(she/her)
New to Grow
Hi, I'm Tawana! I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (DC), Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (MD), and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II (CCTP-II) who believes healing happens when you feel truly seen and supported by someone who genuinely cares. A Midwest girl who has found her way back to the Washington, DC area, I'm also a married mother of four, so I bring both clinical expertise and real-life understanding of the joys and complexities of family, relationships, and personal growth. Before my clinical career, I served 12 years in the U.S. Air Force and later supported families globally at the U.S. Department of State, giving me a deep appreciation for resilience and life transitions. I draw on CBT, Motivational Interviewing, somatic approaches, and mindfulness, always guided by a whole-person philosophy. Whether you're carrying something heavy or simply ready for change, I would be honored to walk that journey with you.
In our first session, I will spend time getting to know your basic reasons for seeking therapy; nothing too deep. We will build rapport with each other and you also get to ask some basic questions of me. However, based on your insurance requirements, I may have to ask some additional questions about your history to ensure we can get started on the path of diagnosing and creating a treatment plan. We will cover HIPAA regulations and limitations and session expectations.
My greatest strengths are my lived resilience, military cultural fluency, somatic trauma expertise, and whole-person philosophy. As a Black woman, veteran, affirming clinician, and mother of four, I bring authentic understanding to populations who are often underserved and frequently misunderstood in traditional therapy spaces.
My ideal client is an adult (18+) who has spent years putting others first; showing up strong for their family, their unit, their team, or their community ,while quietly carrying the weight of their own unprocessed pain. I especially welcome women, parents, miitary veterans and affiliates, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community who are seeking an affirming, compassionate space where every part of who you are is honored and celebrated. You are self-aware, motivated, and ready to do real therapeutic work; whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or a life that has shifted beneath your feet. I show up fully for my clients and ask the same in return. A shared commitment to the process, including mutual respect for boundaries and our time together, is what makes the real work possible. If you're looking for a therapist who brings both clinical expertise and genuine life experience to every session, I'd love to work with you.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a key part of how I work with clients. In sessions, I provide psychoeducation to help you better understand the connection between your thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and behaviors. I create space for you to share your experiences while helping you identify and name what you are feeling, including how emotions may show up in your body. Together, we explore how these patterns impact your relationships, daily functioning, and even your physical health. My goal is to help you gain insight, develop practical coping strategies, and make meaningful changes that support your overall well-being and quality of life.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Person-Centered Therapy (Humanistic & Psychodynamic-Informed) is at the heart of how I build a therapeutic relationship. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can openly share your experiences, concerns, and goals for change. Through active listening and collaboration, we identify what is most important to you and develop a plan that aligns with your values and needs. We may also explore how past experiences, including childhood relationships and life events, continue to influence your current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and I respect your right to make decisions that are meaningful to you. As the expert on your own life, you guide the direction of our work together, and I will support you by providing honest feedback, encouragement, and accountability as you work toward your goals. My role is to support your growth, self-awareness, and personal empowerment.
Somatic
Somatic Therapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body, recognizing that stress, trauma, and emotions are often stored physically as well as emotionally. In sessions, I provide education about how emotions and physiological symptoms show up in the body, such as tension, pain, fatigue, racing thoughts, or feeling disconnected. Together, we explore your body’s signals with curiosity and without judgment. You will learn and be encouraged to practice coping strategies, grounding techniques, breathwork, and body-awareness skills that help move emotions through your body rather than allowing them to become trapped. The goal is to increase emotional regulation, reduce physical stress responses, and help you feel more connected, balanced, and present in your daily life. (