Dr. Ivy Dzivenu, DNP
Hello, I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) licensed to practice in Virginia and Washington DC. I specialize in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions across the lifespan, including depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, and mood disorders.
I am skilled at integrating evidence-based treatments with personalized care, tailoring approaches to fit each individual’s unique needs and goals.
My approach integrates both medication management and psychotherapy, tailored to your unique needs and goals. Depending on your situation, I may provide therapy directly or collaborate with other mental health professionals to ensure you receive comprehensive, coordinated care. My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where we can work together to improve your mental health and overall well-being.
First session
In your first session with me, you can expect a warm, respectful, and judgment-free space where we begin getting to know each other. I’ll take time to understand your concerns, personal history, and any symptoms you’re experiencing. We’ll talk about what’s brought you in, your goals for treatment, and any past experiences with mental health care. I’ll also review relevant medical, psychiatric, and social background to help guide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. By the end of the session, we’ll discuss next steps and begin shaping a path forward that’s tailored to your unique needs.
Strengths
My greatest strengths as a provider include my ability to listen deeply and create a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to share their experiences. I am skilled at integrating evidence-based treatments with personalized care, tailoring approaches to fit each individual’s unique needs and goals. Additionally, I am committed to ongoing learning and staying current with the latest research, which helps me offer the most effective and up-to-date care. Lastly, I prioritize collaboration, working closely with clients to empower them in their healing journey.
Ideal clients
I am best positioned to serve adolescents and adults who are experiencing mood disorders, anxiety, trauma-related conditions, and life transitions that impact their mental well-being. My approach is especially well-suited for individuals who are seeking a thoughtful, evidence-based combination of medication management and supportive therapy. I work well with clients who value a collaborative, empathetic relationship and are open to exploring both practical strategies and deeper patterns that may be affecting their mental health. Whether you're navigating depression, anxiety, PTSD, or emotional stress, I aim to provide care that is respectful, personalized, and grounded in best practices.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you understand the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. During our sessions, we’ll work together to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical strategies to manage stress, improve mood, and change negative behaviors. CBT is a structured, goal-oriented approach that focuses on building skills you can use in everyday life. Whether used on its own or alongside medication, CBT can be a powerful tool for creating lasting change.
Psychoeducation
In my practice, I use psychoeducation to help you better understand your mental health condition, treatment options, and ways to manage symptoms effectively. I believe that when you’re informed, you’re empowered to make confident decisions about your care. During our sessions, I’ll share clear, evidence-based information about how your brain and body respond to stress, medications, and therapy, so you feel supported and involved throughout the healing process.
Interpersonal
In my practice, I use Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) to help you explore how your relationships and social interactions impact your mood and overall mental health. Together, we’ll identify patterns in communication, unresolved grief, role transitions, or conflicts that may be contributing to your symptoms. By improving how you relate to others and navigate life changes, IPT can support emotional healing and strengthen your personal support system.
Psychoanalytic
In my practice, I incorporate psychoanalytic principles to help you explore how past experiences, unconscious thoughts, and early relationships may be influencing your current emotions and behaviors. This approach allows us to look deeper into recurring patterns or internal conflicts that might be affecting your mental health. Through reflective conversations and increased self-awareness, psychoanalytic therapy can support long-term emotional growth and healing.
Trauma-Focused CBT
In my practice, I use Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to help you process and heal from the impact of trauma in a safe and supportive way. This evidence-based approach combines cognitive and behavioral techniques with trauma-sensitive interventions to reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, and intrusive memories. Together, we’ll work on building coping skills, challenging unhelpful thoughts, and gradually addressing painful experiences at your own pace. The goal is to help you regain a sense of control, safety, and emotional well-being.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Licensed in
- District of ColumbiaLicense NP500125648
- VirginiaLicense 0024192399