Shemica Cole, LICSW - Therapist in District of Columbia

Skill based strategies
Focus on sleep
Warm collaborative care

About Shemica

Shemica Cole is a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) based in the District of Columbia. She brings 24 years of experience working with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain and sleep concerns. Her style is warm and straightforward and she focuses on practical steps to help people feel steadier in day-to-day life.

She uses a mix of approaches chosen to match each person's needs. Sessions often include conversation about current struggles and clear, manageable strategies to try between meetings. She emphasizes teaching skills people can use right away to improve sleep, manage mood, and ease relationship tensions.

Many clients come with histories of trauma, grief, parenting stress, addictive behaviors, or work burnout. Shemica adapts the pace and tools to fit those situations and to honor each person's background and strengths. She also addresses concerns like ADHD symptoms, compassion fatigue, and caregiving stress.

Her sessions tend to be collaborative and respectful. She brings humor and hope into the work while helping people build confidence and coping skills. The goal is to leave sessions with small, concrete steps that make daily life feel more manageable.

If someone is thinking about beginning therapy, Shemica invites a short first conversation to outline goals and a plan. That first step helps shape therapy so it fits the person’s rhythm and priorities.

Therapeutic approaches that translate to online care

Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early and current relationships shape feelings and reactions. Work in this style helps people notice relationship patterns and practice new ways of connecting. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviors and teaches concrete tools to reframe thinking and change unhelpful routines. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices that can reduce arousal and support better sleep and emotional regulation.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work together with each person to choose or blend approaches based on their goals, preferences, and what shows up in early sessions. That collaborative planning helps make sessions feel relevant and usable for daily life.

Confirm the available online session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It also makes it possible for people outside the immediate area to connect with a licensed professional in the District of Columbia. Ask about the specific session formats offered when you schedule.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse Depression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityJealousyMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsParanoiaPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexualityWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

24+ years

Credentials

District of Columbia

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she help with?

She helps people struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, relationship and parenting concerns, trauma and addictions among other issues.

What is her general approach in sessions?

Her approach is collaborative and practical, using conversation to identify goals and teach skills that people can apply between sessions.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 24 years of experience working with adults on issues such as trauma, grief, caregiving stress, and career challenges.

What credentials and region are listed for this therapist?

She is a LICSW - Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker - and practices in the District of Columbia.

Which languages are supported and can she work with international clients?

Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.

What session formats are available?

Confirm current session options before booking to make sure the offered formats meet your needs.

How does cost and billing work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a time based on therapist availability.