Golden Rule Therapists in Washington DC

I’m a licensed clinical therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals and families through life transitions, grief, and healing. My approach blends compassion, cultural awareness, and evidence-based strategies to help clients rediscover their voice and reclaim joy. I believe therapy is a collaborative process where you can heal, grow, and feel empowered to live with purpose and peace

I am eclectic with my therapy approach and start with where you are at and what best suits you! I often work with clients dealing with ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, or people coping with change. I’m body positive and LGBTQ+ friendly. I hope you will be able to find Ease to Flourish in your day to day experiences and find what can bring you joy.

I am a licensed clinical social worker and practice in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. I have been providing therapy for close to 15 years to help my client address mental health symptoms including depression, trauma, life transitions and anxiety. I believe people are inherently capable of managing their circumstances but sometimes require some assistance from a therapist to succeed.

I am a highly skilled psychotherapist who has served the educational and mental health communities in the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area for 20 years. “Mr. Mike” as I am affectionately known, brings a wealth of experience and professional acumen to the clients here at Growtherapy. As an effective clinician, I understand the importance of treating each of you with respect. I specialize, but not limited to the treatment areas of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and strained relationships just to name a few. As a skilled life coach and behavioral transformationalist, I believe that prosocial paradigms fused with progressive initiatives produce the very best outcomes in people and in people-driven environments alike. I'm an avid reader, who loves nature, fine arts, international travel, and culinary delicacies. lastly, I hail from a large, loving family who supports this fine vocation. Further, I'm a big proponent of youth advocacy, entrepreneurship, and community service. I was educated in the states of California, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Welcome to the practice of RedemptionTriple-C !

Hi! I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in Maryland. I received my Masters from the Howard University and have been practicing for 5 years. I specialize in helping individuals and couples manage anxiety, anger, grief, and life stressors. My approach is straightforward and supportive—offering a non-judgmental space where you can explore challenges, gain new perspectives, and build healthier ways of coping.

I am a licensed psychotherapist in Washington, DC who has practiced as a social worker, spiritual director, and bereavement counselor for over 15 years. I have a Masters of Divinity from Duke University and a Masters of Social Worker from Catholic University of America. I specialize in supporting individuals through the grief journey, whether it is associated with the transition of a loved one, an ending of a relationship, relocation, or loss of a sense of self or unrealized dream. Grief is grief and it deserves to be honored, seen, and healed.

Hello, my name is Yoland Ugorji. As a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience, I am extremely passionate about helping individuals search within themselves and recognize that they already have what it takes to achieve growth and healing. I will provide support in a safe space that will allow you to comfortably explore your thoughts and feelings. I am trained in various evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), which will be utilized to provide you with the tools and strategies to begin the healing process. With a strength-based perspective, and offering warmth and nonjudgemental insights, I offer support of improving self-care to individuals with a history of trauma and anxiety. Together we will explore the best treatment option that would enable you to make life’s challenges manageable. I welcome the opportunity to be on this journey with you of finding relief and healing.

My name is Cha Peterson and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 4 years of experience working with diverse populations. I have worked with different ages from older adults to children ages 3 and up, different cultures, religions, ethnicities, and sexual orientation. I have experience working with a wide ranch of problems such as anxiety, depression, anger management, and significant changes. I understand the significant step signing up for therapy is.

My name is Rica Avery, I am a licensed professional counselor. I graduated from Trinity Washington University where I received a Master's of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; in addition to receiving a Bachelor's of Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Sciences from The Catholic University of America. My mission is to educate, empower and elevate individuals within my community to develop the necessary skills required to effectively promote community development, mental health awareness and spiritual growth.

Personal growth isn’t one-size-fits-all, so we’ll figure out what actually works for you. Drawing on similar client experience and research-based approaches, I help you move through life with both understanding and practical, actionable skills. You can be yourself here—yes, you can absolutely swear. I specialize in ADHD (ADHD-CSSP certified) and LGBTQ+ concerns, and I also work extensively with clients navigating depression, phone addiction, anger and coping skills, relationship issues, life or career transitions, and Autism Spectrum support, along with other areas listed in my profile.

Hello, I am a licensed therapist with more than 10 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. I work with adults and teenagers who seek help with depression, anxiety, trauma and relationship concerns. I also have experience working with those in crisis and those looking for support in tough times. I also work with clients of diverse cultural backgrounds. I am a male therapist of Asian Indian background and work with clients from various backgrounds. My style of therapy is centered around your preferences and can be tailored to meet your needs. I work with you so that you can set the agenda and goals and pace of therapy.

Chinelo Okpalobi is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist with over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. Let's celebrate this first win of many, deciding to embark on your therapy journey. I'm here to be your teammate, but most importantly, your accountability partner. I take a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals. There isn't a manual on how to start; once you feel ready, I'm here to guide you through conversation. I’m here to provide a safe and supportive environment where you can be yourself and learn more about yourself.

Greetings! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. During my undergraduate career at Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland I studied Psychology with a minor in Family Studies. I then proceeded to earn a Master's degree in Marriage and Family therapy in Los Angeles, California from the University of Southern California. I have been providing therapy to children, teens, adults, families, and couples for over 10 years. I am passionate about helping the clients I work with to come into alignment with their truest wants, needs and desires. I strive to support my client's in developing a sense of clarity and direction over their life. My intention is to create a warm, safe, and comfortable space, where client's can feel heard and supported as we work together to navigate the various challenges at hand.

I spent many years as an educator in public schools and as a counselor. Now I have the privilege to devote my full time to mental health counseling. My focus is to help families and individuals navigate through life's challenges. I'd love to be your counselor - whether you would like to do pre-marital/couples counseling, to consciously uncouple/improve co-parenting dynamic, or focus on self-work.

Hi! I am a Licensed Individual Clinical Social Worker in DC (LICSW). I received my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology in 1985 and my Master's degree in Social Work in 1999. I earned my LICSW in 2002. This past December, I earned my Clinical license in Maryland (LCSW-C). I like talking with people--but more importantly, listening to people. To me, therapy is a block of time. It is an opportunity for people to talk to someone who is not a parent, brother, sister, spouse or even best friend. My goal is to listen to you and to help you consider options in your life.

I am passionate about helping others explore emotional, spiritual, and behavioral wellness in a way that connects mind, body, and soul. With years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and outpatient settings, I’ve dedicated my career to encouraging and empowering individuals on their journey toward healing and recovery. My goal is to help clients leave sessions with a sense of relief, greater clarity, and renewed hope for their journey ahead.

My energy and creativity set me apart from others. I used evidence-based practices to guide my work. In addition to traditional talk-therapy, I take a holistic approach to therapy by incorporating all parts of the individual (mind, body, and spirit). Many find value in my holistic approach to therapy. The creative arts may also be integrated into the sessions as a form of expression to enhance the therapeutic experience.

My career began with a strong community focus, including service at the first free health clinic dedicated to supporting the HIV-impacted community and early work in community mental health. In my 28 years of clinical experience I have maintained a child and family-centered approach while broadening my expertise across a wide range of settings, including inpatient residential care, hospital social work, nephrology, crisis and trauma counseling for children and adults, military social work, and academia. My practice includes supporting individuals through transitions, grief, depression, chronic pain, and complex social service needs. I hold postgraduate training in social welfare and psychology, which has enriched my skills and informed my integrative, client-centered approach aimed at fostering resilience and healing.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Therapist who is dedicated and committed to transforming lives by instilling hope in my clients and empowering them to maintain psychological well-being in the face of adversity. I am passionate about meeting the emotional and mental health needs of my clients. I have a genuine interest in making a meaningful impact on individual's lives, by supporting them through emotional challenges and personal growth. I enjoy being a positive force in someone’s life by providing guidance and support.

My name is Jasmine Ricks, and I am a Licensed Therapist in Texas, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. My mission is to empower individuals by equipping them with practical tools, insight, and support that make a meaningful difference in their everyday lives. I’m committed to creating a nonjudgmental, welcoming space where you can show up as you are and explore the challenges and stressors that are impacting your mental health and overall well-being. Together, we’ll work toward greater clarity, resilience, and a stronger sense of self as you move through life.

I’m a trauma-informed, culturally responsive therapist who works with adults navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and substance use. I specialize in supporting individuals during life transitions, including community reintegration and recovery. My goal is to create a safe, structured space where you feel heard, empowered, and supported as you work toward meaningful change. Together, we’ll build on your strengths, explore new strategies, and move toward the life you envision.

Hello, my name is Stephen Pleasant, and I'm a psychotherapist for men. Why therapy for men? Well, because sometimes a man just needs a pork shoulder to cry on. That being said, I will also work with women as well. It’s a recognized human tendency for men to get “stuck” in their lives and to end up “settling” for the status quo when deep down they know they are capable of a great deal more. Here’s the truth; You are never “stuck” with your present circumstances. The Game of Life is a psychological and spiritual journey and winning at this game requires you to change your play and learn to think differently and do things in a new way. I help men break out from being “stuck” in life, resigned to producing results that are disappointing to them and others. My goal is to see transformative progress in men’s confidence, clarity, and self-expression, so that they may gain the fuller personal and work life they thought was beyond them.

Hello, I'm Jose L. Diaz, a Licensed Counselor in Virginia with 16 years of experience, I have had the privilege to to meet a variety of people in some of the most challenging times of their lives. Being able to be an intimate part of their lives, and connecting with their challenges, pain and suffering has allowed me to understand individuals beyond my clinical abilities. I have always remembered the human component that we all possess and the resiliency possessed, is what we use to leverage the recovery and healing towards your well-being. I sincerely appreciate and respect being allowed into your vulnerability.

My name is Dr. Olushola Bakare, and I'm a board-certified Psychotherapist. I attended St Joseph College. I'm happy to help you today with any of your concerns. I enjoy empowering people and digging out their strengths. I don't ask fish to fly, neither do I ask birds to swim. I respect everyone's strengths and help my client recognize them. I love to highlight my client's strengths. I offer a safe, warm, therapeutic, judgment-free space for Adults (18+) and Older Adults (65+). I am sorry, but I do not accept clients who pay in cash. Also, every late cancellation or no-show accrues a late charge fee. It is my ethical duty to officially terminate our therapeutic relationship when it is reasonably clear that the client is no longer beneficent, services are no longer required, counseling no longer serves the client's needs and interests, or Dr. Olushola Bakare, LMFT limits do not allow the provision of further counseling services. It is the policy of Dr. Olushola Bakare, LMFT, that our professional relationship will be terminated after a one-month consistent lapse of meeting with a client. Dr. Olushola Bakare, LMFT, will attempt to notify you of this change in status as soon as possible after one month. My ethical duty is identifying, being available, and caring for current clients. It could feel awkward for our relationship to end, yet it is not meant to be discourteous in any way. I do not complete disability forms (Social Security, work excuse, FMLA, Court papers/legal papers, emotional support letters, etc). NO COUPLE THERAPY OR MEDICATION MANAGEMENT, PLEASE!

Hi, I’m Jessi Gholami, a licensed clinical social worker in Maryland, Michigan, and Washington, DC. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting children, teens, and adults as they navigate challenges such as ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, parenting stress, and major life transitions. I like to keep therapy structured enough to give you direction, but flexible enough to meet you where you are. I pull from approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, organizational skill-building, and Internal Family Systems—but I won’t just hand you a textbook strategy. I want us to figure out what actually works for you. Our sessions aren’t just about talking; they’re about finding tools you can use in real life so you feel more confident outside of our time together. Being a parent can be both rewarding and overwhelming. As a certified PCIT therapist, I provide live-coaching positive parenting strategies to caregivers in order to boost their child’s self-esteem, attention span, parent-child attachment, prosocial behaviors, and listening and compliance. This treatment also decreases negative attention-seeking behaviors, tantrums, & aggression. At the heart of my work is a simple belief: every person has inherent worth and dignity. Life doesn’t come with a manual, families are messy, and everyone has struggles. I don’t believe therapy should come with judgment, rigid rules, or strings attached. Instead, I aim to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and equipped to grow. Patterns from the past often show up in our present—whether in relationships, families, or work. I believe healing is possible when we recognize our inner strengths, challenge unhelpful patterns, and practice skills. Outside of my work, I love hiking, swimming, baking, and walking my dog, Teddy.