Business Details
45 Years
experience
Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Couples Counselor in Washington, DC
With over four decades of experience, I am a licensed clinical social worker dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate emotional challenges and relationship dynamics. My practice integrates Imago Relationship Therapy with a compassionate, client-centered approach to address issues such as conflict resolution, grief, and personal growth. Drawing from extensive experience in crisis intervention, pastoral care, and trauma services, I empower clients to uncover their inherent strengths and build meaningful connections.My work emphasizes creating safe spaces for vulnerability, fostering communication skills, and transforming pain into opportunities for growth. I am committed to guiding clients toward self-awareness and healing, ensuring they feel heard, validated, and equipped to thrive in their personal and relational lives.
Services
Couples Counseling
Individual Therapy
Conflict Resolution
Grief Counseling
Anger Management
Premarital Counseling
Trauma and Loss Therapy
Spirituality Integration
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- Over 40 years of experience in clinical social work and relationship therapy.
- Advanced certified Imago therapist specializing in couples and individual counseling.
- Expertise in interfaith, cross-cultural, and trauma-informed therapy approaches.
- Accepts major insurance plans for accessible mental health care.
- Personalized guidance rooted in neuroscience and relational psychology.
Associations and certifications
- Imago Relationship Therapy
What people say
Loving guidance
Depth of knowledge
Compassion and sincerity
Astute insights
Supportive style
Services
Couples Counseling
Specialized therapy for couples addressing communication breakdowns, conflict resolution, and emotional reconnection. Utilizes Imago Relationship Therapy to heal past wounds and foster mutual understanding. Designed for partners seeking to strengthen trust, intimacy, and collaborative problem-solving skills.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one sessions focusing on self-discovery, emotional resilience, and overcoming personal challenges. Integrates trauma-informed care and spiritual insights to help clients navigate anxiety, grief, and self-esteem issues. Emphasizes empowering clients to reclaim disowned parts of themselves for holistic growth.
Conflict Resolution
Structured programs to address destructive conflict patterns and secondary emotions like anger. Teaches compassionate communication and vulnerability as tools for resolving disputes. Targets root causes of resentment while fostering empathy and constructive dialogue in personal and professional relationships.
Grief Counseling
Guided support for processing grief and loss through evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Helps clients navigate the emotional journey of mourning while integrating loss into their lives. Focuses on restoring joy and connection without erasing the memory of what was lost.
Spirituality Integration
Therapeutic approach incorporating spiritual and religious perspectives into mental health care. Respects clients' beliefs while exploring how faith can inform identity and relationships. Particularly beneficial for those seeking meaning through their spiritual practices during times of crisis.
People
Paul Ruffer
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
With over 40 years of experience, Paul is an advanced certified Imago therapist specializing in couples and individual counseling. Former Jewish Chaplain at Georgetown University, he integrates spirituality and neuroscience into trauma-informed care for relationship healing.
Questions
What types of counseling do you offer?
I provide couples counseling, individual therapy, conflict resolution, grief counseling, and spirituality-integrated sessions tailored to your needs.
Are you licensed in multiple states?
Yes, I am licensed in New York, Maryland, and the District of Columbia for your convenience.
Do you accept insurance?
I accept most major insurance plans to make mental health services accessible and affordable.
What is Imago Relationship Therapy?
Imago Therapy helps individuals and couples heal childhood wounds while improving communication and deepening emotional connections through structured dialogue techniques.
Is there a free initial consultation?
Yes, I offer a 15-minute free phone consultation to discuss your goals and determine if my services align with your needs.
