With me, you will always feel supported, important, and free to be yourself without judgment. I want to help you reach your goals, so collaboration is required. Let's work together to improve your life.

I am Ann Bohr Benner, LCSW. I like to work with adults of all ages who are dealing with depression, anxiety, life transitions, andor grief. We start with and come back to client goals. I think holistically about people who are in distress. Sleep, diet, relaxation, exercise, social support, and spiritual life all can contribute to change. Then self-awareness, insight, and intentional behavior change are important. I endeavor to create a safe space in which each person can be exactly where they are, and eventually, the natural inclination to heal and grow can flourish. I work with people who have depression, anxiety or are struggling with loss andor change. I work with people who are dealing with the fallout from trauma. I work at creating a supportive environment that allows people to safely experience difficult feelings and identify who they are and want to be. I can be gently accepting as well as clear about keeping on task. I first identified an interest in differences in people and culture when I chose an undergraduate major in anthropology. I went to social work school out of a desire for social progress. I've done community social work, community organizing, medical social work, and worked at a family counseling agency. I worked in mental health to empower people to take charge of their own recoveries after facilitating my own recovery. I am deeply investing in work as a therapist now, as I get to integrate this range of work experience as well as much life experience. Our work is centered on client goals. We periodically come back to and re-evaluate goals, since these can change with time and experience. In the first session, I will want to hear why you decided to pursue therapy, and I will talk with you about what to expect from me. I will ask you some questions about your history, as appropriate. We will work out a schedule for a meeting.

There are times in all of our lives where we find ourselves at a crossroads. Do I continue on the path I am on, or is it time to pause, dig in, and face my fear, addiction, compulsion, hesitancy, anger, patterns, issues, struggles, etc.? This can be a very frightening crossroads, and having the courage to face ourselves, our past and what may be before us can be very fleeting. I meet people at this crossroads, and together we "dig in", and begin to explore what needs exploring, mend what needs mending, fight what needs fighting and forgive what needs forgiving. As they say in AA, I believe we are spiritual beings in physical world and as a Pastoral Counselor I am able and willing to explore how these two realities are integrated in our lives. Please feel free to give me a call with any of your questions or concerns.

Taking the step to find the right therapist is a powerful act of self-care. Whether you’re dealing with everyday stress, adjusting to life changes, or working through anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges, you don’t have to face it alone. At Dynamic Health Partners, we believe mental health care should reflect the uniqueness of each individual. Serving adults across the District of Columbia metropolitan area and Arizona, our diverse team of highly trained clinicians provides compassionate, culturally responsive care tailored to your needs and experiences. We offer individual therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, and specialized treatment for more complex mental health conditions, such as mood-related challenges and posttraumatic stress (PTSD). With flexible in-person and virtual options, we aim to make high-quality care both accessible and convenient, wherever you are in your journey. Your story matters. Your healing matters. And you’re not alone. Let’s take the next step together.

Do you ever feel like there's an instruction book to life that everyone got but you? Does it seem like everyone else "has it all together" and you're just trying to fake your way through life? Not a good feeling, is it? Believe it or not, you're not alone, and you're not as bad as you think. You've learned ways to think and feel about yourself that made sense in the past, but they aren't working so well now. I specialize in helping my clients identify their unhelpful ways of thinking and feeling so they can choose to think and feel differently about themselves and improve their self-esteem. I also help clients to process traumatic experiences, both "big T" traumas (like combat, sexual and physical assaults, and car accidents), and "little T" traumas (like negative interactions that lead to a poor self-image). Contact me today so I can help you to understand why you shouldn't believe everything you think!

Accepting new clients- Life is hard. Most of us want to think that it gets easier but that only occurs when our skills (emotional, mental, physical, spiritual) improve. Therapy is the perfect place to learn and practice new skills while getting the encouragement to make it through life's toughest moments. And I am ready for you. I work with all clients and specialize in the BlackBrown communities, LGBTQ population, couples, and adolescents. I value intersectionality, solutions-focused work, and holistic practices. I specialize in following therapies: cognitive-behavioral, play, solutions-focused & strengths based. I value & support parent educationcounseling especially as parents navigate through the school system while raising a child with mental health concerns. I strongly value a holistic & organic approach to mental health progress. As a Counselor in an urban setting, I understand the time and transportation constraints that many clients may face. Therefore, I am able to provide on-site services (in-home andor confidential setting) or in my office.

Life often presents us with difficulties and struggles. Sometimes having someone who is willing to listen without judging what you are going through can help you with sorting out your problems and difficulties. Telling your story enables you to come to terms with your current experiences. You may be dealing with difficult life events, feeling sad, anxious or depressed. Therapy can help you to learn coping skills and techniques to solve problems. I encourage you to reach out today to see how I can be of help to you. I have worked with clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions and mood disorders. I enjoy helping those who struggle with a desire to change behaviors. I am passionate about working with those who are experiencing stress or anxiety and helping those dealing with problems with self-esteem or difficulties in their current or past relationships.

I specialize in treating anxieties, and feelings of being overwhelmed and stressed in ‘normal’ people like yourself. My practical approaches focus on implementing paths forward for specific problems, as well as addressing generalized angst and emotional distress for which solutions seem elusive. We’ll not just manage symptoms – we’ll challenge assumptions and self-judgments to break old patterns you’ve operated on (perhaps for years), because of past trauma or other experiences. We’ll build new ways of thinking, behaving and responding to your past, present and future challenges. Please call! THERAPY FOCUS On the outside, clients like yourself are stable, purposeful, successful and content. But they quickly express that inside they’re struggling; overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety, stress, frustration and even sadness. Often, there are marital and relationship conflicts. Clients feel stuck in seemingly inescapable patterns, or have specific problems that seem intractable. Then, more issues: job dissatisfaction, marital conflicts (even divorce), or parental child or adolescent challenges – a ‘Polycrisis Syndrome‘. Often clients feel estranged from themselves and family, with goals that seem ambiguous or appear unachievable. Clients want to be heard, validated and acknowledged. I’ll listen. We’ll work together to change that and restore your self-confidence, direction and a strong sense of satisfaction. I offer effective help with problem-solving, marital conflict resolution and reconnection to yourself. I’m a classic psychotherapist, not some A.I.- or minimally experienced internet-social media advisor. My non-judgmental approach balances the need to validate your experiences with the urgency to address and resolve your challenges.

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.

You are worthy of healing, even when your inner-critic says otherwise. If you are experiencing anxiety, you know that it is much more complex than excessive worrying. Often negative self-talk, guilt, self-doubt, and fear also run rampant, making it difficult to get through your day. On the outside, your loved ones or colleagues may think you have it together, but internally you are struggling. Trying to control everything around you - while at the same time feeling out of control leaves you exhausted and on edge. I help clients heal by reducing anxiety and restoring self-worth. When you work with me, we will uncover your strengths, process past wounds, and enhance your coping skills. I empower all clients’ growth by using a culturally-affirming, strengths-based approach. Modalities include CBT, DBT, and Psychodynamic Therapy. With me, you will get an inclusive space to grow, heal, and practice self-compassion. You don’t have to deal with anxiety on your own. I’m here to help.

When you feel stressed out, overwhelmed or anxious, it can stop you from being spontaneous, from trying new things, or enjoying life. Maybe you've been managing your stress for years but recently it's become too much. Therapy can help you manage your anxiety and gain a better sense of self. I'm licensed in Maryland and Delaware and I want you to live your life with more intention and feel greater fulfillment in everything you do. Telehealth only. Find my soul support for Highly Sensitive Women here- https:www.elizabethcushcoaching.com