Meet The Team
Giovanna Y. Di Lauro Velez, M.S., LPC
Giovanna is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Owner of Di Lauro & Associates Counseling, PLLC in Washington, DC. She has over 10 years of experience providing therapeutic services to adults of all genders. Her areas of expertise include childhood trauma/trauma, unhealthy/abusive relationships, depression, anxiety, stress management and substance dependence. She is licensed to practice in both Washington, DC and Virginia. Giovanna is fluent in English and Spanish.
Latrice Nesbit, M.S., LGPC
Latrice Nesbit, LGPC, is a North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University’s School of Mental Health Counseling graduate, holding a Master of Science in Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling. In addition, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. With over 12 years of experience as a Counselor, Latrice has dedicated her career to providing counseling to adolescents and adults in both community and agency settings.
Latrice brings a wealth of expertise in addressing a diverse range of challenges, including mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, life transitions, self-esteem issues, occupational challenges and stress, substance use disorder, and physical disabilities.
Her therapeutic approach is rooted in empathy, warmth, and trust, creating a collaborative space for clients to explore and embrace their feelings and experiences. Latrice plays a crucial role in helping clients understand themselves, their past, relationships, and self-awareness, fostering authenticity and life transformation.
As a practitioner of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment
Latrice offers emotional support and guidance tailored to each client's individualized needs in her sessions. She is dedicated to fostering growth in self-knowledge, facilitating healing, and promoting joy and empowerment. Latrice looks forward to the opportunity to support you on your journey toward personal development and well-being.
Aleesha O'Brien, ME.d, LGPC
Aleesha is a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor in Washington, DC as well as a Nationally Certified Counselor. Her exposure to a wide range of clients and multicultural backgrounds has allowed her to provide care in culturally competent ways. Aleesha’s goal is to create a safe and comfortable environment for all of her clients to be their genuine selves. She also hopes to help clients gain tools needed to process and express emotions wholeheartedly.
Aleesha specializes in stress management, depression, anxiety and life transitions. With person-centered ideals, she practices with a nondirective and empathic approach. Aleesha strongly believes that various aspects of an individual’s cultural background greatly influence their mental health. She works with clients in building self-awareness and realizing personal growth through evidence-based practices. Some of these include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Systemic Therapy. Aleesha believes that with a strong therapeutic relationship, anything is possible!
Tatyana Suares, M.A., LPC
Tatyana has experience and specialized training in the assessment and treatment of individuals struggling with substance use, depression, anxiety, trauma, relational issues, grief and loss. Tatyana has worked in a variety of settings including juvenile detention centers, rehabilitation centers, community agencies and outpatient mental health clinics, providing her with exposure to a broad range of cultural/socio-economic backgrounds and mental health issues.
Tatyana offers a person-centered/strengths-based approach, anchoring her therapeutic work with all individuals, couples, and families in evidence-based approaches that are rooted in multi-theoretical frameworks. Some include: Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.
Tatyana views therapy as an agent for change and that healing happens through meaningful relationships, including the one between therapist and client. Through a strong therapeutic alliance, individuals gain a sense of empowerment and understanding of self; ultimately leading to an improved quality of life.