Helen McDonald
they/them
About
Helen
Hello, my name is Helen and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I believe in the importance of collaboration, creativity, and exploration in the therapeutic process. Using an anti-oppressive, person-in-environment approach, I work together with my clients to process emotional "stuck points" and to highlight clients' inherent strengths. I approach therapy with a strong emphasis on the role of relationships and how we all make meaning out of our lived experiences to navigate challenges and build capacity. Together, I hope you and I will be able to co-create a therapeutic space where you are able to process your experiences and learn more about who and how you are in the world.
In my spare time, I enjoy rock climbing, hiking, reading a good book, going to concerts, and/or watching horror movies. I identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community and a New Englander. I love a good adventure and a good laugh.
Helen
treats clients with
Substance Use
ADHD
Sex/Intimacy
Cultural or Racial Identity
Eating Disorders
Gender Identity
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Autism
Sleep or Insomnia
Relationship Difficulties
Hoarding
Anger
Life Transitions
Anxiety
Postpartum Mood Disorders
Physical Health
Stress
Depression
Weight Management
Grief and Loss
Childhood Challenges
Trauma and PTSD
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Borderline Personality Disorder
Communities
Helen
specializes in
LGBTQIA+ Affirming
Men's Issues
Women's Issues
Immigrants/Refugees
Spirituality
Older Adults
Religion
Approaches
Helen
can use
Time-Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy (TLDP)
Somatic Therapies
Harm Reduction for Substance Use Disorders
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Panic
Seeking Safety
Psychodynamic
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Solution-Focused Therapy
Mindfulness
Dialectical Behavioral (DBT)
Narrative Therapy
Psychoanalytic
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Schema Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Social Phobia
Motivational Interviewing
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Helen
education and experience
- Clinical Services Manager at the DC Rape Crisis Center
- Associate Director of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Program at Doorways
- Youth Education Specialist at the Fairfax County Division for Domestic and Sexual Violence Services
- Prevention Specialist and Youth Advocate at Sojourner House
Helen
license information