As the Director of Clinical Training, Dr. Efanov is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in treating individuals with anxiety, depression, difficulties with life transitions, relationship difficulties, eating disorders, and PTSD/trauma related disorders. Dr. Efanov has a Level 2 Gottman Couples Therapy Certification, and she adopts this approach in her work with couples. Dr. Efanov has gained experience working in a variety of settings, including inpatient hospitals, eating disorder specialized centers, private practice, and integrated medical care clinics. 

Steven Nicholson (He/Him/His) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Washington, D.C. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master’s of Social Work from the University of South Carolina. His theoretical framework is based on an ecological and systems perspective. Steven practices from the belief that we are born into the world and ultimately raised by a guardian or caregiver; we are also products of our environment and the systems (work, school, etc.) that impact us. By utilizing a combination of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Erickson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development, and Trauma-Informed Care, Steven addresses issues encountered as a result of upbringing as well as those that have come as a result of the environment and systems to include significant loss and trauma. His clinical interests include developmental psychology, multicultural issues, community-based social work, grief, loss, and trauma.

Ta-Keisha Smith has a doctorate in clinical psychology. She also holds masters’ degrees in forensic psychology and clinical psychology. Ta-Keisha completed a year-long internship in 2021, where she provided therapeutic and assessment services to clients in the community. She has previously worked as an Applied Behavioral Analyst (ABA) Therapist and was certified as a Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) working with children on the autism spectrum.

     Prior to her career in psychology, Ta-Keisha worked for ten years as a juvenile probation officer in Maryland working with “at risk” youth and families.

     Ta-Keisha’s passion for helping others is what led her to the field of psychology. Her philosophy follows that of psychologist Erich Fromm who stated, “Man’s main task in life is to give birth to himself. To become what he potentially is.”

     In terms of treatment, her clinical orientation is integrative consisting of Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Individual Therapy, and Couples Therapy. She has also provided therapy for Bariatric patients.