Joan Bellsey

Joan Bellsey

Credentials: LICSW, LCSW-C, CAC
Practice: LGBTQ Counseling
Phone: (202) 248-9443
E-mail: jbellsey@lgbtc.com
Location: 3028 Porter Street, NW #204, Washington, DC 20008
Website: https://www.lgbtc.com/joanb-1
Insurance Accepted: BlueCross and BlueShield, CareFirst, Out of Network
Fees: Up to $150

Specializing In—
Substance Abuse, Recovery from Substances, Sexual Identity, Relationship issues- How to communicate effectively with your partner, Coping with Grief & Loss, Self -Esteem, Anxiety & Depression disorders, Parenting Issues, Coming Out to parents, friends and co-workers, Am I Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Q?

About

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.

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.