Meet Our Specialized Therapists & Find the Best Therapist for Your Needs
We are a specialized private practice in Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland passionate about helping clients make impactful changes in their lives through integrating a holistic approach with evidence-based therapy. We share a passion for Holistic Wellness and value the Mind-Body connection as being critical to healing, growth, self-discovery and intentional change.
We take a lot of pride in offering specialized evidence-based therapies such as EMDR, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Mindfulness-based CBT to meet our clients’ unique needs and help them achieve goals they have struggled to meet with other therapists.
You can search our availability and request a consultation with any of our therapists right here, instantly.
Instant online booking - Hassle free! No wait times, no emails back and forth, no waiting for a call back!
Meet Our Team of Specialized & Diverse Therapists
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Erika Arnold-McEwan, LICSW
Holistic EMDR Therapist and Attachment-Informed Psychotherapist
DC Only
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John Hardenbergh, LICSW
Holistic EMDR Trauma Therapist & Attachment-informed Psychotherapist
DC Only
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Olesya Van Dijck, LPC
EFT Couples Counselor, Trauma-informed Holistic Psychotherapist & Art Therapist
DC Only
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Veronica Thornton, LGPC
EMDR Trauma Therapist & Holistic Mental Health Counselor
DC Only
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Shamella Joy, LGSW
Holistic Trauma-informed Therapist & Perinatal/Postpartum Therapist
DC Only
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Jane Townsend, LICSW
Holistic Psychotherapist, Perinatal/ Postpartum Therapist & Couples Counselor
DC, MD & VA
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Madeline Gaffney, LGPC
Holistic Psychotherapist and Couples Counselor
DC & Virginia
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Elise Brau, LPC
Holistic EMDR Trauma Therapist & Perinatal/Postpartum Therapist
DC Only
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Huma Sikandar Fatakia, LPC
Founder & CEO, Holistic EMDR Trauma Therapist & EFT Couples Counselor
DC & VA - Not accepting new clients
Our Specialized & Diverse Team of Therapists
Holistic EMDR Trauma Therapist, EFT Couples Counselor & Interracial Couples Expert
Not accepting new clients
Areas of Specialty:
EMDR Therapy & Post Traumatic Stress
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Interracial Couples Issues & Success
Perinatal/ Postpartum Parent Wellness
Perinatal/ Postpartum Relationship Issues
Attachment-informed Therapy & Relational Distress
Locations: DC & Virginia clients
Languages: English, Urdu & Hindi
Huma is the Founder & CEO of Sage & Fifth Therapy Place PLLC. She works with clients to help them overcome distressing cycles and empowers them to find stability, create healthier relationships and live an enriched life. While cultural sensitivity and mindfulness are at the core of her practice, Huma also specializes in EMDR, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Interracial Couples Therapy, Perinatal Mental Health and Attachment based Psychodynamic Therapy.
In her work with couples, she helps partners create a stronger bond and work through communication/ trust issues, past traumas, infidelity, perinatal issues (related to pregnancy, birth, postpartum, infertility), tough life transitions, parenting differences, conflicts in integrating cultural/value differences, boundaries with families and the impact of a mental health diagnosis.
Holistic EMDR Therapist and Attachment-Informed Psychotherapist
Areas of Specialty:
EMDR Therapy and Posttraumatic Stress
Anxiety, Depression, and Phobias
Attachment Ruptures and Family Systems
Developmental Childhood Trauma
Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Relational Distress/Abuse
Locations: DC clients only, Virtual
Erika is mindful of how chronic stress and trauma impact one’s brain and body, as well as one’s functioning within various work, family, and community systems. She helps clients impacted by traumatic events who are struggling with difficulty focusing, negative beliefs about self and others, difficulty feeling positive emotions, anger outbursts, flashbacks, feeling tense, on edge, or easily startled, physical pain, significant self-blame and shame, avoidance of traumatic memories, thoughts, feelings, and situations, nightmares and difficulty falling and staying asleep.
Erika specializes in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), which have demonstrated effectiveness in overcoming ongoing trauma reactions as well as creating more helpful beliefs about one’s self and others. She maintains a clinical foundation of somatic processing, attachment-informed, client-centered, and Polyvagal theories to guide her therapeutic approaches. Erika consistently strives to create a safe, unconditionally supportive therapeutic space, where clients can calm their nervous systems, as well as correct unhelpful beliefs about themselves and others. It is her belief that every person has core strengths and internal resources that will support their healing journey.
Erika has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree from the University of St. Thomas (St. Paul, Minnesota). She has also recently earned a certificate in Global Mental Health from the University of Glasgow, Scotland. She has a special interest in trauma healing of displaced persons and expanding mental health care access in developing communities. Erika is also the creator of a children’s book about trauma: When Sad, Scary Things Happen-Coping with Childhood Trauma. She offers sessions in English.
Holistic EMDR Therapist and Attachment-Informed Psychotherapist
Areas of Specialty:
EMDR Therapy & Post Traumatic Stress
Gender Affirming Therapy
Polyamory & Open Relationships Issues
Therapy for LGBTQIA2SP+ Clients
Developmental Childhood trauma
Attachment-informed Therapy for Relational Distress
Eating Disorders
Anxiety and Professional Burnout
Locations: DC clients only
John is an EMDR trauma therapist and psychodynamically informed psychotherapist. He believes that much of present-day psychological pain is rooted in past traumatic experiences and attachment disruptions. When we experience trauma, memories of these events remain with us as unprocessed memories, affecting our moods, behaviors, sense of self, and our bodies. Often the key to healing is fully processing those experiences in order to feel like yourself again. John has helped many clients reprocess painful experiences using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to create impactful change in their lives, helping them gain insight into themselves and others. With EMDR, clients can approach these memories safely, allowing the mind to go where it needs to go in order to heal. Healing from trauma can be hard work, but John is with his clients every step of the way and will be able to provide skills and resources for overcoming painful experiences.
He also specializes in gender affirming therapy and therapy for LGBTQIA2SP+ clients. Some people have more difficulty navigating the social expectations of gender, sexuality and their own gender identity than others. John provides a calm and nonjudgmental space for his clients to consider and explore their gender identity and sexual orientation. If you’re someone considering medically transitioning in any way, John can also write a letter to your insurance conforming to WPATH’s Standards of Care 8 based on your ongoing therapy with him.
John strongly believes in bringing an intersectional lens into the therapy room to understand how our overlapping identities and oppressions shape our internal experiences. In any therapeutic relationship, our identities will overlap in some situations and diverge in others. John would love to hear your story and talk about how he can work with you to get you through whatever you’re struggling with today.
Prior to becoming a therapist, John was a public interest attorney. He holds a Master’s degree from Catholic University and is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW). He offers sessions in English.
EFT Couples Counselor, Trauma-informed Holistic Psychotherapist & Art Therapist
Areas of Specialty:
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Interracial Couples Therapy
Art Therapy
Somatic Therapy & Movement
Relational Distress
Locations: DC clients only
Languages: English & Russian
As a life-long artist, yogini, and trauma-informed clinician, Olesya helps her clients explore suppressed emotions and reconnect with their authentic self through creative and embodied practices that reach beyond words. She uses an integrative therapeutic approach in helping individual clients overcome cycles of distress related to difficult life transitions, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, attachment issues, domestic violence, sexual or emotional abuse, addictions, grief and loss. She compassionately guides and empowers her clients to activate their inner resources, find their voice and overcome unhealthy patterns to create a more fulfilling life.
Helping clients access underlying emotions and recognizing the transformational power of connection is what drew her to specializing in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT). Using EFT, she helps couples create a stronger bond and work through communication/ trust issues, past traumas, life transitions, conflicts in integrating cultural/value differences.
Olesya earned her Master in Arts in Art Therapy from The George Washington University with a specific focus on trauma and has specialized postgraduate training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy through ICEEFT. She was recognized for her academic research on effects of trauma on survivors of domestic partner violence in Eastern Europe and South Africa. Olesya has a Russian-German background and offers sessions both in English and Russian. She works with couples in Washington DC.
Holistic Psychotherapist, Perinatal/ Postpartum Therapist & EFT Couples Counselor
Areas of Specialty:
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Interracial Couples Issues & Success
Perinatal/ Postpartum Parent Wellness
Perinatal/ Postpartum Relationship Issues
Relational Distress
Anxiety and Professional Burnout
Locations: DC, Virginia & Maryland clients
Jane utilizes a trauma informed holistic and person-centered approach to empower clients to achieve their goals and overcome the challenges they are facing. She also incorporates mindfulness, attachment theory, Emotionally Focused Therapy DBT and CBT interventions in her work with clients, tailoring her approach to help clients process through difficult life experiences and build the skills they need to thrive. She specializes in Perinatal/ Postpartum therapy and Couples Therapy and also has experience working with clients with anxiety, family conflict, depression, life transitions, relational distress, and self-esteem issues. With her couples, she utilizes the proven interventions of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy to help couples build/ repair their connection and overcome communications issues, trust issues, life transitions issues, grief, trauma and mental health concerns. Whether its working with Couples or individuals, Jane always creates a safe, non-judgmental space for her clients to be their true selves and works together with clients as a team.
Jane earned her Master of Social Work from University of Maryland, Baltimore and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). She has been engaged in specialized training in Perinatal Mental health and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, developing her niche of working with Couples in the Perinatal/ Postpartum period. Prior to becoming a Licensed Social Worker, Jane worked with children with Autism and obtained her Bachelor’s of Arts from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Jane offers sessions in English and works with individuals and couples in Washington DC, Maryland & Virginia.
Holistic Trauma-informed Psychotherapist & Perinatal/Postpartum Therapist
Areas of Specialty:
Perinatal/ Postpartum Parent Wellness
Fertility Challenges & Perinatal Loss
Trauma & Post Traumatic Stress
Relational Distress
Anxiety and Professional Burnout
Locations: DC clients only
Shamella has a passion for helping clients experience a less daunting and more rewarding path through parenthood. She specializes in helping new parents struggling with the challenges of postpartum life and clients struggling with the uncertainties of fertility and perinatal loss. Having been through the fertility process and now motherhood, she knows just how scary and difficult it can be. She understands the impact it can make in a client's life to have someone there to hold space for them and to help them feel seen and understood in their experience thus she shows up as that empathic support for her clients every day.
As a trauma-informed therapist with experience in working with veterans and refugee families, Shamella also has experience supporting clients through processing and healing from past traumas and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). She also incorporates Mindfulness, Holistic Psychotherapy and DBT in her work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, identity/ self-esteem issues, ADD/ADHD and childhood trauma. ShameIla fosters a safe and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment in therapy where clients can explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and embark on a journey toward healing and personal growth. Her approach differs depending on her client’s strengths and what works to make meaningful changes towards a greater sense of well-being in their lives.
Shamella earned her Master’s in Social Work from Louisiana State University and M.S. in Peace Operations from George Mason University with a special focus on Refugee Resettlement.
Holistic Psychotherapist & Couples Counselor
Areas of Specialty:
Attachment-informed Therapy for Relational Distress
Anxiety and Professional Burnout
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Mindfulness Based Holistic Psychotherapy
Locations: DC & Virginia clients
Madeline has a passion for working with clients on intrapersonal and relational concerns related to attachment. By using Emotionally Focused Therapy, Person centered therapy, Mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Madeline empowers her clients with tools to create authentic connections with others, while also prioritizing self-exploration and self-acceptance. She also helps clients overcome challenges related to burnout, depression, anxiety, life transitions and grief.
Madeline also has a special interest and training in working with couples struggling with communication and trust issues. Madeline earned her Master's in Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling from the College of William and Mary. Before becoming a therapist, Madeline attended the University of Texas School of Law and worked as an attorney for four years. This background helps her better relate to clients dealing with burnout and work anxiety.
Madeline works with couples and individuals in Washington DC and Virginia and offers services in English.
EMDR Trauma Therapist & Holistic Psychotherapist
Areas of Specialty:
EMDR Therapy and Post Traumatic Stress
Developmental Childhood trauma
Anxiety & Professional Burnout
Relational Distress
Locations: DC clients only
Veronica specializes in EMDR trauma therapy and Holistic Psychotherapy, incorporating mindfulness, somatic interventions, Psychodynamic Therapy and CBT interventions. The impact of trauma on one’s life may look like anxiety, depression, avoidance, loss of sense of self or grief that does not go away. It comes in many shapes and sizes, and can even be connected to chronic physical illnesses. Veronica has a deep understanding of this impact of trauma and helps her clients reconnect with themselves and learn new ways to overcome these struggles. She specializes in working with clients who need support with trauma connected to complex grief, divorce, disruptive family relationships/attachments, sexual Trauma, childhood abuse, high stress due to life transitions or other past experiences of trauma.
With EMDR therapy, Veronica has been able to help her clients process big emotions and traumatic events that felt stuck for them for a long time and has helped them learn new ways of being to attain the life they desire. She creates a safe environment for her clients, helps them build on their character strengths and collaborates with them to incorporate their history and cultural background in their therapeutic journey.
Veronica earned her MS in Human Development and Family Studies from University of North Carolina and her Master's in Counseling from Regent University. She also has specialized postgraduate training in EMDR Therapy. Veronica offers sessions in English and works with individuals in Washington DC.
Holistic EMDR Trauma Therapist & Perinatal/Postpartum Therapist
Not accepting new clients
Areas of Specialty:
EMDR Therapy & Post Traumatic Stress
Perinatal/ Postpartum Parent Wellness
Existential Issues
Anxiety and Professional Burnout
Relational Distress
Locations: DC clients only
Languages: English & Spanish
Elise uses an integrative holistic approach, incorporating evidence-based mindfulness, somatic body interventions, DBT interventions, trauma informed therapy and attachment based psychodynamic interventions to help clients develop skills to better understand themselves and their relationships, in therapy and outside of sessions. Elise specializes in working with clients struggling with anxiety, trauma and perinatal issues (related to pregnancy, postpartum, infertility & perinatal loss). She also has experience working with clients dealing with depression, relational distress, attachment issues, family conflict, identity exploration, life transitions, self-doubt, meaninglessness, spirituality, and grief. She approaches clients with warmth and compassion, creating a safe space for them to find holistic healing.
Elise earned her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The George Washington University and has specialized postgraduate training in Perinatal and Postpartum Mental Health. Originally from Puerto Rico, she incorporates culturally-informed care to work with a diverse clientele and offers sessions in both English and Spanish. Prior to becoming a therapist, Elise worked in education technology. She has a BA in History from Yale University and a Master's in European Studies from LSE. Elise works with individuals in Washington DC.
What People Are Saying
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When I met Huma I was an adult revisiting some childhood traumas. I had been in counseling session at various times in my life and found Huma to be very different from other practitioners. Huma did more than listen, she provided strategies to assist me in and out of sessions. I am stronger as a result of the work I did with Huma.
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— K. M.
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Of all the counselors/therapists I have worked with, Elise ended up being my absolute favorite and someone who I believe I made the most growth and progress with. I can't thank her enough for the impact she made in my life.
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— C. G..
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Huma has an uncanny ability to tune in to wherever I am each day, and she remembers everything I say, bringing things back when relevant to make connections I don't think I would've ever made on my own. It's a relief having Huma as my therapist. My time with her is something I look forward to every single week, and I don't think many people say that about therapy.
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— Elyse.
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I wanted to share with you how much our session helped me today, and really how helpful I always find our sessions. I am so impressed by your ability to tune into wherever I am.
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— Caitlin.
