Andrea provides a safe, calm, non-judgmental space for engaging in therapy. Although very straightforward, Andrea is validating and approachable.

I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can openly express yourself. Through compassionate listening and collaborative dialogue, we'll work together to help you gain clarity, develop coping skills, and make positive changes.

At Power Counseling PLLC, we are five different clinicians. However, we have one thing in common. We are all committed to satisfactorily resolve the issues that the client brings to the therapy room. We work with individuals, couples, families and groups, offering individual, couple, family and group therapy. Our primary therapy modality is cognitive-behavioral therapy, but we also use solution focused therapy a lot. We are located in Washington DC, but we are licensed to practice in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia. Our director also offers clinical supervision for those who need it. Now, we offer only teletherapy. We believe that people can change, and that therapy is about assisting clients with what they need to change so that they can lead a healthy life and achieve their life’s goals. We assist our clients to attain self-exploration, resilience, empathy, and emotional empowerment. We firmly believe in the inherent inner powers of each individual to heal. We believe that everyone possesses the necessary internal resources to overcome emotional difficulty and flourish in life. This belief guides our approach to therapy. We strive to empower our clients, in a collaborative manner. Our goal is to provide a holistic, solution-focused, empathy-driven, and emotionally empowering therapy approach. That way, we support my clients to achieve the goals for which they seek therapy. We adopt an inherently collaborative approach. It’s like a partnership in which the client has a voice and can set the agenda for the sessions and take ownership of the outcome of our work together. We empower clients to make decisions about their care, with our guidance. The goal here is to work with the client to identify and implement effective solutions to the issues that they bring to the therapy room. As necessary, we educate and guide our clients to use internal and external resources available to them to heal. We work to empower clients to make decisions and take actions that align with their values and aspirations.

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.

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 view psychotherapy as a collaborative process of self-discovery that is both supportive and directive. As many problems stem from either escalating emotions or efforts to avoid them, time is spent exploring and trying to understand your distress to help you create a more satisfying and healthier way of living. To inform my work, I draw from three areas of theoretical research: cognitive behavioral theory (skills-focused), attachment theory (insight-focused), and neuroscience research (psychoeducation-focused re: the mind-body connection and physical response to trauma). When we listen to our emotions without judgment and try to understand what they are telling us, more often than not, we can figure out what we need to regain emotional peace, balance, and life satisfaction. Many of my clients are highly successful on the outside; leaders in their field, individuals who handle intense and stressful jobs. They are the ones that other people look to for insight and guidance. But on the inside, these clients often carry a great deal of weight from past difficulties, including feelings of tremendous anxiety, self-loathing, shame, and low-grade chronic depression, because they have never received the expertise needed to truly overcome their past experiences and maladaptive coping strategies they have developed. I bring my 30 years of experience as a trauma researcher, clinician, teacher, and clinical supervisor to every one of my sessions. I find my work inspiring and a privilege. Through our work together, my clients find someone who has the years of experience and expertise to create the sense of security needed to explore and understand these difficulties, and finally overcome them.

I believe everyone deserves a safe space to heal and grow, no matter who they are or where they come from. With over 25 years of experience, I work with teens, adults, and families - especially women navigating life's challenges. I use practical, research-backed approaches that help you understand your thoughts and feelings while building skills that actually work in real life. Whether you're dealing with worry, sadness, trouble focusing, work stress, relationship issues, or major life changes, we'll work together to strengthen not just your mental health, but your overall sense of wellbeing. My therapeutic approach is warm, culturally responsive, and honors your unique story. I use strength-based methods to empower your wellness journey, reflected in innovative programs like my stress reduction intervention featured on the Calm Health app. In our sessions, your experiences are valued and your goals guide our work together.

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.

Success often comes at a personal cost. As an executive, entrepreneur, or leader, you’ve mastered the art of staying composed and performing under pressure. But behind the scenes, the stress of carrying so much responsibility can take a toll. Whether it’s the lingering effects of childhood struggles, strained personal relationships, or feeling disconnected from the life you’ve worked so hard to build, the cracks in your armor may be showing. If you’re tired of holding it all together while feeling alone, it’s time for a change. I specialize in helping high-achieving individuals resolve the personal and professional challenges that impact their lives. Using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, I guide you in overcoming trauma, breaking unhelpful patterns, and improving relationships. Whether you’re managing anxiety, balancing work and home, or rediscovering yourself, our work is tailored to help you heal. You don’t have to sacrifice your personal peace for professional success. Therapy isn’t just about healing—it’s about building a life where you can thrive, both at work and at home. Let’s work together to address the barriers that are holding you back and create a life where you feel confident, connected, and in control. The first step starts here.

Results focused therapy. I specialize in treating PTSD and Complex Trauma, anxiety disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, suicidal tendencies, grieving survivors of suicide, sleep problems, chronic pain, drug andor alcohol problems, and depression. I am committed to working with you to successfully resolve your problem using a wide range of rich therapeutic approaches. Well-known for my active and resourceful approach, I consider your time valuable, and avoid dwelling on nonessentials and aimless talking, focusing instead on developing actions and solutions drawing from a wide-variety of therapies, you can apply immediately. I am knowledgeable in (and teach) psychopharmacology and welcome the opportunities to work in collaboration with the prescribing doctor, especially when side-effects, "residual symptoms," or adherence are of concern. Significant others may be involved in the therapeutic process when appropriate.

I believe in meeting each client where they are. There is not one way to help someone resolve a problem in their life. I believe in helping my clients find the right path that works for them and following along beside them to provide wisdom in their lives to take the next steps and make better choices. A mental health professional should go above and beyond for their clients and I believe in this whole heartedly. My motto is "get me in your life and out of your life quickly so that you can live happy!"

WE CAN HELP HEAL YOUR RELATIONSHIP. "Why does my partner overreact?" "Why do I get so triggered?" "How come the punishment doesn't fit the crime?" “Why can’t he be more supportive?” “Is anything I do ever enough for her?” While you are feeling hurt, you have an added layer of confusion. You simultaneously love your partner and even hope to stay in this relationship to keep your love, family, and dreams intact. You are torn in a tug-of-war of emotions and desire to feel understood, accepted, and embraced by your partner. HEAL YOUR RELATIONSHIP AT ITS ROOT! Your dynamic is being driven by vulnerable and deep emotions. Those deep emotions are sensitive ‘raw spots' that are easily provoked and can cause you intolerable emotional discomfort- and leads to a “fight-or-flight” (anxious, angry, avoidant) response. This starts a negative cycle that creates more distance between you. CHANGE IS POSSIBLE! In therapy with us, you will learn strategies to respond differently and avoid slipping into old negative cycles of criticism, questioning, defensiveness, shutting down, and avoidance. We’ve helped HUNDREDS of people experience EMOTIONAL INTIMACY by learning how to effectively share and receive each other’s deeper emotions.