Our therapists offer christian counseling in Washington, DC

Abdul is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) who specializes in working with adults who are seeking help with depression, anxiety, bereavement, and substance use disorders. He helps them transform their lives by learning to think about their lives in new and less hurtful ways.

Abdul holds a master’s degree in social work from Howard University’s School of Social Work. Prior to getting his MSW, he was working at an outpatient community mental health center and working on getting certified as an addiction counselor. He employs a variety of techniques including psychoeducation, motivational interviewing, Socratic questioning, and unconditional positive regard. His treatment orientation is heavily influenced by rational emotive and cognitive approaches. Abdul always aims to help clients understand what they want from their lives and to motivate them to achieve those goals.

Abdul's practice is rooted in humanism, the belief that people are self-motivated to pursue their own happiness. He sees his role as a guide who can support you on your journey toward happiness. Abdul accepts that all people are unique, with unique biology, chemistry, life stories, and life goals all their own. He understands that not everyone gets the same start in life and that each of us is uniquely shaped by the challenges and opportunities we encounter in our families of origin, our communities, and our society at large.

Abdul's goal as a professional is to support you as you strive for happiness and help you identify challenges and develop skills to overcome them. Ultimately, he believes that each person he meets is on a quest, searching for a rewarding, meaningful, and fulfilling life. His role is simply to help you get to your destination. "Noted psychiatrist and addiction expert Gabor Maté said that only when compassion is present can healing truly take place. My goal is to be that compassionate presence in your life as you work to understand yourself, identify the source of your unhappiness, and work with you to discover the happiness and life satisfaction that you deserve," says Abdul.

Lazare Shadzeka is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner via the American Nurses Credentialing Center, with privileges in Maryland and Washington DC. He completed his Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree in 2014, in the renowned Marymount University and while pursuing a calling of serving the adult, elderly and vulnerable communities, he decided to further his education, consequently receiving his Master of Science in Nursing Degree with honors from Walden University. Lazare has accumulated over six enriching years in the provision of holistic care to a wide variety of clients, with psychiatric conditions. Lazare is an enthusiastic, caring and people-oriented person with an innate skill in managing overall patient care and support with provision of health assessments, psychiatric evaluations, treatment planning, medication management, therapeutic services, client education and regular follow-ups. Client wellness is a priority that drives his full engagement and committed nature. By starting cordial relationship with Lazare, clients will experience a caring, collaborative, and engaging environment with the goal of improving client outcomes progressively working towards their goals and improving on their daily lives.

Nadine Missiet is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with the American Nurses Credentialing Center in both the District of Columbia and the state of Maryland. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing Degree at Walden University, and she is caring and compassionate nurse practitioner. She has devoted more than seven years providing holistic care to a wide variety of clients with psychiatric conditions.

As a nurse practitioner, she treats her patients with dignity, respect, and acting with empathy and compassion. She recognizes the importance of both mental and physical well-being, customizing care to respect the individual’s belief, and striving to educate patients on health maintenance and disease prevention that will promote quality living throughout the community. She believes that a patient’s wishes come first, and therefore, each individual should be considered a partner in his/her own care. Keeping a patient informed and well educated before making a decision regarding health is vital.

As a humble nurse practitioner, she will focus more on having her patients become partner in their own care, and be able to gain control and understanding of their own health and well being. At the end of the visit, a patient may not remember the laboratory results or vital signs divulged, but hopefully, they will remember how their practitioner made them feel valuable, empowered, and respected when choosing their provision of care.

Startasha Dillard is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and the District of Columbia. She has 16 years of experience in the behavioral health field. She has worked with individuals with both mental health and substance use disorders. She has worked with adults seeking help with addiction, anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, anger, and relationship issues. She creates a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to share, and she always maintains an open ear, flexibility, and awareness necessary to meet the unique needs of the individual.

Startasha has completed her Doctor of Education in Counselor Education and Supervision, and her Master of Art in Community Counseling from Argosy University. She utilizes collaborative, supportive, person-centered, strength-based, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused approaches to therapy.

Startasha seeks to provide a supportive space to assist you in navigating personal challenges and life transitions. Through collaborating and increasing your self-understanding, therapeutic work can assist you in reaching your goals and learning skills to prevent future distress.

Dr. Tiara Carter is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 3 years of experience. She specializes in trauma-informed therapy for women and communities of color, with a focus on cultural humility, emotional safety, and empowerment. Dr. Carter’s therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that healing occurs when individuals feel seen, heard, and affirmed. She strives to create culturally inclusive spaces for growth, resilience, and transformation.

Dr. Carter earned her Doctorate in International Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She utilizes evidence-based approaches such as dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and narrative therapy to support clients.

Dr. Carter honors the complexity of her clients’ lived experiences and offers therapy as a space for healing, clarity, and connection. She works well with adults and emerging professionals seeking authenticity, emotional resilience, and a therapist who understands the intersection of race, culture, and mental health.

Olubunmi Moses is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who has years of experience working with children, teens, and adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and chronic stress.

Olubunmi completed her Master's degree in Nursing at Walden University and her Bachelor's degree in Nursing at the University of Maryland. She has extensive experience caring for patients in different age groups and different cultural backgrounds. She has extensive clinical experience working with inpatient clients in a hospital setting. Olubunmi integrates different therapies like medication therapy. behavior management. culturally sensitive, faith-based therapy (FBT), and person-centered techniques in developing an effective plan of care. 

Olubunmi is certain that with her extensive clinical experience, she will be able to provide the support, healthcare, and therapy sessions that you need to attain your maximum potential. Olubunmi is willing and able to provide the optimal care you deserve in order to live a happy and fulfilled life. Schedule an appointment with her today.

Sandra is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the District of Columbia and Maryland. For the last decade, she has been advocating for individuals and families struggling with mental health concerns. She has provided therapeutic services to a diverse array of individuals of all ages, primarily focused on childhood trauma. Through her work, she is committed to helping people overcome eating disorders, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, trauma, and other similar stressors that affect all of us at some time in our lives.

Sandra believes that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment, and she cooperatively assists her clients in clarifying their goals for treatment. Rather than adopting one methodology for all individuals and issues, she draws from a variety of methods to create a tailored approach for each individual and situation. 

As a therapist, Sandra is warm, open, encouraging, and direct. She considers herself an active therapist, combining experience, education, creativity, and a sense of humor with a down-to-earth, realistic approach to counseling. She strongly believes that change can happen in one's life at any point if one is willing and able. Her goal is to provide a safe space for clients to feel accepted, understood, and valued. Sandra looks forward to starting this journey with you.

Sarah Jones is a Licensed Professional Counselor and an Art Therapist with 10 years of experience in individual therapy and child and family consultation work. She is passionate about combining art therapy and play techniques in her practice to help clients with adjustment issues, depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship issues, and major life transitions. During the pandemic, she opened her practice to more adult-focused work, performing telehealth sessions and leading group art therapy for cancer survivors. Sarah completed her Master of Science in Counseling and Art Therapy from Mount Mary University.

Sarah’s framework comes from a community art therapy model and her clinical training hours consisted of working with children and adults who have disabilities and/or who are neurodiverse. Sarah utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, person-centered approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed treatment.

Life brings many challenges. Sarah wants to support you through these challenges, helping to inspire your inner artist and healer. You do not need any art experience to seek therapy from Sarah, and if you prefer talk therapy, that is fine too. Sarah believes you are the expert in your life experiences—Sarah is a guide to help you through this tough time.

Erica is licensed in the state of Virginia as a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Addictions Treatment Practitioner, and a Board Certified Art Therapist. She has an extensive history of working with clients suffering from co-occurring disorders. Erica feels that the therapeutic value of art has the opportunity to heal, empower and engage those isolated due to their addiction, depression, anxiety, fears, anger, and pain.

Erica received her Master's degree in Art Therapy from George Washington University, with a focus on Trauma-Informed Care. Erica believes whole-heartedly in the healing power of creativity, incorporating both integrative and cognitive approaches to foster growth and empower clients towards obtaining their goals set forth in therapy. Her nurturing spirit helps clients discover their true potential. 

Utilizing an integrative approach that implements CBT, DBT, positive psychology, and person-centered care enables Erica to maximize the therapeutic value of an integrated approach to heal, empower, and engage those isolated by their addiction, depression, anxiety, fears, and self script to provide innovative therapy for her clients.

Diana Abadi is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 4 years of experience providing counseling to adults. She specializes in assisting with a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, and mental stress. Diana has lived and traveled around the world to gain experience in cultures and populations different from her own. These experiences have influenced the openmindedness with which she approaches every client.

Diana received her Master’s in Forensic Psychology from Universidad Externado de Colombia. She shapes care to fit individual needs and uses techniques from existential therapy, psychoanalytic therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Diana believes in partnership, hard work, and a strong therapeutic alliance with the client. She is ready to help you tackle life’s obstacles and encourages you to reach out to schedule an initial appointment today!