And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.—Anaïs Nin
About
Hello and thank you for considering me as your therapist.
I’m a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) with experience supporting adult women and men struggling with anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, relationship issues, transition, emotional regulation, grief and loss, and stress management.
By providing a safe space, we work together to deepen self-understanding and self-compassion while helping you gain insight, reduce stress and anxiety, set goals, and highlight strengths, plus develop and deepen coping skills. In our sessions, we explore underlying issues and ways to live your best life.
As a mindfulness practitioner, yoga teacher (E-RYT 500), and small business owner with two decades of experience, I bring a holistic and grounded approach to our work. I’ve been called upon as a wellness expert for US News & World Reports, Washingtonian, various books, podcasts, blogs, TV, and radio.
In addition to master’s degrees in women’s studies and social work, I’m also certified in applied positive psychology, studying journal therapy and veterinary social work, host a wellness podcast, and have written six books.
My work incorporates various styles, namely positive psychology, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral, strength-based, and transpersonal, so our session is tailored specifically for you and my style is warm and collaborative.
Situated in the heart of Dupont Circle, we meet in a light-filled, spa-like setting with whiffs of lavender and a cup of tea. Our sessions include tangible takeaways coupled with supportive encouragement and deep listening.
Learn more about fees, insurance, and more on the FAQ page. Please reach out if I can assist you on your journey toward wellness and wholeness.
To schedule a free 15-minute consultation or an appointment, please email me. I look forward to connecting and collaborating!
Services
Psychotherapy
I offer individual psychotherapy for women and men. Through our sessions, we work to help you gain insight, reduce stress and anxiety, set goals, clarify dreams, highlight strengths, plus develop and deepen coping skills.
By providing a safe space, we work together to deepen self-understanding and self-compassion while taking steps to move you forward.
Pulling from various styles, I incorporate mindfulness-based interventions, body-mind psychotherapy, positive psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy, and transpersonal psychology into my work.
I have experience supporting clients through a variety of issues, many are noted below.
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- Adjusting to change
- Anxiety
- Communication problems
- Coping skills
- Creative blocks
- Depression
- Emotional overwhelm
- Emptiness
- Grief, loss, and bereavement
- Habits
- Life purpose
- Obesessive Compulsive Disorder
- Pet loss
- Relationships
- Self-care
- Self-compassion
- Self-confidence
- Self-love
- Spirituality
- Stress
- Transitions
- Women’s issues
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Coaching
If you live outside the Washington, DC area, I do offer private coaching services. We meet by phone or Skype and our work together may be a one-time discussion or a longer ongoing experience.
Coaching is different from deeper therapeutic work and may be used to focus on a specific issue such as managing anxiety or making a career change. Together we create an action plan and monitor progress toward a specific goal.
Groups
In addition to individual work, I also offer women’s groups and pet loss support groups. This fall I’ll be offering a four-week Tranquility Salon women’s group and registration is now open.
Connect
How do I begin?
Please review my FAQs for information on insurance, fees, and the therapeutic process.
If it feels like a good fit, reach out via email to set up a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss what’s bringing you to therapy. I’ll also share insight into my style as a therapist.
Next, we’ll set an appointment and I’ll follow up via email with instructions on accessing the suite, along with two forms to fill out. Please bring the completed forms to our first session.
Location
My office is located in the historic, light-filled Anchorage Building. Although the address is 1555 Connecticut Avenue, NW, the building entrance is 1900 Q Street, NW (between Connecticut Avenue and 19th Street)—directly across from Firehook Bakery and next door to Rakuya. Both addresses are on the door.
Metro
The Anchorage Building is a two-minute walk from the Q Street (North) exit of the Dupont Circle Metro (Red Line). Take a hard right as you exit the Metro and walk one half block past Connecticut Avenue toward 19th Street.
Parking
There is metered street parking and paid parking garages nearby. I encourage you to allow ample time to find a spot in this bustling neighborhood.
More Questions
Please check out my FAQs for additional answers or reach out.
FAQ
How do we begin working together?
Please review these FAQs for information on insurance, fees, and my therapeutic style.
If it seems like a good fit, please reach out via email to make an appointment or schedule a free 15-minute call to discuss what’s bringing you to therapy. I’m also happy to share insight into my style as a therapist.
Next, we’ll set an appointment and I’ll follow up via email with a few forms to fill out and bring completed to our first session.
During our first few sessions we’ll discuss your history, current situation and concerns, and goals for therapy. We’ll also explore resources and helpful tools to practice between our sessions. This initial period allows us to get to know one another and explore how best to serve your needs.
What is your style?
I’m honored to be part of my clients’ journey and my style is warm and collaborative. I bring two decades of experience as a mindfulness practitioner, yoga teacher, and wellness entrepreneur which offers a holistic mind and body focus to my work.
We meet in a light-filled setting in the heart of Dupont Circle over a cup of tea. Our sessions include tangible takeaways coupled with supportive encouragement and deep listening.
What is your treatment approach?
Pulling from various styles such as positive psychology, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral, strength-based, and transpersonal, our work is tailored specifically for you. My goal is to help you gain insight, reduce stress and anxiety, set goals, clarify dreams, uncover strengths, plus develop and deepen coping skills. By providing a safe space, we work together to expand self-understanding and self-compassion while making small shifts to move you forward.
What is your fee?
My fee is $170 per 50-minute session.
How long are sessions?
Our sessions are 50 minutes.
What payment methods do you accept?
I accept cash, check, and all major credit and debit cards. Payment is due at the start of each session.
Do you accept insurance?
I’m an out-of-network provider and do not work directly with any insurance company in-network. You may be eligible for partial reimbursement depending on your plan. For your convenience, I will provide you with a monthly statement to submit for reimbursement.
What should I ask my insurance company?
My services may be reimbursable through your plan’s out-of-network mental health benefits. Prior to beginning treatment, I encourage you to verify your coverage by asking: Does my plan include coverage for out-of-network mental health services? How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network provider? What is my deductible for out-of-network services and has it been met? Do I have a session limit? What form(s) do I need for submitting my invoice(s) to receive my out-of-network benefits?
How often do we meet?
For continuity, I prefer to meet with clients once a week. Together we will coordinate a schedule that works best with your preferences, finances, and issues.
Is everything I tell you confidential?
Everything you tell me is confidential with a few exceptions: If I feel that you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, I can break confidentiality to keep you/others safe. If I hear about the abuse (or suspected abuse) of anyone under the age of 18, an elderly person, or someone with a disability, I am mandated to report it. If confidential information is subpoenaed in a court of law, I must comply with the subpoena and this would not happen without your prior knowledge.
If I don’t live in the DC area, can we still work together?
Yes, I do offer coaching via phone or Skype for clients outside the DC area. Coaching is different from deeper therapeutic work is $199/50 minutes. To schedule an appointment, email me and we’ll discuss next steps.
What if I need to cancel an appointment?
Although issues such as family and work emergencies, childcare issues, or illness may arise that make it challenging to keep your appointment, I do have a 24-hour cancellation policy. Since the appointment time has been set aside just for you, there will be a charge for any session canceled within 24 hours.
It’s snowing! What’s your inclement weather policy?
If the federal government closes, we can meet in person if you can safely get to the office, reschedule our appointment, or hold a phone session. If the federal government does not close, sessions remain as scheduled.
How do I contact you?
You can reach me via email, phone and text (202.827.5425). I will get back to you as soon as possible—typically within 24 business hours. If you are in crisis and need immediate assistance, please dial 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Resources
NATIONAL THERAPY LOCATOR
MENTAL HEALTH
National Alliance on Mental Health
National Institute of Mental Health
LGBTQ
SUICIDE PREVENTION
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Information on Understanding and Preventing Suicide
GRIEF AND LOSS
PET GRIEF AND LOSS
The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
DOMESTIC ABUSE
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
EATING DISORDERS
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER
VICTIMS OF CRIME
National Center for Victims of Crime
ADDICTION
In The Rooms Global Recovery Community
ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
SEXUAL ASSAULT
National Sexual Assault Hotline
24/7 CRISIS LINE
LOCAL LOW-COST THERAPY
LOCAL INCOME BASED HEALTH CLINIC
LOCAL MINDFULNESS
Insight Meditation Community of Washington
Washington Mindfulness Community