Grace Tencer

“What is most personal is most universal” -Carl Rogers

Do you ever feel alone in your emotions, like no one could ever fully understand what you are feeling or going through? If you are feeling overwhelmed, alone, or stuck in life, then I want to help.  

I believe in the inherent goodness of people, and in an individual’s ability to grow beyond what they previously thought themselves capable of. I believe that clients are the experts in their own lives, and that they have the capacity for change already inside themselves. Because of this, it is important to me that counseling is a collaborative process where we work together every step of the way, from goal setting all the way through each individual session. By working together as you navigate life’s challenges, my hope is that you will grow to feel confident, empowered, and capable of taking on the world. 

When working with clients, I approach the counseling relationship from a person-centered perspective. My goal in counseling is to foster a strong therapeutic alliance where the client feels comfortable, respected, and capable of being their most genuine self. In addition to practicing from a client-centered perspective, I also draw on aspects of narrative, existential, and strengths-based approaches to therapy, using creative activities to help bring about greater self-awareness. 

As a prior high school teacher, I have valuable experience working with and supporting teenagers in an academic setting. I plan to use this knowledge and skills when building therapeutic relationships with adolescents in counseling. I also have interest in working with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, school-related issues, eating disorders, grief, and the LGBTQ+ population.

About Me:

In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, and listening to music. I am a huge Taylor Swift fan and lover of all genres of books, but I have a particular soft spot for fantasy. I also enjoy being active, and love hiking and running outside when the weather permits. I taught high school English for two years in Taiwan and am a travel enthusiast who hopes to explore as much of the world as possible. I have a black cat, Basil, who traveled from Taiwan back to Virginia with me.

Education and training: 

Bachelors degrees in English Education & English and Creative Writing from the University of Iowa

Pursuing Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The George Washington University (anticipated 2025)

Member of the American Counseling Association (ACA)

Member of Chi Sigma Iota, international counseling honors society

SUPERVISED BY:

Emily Goff, LPC

CREDENTIALS:

Graduate Intern