Compassion Focused Therapists in Chevy Chase, MD
I have 1 open patient slot starting the week of Nov 11. Email me or use our online scheduler if you would like to set up a consult. - - - - I’m an NIH-trained Clinical Health Psychologist and specialize in teens and adults experiencing chronic and acute illness/pain as well as caregivers of loved ones with medical conditions. I am the Supervising Psychologist and Director at the National Center for Health Psychology. In therapy, my approach is collaborative and experiential, aiming to help individuals break free from the grip of pain, empowering them to embrace meaning and vitality in their lives.
I have 1 open patient slot starting the week of Nov 11. Email me or use our online scheduler if you would like to set up a consult. - - - - I’m an NIH-trained Clinical Health Psychologist and specialize in teens and adults experiencing chronic and acute illness/pain as well as caregivers of loved ones with medical conditions. I am the Supervising Psychologist and Director at the National Center for Health Psychology. In therapy, my approach is collaborative and experiential, aiming to help individuals break free from the grip of pain, empowering them to embrace meaning and vitality in their lives.
Becca Liberty
Psychological Associate, MA, MBS, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
I am a neurodiversity, gender, and LGBTQ+ affirming therapist and tester at Washington Behavioral Medicine Associates, LLC. I work with individuals of all ages, providing individual, group, and parenting support. Together we will cultivate a safe, nurturing, and supportive therapeutic relationship through which we can collaborate to identify your strengths and vulnerabilities, and explore therapeutic goals and support needs. I will work closely with you to understand your experience of the world, and provide support that is trauma informed, culturally responsive, anti-oppressive, and tailored to you.
I am a neurodiversity, gender, and LGBTQ+ affirming therapist and tester at Washington Behavioral Medicine Associates, LLC. I work with individuals of all ages, providing individual, group, and parenting support. Together we will cultivate a safe, nurturing, and supportive therapeutic relationship through which we can collaborate to identify your strengths and vulnerabilities, and explore therapeutic goals and support needs. I will work closely with you to understand your experience of the world, and provide support that is trauma informed, culturally responsive, anti-oppressive, and tailored to you.
NOW Accepting Carefirst BCBS and Anthem Patients! Are you struggling to connect meaningfully with others or finding interpersonal relationships more challenging than rewarding? Do you often find yourself caught in cycles of conflict, misunderstanding, or emotional distance with those closest to you? Does this lead to tension, headaches, stomach issues, and other forms of bodily distress? Have you experienced loss in your life? Loss of a loved one, loss due to an illness, loss of a job, or the end of a relationship? Maybe you are battling anxiety, depression, grief, or trauma.
NOW Accepting Carefirst BCBS and Anthem Patients! Are you struggling to connect meaningfully with others or finding interpersonal relationships more challenging than rewarding? Do you often find yourself caught in cycles of conflict, misunderstanding, or emotional distance with those closest to you? Does this lead to tension, headaches, stomach issues, and other forms of bodily distress? Have you experienced loss in your life? Loss of a loved one, loss due to an illness, loss of a job, or the end of a relationship? Maybe you are battling anxiety, depression, grief, or trauma.
Are you navigating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, or neurodiversity challenges? Annie Sousa specializes in guiding clients through these issues, aiming to reduce anxiety, boost confidence, and foster authentic happiness. Her approach integrates a psychoanalytical lens and culturally responsive therapy with evidence-based techniques like CBT and EMDR, tailored to individual strengths and goals. With a commitment to positive psychology and wellness, Annie helps clients build resilience, forge emotional connections, and regain control over their lives. Reach out today to embark on your path to resilience and emotional well-being.
Are you navigating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, or neurodiversity challenges? Annie Sousa specializes in guiding clients through these issues, aiming to reduce anxiety, boost confidence, and foster authentic happiness. Her approach integrates a psychoanalytical lens and culturally responsive therapy with evidence-based techniques like CBT and EMDR, tailored to individual strengths and goals. With a commitment to positive psychology and wellness, Annie helps clients build resilience, forge emotional connections, and regain control over their lives. Reach out today to embark on your path to resilience and emotional well-being.
Welcome! I specialize in eating disorders, disordered relationships with food and movement, body image, substance use, and relationship issues. I am equally passionate about cultural humility and competence in psychotherapy—especially for members of marginalized communities—as well as LGBTQIA+ issues. I use a Non-Diet, Health at Every Size (HAES) approach to recovery from eating disorders and disordered eating. I have extensive experience working with eating disorder and substance use patients with a wide range of co-occurring diagnoses, and at all levels of care.
Welcome! I specialize in eating disorders, disordered relationships with food and movement, body image, substance use, and relationship issues. I am equally passionate about cultural humility and competence in psychotherapy—especially for members of marginalized communities—as well as LGBTQIA+ issues. I use a Non-Diet, Health at Every Size (HAES) approach to recovery from eating disorders and disordered eating. I have extensive experience working with eating disorder and substance use patients with a wide range of co-occurring diagnoses, and at all levels of care.
Mary Anne Tamula
Psychological Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
I am a registered psychology associate with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals with a medical condition and the impact it brings on their lives. I help them as they adapt to their new reality, manage their symptoms and treatments, cope with acute or chronic pain, and with anxiety and depression that often ensues as they struggle with their medical challenges. I also work with caregivers who suffer alongside their loved ones; they, too, have their struggles. I also offer my services to those who are struggling with the daily grind; needing just a little push, an ounce of encouragement, or a ton of compassion.
I am a registered psychology associate with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals with a medical condition and the impact it brings on their lives. I help them as they adapt to their new reality, manage their symptoms and treatments, cope with acute or chronic pain, and with anxiety and depression that often ensues as they struggle with their medical challenges. I also work with caregivers who suffer alongside their loved ones; they, too, have their struggles. I also offer my services to those who are struggling with the daily grind; needing just a little push, an ounce of encouragement, or a ton of compassion.
Welcome! I am a state licensed and nationally board-certified therapist specializing in self-expression, creativity, relationships, communication and anxiety issues. I also focus on confidence and self-worth, sense of purpose and career transitions, and work with a range of clients including creatives, executives, couples and others interested in achieving joy, peace and meaning in their professional and personal lives. I am the author of three books on the psychology of performance, write regularly for Psychology Today on matters of creative expression, and present workshops, lectures and master classes on the same.
Welcome! I am a state licensed and nationally board-certified therapist specializing in self-expression, creativity, relationships, communication and anxiety issues. I also focus on confidence and self-worth, sense of purpose and career transitions, and work with a range of clients including creatives, executives, couples and others interested in achieving joy, peace and meaning in their professional and personal lives. I am the author of three books on the psychology of performance, write regularly for Psychology Today on matters of creative expression, and present workshops, lectures and master classes on the same.
I see adults with anxiety, depression and transitional life stressors, as well as adults who wish to enhance their work or interpersonal effectiveness with life coaching. I currently work at the Hopkins School of Medicine/Kennedy Krieger Institute and I have also trained at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Sports Concussion Institute in LA, as well as Syracuse VA Medical Center in Syracuse, NY.
I see adults with anxiety, depression and transitional life stressors, as well as adults who wish to enhance their work or interpersonal effectiveness with life coaching. I currently work at the Hopkins School of Medicine/Kennedy Krieger Institute and I have also trained at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Sports Concussion Institute in LA, as well as Syracuse VA Medical Center in Syracuse, NY.
Accepting New Patients Now! You don't have to be positive all the time. It's perfectly okay to feel sad, angry, annoyed, frustrated, scared and anxious. Having feelings doesn't make you a negative person. It makes you human. Have you heard the saying, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”? Well what if you aren’t sure how to make lemonade or even if you will like it? Sometimes we wish to look at the positives of life and respond to things differently but you may not know how to or even why you respond to triggers the way you do. My ideal client is one who is seeking help. That means you.
Accepting New Patients Now! You don't have to be positive all the time. It's perfectly okay to feel sad, angry, annoyed, frustrated, scared and anxious. Having feelings doesn't make you a negative person. It makes you human. Have you heard the saying, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”? Well what if you aren’t sure how to make lemonade or even if you will like it? Sometimes we wish to look at the positives of life and respond to things differently but you may not know how to or even why you respond to triggers the way you do. My ideal client is one who is seeking help. That means you.
Rebecca Black
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
Are you struggling to make changes in your life? Are you paralyzed by addiction? Overwhelmed with anxiety? Stuck in depression? Burdened by past trauma? I am here to help! As an experienced clinical social worker, I am passionate about empowering, inspiring, and encouraging others towards growth and self improvement. I specialize in treating adults with addictions, co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression and trauma.
Are you struggling to make changes in your life? Are you paralyzed by addiction? Overwhelmed with anxiety? Stuck in depression? Burdened by past trauma? I am here to help! As an experienced clinical social worker, I am passionate about empowering, inspiring, and encouraging others towards growth and self improvement. I specialize in treating adults with addictions, co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression and trauma.
If you have concerns, worries or anxieties or feel overwhelmed sometimes, we can look at these together and work toward resolution in a relationship of trust, empathy, insight and honesty. I search for each person's strengths to enable them to have more control over their life. Most people have difficulty in relationships..........with friends, family members, or individuals in their work setting. We work together on improving communication to empower you to be more successful.
If you have concerns, worries or anxieties or feel overwhelmed sometimes, we can look at these together and work toward resolution in a relationship of trust, empathy, insight and honesty. I search for each person's strengths to enable them to have more control over their life. Most people have difficulty in relationships..........with friends, family members, or individuals in their work setting. We work together on improving communication to empower you to be more successful.
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I’ve witnessed the impact of stress, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness as individuals manage their chronic health conditions. These are common reactions to navigating a life-altering health condition. I work with clients to better manage their mental health and chronic illness together to improve their overall health. I take a collaborative approach to therapy with my clients, and I strive to establish a supportive environment where we can discuss your goals for therapy and address the challenges associated with managing chronic illness.
I’ve witnessed the impact of stress, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness as individuals manage their chronic health conditions. These are common reactions to navigating a life-altering health condition. I work with clients to better manage their mental health and chronic illness together to improve their overall health. I take a collaborative approach to therapy with my clients, and I strive to establish a supportive environment where we can discuss your goals for therapy and address the challenges associated with managing chronic illness.
Aaron Sterling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Hello! I'm a mental health professional who works with clients across all age groups, specializing in 11 -18 yo including parenting and family dynamics. I focus on empathetic care and cognitive learning. I view each client as an individual being with their own drives, while also recognizing they are part of a family and/or community. I understand that all facets of life impact a child’s emotional and physical wellbeing, including but not limited to: school, social life, societal change, and family change. This understanding informs my interactions in therapy.
Hello! I'm a mental health professional who works with clients across all age groups, specializing in 11 -18 yo including parenting and family dynamics. I focus on empathetic care and cognitive learning. I view each client as an individual being with their own drives, while also recognizing they are part of a family and/or community. I understand that all facets of life impact a child’s emotional and physical wellbeing, including but not limited to: school, social life, societal change, and family change. This understanding informs my interactions in therapy.
I provide virtual psychotherapy sessions to adults located in Virginia or Maryland. I am autistic and queer! My main focus is supporting neurodivergence and queer identity, but I'm also passionate about spiritual/religious exploration.
I provide virtual psychotherapy sessions to adults located in Virginia or Maryland. I am autistic and queer! My main focus is supporting neurodivergence and queer identity, but I'm also passionate about spiritual/religious exploration.
Therapy is an opportunity for you to gain insight, find hope, and make lasting change. With my support, you can gain increased self-awareness and clarity into the self-defeating patterns and beliefs that may be keeping you stuck, distressed, alone or in conflict. I strive to create an atmosphere that is caring, compassionate and safe to empower you to take the necessary steps toward greater fulfillment and meaning. Specializing in issues pertaining to relationships and life transitions, including marriage/divorce, parenting, relocation, career changes and loss, I will help you discover your strengths, enhance self-esteem, improve communication, and ease your anxiety.
Therapy is an opportunity for you to gain insight, find hope, and make lasting change. With my support, you can gain increased self-awareness and clarity into the self-defeating patterns and beliefs that may be keeping you stuck, distressed, alone or in conflict. I strive to create an atmosphere that is caring, compassionate and safe to empower you to take the necessary steps toward greater fulfillment and meaning. Specializing in issues pertaining to relationships and life transitions, including marriage/divorce, parenting, relocation, career changes and loss, I will help you discover your strengths, enhance self-esteem, improve communication, and ease your anxiety.
Carissa L Strohecker Hannum
Counselor, MA, LCPC, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Welcome, I truly believe that therapy is a brave and courageous choice. I strive to create a warm, empathetic, and safe environment for each client that chooses to work with me. I have a special expertise working with both adolescents and adults with mood disorders. Our relationship will be used as an element of change. Often, I will utilize aspects of our relationship to highlight barriers to change and provide a warm and directive approach to push you towards growth. My approach within our therapeutic relationship tends to be more collaborative and I commonly use interventions including mindfulness, CBT, DBT and attachment theory.
Welcome, I truly believe that therapy is a brave and courageous choice. I strive to create a warm, empathetic, and safe environment for each client that chooses to work with me. I have a special expertise working with both adolescents and adults with mood disorders. Our relationship will be used as an element of change. Often, I will utilize aspects of our relationship to highlight barriers to change and provide a warm and directive approach to push you towards growth. My approach within our therapeutic relationship tends to be more collaborative and I commonly use interventions including mindfulness, CBT, DBT and attachment theory.
Louise Bayly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
I am a Perinatal Therapist who specializes in Women’s and Maternal Mental Health. I am licensed in DC, Maryland, Virginia, New York, and Connecticut. My passion is working with mothers and individuals who identify as female and my area of focus is in Reproductive Mental Health. I am deeply devoted to supporting mothers and families navigating unanticipated challenges and stressors in the perinatal period and my mission is to empower women throughout the arc of their maternal journey. In addition to maternal mental health, my clinical focus is working with all women throughout their different seasons of adulthood.
I am a Perinatal Therapist who specializes in Women’s and Maternal Mental Health. I am licensed in DC, Maryland, Virginia, New York, and Connecticut. My passion is working with mothers and individuals who identify as female and my area of focus is in Reproductive Mental Health. I am deeply devoted to supporting mothers and families navigating unanticipated challenges and stressors in the perinatal period and my mission is to empower women throughout the arc of their maternal journey. In addition to maternal mental health, my clinical focus is working with all women throughout their different seasons of adulthood.
Michelle R Scudero
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients NOW! Are you or a loved one navigating the complexities of chronic illness, facing the challenges of grief, or experiencing the emotional toll of a serious medical condition? Do you find yourself struggling with the unique demands of perinatal or postpartum care, or supporting someone with special needs? These experiences can be incredibly overwhelming, but you don't have to face them without support or guidance. As a compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I specialize in supporting individuals and families through the toughest moments of life.
Accepting New Patients NOW! Are you or a loved one navigating the complexities of chronic illness, facing the challenges of grief, or experiencing the emotional toll of a serious medical condition? Do you find yourself struggling with the unique demands of perinatal or postpartum care, or supporting someone with special needs? These experiences can be incredibly overwhelming, but you don't have to face them without support or guidance. As a compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I specialize in supporting individuals and families through the toughest moments of life.
Francisca Fenwick
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
My goal as a therapist is to help you examine your lived experience in a safe and inspiring way. In addition to my clinical experience I provide an environment that can be humorous and fun as well as vulnerable and challenging. We will identify the desired and undesired aspects of your habits and beliefs and attend to them with compassion and accountability. I am an active therapist and will help you connect the patterns and themes present in your psyche, in addition to your past and present actions, so that you can experience your life with increased self-compassion and gratitude.
My goal as a therapist is to help you examine your lived experience in a safe and inspiring way. In addition to my clinical experience I provide an environment that can be humorous and fun as well as vulnerable and challenging. We will identify the desired and undesired aspects of your habits and beliefs and attend to them with compassion and accountability. I am an active therapist and will help you connect the patterns and themes present in your psyche, in addition to your past and present actions, so that you can experience your life with increased self-compassion and gratitude.
Christine Cantilena Barnes
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS/NCC, LPC, EMDR, CPCS, GA/ MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (Online Only)
Counseling is a healthy commitment and instills courage. It is crucial to find the right fit for yourself, one who can best relate to your issues. Working for Peachford, Ridgeview, and Emory Hospitals, has allowed me to focus on trauma, persons on the spectrum, resistant depression, anxiety, ADHD, and grief. My goal is to serve others and advocate for those desiring healing, proper medical care and learning to use their own voice. Specializing in teens, college students, and adults who suffer from intrusive thoughts, self-harming behaviors, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, divorce, parental alienation, and narcissist abuse.
Counseling is a healthy commitment and instills courage. It is crucial to find the right fit for yourself, one who can best relate to your issues. Working for Peachford, Ridgeview, and Emory Hospitals, has allowed me to focus on trauma, persons on the spectrum, resistant depression, anxiety, ADHD, and grief. My goal is to serve others and advocate for those desiring healing, proper medical care and learning to use their own voice. Specializing in teens, college students, and adults who suffer from intrusive thoughts, self-harming behaviors, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, divorce, parental alienation, and narcissist abuse.
See more therapy options for Chevy Chase
Nearby Compassion Focused Therapists Searches for Chevy Chase
- Bethesda
- Cabin John
- College Park
- Garrett Park
- Hyattsville
- Kensington
- North Bethesda
- Potomac
- Riverdale
- Rockville
- Silver Spring
- Takoma Park
Compassion Focused Therapists
How does compassion-focused therapy work?
Compassion-Focused Therapy is based on the idea that humans have at least three emotion regulation systems, including one that responds to threats and another that allows us to self-soothe. Those who experienced serious childhood adversity, the theory goes, have a hyperactive threat system and an underperforming self-soothing system, leaving them vulnerable to shame and a hypercritical mindset. CFT focuses on bringing these systems back into balance, helping the client be kinder to themselves and better able to accept kindness from others.
Is compassion-focused therapy a type of CBT?
Compassion-focused therapy is closely related to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and employs many of its techniques. In addition to CBT, CFT also draws from the fields of biology, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and Buddhism. It also has similarities to some types of trauma-focused therapies.
Is compassion-focused therapy evidence based?
Evidence suggests that CFT can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and other mental illnesses. It has also been shown to be beneficial for individuals who may not have diagnosable psychiatric disorders but who still struggle with persistent self-criticism and feelings of shame.
What are the limitations of compassion-focused therapy?
Compassion-focused therapy is still a relatively new therapy, and research on its efficacy is still in its early stages; while some studies have found positive results, many have suffered from quality issues or small sample sizes. And while most CFT clients find it difficult to practice self-compassion at first, some—especially those who actively fear compassion or are deeply uncomfortable being cared for—may not be fully open to the tenets of CFT, potentially limiting the therapy’s long-term effectiveness.