ABOUT JOAN BELLSEY
ABOUT ME
The idea of becoming a therapist started when I was seven years old and lived next door to an in-patient adolescent and teen treatment center. I got to be friends with a few of the young people who were enrolled in my school. I witnessed their struggles to overcome a broad range of serious psychiatric issues. They inspired me to change the way I looked at mental illness.
MY PRACTICE
Welcome to therapy...
You always thought you had it all together and didn’t need any help. Then life throws you a challenge just too difficult to handle alone. It's OK to reach out for help. The goal of therapy is to help you uncover your potential by addressing long-standing behavior patterns and negative perceptions that are holding you back from experiencing a more meaningful life.
Each therapy session is unique and will cater to your specific goals. We will discuss your primary issues and concerns during the session. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, lasting 50 minutes. Your therapy can be short term, focusing on a specific issue; or longer term, addressing complex issues. There will be times I ask you to do homework outside the session or keep track of certain behaviors. The benefits obtained from our work together will depend on how you use the process and put into practice what you learn.
If you are interested in my services, you are one step closer to feeling empowered and on a positive path to well-being. You are choosing a therapist who is compassionate, supportive, and concerned about your growth. I will treat you with respect and pay careful attention to what you say. In return, I expect you to be actively involved in your own therapy process.
I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
MSW, 1991 University of Maryland at Baltimore
LICSW, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Washington, DC
LCSW-C, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified, Maryland
CAC, Certified Addictions Counselor, Washington, DC
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
Substance Abuse and Addictions Certification (CAC)
Employee Assistance Professional (EAP)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Level 1
REIKI, the First Degree of the Usui System of Healing
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) training
Relationship Enhancement Therapy (RE) training
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) training
TREATMENT ORIENTATION
Cognitive Behavioral
Solution focused
Interpersonal
Psychodynamic
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
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Substance Abuse
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Recovery from Substances
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Sexual Identity
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Relationship issues- How to communicate effectively with your partner
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Coping with Grief & Loss
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Self -Esteem
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Anxiety & Depression disorders
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Parenting Issues
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Coming Out to parents, friends, co-workers
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Am I Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Q?
Also I facilitate workshops addressing communication in the workplace, stress, managing change and staying resilient in tough times, depression, menopause and other issues of concern to employees and supervisors, and have co-led a psychotherapy group for men.
OTHER PROFESSIONAL & VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES
I was as a Community Advisory member for Lesbian Services (LSP) at Whitman Walker Clinic and served on the Mental Health Advisory Committee providing clinical supervision for the clinic's peer substance abuse counselors. Facilitated "Maybe Baby" groups for Lesbian services and ran workshops on Communication issues, Stress, and Why We Stay Too Long in our Relationships. I am an active member of the DC Front Runners organization.
PAYMENT POLICIES AND INSURANCE
I am a participating provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield (CareFirst). You are responsible for the co-payment at time of service. I also accept ‘out of network’ clients. Please check with your insurance. I accept cash, checks or credit cards.
AVAILABILITY
Evenings and limited daytime appointments are available. Appointments are made by telephone at 202-248-9443.
“There are no words that I can express how much you helped me through the darkest part of my life. Just know you are an amazing counselor and person. I am honored to have you in my life.”
- A. B., from Baltimore, MD
LICSW, LCSW-C, CAC
Joan Bellsey,
Relationship Changer | I listen | Singles, Couples, Gender Neutral | 2 Moms, 2 Dads
OFFICE LOCATION
By Metro: Red Line. A short walk from the Cleveland Park metro stop.
Exit on the West side.
On street parking available.