Danielle Wells

Hi, I’m Danielle. I’m glad you’re reading this and hope we connect. It takes a lot of courage to try something new, including trying a new therapist. I see therapy as a collaboration that empowers you to be your whole, authentic self and make real change for YOU. Together, we’ll explore your many sources of strength and solutions to cultivate greater well-being, joy, ease, connection, and belonging in your life and relationships. 

My approach

In session, I strive to create a warm, safe, and non-judgmental space. Clients tell me I have a calming presence and that they feel seen and heard. I’m often told my approach feels warmer and “less clinical” than my clients prior therapy experiences.

Individual therapy

I help clients who are experiencing anxiety, relationship issues, sexual concerns, life transition challenges, and LGBTQIA+ concerns. Based on your needs and preferences, I often use a mix of therapeutic modalities to achieve short-term relief alongside deeper, long-term change, including emotion focused, mindfulness, psychodynamic, attachment, DBT, CBT, and relational cultural approaches. I’m also a trained life and leadership coach.

Couples counseling

I help couples strengthen their relationships, including improving communication, resolving sexual concerns, exploring commitment, addressing LGBTQIA+ concerns, and resolving other problems. I also provide premarital counseling.

I’m experienced working with clients who are in ethically non-monogamous and monogamous relationships

My couples work is grounded in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), which is endorsed by the American Psychological Association and grounded in more than 20 years of research. Studies show approximately 90 percent of couples experience significant improvement from EFT. To this, I bring elements of mindfulness, Gottman, CBT, and other methods. 

Who I work with

I enjoy working with individuals and couples to deepen and strengthen existing relationships, find new relationships, explore sexuality, and reduce stress and anxiety. I’m experienced working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and trained at Whitman-Walker Health. I’m sex positive, kink-affirming, and see clients in ethically non-monogamous and monogamous relationships. All of my work is trauma-informed. 

I value transparency and authenticity. I welcome all your identities and am attuned to how identity and privilege show up in our lives and therapy. I’m committed to affirming, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and culturally humble practices. 

My background

I come to therapy as a second career, after many years as a social justice advocate at Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. This gives me a deep understanding of the stressors faced by people working in policy, politics, and social change. 

I also bring a lifelong love of music, writing, and art and have a strong belief in the healing power of creativity, humor, and play.

I’m a licensed graduate social worker (LGSW) in the District of Columbia. I have a master’s in social work from Catholic University, a master’s in art history from the University of Texas at Austin, and a bachelor’s in psychology from Austin College. I’m also a trained life and leadership coach. I practice under the clinical supervision of Rob Williams, LICSW.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or to set up an initial free consultation.