April Clarke
As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the District of Columbia and Virginia, and a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor-S (CSAC-S) in Virginia, I bring over 37 years of dedicated service to individuals seeking hope and transformation.
My experience enables me to draw from a diverse set of therapeutic methods, customizing my approach to best suit your needs.
My career has been defined by a steadfast commitment to walking alongside adults as they navigate substance use disorders, mental health struggles, and life’s most profound turning points. It is my honor to serve as a guide and advocate for those ready to embark on a journey of healing and growth.
First session
In your first session, you can expect a warm, welcoming environment where your story is valued and respected. We will focus on understanding what brings you to therapy, exploring your goals, and beginning to identify the strengths and resources you already possess. This initial conversation is an opportunity for you to ask questions, share concerns, and get a sense of how we might work together. My aim is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, supported, and hopeful about the path ahead.
Strengths
With 37 years of experience supporting individuals facing addiction, I offer each session a deep well of perspective and flexibility. My experience enables me to draw from a diverse set of therapeutic methods, customizing my approach to best suit your needs. I have cultivated keen intuition, genuine empathy, and a talent for building trusting therapeutic relationships. My dedication to ongoing professional development means I provide not only tried-and-true techniques but also innovative ideas to help you move forward. My work is grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy and compassionate inquiry techniques.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is open to self-exploration and committed to making meaningful changes in their life. You may be facing challenges like addiction, anxiety, or major life transitions, but you possess a willingness to engage honestly in the therapeutic process. Whether you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or simply seek greater self-understanding, you are ready to take steps—however small—toward healing and growth. I especially value working with individuals who bring curiosity, courage, and a desire for positive transformation to our sessions.
Origin story
I believe healing starts when individuals feel seen, heard, and understood. My interest in this profession stems from a genuine curiosity about people’s inner worlds and a commitment to making a positive impact. From an early age, I was drawn to how people navigate challenges, process emotions, and demonstrate resilience. Over time, I recognized my desire to support others through these experiences. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment where you can explore your experiences, build on your strengths, and pursue meaningful, lasting change.
Ongoing work together
As we keep working together, you can expect a collaborative and personalized approach that fits your changing needs and goals. Our sessions will focus on exploring patterns, building new coping skills, and handling challenges as they come up. We’ll regularly check in on your progress, celebrate every success, no matter how small, and adjust our approach when needed so you always feel supported and empowered. You’ll know you’re making progress when you notice positive changes in your thoughts, feelings, and actions. This could mean more self-awareness, better relationships, greater resilience, or feeling more confident in facing life’s challenges. We’ll set clear goals together and check in on them regularly, so you can see real evidence of your growth and the changes you’re working toward.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
My work is grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), an evidence-based approach that helps you identify and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior. In our sessions, we’ll work together to build practical strategies for managing difficult emotions, challenging negative thought patterns, and developing healthier coping skills. CBT is a collaborative process, empowering you to become more aware of your thoughts and make meaningful, lasting changes in your daily life.
Location
Virtual sessions