Find a Therapist in Washington, DC

Hello beautiful soul, and welcome. I’m so glad you’re here. If you’re considering therapy, it probably means you’re ready to invest in yourself and create meaningful change in your life. That’s a courageous step, and I’m honored to support you on this journey. My approach to therapy is warm, compassionate, and deeply authentic. I believe that healing happens when we feel safe, seen, and supported, so I create a space where you can be fully yourself without judgment. I take a mindful and holistic approach, meaning I don’t just focus on the challenges you’re facing, I honor your strengths, your values, and the unique story that makes you who you are. Together, we’ll explore what’s holding you back, uncover your innate wisdom, and empower you to move forward in a way that feels true to you. I specialize in working with people who tend to prioritize others’ needs above their own, those navigating anxiety or Obsessive Compulsion (OCD), and anyone going through life stage transitions. Many of my clients are working to break free from old patterns, like people-pleasing, perfectionism, or feeling stuck in cycles of worry or self-doubt. If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place. I know how overwhelming it can feel to juggle life’s demands while trying to stay connected to yourself, and I’m here to help you find balance, clarity, and peace. When we work together, you can expect a supportive and collaborative relationship. I’ll meet you where you are, tailoring our sessions to what you need most, whether that’s practical tools to manage anxiety, gentle guidance to set boundaries, or space to process and reflect. I’ll challenge you when it’s helpful and offer insights to help you see things from a fresh perspective, but I’ll always follow your pace and respect your boundaries. My goal is to help you feel more empowered, confident, and grounded—not just in therapy, but in your everyday life. If you’re ready to start, or if you’re curious to learn more, I’d love to connect and see if we’re a good fit. Therapy is a partnership, and finding the right therapist is an important step. You deserve to work with someone who understands and supports you fully. I offer a free 30-minute consultation for anyone looking to explore more details about my services and therapeutic style.

My name is Shaena Wiggins and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Hampton Roads, Virginia and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in anxiety, depression, stress, and weight-related concerns to include bariatric surgery patients, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each client I work with. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as both modalities help me and the client build a shared understanding of their reality, and allow us to work together to chart a path forward. I have found that my style and approach is a good fit for adults dealing with life transitions, weight-related concerns, and social pressures. This often takes the form of anxiety, depression, stress, and eating disorders. I work to help my clients navigate these transition periods and to build skills to allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook on life. My communication style is calm, accommodating, and personable. I want my clients to feel comfortable talking with me about anything, and I pride myself on my ability to listen without judgment. I decided to become a therapist because I have always wanted to help people. Whether it was as a peer counselor in school, volunteering in my community, or being a trusted and loyal friend, I have always naturally been drawn to helping people through difficult times. I enjoy seeing individuals become the best versions of themselves. My approach to goal setting with clients is all about working together to define what you want to accomplish in our time together. This often starts by building trust between us and getting comfortable with what it means to be in therapy. Over time, we'll work together to set goals and track your progress. What you can expect from our first session together is for us to spend the majority of our time talking about how you've been feeling recently, and me asking questions to better understand some of why you may be feeling that way. The first session is about us building an initial connection and helping me get a sense of where we should go from there. Each individual is different, and I like to listen first before assuming I know what will work best for you moving forward.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia. Born and raised in Iowa, I attended Iowa State University, graduating with a double major in Child, Adult, and Family Services and Spanish. I have traveled and lived in many places throughout the world, and have developed an appreciation for the differences we all have, but also the similarities that unite us. I received my master’s degree from Rutgers University. In my 18 years of work experience, I have worked supporting children, adolescents, and families. That experience includes working with trauma, depression, anxiety, school related anxiety and refusal, conflict between parents and children, involvement in the juvenile justice system, immigration stress and trauma, and crisis intervention. I have experience in child and adolescent therapy, family therapy, parenting, group therapy, and school-based mental health. I meet the child and family where they are on their journey and works collaboratively to develop realistic goals that will improve functioning in all environments. I utilize a strengths-based, solution-focused and family systems approach. I encourage children and families to share their culture and integrate the unique cultural experiences of families into treatment. I enjoy spending time outside, watching movies, reading books, and crocheting. I also enjoy various forms of exercise, like weightlifting and yoga. I enjoy watching (and sometimes playing) sports. I bring creativity and energy to my practice and am mindful and strategic about interventions used when working with children and families. Mental health is an important part of our being. Just like we eat food to feed our physical body, we must also get what we need to be mentally and emotionally resilient.

I assist clients that have endured trauma and stress. Are you looking to find relief through compassionate and effective treatment? If you are interested in finding relief from conditions that have affected your mood, your relationships, your work, andor your habits in a negative way, call or email me now. Together, we can walk the path of recovery together until you have reached your imagined destination. Let's work on overcoming intimate partner violence, anger, toxicity, infidelity, addiction, self-hatred, codependency, shame, isolation, fear, neediness, grief, etc... ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

I offer clients a compassionate, trauma-informed, neurodivergence-affirming approach that honors both your history and your resilience. My work blends psychological insight with nervous system healing, so we don’t just explore obstacles, we build your capacity to regulate, recover, and reconnect to joy and meaning. Whether you’re seeking clarity through assessment (e.g., attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) evaluation, diagnostic testing) or healing through therapy (anxiety, burnout, relational stress), I tailor sessions to your pace, strengths, and life goals. Healing isn’t about masking pain, it’s about learning to feel more ease, joy, and steadiness in your body while living in alignment with what matters most.

You are not alone. Life can seem pretty unmanageable without added difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and addiction. However, you are not alone. How do you deal with racing thoughts? Do you find yourself often ignoring thoughts only to be kept up by them when you're trying to go to bed? I have helped several clients seeking assistance for mental health or behavioral issues, but I consider myself to be first and foremost a person who wants to help you deal with life's challenges. Together we can work to help provide clarity and balance in your life. I understand how certain issues such as addiction plague your daily life and those you care about. I provide strategies and techniques in a safe, judgment-free atmosphere where together we discuss your challenges and how to overcome them. Some people are frightened to go to therapy because of financial costs, anxiety about what to expect with therapy, andor not used to discussing their feelings. Talking to the people in your support system is encouraged but sometimes external assistance is necessary and that's ok too. I am here to help and support you in dealing with problems that may be holding you back. Some individuals are not ready to discuss their issues and that is okay. Since therapy is a mutual relationship, we are working together to help you grow mentally and emotionally stronger. You are not alone.

My approach to therapy is down-to-earth, practical, and solution-oriented. As a clinical psychologist I have extensive training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and have seen many clients improve using these techniques. I have helped people overcome their problems in a variety of settings including hospitals, university counseling centers, community health clinics, and schools.

In my practice I use a variety of cognitive-behavioral techniques; visual guided imagery, Imago intentional dialogue and exercises, Voice Dialogue, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), EMDR, and stress reduction techniques. I provide a safe, comfortable, compassionate, and fun environment.

We all have challenges that hold us back and keep us from living our best life. Maybe you have been disappointed, experienced loss, trauma, or rejection. Perhaps you have struggled with divorce, anxiety, isolation, or low self-esteem. You may be going through a difficult transition. I offer a blend of tools to help you begin to feel better. I bring solid experience and research-based strategies to my work. I believe in working with each person in a way that is individualized for them and honors the way they think and feel. I strive to make everyone feel comfortable, safe and supported during our sessions. I am a cognitive behavioral therapist, but also draw from many other techniques.

I began working in this field almost 30 years ago because I wanted to make a tangible difference in people's lives. Over the years, I have worked with countless individuals, couples, families, and groups to help them improve their quality of life. Through my experience, I have learned that: Although many may appear to be similar demographically in terms of age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, etc., everyone brings hisher own individual histories to therapy -- histories that distinguish each client as a unique individual. As a result, I welcome all clients, and I recognize that each client will bring hisher own history and values to therapy. I commit to working within each individual's system of values as I try to help the individual draw from hisher history to improve hisher quality of life. My two primary metrics are: a) tangible improvements in an individual's life, and b) the individual's feelings and understanding regarding change and the process of change. Like physical therapists and coaches who are willing to challenge their athletes to perform at full potential, I am willing to challenge my clients to reach their full potential in life. But my guiding philosophy is: "challenge by choice" -- I will only as far and as fast as my clients are comfortable.

It is my highest responsibility to provide a safe environment that induces my client's trust and alliance. I am on my client's journey without being judgmental. Each client is unique and each client well-being is of the uttermost importance. My client's needs and desires are highly considered. The therapy I provide allows my clients to address their concerns, fears, and issues. I assist my clients in finding ways to better communicate and to resolve issues without engaging in conflict. My client's who seek relationship counseling engage in a process that requires their active participation so that they are able to utilize coping skills, techniques, and mechanisms they can use outside of counseling. My office enables my clients to experience an environment that is safe, tranquil and serene. Clients are able to learn more about themselves, their partners, and their families.

Therapy is a journey into a space where your feelings are welcomed and understood. Imagine a calm environment with soft light, warm air, and the gentle scent of lavender. This atmosphere provides comfort and ease, allowing you to settle more deeply into yourself. At the center is a mirror, not an ordinary mirror, but one that reflects your authentic self: vulnerable, radiant, and whole. In this supportive space, you are invited to recognize and accept all aspects of who you are, including your strengths, challenges, and areas of growth. Therapy becomes a process of healing and self-discovery, where you learn to embrace yourself with compassion and openness. With each passing moment, you feel yourself softening, embracing this mirror as it shows you who you truly are. And as you stand there, something shifts. You begin to uncover the pieces that make you whole, cherishing them, nurturing them, letting them grow. The journey of therapy is not just about healing; it is about discovering and embracing the profound beauty within you, piece by piece, moment by moment. In our first session, we will review essential consent forms and complete an intake questionnaire. This allows me to gather vital information about your unique experiences and needs, ensuring that our work together is tailored specifically to you. In subsequent sessions, we will collaboratively create a personalized plan aimed at helping you achieve your goals, fostering growth and healing every step of the way. You are not alone on this journey. I am here to support you in navigating the complexities of your life with compassion and understanding.