who would like to live more authentically and develop greater self-compassion and healthier boundaries.
I help adults navigate the challenging experience of coping with grief. Loss is often highly distressing and there is not a duration of time that grieving should take. However, we sometimes feel stuck in our grief or desire support. Because grief is a natural response to loss, the goal of our work together is not to "cure" your grief, but to help you find ways to adjust to your loss and cope with the stressors that accompany it. I also work with clients experiencing relationship and family-of-origin concerns and with individuals who would like to live more authentically and develop greater self-compassion and healthier boundaries.
My name is McKenna Polak and I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) working at a private counseling practice, MBS Performance Counseling in Frederick, MD. We provide counseling services to adolescents with a specific focus on athletes; helping them manage anxiety, doubt, and fear in their sport, in the classroom, and in their lives. Student-athletes deal with specific challenges and demands which, as a former college athlete and coach, I understand. The MBS Performance Counseling approach is specifically geared to build resilience, grit, and self confidence in athletes age 10-24!
My name is McKenna Polak and I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) working at a private counseling practice, MBS Performance Counseling in Frederick, MD. We provide counseling services to adolescents with a specific focus on athletes; helping them manage anxiety, doubt, and fear in their sport, in the classroom, and in their lives. Student-athletes deal with specific challenges and demands which, as a former college athlete and coach, I understand. The MBS Performance Counseling approach is specifically geared to build resilience, grit, and self confidence in athletes age 10-24!
Andrea Florez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20001 (Online Only)
I focus on creating a supportive and safe therapeutic environment where I can help clients identify opportunities for change and growth, cope with difficult emotions and experiences, and approach and resolve problems in more constructive ways that brings the opportunity to heal emotional wounds. I believe therapy is collaborative and I support my clients to build lives that feel meaningful and authentic. I incorporate different therapeutic approaches to help clients achieve their treatment goals and meet their individual needs
I focus on creating a supportive and safe therapeutic environment where I can help clients identify opportunities for change and growth, cope with difficult emotions and experiences, and approach and resolve problems in more constructive ways that brings the opportunity to heal emotional wounds. I believe therapy is collaborative and I support my clients to build lives that feel meaningful and authentic. I incorporate different therapeutic approaches to help clients achieve their treatment goals and meet their individual needs
**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.
**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 focus on empowering you and your family to heal, cope, recover, and grow. My vision is that relationships form the basis for a balanced life. The concept of family therapy is almost simple. The idea is to consider the entire family/community context of how we develop, manage choices, and build relationships. For example, when working with children, I also include parents and siblings along the way. I will often even consider history as far back as the womb, e.g. was your mom anxious or stressed during her pregnancy with you? It is an adventure that you will author. Currently I apply the newest theories in neurobiology!
I focus on empowering you and your family to heal, cope, recover, and grow. My vision is that relationships form the basis for a balanced life. The concept of family therapy is almost simple. The idea is to consider the entire family/community context of how we develop, manage choices, and build relationships. For example, when working with children, I also include parents and siblings along the way. I will often even consider history as far back as the womb, e.g. was your mom anxious or stressed during her pregnancy with you? It is an adventure that you will author. Currently I apply the newest theories in neurobiology!
Erika Arnold-McEwan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036 (Online Only)
My clinical approach is always mindful of attachment needs, brain development, and how chronic stress impacts one's brain and body. If you have experienced traumatic stress you may be experiencing the following reactions: struggling with daily functioning; difficulty focusing; negative beliefs about self and others; difficulty feeling positive emotions; angry outbursts; flashbacks; feeling tense, on edge, or easily startled; physical pain; significant self-blame and shame; avoidance of traumatic memories, thoughts, feelings, and situations; nightmares; or difficulty falling and staying asleep.
My clinical approach is always mindful of attachment needs, brain development, and how chronic stress impacts one's brain and body. If you have experienced traumatic stress you may be experiencing the following reactions: struggling with daily functioning; difficulty focusing; negative beliefs about self and others; difficulty feeling positive emotions; angry outbursts; flashbacks; feeling tense, on edge, or easily startled; physical pain; significant self-blame and shame; avoidance of traumatic memories, thoughts, feelings, and situations; nightmares; or difficulty falling and staying asleep.
Regina Tosca
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20011
Do your emotions feel overwhelming? Are you bored and restless with your life? Does the future seem hopeless? Many of us experience these feelings, yet often think we're the only ones. We worry that if we show people what’s really going on, they will avoid and judge us. In therapy, we give voice to these feelings, and learn that while they can be scary at times, they also reveal a path to healing and change.
Do your emotions feel overwhelming? Are you bored and restless with your life? Does the future seem hopeless? Many of us experience these feelings, yet often think we're the only ones. We worry that if we show people what’s really going on, they will avoid and judge us. In therapy, we give voice to these feelings, and learn that while they can be scary at times, they also reveal a path to healing and change.
Melissa Gragert
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20016 (Online Only)
I offer a safe space for individuals and couples to examine their lives, looking for places to develop and heal. I help clients to understand their personal histories, the fearful or anxious narratives they may be stuck in and to build positive change in their lives. My graduate studies at Harvard focused on trauma and resilience. I was drawn to my work by the question of how to help people tap into their internal resilience to heal from difficult experiences and to live their best life?
I offer a safe space for individuals and couples to examine their lives, looking for places to develop and heal. I help clients to understand their personal histories, the fearful or anxious narratives they may be stuck in and to build positive change in their lives. My graduate studies at Harvard focused on trauma and resilience. I was drawn to my work by the question of how to help people tap into their internal resilience to heal from difficult experiences and to live their best life?
My interest is to provide a supportive and collaborative approach to therapy so we can work to address issues such as anxiety, depression, past traumas, grief and loss, and parenting and relationship challenges. I appreciate working with people going through periods of transition and those hoping to implement lasting change.
My interest is to provide a supportive and collaborative approach to therapy so we can work to address issues such as anxiety, depression, past traumas, grief and loss, and parenting and relationship challenges. I appreciate working with people going through periods of transition and those hoping to implement lasting change.
George H. Johnson, MSS, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSS, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
What's wrong with this relationship? The same problems keep on repeating time after time. So what does a study of psychology reveal? A well-trained and experienced psychotherapist can help to shine a light into the dark unconscious places which shroud the mysteries. This helps to bring the issues into consciousness, and once there, allows you to work with them. This work involves change. There may be many underlying issues including: mental states of anxiety and depression, an addiction, anger, lack of trust, various stressors, poor communication, extended family interferences, and more.
What's wrong with this relationship? The same problems keep on repeating time after time. So what does a study of psychology reveal? A well-trained and experienced psychotherapist can help to shine a light into the dark unconscious places which shroud the mysteries. This helps to bring the issues into consciousness, and once there, allows you to work with them. This work involves change. There may be many underlying issues including: mental states of anxiety and depression, an addiction, anger, lack of trust, various stressors, poor communication, extended family interferences, and more.
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Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LGSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009
Waitlist for new clients
Are you woman or girl(14+) feeling low and unsure about yourself? Are you anxious? Have you lost yourself in a life transition? Battling unhealthy thought patterns? Adolescence challenges? Stressed? Grieving? A woman needing to build your personal bag of tools to conquer life’s woes? I’m so proud of you for being here. Betting on yourself! I love that for you! My passion and goals are to advocate, empower, and support others life’s journey, as you navigate to become the best and truest version of self. I’m honored to create space for you to explore, establish, and define your self love and healing to conquer your life's obstacles.
Are you woman or girl(14+) feeling low and unsure about yourself? Are you anxious? Have you lost yourself in a life transition? Battling unhealthy thought patterns? Adolescence challenges? Stressed? Grieving? A woman needing to build your personal bag of tools to conquer life’s woes? I’m so proud of you for being here. Betting on yourself! I love that for you! My passion and goals are to advocate, empower, and support others life’s journey, as you navigate to become the best and truest version of self. I’m honored to create space for you to explore, establish, and define your self love and healing to conquer your life's obstacles.
Jessica Turpin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20011 (Online Only)
Welcome! I'm so glad you are here. Are you feeling overwhelmed by constant worry and feeling stuck in repetitive thinking or behavioral patterns? As a therapist specializing in Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, I am here to support you in learning to detach from those patterns to be able to move towards a free and values-driven life. I also have experience working with a wide range of other challenges and will work with you to meet you where you are at. Together, we will find a therapeutic approach that will work best for you.
Welcome! I'm so glad you are here. Are you feeling overwhelmed by constant worry and feeling stuck in repetitive thinking or behavioral patterns? As a therapist specializing in Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, I am here to support you in learning to detach from those patterns to be able to move towards a free and values-driven life. I also have experience working with a wide range of other challenges and will work with you to meet you where you are at. Together, we will find a therapeutic approach that will work best for you.
Jennifer L Pauk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C, MPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20011
No matter our background or experience, we all hit a bump in the road at one point or another. Navigating challenging and stressful life events such as infertility, parenthood, academic and work transitions, relationships, trauma, chronic illness is complicated. Intense feelings of anxiety, panic, or depression may seem overwhelming an at times, we turn to short term solutions, such as procrastination, alcohol, etc, which lead us in the wrong direction. Working with clients I focus on clarifying what is important and meaningful in life and how to take steps to actively move in that direction - even when faced with challenges.
No matter our background or experience, we all hit a bump in the road at one point or another. Navigating challenging and stressful life events such as infertility, parenthood, academic and work transitions, relationships, trauma, chronic illness is complicated. Intense feelings of anxiety, panic, or depression may seem overwhelming an at times, we turn to short term solutions, such as procrastination, alcohol, etc, which lead us in the wrong direction. Working with clients I focus on clarifying what is important and meaningful in life and how to take steps to actively move in that direction - even when faced with challenges.
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.
I offer therapy for stress and anxiety. We reflect on issues including anxiety about making mistakes, fear of failure, worrying that people do not like you, and burnout. We also consider how to cultivate motivation, creativity, community, and fun. I think physical health is a key to mental well-being, and I specialize in helping my clients establish effective exercise habits.
I offer therapy for stress and anxiety. We reflect on issues including anxiety about making mistakes, fear of failure, worrying that people do not like you, and burnout. We also consider how to cultivate motivation, creativity, community, and fun. I think physical health is a key to mental well-being, and I specialize in helping my clients establish effective exercise habits.
Rebecca Knight
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20002
I am committed to helping clients face their challenges and heal. My holistic approach combines compassion with evidence-based strategies tailored to individual needs. I encourage clients to explore recurring patterns of behaviors and thinking, often rooted in childhood or significant life events, with the goal of mental wellness and personal growth. While the therapeutic journey may be challenging, I believe that true healing is possible. Together, we will work to uncover and address these hidden struggles, empowering you to live fully and authentically.
I am committed to helping clients face their challenges and heal. My holistic approach combines compassion with evidence-based strategies tailored to individual needs. I encourage clients to explore recurring patterns of behaviors and thinking, often rooted in childhood or significant life events, with the goal of mental wellness and personal growth. While the therapeutic journey may be challenging, I believe that true healing is possible. Together, we will work to uncover and address these hidden struggles, empowering you to live fully and authentically.
My therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in building a genuine connection and honoring each client's individual needs and values. I believe in the power of cultivating a trusting therapeutic relationship with my clients as we embark on this journey together toward achieving their goals. Establishing a safe and secure environment is at the heart of the work, providing a solid foundation for us to navigate through challenges, uncover profound insights, and create positive change in cognitions and behaviors.
My therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in building a genuine connection and honoring each client's individual needs and values. I believe in the power of cultivating a trusting therapeutic relationship with my clients as we embark on this journey together toward achieving their goals. Establishing a safe and secure environment is at the heart of the work, providing a solid foundation for us to navigate through challenges, uncover profound insights, and create positive change in cognitions and behaviors.
Sophy Varghese
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20005 (Online Only)
Supporting, encouraging, and comforting others has been an integral part of my journey, leading me on a path to a rich and rewarding career as a clinical social worker. I am passionate about supporting individuals to reach their behavioral health, relational and spiritual goals! I have a special interest in working with women who are seeking support for depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, and grief (relationships, miscarriage, death of a loved one), low self-esteem, parenting, establishing healthy boundaries, spiritual issues, and relationships.
Supporting, encouraging, and comforting others has been an integral part of my journey, leading me on a path to a rich and rewarding career as a clinical social worker. I am passionate about supporting individuals to reach their behavioral health, relational and spiritual goals! I have a special interest in working with women who are seeking support for depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, and grief (relationships, miscarriage, death of a loved one), low self-esteem, parenting, establishing healthy boundaries, spiritual issues, and relationships.
Sarah A. Meharg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002 (Online Only)
Sometimes life changes because of the choices we make but sometimes life changes anyway. The necessary adjustments often challenge and can even overwhelm our coping skills when what used to work no longer does. I specialize in and particularly enjoy working with adults who are experiencing and adapting to life changes including romantic relationships, work, and parenthood. Therapy presents an opportunity to gain insight, learn and practice new skills in a safe, supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere. While therapy can sometimes be difficult, I am also a strong advocate of the mental health benefits of humor.
Sometimes life changes because of the choices we make but sometimes life changes anyway. The necessary adjustments often challenge and can even overwhelm our coping skills when what used to work no longer does. I specialize in and particularly enjoy working with adults who are experiencing and adapting to life changes including romantic relationships, work, and parenthood. Therapy presents an opportunity to gain insight, learn and practice new skills in a safe, supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere. While therapy can sometimes be difficult, I am also a strong advocate of the mental health benefits of humor.
