Tessa Rudnick, LGSW
she/her/hers
Licensed in: DC
Therapist for: Adults & Teens
Therapy: In Person & Virtual
Years of Experience: 1 year
Graduate School: Howard University
Areas of Focus:
Teens (13+)
  • Anxiety, depression & emotional regulation
  • Identity exploration (LGBTQ+ affirming & culturally responsive)
  • Neurodivergence (ADHD, autism)
  • Grief & loss
  • Trauma recovery
Adults
  • Anxiety, depression & perfectionism
  • Grief & loss, including traumatic and complicated grief
  • Burnout, stress & emotional overwhelm
  • Spirituality, meaning & life transitions
  • LGBTQ+ identity and gender exploration
  • Racial & cultural identity
  • Neurodivergence (ADHD, autism)
Family Support
  • Collaborative support for families navigating trauma, grief, or identity-related challenges
  • Strengthening emotional awareness and regulation at home
  • Parent support for adolescents with neurodivergence or emotional needs
Therapeutic Approach

My approach is collaborative and grounded in compassion. As a therapist, I believe that healing happens in the context of safe, trusting relationships. I see my role as a guide, someone who can walk alongside you, offering support, perspective, and tools that help you reconnect with your own inner wisdom. 

My style is calm, warm, and reflective. I aim to create a space where you can slow down, explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment, and begin to notice what needs care, attention, or change.

My work is person-centered and strengths-based, which means I view you as the expert on your own life. I use a systems lens to help us explore how your environment, culture, and family history shape your beliefs and behaviors. I also integrate a variety of trauma-informed, creative, and evidence-based modalities including:

  • Self-compassion – developing a kinder, more accepting inner voice
  • Mindfulness & emotional regulation – learning how to recognize and manage overwhelming feelings
  • Expressive arts – using creative tools like writing, music, or drawing to process emotions
  • Strengths-based work – building on your existing skills and insight to create meaningful change

I work best with clients who love to learn and my hope is that you walk away from every session with a deeper understanding of yourself, your patterns, your needs, and your power.

Background

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Howard University and completed my clinical training at the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing, where I supported both teens and adults navigating traumatic grief.

Before being a therapist, I spent many years working as an educator and in youth development, where I saw how essential knowledge and empowerment are to navigating life transitions and how much can change when someone feels seen, encouraged, and believed in.

For me, self-care looks like taking care of my body, getting enough sleep, cooking and enjoying delicious food, reading, and spending quality time with the people I love.

Ready to Get Started?

Reach out to our Matching Specialist to schedule your first appointment.

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Our newest therapists have openings this month, including sliding scale rates to make care more accessible.