Ashley Ann Derenbecker, Ph.D.

About

Psychological Associate in Washington, DC. Works with LGBTQ+, Veterans and Child. Sees clients in person and online. Takes Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and other plans. Accepting new clients.

Areas of expertise

• Anxiety
• Grief
• Life Transitions
• Self Esteem
• Stress Management
• Trauma and PTSD

Types of therapy

• Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)Helps people make room for difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, and commit to actions that fit what matters to them.
• Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)A structured, practical therapy that looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions affect each other, and teaches skills for changing unhelpful thinking and habits.
• Cognitive Processing (CPT)A structured therapy for PTSD that helps people examine and change beliefs about themselves and the world that formed after a trauma.
• Culturally SensitiveTakes a person's culture, identity, background and values into account, and shapes the work so it fits their life.
• Emotionally FocusedTreats emotions as a guide to change. Often used with couples, to understand patterns of conflict and rebuild a secure bond.
• Family / MaritalTherapy with couples or families together, focused on communication, conflict and the patterns between people.
• HumanisticA family of approaches, including person-centered and Gestalt therapy, that emphasize growth, self-awareness and a person's capacity to choose.
• InterpersonalA structured, time-limited therapy focused on relationships and life events, such as conflict, loss or big role changes, and how they affect mood.
• Motivational InterviewingA collaborative style of conversation that helps people explore mixed feelings about a change and find their own reasons to make it.
• Person-CenteredA warm, non-directive approach: the therapist listens with empathy and without judgment, and trusts the person to find their own direction.
• Play TherapyUses play, toys and games to help children express feelings and work through problems in a way that suits their age.
• Prolonged Exposure TherapyA structured therapy for PTSD that helps people gradually approach trauma-related memories and situations they have been avoiding.
• PsychodynamicExplores how past experiences, relationships and feelings outside awareness shape how a person thinks and acts today.
• Psychological Testing and EvaluationFormal assessment with standardized tests, for example for ADHD, learning differences or autism, usually ending in a written report.
• Trauma FocusedTherapy for people affected by trauma. Puts safety and pacing first, and helps process painful memories so they have less hold on daily life.

More details

Sessions

Both in-person and online

Accepting new clients

Yes

Specialties

LGBTQ+, Veterans, Child, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Burnout, Cancer, Grief, Life Transitions, Self Esteem, Self-Harming, Stress, Testing and Evaluation, Trauma and PTSD, Women's Issues

Insurance

Aetna, Aetna EAP, Aetna Medicare, AmeriHealth, Anthem EAP, BlueCross and BlueShield, CareFirst, Cigna and Evernorth, Cigna EAP, Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE

Fees

Couple sessions $200; sliding scale available

Ages

Children (6 to 10), Preteen, Teen, Adults, Elders (65+)

Works with

Individuals, Couples, Group

Communities

Aviation Professionals, Bisexual Allied, Gay Allied, Immuno-disorders, Intersex Allied, Lesbian Allied, Little Person Allied, Non-Binary Allied, Queer Allied, Sex Worker Allied, Single Parent, Transgender Allied

Languages

English

Education

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Years in practice

1

Education & qualifications