Kenyell Gantt-Luck
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Maryland (LCSW-C), a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington, D.C. (LICSW), and a Board-Approved Clinical Supervisor with more than 20 years of experience in the social work and behavioral health field. I earned both my Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Throughout my career, I have worked with diverse populations across private practice, community-based agencies, and behavioral health settings. I provide individual therapy for adolescents and adults, as well as family therapy, helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, grief and loss, substance use concerns, life transitions, and other emotional and behavioral challenges. I utilize an integrative and evidence-based approach to treatment, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Person-Centered Therapy, and Family Systems Theory. My work is further informed by a holistic mind-body perspective, recognizing the connection between emotional wellness, physical health, and overall quality of life.
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, I collaborate with clients to create a treatment experience that honors their individual goals, values, culture, and life experiences.
Committed to the highest ethical standards, I believe that clients are the experts of their own lives and should play an active role in shaping their treatment journey. I foster a collaborative, supportive, and culturally responsive therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. My practice emphasizes open communication, partnership, and the delivery of culturally and linguistically appropriate services that honor each individual's unique background, identity, and lived experiences. I view social work not only as my profession but also as my calling. I believe my purpose is to be an agent of change, a compassionate advocate, a voice for those who may feel unheard, and a champion for equity, justice, and empowerment. Through my work, I strive to help individuals and families recognize their strengths, overcome obstacles, and achieve meaningful, lasting growth.
First session
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if it's your first time. My goal during the initial session is to create a warm, welcoming, and judgment-free space where you can begin to share your story at your own pace. The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another, discuss what brought you to therapy, explore your concerns, and identify what you hope to achieve through the counseling process. I understand that reaching out for help takes courage, so I focus on building trust, ensuring you feel heard, and helping you understand what therapy can look like moving forward. Together, we will begin identifying your strengths, challenges, and goals while developing a plan that feels meaningful and achievable for you. After the first session, I hope clients leave feeling: • Heard and understood • Respected and accepted without judgment • More hopeful about their situation • Clearer about their goals and next steps • Comfortable knowing they don't have to navigate challenges alone Also, while my therapeutic foundation remains collaborative, culturally responsive, and person-centered, I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of those I am working with.
Strengths
My approach stands out because I combine evidence-based clinical therapies with a holistic, person-centered perspective that recognizes each client as unique. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, I collaborate with clients to create a treatment experience that honors their individual goals, values, culture, and life experiences. With more than 20 years of experience, I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Family Systems, and Person-Centered approaches to tailor treatment to each person's needs. I also incorporate a mind-body perspective, recognizing the connection between emotional, physical, and overall well-being. Most importantly, I believe clients are the experts of their own lives. My role is not to tell someone what to do but to walk alongside them, provide guidance, foster insight, and help them develop the tools needed to achieve lasting growth and healing. Clients often appreciate my ability to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where they feel empowered, respected, and genuinely understood.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients are mainly adults and families who are ready to invest in their healing and personal growth. While they may be experiencing challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, or stress related to work, school, or family, they are seeking a supportive space where they can better understand themselves and create meaningful change. I am particularly passionate about working with Black, African American, and other BIPOC individuals who may be navigating the unique impact of cultural expectations, systemic barriers, racial stress, intergenerational trauma, identity development, and the pressure of balancing multiple roles and responsibilities. Many of my clients are high achievers who appear strong on the outside but are carrying emotional burdens that leave them feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, disconnected, or stuck. My ideal clients value a collaborative therapeutic relationship and are open to self-exploration, learning new coping skills, and addressing patterns that may be preventing them from living the life they desire. They want more than symptom relief; they want healing, clarity, healthier relationships, increased self-confidence, emotional balance, and a greater sense of purpose. Whether someone is entering therapy for the first time or returning to continue their healing journey, I strive to create a culturally responsive, nonjudgmental environment where they feel seen, heard, respected, and empowered. Together, we work toward building resilience, uncovering strengths, and creating lasting change that supports their overall well-being.
Treatment methods
Strength-Based
My Approach to Therapy I take a strengths-based approach to therapy, which means I focus not only on the challenges you're facing but also on the strengths, resilience, and abilities you already have. Even during difficult times, I believe everyone possesses qualities that can support healing and growth. Together, we identify those strengths and build upon them. I also draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients recognize unhelpful thought patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding to life's challenges. Through mindfulness, I help clients become more present, manage stress, and increase awareness of their thoughts and emotions without judgment. As a trauma-informed therapist, I understand that past experiences can shape how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. I create a safe and supportive environment where clients can process difficult experiences at their own pace. When appropriate, I use EMDR to help clients heal from distressing memories and reduce the emotional impact of past trauma. I also incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to help clients manage overwhelming emotions, improve relationships, cope with stress, and build greater emotional balance. Above all, I believe therapy should feel collaborative, practical, and empowering. My goal is to help clients gain insight, build confidence, strengthen coping skills, and create meaningful change that supports their overall well-being and quality of life.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- District of ColumbiaLicense LC200001503
- MarylandLicense 21595