Bret Zdanowicz
Bret Zdanowicz is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Washington, D.C., and New Jersey. Bret graduated from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, where he obtained both his graduate degree in Social Work and his undergraduate degree in Sociology.
Bret has over 10 years of experience in a variety of settings and with a diverse clientele, including both long-term and brief interventions. Bret has experience working with diverse populations in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Bret also has experience providing individual and group therapy to both children and adults. Bret has primarily focused his work with the most underserved populations; particularly the homeless population; economically disadvantaged; individuals with severe mental illness diagnoses; and substance abuse issues.
Bret incorporates a variety of therapeutic approaches with an emphasis on problem-focused treatment. Bret’s therapeutic styles include cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, person-centered therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma therapy, and mindfulness therapy. During his free time, Bret enjoys remaining active and spending time with his wife and daughter.
Bret has evening and weekend availability. Feel free to schedule your appointment here. today.
Asha Henson
Asha Henson, LGSW is a Master’s-level social worker who specializes in supporting adolescents and adults through challenges associated with body image, interpersonal relationships, identity development, and parenting. Asha combines a culturally competent, intuitive, and holistic approach with evidence-based therapeutic interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered, and solution-focused Therapies.
“I am not your mother’s therapist. I seek to create an intimate, relaxing, and judgment-free environment for true self-exploration and evolution. Having overcome life-altering transformations of my own combined with an almost decade of experience supporting individuals, families, and communities, I have cultivated a specialized intervention style that caters to each client’s specific needs and goals. In addition, I enjoy incorporating some metaphysical elements (such as astrology) but only if you are into that sort of thing.”
Asha completed her Master’s of Social Work in Mental and Behavioral Health from the University Of Maryland in Baltimore, MD, and received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. She has been trained in cultural competent therapy, trauma centered care, CBT, strengths-based and person-centered approaches. She is currently pursuing a certification in Astrology to be completed in June 2020. Feel free to schedule your appointment here.
Leah Vandermark
Leah VanderMark is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker located in Washington, D.C., and an Independent Contractor at A Fresh Start Therapy. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Columbia University.
Leah has worked as a social worker in a hospital setting for the past 6 years. She specializes in helping clients adjust to their illness, navigate new diagnoses, and cope with chronic pain and emotional burden. Leah also has experience working with individuals who suffer from adjustment disorders, anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
Leah incorporates a variety of therapeutic techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, family-systems therapy, and mindfulness. She uses a strengths-based approach that supports self-determination and self-discovery. She hopes to help you live life as your most authentic, true self.
In her free time, you can find Leah walking her 2-year-old golden retriever, traveling to see her family or reading inspirational books. Some of her favorites include Becoming by Michelle Obama, Educated by Tara Westover, and Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown. Schedule your appointment with Leah today.
Andrea Bagwell
Andrea Bagwell is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Washington, D.C. and Maryland. Andrea graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a bachelor’s degree in Family Science and the Catholic University of America with a master’s degree in Social Work. She is under the supervision of Leah VanderMark, LICSW.
Andrea has a history of working with children and young adults who have special needs diagnoses, as well as, adults with complex medical diagnoses. She specializes in supporting clients and families navigate the changes that come with having a new diagnosis and cope with the emotions they feel during transitional periods.
Andrea uses a strengths-based approach and incorporates therapeutic techniques that include motivational interviewing, person-centered therapy, and solution-focused therapy. In her free time, Andrea enjoys hiking and spending time with family and friends.
Schedule your appointment with Andrea today.
A Fresh Start Therapy is a locally owned progressive behavioral and mental health counseling practice located in Washington, D.C. Focused on individual self-improvement, we believe that no matter the struggle, our clients can achieve a better tomorrow.
