New to Grow
I’m Joy Washington, a clinical social worker and psychotherapist. I specialize in providing compassionate, evidence-based support to adults navigating chronic stress, health challenges, trauma, and life transitions. My approach is collaborative, grounded in respect, and focused on helping you build insight, resilience, and meaningful change. I've worked in mental health for over 20 years, and throughout that time I’ve always been drawn to helping people take care of themselves and make sense of their emotions. Supporting others through hard moments feels like meaningful, purpose-driven work for me. I’m passionate about creating a space where people can heal and grow.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first telehealth session, we’ll talk about what led you to reach out, what you want to work on, and how I can best support you. I’ll explain how I work, answer any questions, and help us set a clear starting point. It’s completely normal to feel nervous; most people do. My job is to make the virtual space feel welcoming and judgment-free.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My style is laid back and down-to-earth, which helps clients feel comfortable showing up exactly as they are. I listen closely and give direct feedback, always remaining approachable. I believe in being honest and clear so you know exactly where we’re going, while still creating a space where you feel supported, understood, and never judged. I combine evidence-based tools with real-world understanding, helping you make sense of your patterns, build coping skills, and reconnect with your strengths. We’ll talk through what’s going on in your mind and body, explore what’s getting in the way, and practice strategies that fit your daily life—not a one-size-fits-all plan.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work best with adults who feel overwhelmed with stress or anxiety or feel stuck in trauma and want a supportive space to make sense of what they’re carrying. My clients are often navigating stress, life transitions, relationship patterns, or chronic challenges and are looking for clarity, steadiness, and practical tools. If you’re ready to move forward, I am here to help.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to manage depression and anxiety by helping clients identify and understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we will examine unhelpful thought patterns, challenge their accuracy, and develop more balanced ways of thinking. I also support clients in building practical and healthy coping skills.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT in my sessions to help clients build practical skills for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and coping with distress in healthier ways. We focus on core skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, while balancing acceptance and change.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
I use CPT in my sessions to help clients process and recover from the impact of trauma. Together, we explore how traumatic experiences may have shaped unhelpful beliefs in 5 areas-safety, trust, control, self-worth, and relationships. I help clients in identifying and challenging these “stuck points,” to develop more balanced, realistic beliefs to reduce trauma-related distress.
Interpersonal
I use an interpersonal approach in my sessions to help clients understand how their relationships and social interactions impact their emotional well-being. We explore patterns in communication, attachment, and relationship roles, while addressing interpersonal challenges such as conflict, transitions, or loss.