Dee Blackmon
I’m D’Erica “Dee” Blackmon, a clinical social worker who believes you deserve to feel heard, supported, and comfortable being yourself. I work with adults and couples navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I have a special interest in supporting women of color as they strengthen boundaries, reconnect with themselves, and make room for their own needs. My background in education, medical social work, and behavioral health helps me understand how emotional health connects with relationships, physical health, and everyday responsibilities. My approach is warm, collaborative, and practical. Together, we’ll explore what matters to you and develop tools that fit your life.
I draw from approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing to support coping, communication, and lasting change.
First session
Our first session is an opportunity to get to know each other and explore what brought you to therapy. We’ll discuss your concerns, relevant history, strengths, and what you hope will change. I’ll explain how I work, review confidentiality and its limits, and make time for your questions. For individuals, we’ll begin identifying personal priorities. For couples, I’ll make room for each partner’s perspective and explore shared goals and relationship patterns. You can share at a pace that feels manageable. My hope is that you leave feeling heard, with a clearer understanding of our next steps. Our first session is an opportunity to get to know each other and explore what brought you to therapy. We’ll discuss your concerns, relevant history, strengths, and what you hope will change. I’ll explain how I work, review confidentiality and its limits, and make time for your questions.
Strengths
I bring warmth, curiosity, and compassionate honesty to my sessions. I listen closely, make room for difficult emotions, and gently challenge patterns that may be keeping you stuck. We’ll work together at a pace that respects your readiness and goals. My teaching background helps me explain concepts clearly and turn insight into practical skills. I draw from approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and motivational interviewing to support coping, communication, and lasting change. I also pay attention to how culture, identity, family expectations, and life experiences shape what you need from therapy.
Ideal clients
I work well with adults and couples who feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or caught in patterns they want to understand and change. You may be navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, past trauma, relationship stress, or a major life transition. Perhaps you’re used to caring for everyone else and need room to focus on yourself. I especially value supporting women of color as they navigate identity, family expectations, boundaries, and self-worth. Whether you’re new to therapy or returning, we can begin wherever you are. Together, we’ll identify what you need and work toward changes that feel meaningful and manageable.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you navigate difficult thoughts and emotions while taking steps toward what matters most to you. Together, we’ll practice staying present, noticing thoughts without automatically treating them as facts, and responding to yourself with compassion. We’ll also explore your values and turn them into manageable actions. For example, if anxiety leads you to avoid meaningful activities or conversations, we might practice making room for that discomfort while taking a small step toward connection. Our work focuses on helping you make choices that reflect the life you want to build.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you understand how your thoughts, emotions, and actions influence one another. Together, we’ll identify patterns that contribute to distress and practice more balanced, helpful ways of responding. For example, if you often think, “I’m going to fail,” we might examine that prediction, develop a more realistic perspective, and choose a manageable next step. We’ll also build practical coping skills and identify ways to use them between sessions. Our work will be collaborative and tailored to your goals and everyday challenges.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing to help you explore changes you’re considering, especially when part of you wants to move forward and another part feels unsure. Through thoughtful questions and careful listening, we’ll explore what matters to you, your reasons for change, and what might be getting in the way. For example, if you want to set healthier boundaries but worry about disappointing others, we’ll make room for both concerns. Together, we’ll build on your strengths and identify a manageable next step when you feel ready. Your choices, goals, and pace guide our work.
Identifies as
Top specialties
Licensed in
- District of ColumbiaLicense LG200004636
- ArkansasLicense 26359-M
- MarylandLicense 34603
- VirginiaLicense 0903004976