John Barkmeyer

Welcome. Thank you for taking the brave step to get here.

It takes courage to consider entering vulnerable places like psychotherapy. I left a decade-and-a-half career as an attorney at a multinational law firm because I found myself drawn far more to working with people than against them, and I greatly value the vulnerable, empathetic space therapy provides. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate, nonjudgmental space like the one that let me grow and find my own path. However you feel and whoever you are, your whole, authentic self is welcome.

We’re all complex creatures, so I believe there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to psychotherapy. My practice takes an integrative approach combining therapeutic techniques across an expanding skillset. From my background in social work, I prioritize a client-centered perspective that recognizes your unique value and worth. Wherever you are, that’s where I want to meet you.

Parallel to my therapeutic training, I’m also an aspirant for the priesthood in the Episcopal Church. If you’d like to explore how your faith or spirituality, from any (or no particular) tradition, fits into your life experience, I’m happy to walk that path with you as we work together. If you’d prefer to keep spirituality and God talk out of our work, that’s absolutely fine by me too. It’s just one language of many, and the boundaries that make you feel safe in this work are my priority.

I’d be honored to work with you and stand in your corner as you heal, grow, and find your way forward.

MORE ABOUT ME:

• I was born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. I’m no stranger to the intense cultural environment we experience growing up and living in the Washington area.
• Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and reading and writing fiction, and I’m an avid, if not terribly skilled, gamer.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• Master of Social Work—University of Michigan (anticipated summer 2026)
• Juris Doctor—University of Michigan (2012)
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Bachelor of Arts in Theatre; Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature—University of Maryland, College Park (2009)

SUPERVISED BY:

Vanessa Cheshier, LCSW, C-DBT

CREDENTIALS:

Graduate Intern