- Now Accepting New Clients -
Ongisa Ichile-McKenze, LGMFT
Individual + Couples Specialist
Licensed Graduated Marriage + Family Therapist
Welcome to our practice. I’m Ongisa, one of the specialists who works extensively with individuals and couples at the practice. If you’re currently experiencing distress or a disconnect in a relationship that genuinely matters to you, then I’m your person.
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Problems aren’t always people-centered. Your relationship with other things, such as work, school, money, food, shopping, and your body competes for your attention. Life constantly forces us to juggle our connections to loved ones along with our relationship with these things. It’s easy to get out of balance and need an adjustment. Sometimes you’ll discover that your relationship with something or someone was unhealthy for as long as you can remember. If you keep making the same mistakes or can’t find your way out of a particular unhealthy pattern then it’s time to schedule an appointment with me.
Helping people and couples is my most important work. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist with a specialty in human communication. I often find that communication breakdowns are at the center of unhappy romantic relationships. Poor communication can leave partners feeling unsafe, misunderstood, and exhausted.
In therapy, I help individuals identify any negative interactions and patterns they’ve fallen into that create distress. This often requires us to work through personal insecurities, anxieties, and past or present trauma. My work with couples also helps to establish a secure connection between partners. Whether you are single, dating, engaged, or in a life partnership, my work will provide a clear, structured path to help:
Improve your communication skills
Develop greater emotional intelligence and awareness
Recognize and express your emotional needs more effectively
Foster a secure attachment bond with your partner and family members
Set and maintain healthy boundaries
Make hard decisions with clarity and confidence
One of my missions as a therapist, former educator, and activist is to empower you to face your life and relationship challenges, one step at a time. Currently, you may feel powerless to make changes, but I’m ready to get in the fight with you and see to it that you are victorious.
Schedule an initial consultation or appointment with me If you are a person, couple, or family that is struggling with:
Sadness
Depression
Stress
Anxiety
Loneliness
Insecurity
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Communication issues
Trust issues
Infidelity, cheating, or poor relationship boundaries
Codependency
Lack of intimacy or sex
Growing apart
Preparation for marriage (pre-marital therapy)
Separation or Divorce
Parenting issues
Problems with In-laws
Low self-esteem
Body image issues
Work performance
Poor work/life balance
Imposter syndrome
Perfectionism
Overthinking, racing thoughts, constant worrying
Family conflict
Financial worries
Dating problems or heartbreak
Social media overload
Maintaining boundaries
Grief or loss
Caring for aging or sick family members
Life transitions (changing schools, moving, welcoming a new baby)
Sleep issues
Ongisa sees individuals, couples and families who reside in Maryland. Patients are 16yrs or older.
Education
Howard University Washington DC
Touro University Los Angeles
Licensure
LGMFT: Maryland
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Bowen Family Systems
Hours + Rates
Monday 9am - 1pm, 4pm - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 1pm, 4pm - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 1pm, 4pm - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 1pm, 4pm - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 12pm
Individual Therapy
$145 First Assessment
$120 Standard Session
Couples Therapy
$165 First Assessment
$140 Standard Session
Family Therapy
$175 First Assessment
$150 Standard Session
Payment + Insurance Information
While Ongisa is not an in-network provider for any healthcare insurance companies, you may be eligible for reimbursement from your insurance company after attending counseling sessions. This means that you are responsible for paying the full fee at the time of each office visit, however, you may receive a portion of your payment back from your insurance provider after completing the appropriate steps.
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Covenant Therapy Group accepts all major credit cards as well as FSA and HSA cards.