I work to create a safe, nonjudgmental, accepting, and nurturing environment where my clients can feel free to explore and express themselves with acceptance and compassion.

Hello, my name is Rachel Biesemeyer, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults from all walks of life. My approach to therapy is founded on building a solid therapeutic relationship and integrating coping skills that are practical and helpful with life's struggles.

I have several years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, self-confidence, trauma and addictions in a variety of settings. I have an eclectic approach to counseling, I draw from various modalities and techniques in order to provide the best support for my client. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive and accepting environment in which we can explore challenges, gain insight and facilitate positive personal change and growth.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! TELEHEALTH and INDIVIDUAL Therapy AVAILABLE!! Since 1994, my systemic training has enabled me to specialize in treating issues such as mood disorders (depression), anxiety, grief & loss, divorce separation, relationship, stage of life, motivation and family of origin issues. Psychotherapy is meant to address the roots of mental and emotional struggle. We will focus on the holistic aspect of your life to equip you to make the effective change you desire. Together we can explore your strengths and challenges, discovering over time what motivates you and helps you thrive. I have a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Chapman University. My Masters program had a family systemic emphasis, but also equipped me to effectively address the complex and interwoven issues that individuals face. I have over 20 years experience working with clients of all ages. It’s essential that we look at all the varied influences on life that impact thoughts and behavior. No one lives on an island and there are many influences that directly affect how we feel and what we do. We believe it is important to consider these influences during the counseling and treatment process.

One of my favorite quotes is: "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." To me, life is a journey. There will be many bumps, bruises, and obstacles along the way. That's okay. It's how you overcome those hurdles that count. Some need more assistance than others on this journey, and that's okay too. My approach is to promote healing and personal growth and development along this journey called life. I do not claim to have all of the answers. I believe that everyone is the expert of their own lives. My role is to assist you with getting out of your own way and discovering the path that you want to follow.

Being a therapist means creating a safe space for individuals to reveal their true selves, leading to healing and growth. Life can be beautiful, and it can be difficult. Therapy provides an opportunity to speak and share our deepest thoughts, saddest moments, and accomplishments so that we might be unburdened and successful in our goals. It is an honor to join with clients for the achievement of their goals, and I value my work as a clinician I have several years of experience providing mental health services, working with assessments, community mental health counseling, and crisis interventions. My experience varies, and it includes services with children and adults. My current office is setup to provide play therapy, group counseling, and traditional talk therapy. I will partner with you to establish goals that are specifically built for your needs, pulling together various theories, strategies, and techniques to assist individuals with depression, anxiety, trauma, difficulty in relationships, and other concerns. I am currently accepting new clients and I look forward to hearing from you!

My goal is to help you restore resilience. You may be feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges and discouraged by others who just “don’t get it.” Maybe you are in a rollercoaster of emotions or feel stuck like you’re going around the same mountain over and over again. I’m here to facilitate your healing journey and provide you the most appropriate treatment in your time of need. Don’t suffer in silence because you deserve to be heard. I also provide support for more complex and intensive care for clients seeking to manage their uutism, learning and mood disorders. My insights have illuminated pathways for individuals to thrive and realize their fullest potential. Providing more than a place to talk, we will be a team to plan and take action to be where you want to be! I bring a straightforward approach with a nonjudgmental and compassionate style with the goal to create motivation and belief in oneself. I understand the sensitivity of the topics we discuss and the importance of creating a supportive environment. In therapy, I will be an active listener and help you identify areas that need to be rebalanced and together, we will formulate solutions. Yes, you read that right because I don't just listen to your problems. I provide you effective, practical, and valuable tools to apply outside of therapy. It’s important to me that I build a strong and effective therapeutic alliance with you to facilitate client empowerment. Our approach is holistic to inform on how various factors in your life are impacting you. My hope for you is that each session with me leaves you feeling hopeful, equipped, and empowered! If this sounds like a good fit for you, then let’s connect!

Here at Acacia Counseling & Consultative Services, we realize that no two people are the same, and we tailor our therapy to meet your specific needs as an individual. We love helping people understand the things that are holding them back with an in-depth approach. After recognizing underlying problems, clients can fully realize their strengths and adjust certain behaviors and thoughts to see things in a different, healthier way. Our practice specializes in helping people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma. If you are trying to navigate these areas of life, we’re confident that we have the experience to help you rediscover what brings happiness to your life. Through therapy, there is always a way to address the issues you face and learn coping strategies to help you both right now and in the future. Through therapy, we can get you on track to leading a happier, more fulfilling life by equipping you with the tools you need to more efficiently and confidently manage life’s challenges. It is never too late to start living the life you’ve always wanted.

My communication style is warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental. I believe in creating a collaborative and trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel heard, understood, and valued. I will actively listen to your story, offer feedback and insights, and empower you to find your path to healing and growth.

I am passionate about helping people better understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and find lasting relief from emotional pain. With advanced training in psychodynamic, attachment-based, and mindfulness approaches, I provide therapy that is both insightful and deeply supportive. I strongly believe that every person’s struggles are unique, and I strive to tailor my work to meet each of my clients where they are, offering a safe and compassionate space for growth. My style and approach to treatment is warm, authentic, and collaborative, helping my clients feel truly heard, while also gently encouraging them to explore deeper patterns that may be holding them back. For individuals, I work with a wide range of concerns, including attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, self-esteem challenges, and life transitions. I also have extensive expertise in psychological testing and evaluation for attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), autistic people, and mood or personality conditions, which can provide clarity and direction for clients and families seeking answers.

I'm a somatic therapist who works with clients to heal trauma and manage depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. In session, I help you connect with your body and use techniques that restore your relationship with yourself. Whether it's supporting clients with chronic illness and autoimmune disorders, or recovering from childhood and religious trauma, somatic methods help you repair physically, mentally, and spiritually. Together we process pain through breathing, movement, curiosity, and expression to find a new purpose. I can help you find liberation in your change, identity, and growth journey. My therapeutic practice is rooted in liberation, decolonization, and anti-racism. I have supported people across the lifespan for over a decade. I'm trained in many treatment methods of trauma including TF-CBT and somatic therapy, and I teach graduate-level trauma courses. I am licensed in DC, MD, and VA, and I offer a free 15-minute consult call. I am a therapist who will sit with you in your pain and hold space with compassion. I will also be direct with you in times when you don’t get that elsewhere. Whatever we're tackling in session, I'm invested in you and will remind you that you have what it takes to heal. I'll be there to help you find it, use it, and discover the freedom in that healing.

Human connection is at the center of my work. I believe that healing begins in a safe, supportive relationship where you feel understood and respected. My role is not to provide quick fixes, but to partner with you as we explore your experiences, strengthen resilience, and create space for meaningful change. I draw on evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). These methods can help reduce distress, shift unhelpful patterns, and support the mind and body in processing trauma. I also provide dedicated support for adolescents, offering a space where they can feel safe to express themselves and build the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges. In addition, I offer psychedelic integration therapy, helping clients process insights from psychedelic experiences and apply them in grounded, practical ways. Above all, I aim to create a compassionate, collaborative environment that honors your unique story and helps you move toward healing and growth.