Erika Bugaj, MA, MSW, LICSW

Director and Founder of Dandelion Counseling and Care - practicing in person and online!

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our office to get in touch or schedule a consultation with Erika.

a photo of erika

Erika Bugaj is a licensed independent clinical social worker practicing in Tenleytown, Washington, DC. Erika has many years of experience as a social worker and therapist, as well as experience as a teacher. She specializes in perinatal mental health at this time, though she is a trained child, teen, and family therapist.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Syracuse University – 1998

Master of Teaching, Elementary
Trinity Washington University – 2002

Master of Clinical Social Work
The Catholic University of America – 2003

Licensure & Certifications

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (DC)

Licensed Certified Social Worker – Clinical (MD)

Working on Postpartum International (PSI) credential

Licensed Clinical Social Worker - NY

Recently received PMH-C: Perinatal Mental Health credential, from Postpartum Support International

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Erika Welcomes

  • Individuals
  • Couples
  • Family
  • In person and online
  • LGBTQ+ affirming
  • Body positivity 
  • Adults
  • Adolescents / Teenagers (14 to 19)
  • Preteens / Tweens (11 to 13)
  • Children (6 to 10)
  • Toddlers / Preschoolers (0 to 6)

Clients Who Work with Erika Often Struggle With

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Parenting
  • Addiction
  • Adoption
  • Alcohol Use
  • Child or Adolescent
  • Chronic Illness
  • Chronic Pain
  • Coping Skills
  • Divorce
  • Domestic Violence
  • Family Conflict
  • Grief
  • Life Transitions
  • Peer Relationships
  • Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self-Esteem
  • Self-Harming
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Spirituality
  • Stress
  • Substance Use
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Transgender
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Women’s Issues
  • Mental Health
  • Dissociative Disorders
  • Impulse Control Disorders
  • Mood Disorders
  • Personality Disorders
  • Thinking Disorders
  • Sexuality
a photo of a therapy session

Counseling Approach

Erika’s professional experience includes social work positions, helping adult survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence; meeting the complex needs of homeless families with young children; and providing counseling and resources to families receiving care on the inpatient pediatric units of a teaching hospital. After finishing her undergraduate degree at Syracuse University, Erika completed a two-year commitment with Teach for America, teaching second grade in DC Public Schools. Following her graduate degree work, Erika completed the Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Training Program at the Washington School of Psychiatry in 2013, which is a two year postgraduate certificate program for mental health professionals specializing in providing therapy with children, teens, and families.

Some of the evidence-based therapy practices she uses regularly include:

  • Art Therapy
  • Attachment-based
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Culturally Sensitive
  • Eclectic
  • Existential
  • Expressive Arts
  • Family / Marital
  • Family Systems
  • Feminist
  • Integrative
  • Journal Therapy
  • Narrative
  • Play Therapy
  • Psychodynamic
  • Strength-Based
  • Transpersonal
  • Trauma Focused

Recent Interviews & Publications

As a knowledgeable expert in the field, Erika is often interviewed and publishes her research. You can find details about a few of her recent interviews and journal publications below. 

Outside of the Practice

Erika resides in Washington, DC where she works to balance her work and family life. She is the proud mother of two kids, whom she likes to explore the DC metro area and Tenleytown neighborhood with. The family also has a Pitbull mix named Diesel, and they’ve recently added two kittens, Rocket and Haley, to the menagerie.

Contact Erika

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our office to get in touch or schedule a consultation with Erika.

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Therapy for Adults

If you’re here, you’ve taken the first step toward becoming the best and most fulfilled version of yourself, and the Dandelion Counseling & Care team is excited to be part of your therapy journey.

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Therapy for Children & Families

Whether you’re a parent who needs guidance or you’re looking for a therapist to support your struggling child, the Dandelion Counseling & Care team is here to help.

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Therapy for Parents

Let’s face it – being a parent is hard. Whether you have a baby on the way, you’re adopting or fostering, or you’re having trouble bonding with your child, you may want to consider working with a family therapist.

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Group Therapy & Support Groups

At Dandelion Counseling & Care, we are proud to offer group therapy and support groups in the Tenley town community. You can learn more about group therapy services on this page...

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Therapy for Anxiety

If you’re struggling with anxiety, we’re here to talk about it. At Dandelion Counseling & Care, we offer therapy for anxiety in our Tenleytown practice to help alleviate the effects of anxiety and develop skills...

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Therapy for College & University Students

One of the great things about working in the heart of Tenleytown is that Dandelion Counseling & Care is located near American University, The Washington College of Law, and...

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Therapy for Teens

At Dandelion Counseling & Care, we welcome adolescents and teens from the Tenleytown community to visit us for therapy. We regularly work with teens from Woodrow Wilson High School in the heart...

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Therapy for Depression

Depression may be the most common mood disorder impacting millions of people in the U.S. every year. If you’re one of the countless people trying to overcome the effects of depression, the good news is...

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Shantius Jackson, MS, LPC

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Heather Ruiz, MSW, LMSW, LGSW

Heather Ruiz is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in Washington, DC with several years of experience working with individuals and families in various settings, including...

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Erika Bugaj, MA, MSW, LICSW LCSW, LCSW-C

Erika Bugaj is a licensed independent clinical social worker practicing in Tenleytown, Washington, DC. Erika has many years of experience as a social worker...

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Luba Gritsunov, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

Luba Gritsunov is a first-year MSW student at Ohio State University, specializing in mental health counseling. Having spent several years as an individual educator, she honed the skills of personalized support and active listening.

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Julia Nessman, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

Julia Nessman is a second and final year Master of Social Work student through the Catholic University of America.  She has several years of experience with advocacy and research pertaining to neurodiversity and youth mental health.

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Anne-Marie Ruwe

Anne-Marie Ruwe is Dandelion’s newest intern. She is a Master of Social Work student at Ohio State University, specializing in mental health and substance misuse. Anne-Marie is excited to expand her skillset...

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Devon Pu,MSW, LGSW

Devon Pu is a licensed graduate social worker in Tenleytown, Washington, D.C. with extensive experience in healthcare systems treating severe mental illness and trauma.

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Zyer Beaty, PhD, LGPC, NCC

Zyer Beaty is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor in Washington, D. C. with over 6 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families. She has a heart for...

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Courtney Johnson, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

A first-year student at Ohio State University, specializing in mental health counseling. He is a native of Memphis, TN and has been working in the HIV field for over 10 years. 

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Keisha Jones, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

As an intern at Dandelion Counseling and Care, Keisha brings a unique blend of education and hands-on experience that reflects their commitment to fostering empowerment and healing in diverse populations.

Katie Jarvis, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

Katie is a second-year master’s student at Catholic University, focusing on clinical social work and therapy. She previously worked in housing counseling with tenants at risk of being evicted.

Antonella Zara, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

Antonella Zara is a recent BSW graduate from The Catholic University of America and is currently working towards her MSW. She has previous experience with one on one counseling, case management and is now looking forward to working in a more therapeutic setting

Rachel Sanders, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

Rachel Sanders is a recent graduate of the Catholic University of America. She studied social work in her undergrad degree, and found social work to be her passion, so she is now pursuing her Master’s degree at CUA.

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Camille White, MA, MS, LPC, NCC

Camille White is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Tenleytown, Washington, D. C. with over fifteen years of experience working with children, adolescents, and...

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Elżbieta holds Master Certified Coach credentials that place her in the top 3% of all ICF certified coaches in the world.

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Caroline Erickson

Caroline is a DC-based second year MSW student at Ohio State University, specializing in mental health counseling and substance use. She has over a decade of experience working with youth and adults in various...

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Talia Pfeffer, Dandelion Counseling & Care student intern

As a Dandelion Counseling & Care student psychotherapist, creating a solid therapeutic relationship with clients is central to Talia’s effective and transformative therapy approach.

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Sarah Hair, MA, MSW 2nd year candidate

An advanced year student in Clinical Social Work at Catholic University, a Fellow at Children’s National Hospital and an intern in psychotherapy in Tenleytown, Washington, D. C.

Emely Taveras, MS, Resident MFT

Emely Taveras is a Resident in Marriage in Family Therapy in Tenleytown, Washington, D.C., and provides individual, couple, and family services and works with all populations in all stages of the life cycle including children, adolescents, and adults.

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