I create a laid-back, relaxed approach so that clients are comfortable and can be themselves in a trusting, confidential, and professional environment.

My communication style is without judgment. Meaning my clients can rest assured that they are in a non-judgmental, safe space where they can receive support and genuineness. I bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding to our sessions.

You feel caught in cycles that no longer serve you, but after so long, you don’t know any other way. In the quiet moments, you might find yourself wondering, “What is wrong with me?” That stress often feels like a spring winding tighter in your chest: a constant state of waiting for the other shoe to drop, or a quiet numbing of your own feelings and boundaries just to get through the day. I want to offer you a different perspective: What if nothing is actually wrong with you? You aren’t malfunctioning; you are adapting. You are experiencing the exhaustion of a system that has worked overtime to help you survive. As an Internal Family Systems (IFS) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapist, I offer therapy for clients in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Together, we build a relationship with protective parts and gently process how trauma is held in the body and nervous system, at a pace that feels safe and supportive.

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 have been working in the helping field related to counseling for almost 20 years. In that time I have learned that the best way to help others is to be an excellent listener, to be compassionate, empathetic, and to collaborate with individuals to assist them in gaining the tools that they need to make positive change in their lives. I work hard to encourage clients that the strength for change lies within them and my job is to help them find it. I utilize a great deal of mindfulness based techniques and believe that learning the process of becoming more mindful in life can be extremely beneficial to problem solving and learning to sit with discomfort. As a counselor I do not believe that I have all of the answers or can fix anyone, however, I do believe that if the client is willing to do the work to create change in their life that I can assist them in doing so successfully. Ultimately, my goal for the counseling relationship is to assist clients in managing stress more effectively and learning skills that can be used well after the counseling relationship has terminated, in a straightforward and honest approach.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the complexities of life and wonder where to turn for guidance? I offer a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can safely explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. My approach is rooted in the belief that every individual is unique, and healing is a collaborative journey tailored to your specific needs. I work with clients of all ages, helping them navigate challenges and build the life they envision. In our sessions, we uncover the patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. You’ll learn how your past influences the present and how to embrace change. Whether you are dealing with mental health issues, cultural differences, challenges with motherhood, or conflicts within your family, I provide practical tools and empathetic support to strengthen connections and foster mutual understanding. Overall, my holistic and integrative approach transforms challenges into opportunities for personal growth. With each session, we cultivate a comprehensive understanding of your personal narrative, enabling you to unlock your potential and live a more authentic life. I am committed to provide guidance as you transform challenges into growth and fulfillment. We will work together to gain insight, overcome obstacles, and move forward with confidence and empowerment.

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with 8 years of experience in behavioral health. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, bipolar, posttraumatic stress (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive challenges (OCD), schizophrenia, eating-related challenges, dementia, and life transitions. I strive to create a compassionate, stigma-free environment where clients feel heard, respected, and supported as they work toward symptom relief, clarity, and emotional balance.

If someone is struggling with today's news and events, surviving a difficult upbringing, or wrestling with issues of identity, the best thing they can do for themselves is to find that safe, affirming space that allows them to speak freely without fear of judgement. My goal is to provide the emotional, physical, and affirming space for that very thing to happen. My clientele consists of students, mental health professionals, veterans, seniors, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I hold master's degrees in trauma informed counseling and the arts. Sometimes individuals have a block and the words are difficult to find. A more creative process can often reveal nonverbal cues and metaphors that can deepen understanding and healing. I help clients use imagery, symbolism, and creative expression to uncover meaning and insight. I currently work with individuals ages 8 and up, I have worked with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, grief and loss, life transitions, and trauma-related issues. I bring creativity, compassion, warmth, and a genuine desire to provide affirmation, and occasionally humor to foster a safe, affirming, and empowering environment.

Welcome to my practice! Therapy can be a powerful tool in relieving distress, learning about oneself, and living a more fulfilled life. I believe that at the heart of successful therapy is a collaborative, open, and warm relationship. Through curiosity and acceptance, I help my clients gain more appreciation for their emotions, assist them in recognizing their strengths, and aid them in identifying opportunities for growth. I strive to help my clients obtain the tools necessary to overcome roadblocks, which often keep them from reaching their full potential. I work with clients from diverse backgrounds and life stages and welcome the opportunity to treat individuals facing a wide range of concerns. Given my training and experience working with adolescents, college/graduate students, and young professionals, I have a deep understanding of the challenges these individuals face as they navigate life transitions. In particular, I specialize in helping individuals with self-esteem concerns, relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, trauma/loss, and disordered eating. Taking the step to begin therapy can be difficult. With the right therapist, however, therapy can be an important and rewarding tool to living a more satisfying, authentic, and fulfilled life. I invite you to contact me to see if I may be a good fit for you. My office is metro-accessible, conveniently located in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, D.C. I have daytime and evening hours available.

My name is Irlande Stavien, and I have been working in mental health for the past 13 years. My path into this field began with a desire to better understand people, their struggles, their resilience, and the many ways life can shape emotional well-being. I hold a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Psychiatric Rehabilitation, as well as a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

My passion is working with young people and their families concerned about the impact of substance use in their lives. I understand that many people have been harmed by one-size-fit-all treatment approaches, so self-empowerment is my focus and my approach is person- and family-centric. There are many paths to wellness. This means that you are in charge of your treatment goals. I understand that any change is difficult so I'll meet you where you're at in the change process to empower you to take the next steps. People use substances for reasons. I'll work with you to help you understand your relationship with substances and collaborate with you to develop tools and strategies to reduce any harms associated with your use. Goals may include safer use, reduced use or abstinence.

Kedian Gooden is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) committed to helping people with mental health challenges live more productive lives and improve their day-to-day functioning. As a PMHNP, Kedian’s role is to provide safe, quality psychiatric care to individuals and their families. She is well versed in using an evidence-based approach to psychiatric assessments, medication evaluations, and medication management for a wide variety of mental health conditions. Additionally, Kedian has over 15 years of experience in health care, working in various positions that have helped her develop the skills and abilities to provide high-quality behavioral health care.