Compassion-Focused Therapy Therapists in Washington DC

Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) helps individuals develop self-compassion and resilience, especially when facing self-criticism, shame, or emotional distress. By blending mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and compassionate mind training, CFT supports emotional healing and encourages positive, lasting change. With 5 CFT-trained therapists in Washington DC, you can access specialized care designed to nurture inner strength, self-acceptance, and well-being. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is welcoming new clients, offering timely and compassionate support tailored to your journey toward emotional growth.

Esther Williams

(she/her)

Esther Williams, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
$90/session
LICSW
3 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker in the District of Columbia, North Carolina and South Carolina. I received my Masters Degree from The University of Maryland Baltimore and have been practicing social work for 20 years. Life can be a roller coaster and we all need assistance at times for this journey. It is my pleasure to assist individuals with utilizing healthy methods of well being through a strength based and compassionate perspective.
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Peta-Gaye Williams

(she/her)

Peta-Gaye Williams, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

$175/session
LICSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
I have the unique experience of growing up outside of the US as well as a previous career as a lawyer. Grow Therapy provides a platform to utilize my expertise as a therapist, to deliver high quality services to individuals in seek of therapy. I believe in the importance of fighting the stigma of seeking mental health treatment. I strive to be a source of hope for my clientele and have honed my skill set past experiences.
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Alisha Powell

Alisha Powell, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
$100/session
LICSW
13 years of experience
Virtual
I believe in collaboration and I don't have a set agenda for each session. My specialties are religious trauma and relationships. I use a solution focused approach to help you identify the steps needed for wellness and growth. I believe that therapy should be a space to have hard conversations and my clients always have my full attention. Life is tough and sometimes you just need a space where you can talk freely without being judged or talked down to. I don't have any set agenda and I want clients to feel comfortable sharing what they're thinking.
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Miyoung Seo

(she/her)

Miyoung Seo, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
$120/session
LICSW
13 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome! I'm Mimi (Miyoung) Take a moment to acknowledge you've taken the first step towards bettering your mental health because, let's be honest - starting therapy can be empowering, confusing, or scary, all at the same time. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment that allows clients to explore obstacles with concerns related to anxiety, depression, and/or self-care. I focus on helping clients develop assertive communication & boundaries with themselves and those around them that can help improve their quality of life. Counseling can foster personal development in whatever way you may be seeking and help build the life you so deeply deserve. If that's what you're looking for, I'm here when you're ready to share.
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Andrea Cennington

(she/her)

Andrea Cennington, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
$165/session
LICSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
In-person
2831 Allegra Wy...
As a veteran and sought-after trauma and somatic expert, Andrea Cennington leverages the power of education and community outreach to bridge gaps and address disparities. Through storytelling, training, mindfulness, humor, and transparency, she aims to show minds, hearts, and organizations that they can heal and positively impact individuals, families, and communities. Her mission is to inspire others to embrace their inner strength, rewrite narratives, break down barriers, heal ancestral trauma, and cultivate resilience together. From a certified special education teacher to a licensed mobile crisis counselor, her diverse background allows her to approach therapy from multiple paradigms. Combining clinical expertise with a heart-driven and data-based approach, she aims to cultivate a safe space for beings to be vulnerable. As a trusted trainer for PESI®, she's also a licensed therapist, neurodiverse parent, prior Special Education Teacher, and an advocate for mental well-being. I intentionally create a therapeutic environment that fosters growth, insight, and transformation. Collaborating with forward-thinking, intellectual individuals ready to take their self-awareness to another level is deeply fulfilling and rewarding for myself and my clients.
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These are all the providers we have at this time based on your selections. We're constantly adding new providers to our site. Try adjusting your filters to see available providers.

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Frequently asked questions

Why filter by District of Columbia rather than a neighborhood like Adams Morgan?

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in the state. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across District of Columbia from The Navy Yard to Georgetown! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in District of Columbia.

Will my therapist take insurance?

When booking you’ll be asked to verify with your Member ID. However, if you don’t have any of the insurances available you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.

How does the Specialty Filter work? Can I find a therapist that focuses on a specific issue?

The specialty filter is optional. You don’t need to check any boxes to see a provider. However, fit is very important when selecting an online therapist. If you have knowledge or experience to recognize what specialties you may need.

What are the "Clients say I'm" badges?

Grow Therapy asks patients about their experience with therapists after they have had a certain number of sessions. After enough responses, we add those characteristics to their profiles to help you find the best online therapists for you. We're still working on collecting this information from all our therapists.

Why use Gender, Age, and Identities filters?

Finding a provider with a similar life experience can be beneficial because it can be easier to establish rapport and potentially be understood quicker and clearer.

What to expect during your first session?

Your first therapy session is for you and your therapist to meet each other and to ask any questions that you have about the counseling process. This is where you can expect your therapist to do the same as they will ask questions to gain insight into your specific situation. In this first session the therapist is doing their part to gather as much information so they can better assess if they are able to meet your therapeutic needs.

Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center. Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.
Compassion Focused Therapists