Joan E. Pedersen, MA, ThM, LCSW-C

About Joan E. Pedersen, MA, ThM, LCSW-C

Are you struggling finding happiness or meaning in your life, in your relationships in your work? Amidst the seemingly unceasing demands and stresses of contemporary life in metro DC, the possibility—the necessity--of reclaiming a sense of personal wholeness or renewal becomes more significant than ever. In a safe (to some sacred) space, psychotherapy can present a transforming avenue by which to name, explore and gain greater insight into the issues, which block people from embracing a more meaningful existence. Spiritually-attuned psychotherapy allows the healing integration between mind, body and spirit (of all traditions), as it enhances our self esteem, our relationships or our professional commitments. Through feedback and reflection, one can learn to better cope with, and resolve, personal conflicts in an attempt to engage in life from a full heart. With advanced degrees in clinical social work, spirituality and pastoral counseling, I enjoy accompanying and supporting adults as they address such issues as life transitions (major illness, retirement, unemployment, aging with dignity, empty-nesting); grief/loss (suicide, abortion, infertility, financial, miscarriage, separation/divorce, death of a loved one or pet, or anticipatory grief) as well as intimacy, addictions, anxiety, anger, self esteem and depression. Having worked in the corporate world, I bring a variety of lived experiences as I welcome working with multicultural adults and couples, as well as the geriatric and gay/lesbian populations (and their families). Additionally, I successfully treat individuals as they struggle to cope with terminally or chronically mentally ill relatives. With post-graduate training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, I treat myriad psychiatric and emotional disorders in both long and short-term therapy. I have the deepest respect for, and learn from, my clients as they grapple with the profound challenges of making lasting changes in their lives.