Welcome. The ability to create change starts with increased awareness about how we understand and relate to ourselves and others. By gaining insight, we can make better-informed and intentional choices to improve our sense of well-being, empowerment, and authenticity. Being well is not only the absence of illness but the the presence of positive emotions such as contentment and happiness, satisfaction with life, and fulfillment. As a therapist, I take an active and a collaborative role with my clients, and help them work toward a deeper connection with themselves and others. I strive to build an environment that is nurturing, and safe for my clients to challenge themselves.
Making the initial contact to seek therapy is an important decision; it can also be a challenging one. Feel free to contact me if you have questions about my practice, want to discuss anything that might be helpful in making your decision, or would like to schedule an initial consultation.
ABOUT
Seda Sümer-Richards, Ph.D.
Psychologist
Originally from İstanbul, Turkey, I am a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in Washington, DC. I provide individual psychotherapy and couples/marriage counseling. In addition, I offer clinical supervision to therapists-in-training, and consultation to organizations on mental health issues. Prior to full-time private practice I served as a Staff Psychologist, the Law School Psychologist, and the Assistant Director for Clinical Services and Training at the George Washington University Counseling Center. During the course of my doctoral training, I worked at varying university counseling centers in Atlanta, GA, including Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Agnes Scott College, and Grady Memorial Hospital Community Mental Health Center. As the final year of doctoral training, I completed a pre-doctoral internship at the American University Counseling Center. I have 10+ years of clinical experience working with a diverse clientele with respect to gender, race/ethnicity, cultural background, and sexual orientation. I offer therapy in English and Turkish.
Educational Background
- Ph.D., Counseling Psychology – Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Pre-Doctoral Internship, Clinical Psychology – American University, Washington, D.C.
- M.A., Applied Psychological Research – Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, PA
- B.A., Psychology – Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
Professional Affiliations
- Assistant Clinical Professor, Professional Psychology Program, The George Washington University, Washington D.C.
- American Psychological Association, Member
- National Register of Health Service Psychologists, Member
- Washington School of Psychiatry, Member
of wrongdoing and rightdoing,
there is a field.
I'll meet you there.
SERVICES
Providing a safe and supportive environment that facilitates growth. I view my clients as the experts on their own experiences and value the importance of understanding their distinctive narratives. To that end, I bring a curious attitude that honors my clients’ values, culture, and strengths. Therapy is most helpful when the therapeutic environment feels safe and supportive, while being challenging enough to deepen self-exploration and understanding.
Psychotherapy involves a significant investment of your resources. It is important that you choose a therapist with whom you feel compatible. As a result, I consider our first few sessions as initial consultation for both of us. This is a time for me to learn about you, your present concerns, history, and goals for treatment. It is also an opportunity for you to gauge your comfort in working with me. If we both determine the fit feels like a good one, we will schedule follow-up appointments. If not, I will be happy to offer you referrals.
Individual Counseling
I provide both short- and long-term psychotherapy based on the needs of the client. I view cognitive approach as a starting point in my work. Particularly, I recognize the complex relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how they influence our daily functioning and overall sense of well-being. I draw attention to the thought processes and patterns in helping clients identify their internal dialogues, and how they cope with internal and external stressors in their lives. From a psychodynamic approach I value the exploration of early life experiences, as they provide the historical context for our narratives and impact our current understanding and expectations of ourselves and others. I work with clients with various presenting concerns including but not limited to, depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief/loss, self esteem, trauma, stress, life transitions, gay/lesbian/bisexual identity, and career/academic concerns.
Couples and Marriage Counseling
Much of my work with couples is informed by John Gottman’s research on what predicts happy and healthy relationships. Gottman Therapy emphasizes (1) learning to turn toward each other in friendship, love, and mutual respect, and (2) handling conflicts and disagreements in a manner that maintains positive feelings for other. Gottman’s research shows that it is not the presence or absence of conflict that makes a difference, but it is how couples deal with their conflict. There are always two-sides to a story, and the big picture includes both sides. I have completed Level I and Level II trainings of Gottman Therapy, and I help couples improve intimacy, increase their sense of “we”ness, improve communication, learn to resolve conflict constructively, and develop greater trust and commitment.
CONTACT
My office overlooks the Farragut Square Park, and is located on I (Eye) street between 17th street and Connecticut Ave.
Metro: My office is steps away from the Farragut West metro station – 17th St. exit (Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines), and the Farragut North (Red Line) metro station which is across the Farragut Square Park.
Driving: Metered parking is available on the streets surrounding the office outside of rush hours, and there are several garage parking options available for a fee.
Disclaimer: This website is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute clinical advice. If you are having an emergency and require immediate assistance, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Copyright © 2015 All Rights Reserved. | Photography by Eylül Güngör | Made with by DC WEB DESIGN - 80PORT