Meet Us
Whatever your needs may be, TrueYou Center is here to offer support.
Nadia Tourinho, LICSW, LCSW-C
Clinical Director
As a therapist, I believe that therapy is a joint effort between the client and provider. My name is Nadia Tourinho, I am a Trilingual Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). I speak Spanish, Portuguese, and English. I have extensive experience in direct practice and community practice. With more than ten years of experience, I am very familiar with the impact of complex trauma, childhood trauma, sexual/physical abuse, domestic violence, sex trafficking, family/couple therapy, geriatric, grief therapy, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and various life changes.
I provide an environment that is safe, empathic, and non-judgmental. This type of space allows clients to be comfortable and open, helping us get to the root of the issue. I have worked with clients from ages 3 to 99; helping them attain different methods of addressing challenges in their lives.
I will work together with you to identify goals, build coping skills, and reduce unwanted symptoms. My approach is to always listen to you, while building self-esteem and improving problem-solving abilities. I'll work to increase your self-awareness and show how best to navigate your feelings, behaviors, and thoughts. Hope to hear from you soon!
Licensed in:
- Georgia
- Michigan
- Maryland
- Rhode Island
- Washington, DC
Sadia Coleman, LICSW
Sadia is a native Washingtonian from Ward 7. She has a passion for giving back to her community and is invested in the well -being of others. Sadia is a graduate of The Catholic University of America earning a Master of Social Work. She also holds a Master of Science in Public and Community Health from Trinity Washington University. Sadia is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) and her treatment modality is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Sadia likes to meet the individual where they are emotionally, and understands that trauma does not discriminate. A major belief that Sadia holds is that people are resilient and with support they can overcome adversity. Sadia’s intervention style focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and helping the individual develop healthy coping strategies. Sadia encourages the client to build on skills they already possess and works closely with them to acquire new skills in order to be a healthy functioning individual in daily life and the workforce.
Licensed in:
- Washington D.C.
Caira Temple, LGPC
My name is Caira Temple and I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) from Washington DC. I received my Master’s degree in clinical counseling from Trinity Washington University. I have five years of experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults.
I am passionate about empowering and supporting children, adolescents, and young adults who have experienced trauma, life changes and transitions. My specialties include working with clients experiencing challenges with anxiety, depression, traumatic events, anger management, grief and loss, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and life transitions.
I utilize an integrated approach in my work that primarily uses Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.
I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to process life’s challenges. Together, we will create a toolkit of coping strategies and solutions that will support your growth. My goal is to help clients as they strive to reach their fullest potential.
Licensed in:
- Washington D.C.
Samantha Washington, LGSW
Samantha "Sam" Washington is a compassionate and dedicated professional who earned a Master of Social Work from Tulane University of Louisiana. A proud native of Washington, D.C., Sam has experience working with diverse populations across all age groups. With a natural ability to connect with individuals, Sam specializes in creating a soothing and supportive environment where clients can find respite from the stresses of daily life.
By fostering a space of calm and tranquility, Sam helps clients feel safe, heard, and understood, guiding them toward personal growth and emotional well-being. With a deep commitment to helping others, Sam is passionate about empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential."
Licensed in:
- Washington D.C.
Tiffani “TJ” Taylor-Jenkins, LGSW
Tiffani “TJ” Taylor-Jenkins is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker with a Master of Science Degree in Social work (Dual Focus) from The University of New England. TJ has a true commitment and genuine passion for working adolescents and young adults in conjunction with their families. TJbeing a somewhat “troubled” youth themselves truly believes they can teach and understandyouth in need. They have years of experience working with these populations in a variety of settings, including government, mental health agencies and private practice.
TJ is a Queer Non-Binary therapist who is culturally competent, inclusive, sex positive and sensitive to the needs of the ever growing and changing populations we see. TJ focuses on a strengths-based, client-centered, CBT and DBT approach to aid and guide families and young adults in overcoming their challenges and realizing their own potential. TJ also promotes self exploration, self-determination and creating one’s own identity. TJ is invested in the well-being and growth of the populations they serve. They are truly invested in their clients and their client’shealing. In their spare time, you can find them playing or watching Rugby, watching football, singing, dancing, going to a concert, trying out new restaurants, shopping and spending quality time with family and friends.
Licensed in:
- Washington D.C.
Gabriela Hernandez, LGSW
Gabriela Hernandez is a dedicated and bilingual mental health therapist, fluent in English and Spanish, who brings a wealth of experience and compassion to their practice. Currently serving as a school-based mental health therapist, Gabriela specializes in supporting students' emotional and psychological well-being within the educational environment.
With a background in case management for homeless adults, Gabriela has a deep understanding of the complex challenges faced by marginalized populations. Additionally, Gabriela has extensive experience working with adolescents with developmental and intellectual disabilities, helping them and their families navigate unique life challenges.
Gabriela is skilled in addressing trauma, anxiety, and depression in both children and adults. She provides targeted support to children/adults struggling with these issues, fostering resilience, and promoting positive mental health. She works with children/adults offering compassionate and effective care.
With experience working with families and groups, Gabriela is committed to providing empathetic and personalized care, utilizing evidence-based practices to empower clients and promote mental wellness. Additionally, she has significant experience helping adults and families connect to essential resources, ensuring they have access to the support they need to thrive.
Whether working with young people in schools or adults in the community, Gabriela is passionate about fostering resilience and positive change.
Licensed in:
- Washington D.C.
Denzelle Crawley, LICSW
Greetings! My name is Denzelle Carter Crawley, I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LICSW) in the DC area. I hold both my bachelors degree in social work from Delaware State University, and my Masters from The University of Georgia.
My experience has ranged from working with children, adolescents, young and older adults, families in transitional shelters to provide wrap around services to clients, working in the foster care setting to ensure youth are set up for success entering independent living, assisting families with permanent supportive housing to reduce displacement, along with providing behavioral counseling to students in The DC Public School System.
My mission is to change the stigma of how mental health is viewed , while decreasing the barriers to mental health access. I believe everyone has a unique story to be told, in their journey to holistic healing. My therapeutic framework ranges from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, child centered play therapy, and motivational interviewing in treating symptoms of anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD.
Licensed in:
- Washington D.C.
Ana G. Perez Barrios, LGPC
Ana G. Perez Barrios has accumulated more than 25 years of experience as a clinical psychologist in her home country, Venezuela. She was also the director of the School of Psychology and professor at a private university in Caracas for 20 years.
All this experience and knowledge are now available for her clients as a LGPC in DC. Building a safe, warm, and collaborative space based on a trusting relationship is the key to facilitate her client’s growth and healing. From an integrative approach, both the client and the therapist work together to customize the intervention using evidence-based strategies from a variety of psychological approaches such as cognitive, behavioral, existential, rational-emotional, systemic, and more.
She also has working experience with refugee population, psychological trauma, childhood trauma, sexual/physical abuse, domestic and street violence, generational trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, adult ADHD, complicated grief among other issues from an understanding that people are resilient, and they build healthy coping skills when accompanied with a caring professional. Interventions can be individual, in couple or family oriented. She is fluent in Spanish and English.
Ana G. Pérez Barrios ha acumulado más de 25 años de experiencia como psicóloga clínica en su país de origen, Venezuela. También fue Directora de la Escuela de Psicología y profesora en una universidad privada de Caracas durante 20 años. Toda esta experiencia y conocimiento ahora están disponibles para trabajar como LGPC con sus clientes en DC.
Construir un espacio seguro, cálido y colaborativo basado en una relación de confianza es la clave para facilitar el crecimiento y la sanación de sus clientes. Desde un enfoque integrador, tanto el cliente como el terapeuta trabajan juntos para personalizar la intervención utilizando estrategias basadas en la evidencia de una variedad de enfoques psicológicos como cognitivo, conductual, existencial, racional-emocional, sistémico entre otros.
En cuanto su experiencia laboral, Ana se ha especializado en trauma psicológico, en población de refugiados, trauma infantil, abuso sexual/físico, violencia doméstica y callejera, trauma generacional, trastornos del estado de ánimo y ansiedad, TDAH en adultos, duelo complicado, entre otros temas. Siempre desde la comprensión de que las personas son resilientes y desarrollan habilidades de afrontamiento saludables cuando son acompañados por un profesional atento. Las intervenciones pueden ser individuales, en pareja o familiares, en español o inglés.
Licensed in:
- Washington D.C.
Sheila McDuffy, LGSW
My name is Sheila and I was born and raised in NYC. I hold a Master of Social work degree and a Bachelors of Arts degree in early childhood education and sociology. Through my extensive experience in the field of social work, I have worked with marginalized individuals across the life span in various settings starting 10 years ago. I have 7 years experience working in the NYC and DC public schools system providing group and individual counseling, family support, and behavioral interventions just to name a few.
I approach counseling through a trauma-informed lens using different modalities such as Strengths based, family systems approaches, CBT, narrative exposure therapy, play therapy and group therapy/peer support. As a therapist, I believe that therapy is a joint effort between the client and provider. My goal is to meet my clients where they are emotionally and build on their strengths to help improve their problem-solving abilities. I focus on improving emotional regulation, changing unwanted thoughts/behaviors while building and developing healthy coping strategies. I believe turning the impossible into “ Im Possible”
Licensed in:
- Washington D.C.
Damara Germon, LGSW, LMSW
Born and Raised in the capitol of New York. Holds a Master of Social work degree and a Bachelor of the Arts Degree in Sociology from the University of Albany. Damara has a diverse background in mental health advocacy starting 11 years ago, working with children who suffer from emotional disturbances, adults with dual diagnosis, as well as helping women escape DV situations and creating an action council for senior citizens in an inner-city of Albany, New York.
She has an extensive knowledge of working with people dealing with self-esteem issues, addiction, trauma, grief and stress. A true advocate for social justice, Damara has worked in crisis intervention roles alongside the police and the military. Passionate in providing holistic and culturally component therapy to many different populations. With the motto “All is well, even when it isn’t”, Damara has expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy, grief/trauma informed therapy and is a suicide prevention guru. Damara is also trained in ASSIST, First Aide Mental Health Training, and VA Sane Training.
Licensed in:
- Washington D.C.
- Maryland
- New York
Erika Clark, LGPC
Hello! My name is Erika Clark (she, her, ella) and I am a Licensed Graduated Professional Counselor (LGPC) in the DC area. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Psychology from McDaniel College, MD, and a master’s in professional counseling from The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
My experience has ranged from working with children, adolescents, young and older adults, and families in New York City, Philadelphia, and DC public schools. I have worked with refugees and immigrant families from Venezuela, Honduras, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Egypt, and so many other countries around the world. In the past, I have lived and developed skills in creative art therapies in cities/provinces in Argentina, Ecuador, Chile, and mindfulness practices in Thailand. As I continue to provide counseling and mental health services in DC, I am currently working towards a doctorate in psychology at Howard University with hopes to provide culturally competent therapeutic services to Black and Brown youth.
My practice encompasses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques from a culturally sensitive framework. As a visual artist, I enjoy including creative expression and mindfulness techniques into my work. I have experience working with clients who suffer from and are managing a range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, reactions to acute stress/trauma, grief and loss, and a range of mood disorders. I provide services in both English and Spanish.
Licensed in:
- Washington D.C.
Charity Weaver Jackson, LPC
Hello, my name is Charity Weaver Jackson, and I am a Nationally Board Certified, Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor and Certified Addictions Counselor. I hold a BS in Psychology and an MA in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. I approach counseling through a trauma-informed, eclectic lens using several different modalities such as CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths-Based, and Faith-Based. I believe that you are the expert in your own life and together we can figure out how to make it the life you want to live. I know that therapy can be uncomfortable, but I strive to make our sessions welcoming and as if you were talking to a trusted friend. I have experience treating Substance abuse, Grief, Bipolar disorder, PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety throughout the lifespan. I have spent time working with adults, adolescents, and children and have some experience with couples. I look forward to working with you.
Licensed in:
- Washington, DC
Denisha Davenport, LGPC
Looking for a safe space to unpack and pinpoint the “meh” in your life? Look no further, Denisha Davenport is a Licensed Graduate Professional Therapist (LGPC) with extensive training and experience in Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) , Reality therapy, Child-adolescent Play therapy, and working with LGBTQ+ identified persons.
Ms. Davenport is passionate about creating a safe and inclusive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings. She supports clients on their gender identity and express themselves freely. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals face, she is dedicated to helping clients navigate their journey and find acceptance and fulfillment.
Ms. Davenport is also skilled in helping those struggling with general/social anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief. With a compassionate and empathetic approach, she helps clients (children and adults) overcome their fears and develop the confidence they need to thrive in their life.
Ms. Davenport has helped clients manage their emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Whether it's working through a difficult life transition or managing symptoms of a mental health disorder, Ms. Davenport is committed to helping clients build resilience and achieve their goals.
With a commitment to creating a supportive space, Ms. Davenport meets clients where their current capacity lies and helps to empower themselves in order to feel seen, heard, and understood.
Licensed in:
- Washington, DC
Keydra Johnson,LCSW,LICSW
Keydra Johnson was born and raised in New York where she attended State University College of Oneonta obtaining her Bachelors in Child and Family Studies and Psychology as a dual major. She went on to obtain her Masters in Social Work at Fordham University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who is passionate about being a support to others. Keydra works from a person-centered approach and meets her clients where they are to help be a supportive guide and tool for clients to get to where they would like to be.
Keydra practices providing clients with a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to feel comfortable with the therapeutic process. She has worked with a wide population range from youth to adulthood, LGBTQIA+, POC and Non-POC. Keydra has worked with clients going through various life changes, trauma, domestic violence, various types of abuse, depression, grief, anxiety, ADHD, and criminal justice involvement.
Keydra works from an integrative model; she modifies treatment so that it best fits the client, but she has a strong foundation in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Child-adolescent Play therapy. Keydra wants to be able to provide each client with the space to feel heard, set goals, feel challenged and build coping skills that each client can incorporate in daily living to live a satisfying life.
Licensed in:
- Washington, DC
- New York
Jessica Ogunye,PMHNP
I am dedicated to empowering individuals on their journey to better health. Raised in the DMV as a first-generation Nigerian, I bring a unique perspective to mental health care, shaped by my diverse cultural background and military experience. I understand the complexities of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and I’m here to help you navigate life's challenges—because you don’t have to face them alone.
Whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or any other mental health concern, I provide compassionate support every step of the way. My holistic approach means that during our consultations, I will consider all aspects of your life—mental, physical, emotional, and social. Together, we’ll explore how your mental state connects to your physical health, impacting everything from your immune system to your vital organs.
With extensive nursing experience in pediatric ICU, pediatric oncology, and behavioral health (pediatrics & adult), I have a deep understanding of the complexities of medical, social, emotional, and spiritual hardships. My journey into psychiatric behavioral health nursing was inspired by my commitment to counseling and advocating for my patients, and it is my goal to bring this powerful experience to others seeking meaning, peace, abundance, and happiness in their lives.
I look forward to partnering with you on your path to wellness. Together, we can work toward achieving your mental health goals and enhancing your overall quality of life.
Licensed in:
- Washington, DC
- Maryland
We Love Helping Our Clients Develop The Tools They Need To Cope With All Of Life’s Challenges. Contact Us Today To Learn More And Book A Session.