Family therapy and counseling in District of Columbia

I believe there is no one "right" way for therapy and healing, so I offer multiple pathways—talking, movement, art-making, and body-based practices, like EMDR and somatic therapies. Working together we will find what works for you.

Emil Pauling has 16 years of experience treating adolescents, young adults, adults, and families with varied challenges. Emil takes a holistic, strength-based approach to empower clients to meet their goals. Emil also has 34 years of combined experience in teaching, crisis intervention, and facilitating therapeutic and music programs. Life has its challenges. Finding joy in exploring your interests like music and humor can create a nice balance.

I believe that meaningful change happens through connection, trust, and collaboration. As a therapist, I see us as partners in the therapeutic process—working together to better understand your experiences, build on your strengths, and create lasting change. I am deeply committed to providing culturally responsive care that honors each person's unique story, values, and identity. I truly love the work of psychotherapy and consider it a privilege to walk alongside my clients as they heal, grow, and move toward the life they want to live.

“Don’t be afraid; Be focused, Be determined, Be hopeful, Be empowered “ Michelle Obama. You are not here by chance. Welcome to my page! My name is Chyna (yes, like the country). I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, licensed in the District of Columbia, with over 25 years experience in the area of mental health/clinical counseling; family and victim advocacy and military health. I am passionate about helping the WHOLE person on their path to healing.

I completed my undergraduate studies at Hampton University, Hampton VA. I received my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore, where my concentration was on Clinical/Families & Children.

I focus on three areas I have come to know deeply, both clinically and personally: complex and generational trauma, adult children of narcissistic or emotionally immature parents, and prenatal/postpartum mental health. I can appreciate and understand the feeling of the rug being pulled out from under you and having to create a new identity after these experiences.

Together, we explore how inherited patterns shape identity, relationships, and self-worth.

Because I know how painful it can be to live with patterns you did not choose, I offer therapy that is both compassionate and practical, a space where you can feel understood, make sense of your experiences, and begin moving forward with more clarity, self-trust, and intention with you as the lead expert of your experience.

On a personal note, I am happily married and a new mom. I am a lifelong learner and am committed to personal and professional growth through ongoing education, supervision, and therapy.

As a Trauma Informed Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, I am passionate about helping adolescents and adults fulfill their dreams, goals and highest aspirations. It is my belief that if you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides compassionate, patient-centered care for individuals seeking support with their mental health. My approach is warm, collaborative, and evidence-based, focusing on both therapy-informed communication and medication management. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to reach their goals. My mission is to help each person build resilience, improve daily functioning, and achieve lasting emotional well-being

I believe that therapy is a step up in one's life.

I admire people who want to make a positive change in their lives. I meet people where they are in their lives. I work on positive, realistic goals with my clients.

I have 17 experience helping others through their therpay journey. My specialties include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions and trauma. I have also have worked people with disabilities. I bring strong clinical skills as well as her life experience. I earned her MSW at theCatholic University in 2005 and attend workshops to keep my skills sharp.

Welcome

Hello, and thank you for considering me as your therapist. My name is Tarianda Ruston, and I have more than 25 years of experience working in the helping profession. I am a licensed clinical social worker in both Maryland and the District of Columbia, with a diverse background that has allowed me to support individuals and families through many of life's challenges.

Throughout my career, I have worked in child welfare, foster care and adoption, inpatient mental health, custody cases, special education, and school mental health. These experiences have provided me with a deep understanding of the unique challenges people face across different stages of life. My passion is helping individuals discover their strengths, overcome obstacles, and build the tools needed for lifelong emotional wellness.

I believe therapy is a partnership built on trust, respect, and authenticity. My role is not to tell you what to do or make decisions for you. Instead, I provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences openly. Through thoughtful questions, compassionate reflection, and evidence-based strategies, I will help you gain insight, clarify your values, and make choices that align with the life you want to create.

Hi there! I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 9 years of experience in a variety of settings. I specialize in supporting individuals experiencing perinatal mental health concerns, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, and relationship challenges that often arise during major life transitions. I prioritize creating a space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. I communicate clearly and directly while offering a steady, compassionate presence that invites reflection and growth.

I'm Francis Aneke, and I work with adults navigating mood disorders, anxiety, and depression. I believe healing happens when you feel genuinely heard — not rushed through a checklist. My practice is built on the idea that mental health doesn't exist in a vacuum: your relationships, work, sleep, body, and history all shape how you feel today. Whether you've been in therapy for years or are reaching out for the first time, my goal is to make this space feel like one where you can show up exactly as you are. Together, we'll work toward the kind of relief and clarity that lasts beyond our sessions.

I firmly believe that we hold the tools and answers we need to be our best selves. I will not only be asking how you are from week to week, I will be helping to make connections between seemingly unrelated things, and helping you get closer and closer to your therapy goals.

Meet Toni Session, LPC, LCPC—a steadfast servant and seasoned counselor, passionately advocating for mental health in both the District of Columbia and the state of Maryland. Born in Bridgeport, CT, and blossoming in Southern Maryland, Toni’s journey led her from a BA in Psychology with a Pre-Law minor at Johnson C. Smith University to mastering Marriage, Family, and Couples Therapy at Capella University in 2014. Toni is a proud member of Lambda Omicron Chi Christian Sorority, Inc and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.