Dr. Rachel W. Friendly is a queer- and gender-affirming therapist offering inclusive, culturally-responsive therapy. She works with young adults, the young at heart, and anyone seeking personal exploration and growth. Rachel’s clients come to therapy with her because they are ready to explore their identities, build healthier relationships with themselves and others, and take ownership of their power. Rachel is particularly passionate about serving clients who have struggled with the message that their authentic selves are not acceptable. She does a lot of work on gender issues in general and with the transgender and nonbinary community in particular.Rachel takes a relational approach to therapy, acknowledging the importance of relationships on our wellbeing and using the relationship she develops with clients to explore patterns that may be getting in the way of healthier relationships with others. She also looks at wellness through a feminist and liberation lens, meaning that effective therapy must address the systems of power and oppression that impact us all.Rachel's style is warm, compassionate, and collaborative. When clients first start therapy, she works to create a strong connection and a safe space in which clients feel seen, heard, and valued.Rachel received her Ph.D. from Clark University. Prior to starting her private practice, she worked at university counseling centers in Massachusetts, Virginia, and Northern and Southern California for 13 years. Outside of work, you can find her spending time with friends, doing puzzles, or being creative (singing, dancing, baking...). Rachel's practice is entirely telehealth, and she is licensed in CA, MA, VA, and D.C., which means she can work with clients who are located in one of those states at the time of session. She is currently based out of Virginia, where she lives with her partner, her young daughter, and their gigantic dog. Message to clientsHave you ever felt like there must be more to life? Like if you could just live your truth and share your whole self with the world, you might finally feel really alive? But at the same time, you worry that the world might reject you -- that you are somehow both too much and not enough, all at once?Authenticity is scary: it can feel vulnerable, painful, or overwhelming. And yet a life in which you don't get to be your whole, true, self can feel small and hollow.Inclusive, affirming therapy can help. Together we can help you to grow your self-compassion, create healthy relationships with yourself and others, and find your voice. It is my tremendous privilege to walk this work with my clients, and I would love the opportunity to meet with you too!