Hi, I’m Djola McGowan, but most people lovingly call me DJ. I’m a neurodivergent Licensed Professional Counselor based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I identify as a woman and use she/her pronouns. As a first-generation American with roots in Jamaica—the land of wood and water—I bring a rich, culturally informed perspective to my work.
I believe therapy is a revolutionary act of self-care and a collaborative journey.
My approach to therapy is grounded in collaboration, curiosity, and cultural awareness. I truly believe that healing doesn’t happen in isolation — it happens within us, but also in our relationships, families, and the systems we move through every day. As someone who values both personal insight and practical tools, I draw from Structural Family Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help my clients make sense of how their emotions, thoughts, and family dynamics all intertwine. Together, we untangle the patterns that are keeping you stuck and work toward building new, healthier ways of being — both within yourself and in your relationships.
I strive to create a space of transformative safety — a space where you can be vulnerable, confront the uncomfortable, and engage in the collective work of change. I hope that through our work together, you will leave sessions with greater self-awareness, practical tools to navigate challenges, and a deeper sense of agency in your life and relationships. In our first session, my priority is to understand what you are looking for in both a therapist and the therapeutic process. We’ll review consent and collaborate on how to build a strong, supportive relationship that helps you move toward the growth and healing you’re seeking.
