Unconditional positive regard; encouragement; stress and mindfulness management. I have an environment of love and support in my counseling. In my opinion and experience clients involved in mental health care are experts in their care.

My communication style is direct yet empathetic, ensuring that clients feel both supported and understood. I believe that effective therapy rests on three key components: empathy, support, and truth. In sessions, I create a safe and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions and challenges. Working with me feels collaborative and honest, as I balance being straightforward with compassion, always aiming to guide clients toward growth with a blend of gentle encouragement and clear, actionable insights.

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.

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.

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.

I believe that therapy can help individuals overcome obstacles, gain insight, and create changes that result in a better quality of life. You may be facing serious challenges and experiencing significant emotional difficulties, or you may just need a safe space to open up about the various stressors in your life. My goal is to help you unravel and process the individual hurdles that stand in the way of achieving a happier and more fulfilling life. I run a group therapy practice focused on material mental health. We are located within a collaborative space, Be Hive Wellness, that houses several holistic providers focused on mind-body wellness. I am certified as a perinatal mental health practitioner, and I love helping individuals who are struggling with stress, mood, and anxiety issues during pregnancy and postpartum. I offer a variety of options for support, including therapy, coaching, groups, and workshops to help women develop tools and confidence as they navigate life with a new baby. I also enjoy helping people improve self-esteem and explore new ways to cope with symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and unresolved trauma, and I am passionate about connecting people to resources that can help them grow and succeed. As an EMDR practitioner, I utilize this cutting-edge technique to help people overcome painful and traumatic experiences, including traumatic birth experiences. I offer individual and group therapy, teach educational workshops, and have written five books on self-improvement topics. I am committed to providing a comfortable, compassionate, and non-judgmental environment for you to get the help you need. I view therapy as a collaborative process and welcome you to ask questions and share your thoughts on what works best for you. Everyone's journey is unique and the decision to seek help can be both scary as well as hopeful. I encourage you to view my practice and personal websites for additional information and resources and invite you to reach out via email with any questions regarding the best next steps for you.

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 provide a warm, open communication and engaged style of therapy.

Have you hit a wall with therapy? Are you struggling to find hope? My name is Mikayla, and I've lived in and around DC for over 22 years. I provide holistic therapy for individuals with and without ketamine. My clients struggle with PTSD, suicidality, depression, anxiety, substance use, and co-occurring conditions. I also work with couples struggling to resolve and repair conflict. All are welcome here! I have experience working with people who struggle to fit in, people who use drugs, and people in non-monogamous relationships. My perspective is relational and systems-based. No part of us is separate from the rest; we are inseparable from our environments and each other. If you decide to work with me, we'll start by exploring the dynamics of your relationships and the relationship you have with yourself. We can identify and build on your strengths, manage and release the manifestations of toxic stress through the body, improve your emotional capacities, and build stronger authentic relationships. My approach weaves embodied mindfulness, liberation psychology, somatics, trauma-informed care, polyvagal theory, education, sound, and, for those who choose this route, ketamine. There is no "typical" session with me. Each person is approached as a unique being with a unique story. I have real-world experience and extensive training in multiple compatible approaches, which allows me to pull out the right tool for the right person at the right time. I maintain a laser focus on your obstacles and protective barriers while holding a lighthearted space where we are free to laugh about the absurdity of life. I reject hierarchy in therapeutic spaces and hold us as equals sharing the beauty and pain of healing in the human experience. How we work together is guided by your understanding of what you need. I believe you have the capacity to heal yourself. My role is to approach you with a delicate balance of compassion and honesty, maintain a safe and comfortable environment, witness your process, and ask the right questions.

I am dedicated to the practice and research of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples who are struggling and interested in improving their relationships. EFT is one of the few evidence based practices for improving relationships. I have specialized expertise in treating depression along with relationship problems.

I think the most important part of being a good therapist is genuinely caring about the well-being of the people I work with. I am an empathic therapist, and work to create a warm and welcoming environment for those I see in therapy. This sets a foundation that enables us to talk about what brings you to therapy, whether it be hopes, struggles, fears, conflicts, etc. Together, we will explore your concerns and wishes, and uncover what is standing between what life is like now and what you want it to be. I will help you recognize and understand the barriers that keep you from feeling the way you want to feel, and work with you to break through those barriers, which can result in greater satisfaction in relationships, work, and day-to-day life. I also provide support and guidance for those experiencing life transitions, such as marriage, children, loss, divorce, and those new to the city who are having trouble adjusting. I think that it is important to recognize that, although we all have limitations, we also have strengths and resources. I have a flexible approach to therapy, and have been trained in a number of different modalities that allow me to cater to your specific needs.

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.