Angelique Bush, LCSW

Hi there. I’m Angelique!

I am continuously expanding my breath of knowledge to support and uplift clients with existing, or suspected, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and/or Autism (ASD) diagnoses. Together, numerous clients and I have discovered their neurodivergence, reframing their big emotions, creativity, and communication differences as natural expressions of their beautiful brains. We have unearthed the relationship between procrastination, shame, anxiety, perfectionism, and motivation, creating new insights into how there is more at play than just willpower. 

My heart also feels called to work with artists, creatives, and entertainers as well as those in the public eye. Mental health doesn't discriminate — anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress, and trauma can impact anyone, regardless of their lifestyle. I provide a flexible, validating, confidential space where you can leave any masks, personas, algorithms, and societal assumptions at the door. With me, you are seen for who you truly are, and not only for what you do.

Through psychoeducation and examination of societal systems, we can heal feelings of shame and self-blame that have grown due to moving through a world not built with you in mind. The way you think, act, and feel are valid and natural. The goal is not to change who you are, but instead to reframe the negative views you’ve learned, creating space for acceptance and celebration of the incredible strengths you have.

Throughout all my work, I am committed to providing therapy that integrates, affirms, and celebrates your identity and specific needs in the healing process. I work with Black individuals, other people of color, and LGBTQIA* folks, with the intention of crafting a culturally sensitive, anti-oppressive, and protected space where all intersecting identities can be explored. I understand firsthand the importance of having a space to discuss the plethora of societal challenges often experienced by individuals in historically marginalized communities. I am thus dedicated to supporting people through times of race based trauma and stressors, all while being sensitive to unique needs as they relate to culture and identity.

I am currently a doctoral student of social work at Simmons University. My program sits on the pillars of leadership, education/teaching, and advanced clinical practice, building my expertise in anti-oppressive frameworks while remaining culturally humble, aware that you are the expert of your lived experience. I earned my Bachelors in Psychological and Brain Studies with a minor in Children’s Studies from Washington University in St. Louis, where I also earned my Master’s in Social Work with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health. During this time I was trained and certified as a Brief Alcohol Screening & Intervention for College Students (BASICS) Coordinator and explored college students' use of, and relationship to, substances. This was followed by advanced post-graduate training through a Multicultural Fellowship at Williams College, where I also had the pleasure of serving as a staff therapist at the university counseling center to provide high quality, evidence-based care. While at the university counseling center, I worked with a wide range of presentations and mental health concerns including eating disorders, burgeoning personality disorders, grief, interpersonal/relationship concerns, and crisis counseling.

Philosophy

Each individual I work with is deeply seen, welcomed and accepted. While working together, topics, thoughts, and emotions that arise may feel difficult, uncomfortable, or unspeakable — I thus dedicate myself to creating an open, supportive, and safe environment where we can bravely weather these moments together. Regardless of your background, socioeconomic status, or concerns, with me, you will be in a sacred and protected space where you can discuss your struggles freely and without judgment. Whether you are in the public eye, are navigating the unique trials of young adulthood, feel misunderstood or awkward, are struggling to reconnect to your creativity, or are even unsure of what brought you to my office - you will be embraced with unconditional positive regard, warmth, and empathy, inviting you to be your truest and most vulnerable self.

I aim to co-create a space with you that is safe enough for you to be curious about yourself. Every individual I work with has a unique heart and specific set of needs based on their invisible and visible intersecting identities — I therefore flexibly tailor treatment to your individual needs, intentionally interweaving evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Narrative Therapy, all while overlaying an anti-oppressive lens.

Within my work with clients, I incorporate the tenets of CBT and thus am constantly curious about the connection between emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. DBT offers concrete skills to help keep you physically and emotionally regulated as you move through your journey. Psychodynamic and Narrative therapies shed light on previous experiences and stories that shaped you and you may still be carrying. Utilizing the strength that blooms from a strong and trusting therapeutic alliance, we will uncover and validate how your mind and body learned to get through your highs and lows. Then, you get to write your story, choosing what interventions you want to pursue that support the vision you have for yourself.

My goal and intention is to create a space where you feel safe and supported enough to embark on your wellness journey. No two journeys are exactly the same — creatives and entertainers may struggle with working through creative blocks, criticism, and finding their inspiration again while undiagnosed folks may be processing through the vast emotions that can arise with the discovery of their neurodiversity. I hold each client, heart, and story delicately and with care, offering unwavering support; reminding you of core pieces of yourself and the values that mean the most to you - allowing you to always have a guiding light back to your destined path.

I understand how tough it can be to share your heart, mind, body, and spirit with a therapist and I do not take these gifts lightly. No one knows you as wholly and fully as you do; no one else knows just how intensely you feel or struggle — that is why I see you as the expert when it comes to your experiences. With your knowledge and my therapeutic expertise, you can learn to understand, see, and love yourself in new ways and design a path forward that takes you towards a life you want to live. I will be with you every step of the way, supporting you when it is difficult to see your own inner light, guiding you as you navigate ups and downs, and celebrating with you as you discover the strength and beauty within yourself.

Specialty Areas

couples therapy and relationships

This space is for anyone interested in exploring, strengthening, or better understanding their connection to another. I help to create a space where couples, polyacules, roommates, and other relationship configurations can safely begin to rebuild trust and learn how to put down old patterns that are no longer serving the relationship, express unmet needs, and rediscover connection, love, and harmony. Together, we can work through concerns such as broken trust, changes in intimacy, communication breakdowns, life transitions, and even breakups or deescalation. 

Coming to therapy and beginning to have your relationship patterns highlighted or framed in a different light, may cause unsaid thoughts and feelings to arise. However, it is important to remember that therapy and I do not invent or create problems or concerns. Anything that is unearthed during sessions has been there and therapy may create a safe enough environment for tough and uncomfortable content to finally be addressed. I do not want to put preverbal rugs over unclean floors or fancy throw pillows on a broken couch. Deep cleaning, organizing, and clearing out is necessary to bring to light each individual's most honest needs and identify the best way forward. You deserve to have the happiest relationship possible and I will keep "cleaning" with you, until you see the results you desire.

Neurodivergence, ADHD

Many clients, particularly young adults and adults, and I have come to learn that their experiences are best explained through a neurodivergent lens. I am constantly building upon my experiential and theoretical knowledge of the biological, environmental, and emotional underpinnings of ADD and ASD to share with clients to wash away the societal misunderstandings they have internalized. You do not have to apologize for how you naturally are; I am excited to hear about your special interests and we can have an amazing session whether you are talking quickly or do not feel like talking much at all. I want to understand how you see the world and process through any negative misconceptions you have, creating room for compassion and kindness for your beautiful perspective. 

older teens, Emerging young adulthood, young adulthood, and self exploration

I work with older teens and young adults as they navigate the world around them and try to establish their unique place within it. It is tough balancing growing responsibilities and expectations while still not having full control or autonomy over your life. With me, you get to decide how each session goes and no topic is off limits including friendship struggles, academic stress, and gender and sexuality exploration.

anxiety, depression, and life adjustment

I work with clients who struggle with symptoms related to anxiety and depression as well as other unmanageable and difficult thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, to identify why these patterns have been helpful, and to explore how life could look without them. Together, we can make sense of past and present hurts and help you find peace and wholeness again.

trauma

I specialize in supporting people who have experienced trauma and are finding it difficult to see their true selves or are struggling to find a path forward. I am working towards being certified in somatic emdr therapy to facilitate a structured, body based path to release past pain, moving towards healing and wellness.

identity exploration

I hold space for those interested in meeting and learning about different parts of themselves and identities they hold which might not have been held with soft hands, historically. This includes, but is not limited to, those curious about their gender, sexuality, race, and alternative romantic/sexual interests.

Creatives, artists, celebrities, and high profile entertainers

Therapy is a space where no one else gets to write your narrative; instead, creatives, artists, and entertainers will be able to reclaim their own truths, rediscover their center and foundation, and be seen and accepted as the intricate and beautiful humans they are. 

Clinical Supervision

Beyond direct clinical work with clients, I find great joy supervising social workers working towards their independent licensure in DC, Virginia, and Massachusetts. 

My desire as a supervisor is to be a guiding and grounding presence as supervisees navigate the beautiful experience of beginning clinical work. I strive for supervision to be a space for supervisees to be seen and heard both personally and professionally. Theoretically, my approach follows my clinical style, balancing a mix of cognitive-behavioral and person-centered techniques while also utilizing an integrated development model to truly meet each supervisee where they are and to be attuned to their specific needs, worries, and professional development goals. Supervisees and I will integrate the Code of Ethics into each meeting, ensuring that their work is always rooted in Social Work principles. Additionally, I have an interest in holding space for conversations around transference, countertransference, and normalizing the difficult emotions that can come up while conducting sessions; I invite supervisees to lean in and be inquisitive and compassionate for these feelings and supervision is the exact place to explore them.

My approach is one of active curiosity; not only do I want to encourage supervisees to remain grounded in evidence-based practices and the newest research, but to also craft and design their own unique style and voice. There will be space to also check in with supervisees on a personal level, encouraging them to make self-care and self reflection an integral aspect of their daily routine, highlighting how necessary it is to take care of themselves while doing life changing work.

As your supervisor, I will be a safe and accepting place to land, an advocate for your unique growth who is not afraid to challenge you, and a steady compassionate light for you as you navigate your professional journey. 

Additional Areas of Expertise

Academic Stress & Pressure
Adjusting to Life Transitions
Anxiety
Attention Problems
Bipolar Disorder
BiPOC
Depression
Discovering Your Identity
Emotion Identification, Regulation, and Awareness
Finding Meaning and Purpose
Finding Passion and Creativity Again
Generalized Anxiety
General Stress of Being Human
Grief and Loss
Identity
Life Stress
Life Transitions
Low Self-Esteem, Low Self-Worth
Mood Disorders
Perfectionism
Personal Growth
Polyamory, Kink, and Alternative Relationships
Relationship and Communication Difficulties
Self-Care
Self-Criticism
Self-Esteem
Social Anxiety
Quarter-Life Crisis
Young Adults

more ABOUT ME

I love working with…

clients who are beginning to be curious about themselves and their experiences or are even nervous to learn more about themselves! Every session is a chance to ask questions, dig a bit deeper, and discover more clarity and peace. Let’s explore together.

I believe…

the mind, body, and heart are smart and protective. I also believe sometimes it’s time to file away coping techniques that are no longer serving you to make space for new skills that will help you live your most authentic life. Therapy, with a strong therapeutic alliance, is a beautiful, safe place to start this process.

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