Pastoral Counselor & Licensed Therapist

Reverend

Ciara

Simonson

M.Div.  ·  M.S.  ·  LCPC  ·  Doctoral Candidate

Helping couples, individuals, and families move from conflict toward connection — through the integration of clinical therapy and spiritual wisdom.

Imago Relationship Therapy Couples Counseling Perinatal Bereavement IFS Therapy
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10+ Years Practice
3 Graduate Degrees
LCPC Licensed Therapist
Where clinical excellence meets spiritual depth — a space for healing that honors all of who you are.
Serving at the Pastoral Counseling and Consultation Center / Imago Center DC since 2014. A certified Imago Relationship Therapist, IFS Level 2 trained, and ordained minister — bringing a uniquely integrated approach to healing.
About Ciara Simonson
Rev. Ciara Simonson, M.Div., LCPC

About

A Therapist Who Understands the Whole Person

Reverend Ciara S. Simonson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Advanced Imago Relationship Therapist, ordained minister, keynote speaker, and doctoral candidate specializing in Imago Relationship Therapy. With over a decade of clinical experience, she brings a rare combination of psychological rigor and pastoral wisdom to every therapeutic encounter.

Her practice is rooted in a deep belief that healing happens at the intersection of mind, heart, and spirit. Whether working with couples navigating betrayal, individuals processing grief, or families seeking connection, Ciara creates a space where transformation becomes possible.

  • D
    Doctoral Candidate, Counseling Daybreak University — Specialization in Imago Relationship Therapy
  • M
    M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling Loyola University of Maryland, 2017
  • D
    M.Div. Practical Theology Howard University School of Divinity, 2009
  • L
    LCPC · Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Pastoral Counseling & Consultation Center / Imago Center DC
  • I
    IFS Level 2 Trained (2024) Internal Family Systems — Parts Work for Relationships

Services

What We Work On Together

Compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to where you are and where you want to be.

01
Couples & Relationship Therapy
Using the Imago approach to help partners move from reactivity and conflict toward deeper understanding, empathy, and genuine intimacy.
Imago Relationship Therapy
02
Individual Counseling
Personalized therapy addressing anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, and identity — integrating clinical and spiritual dimensions of healing.
IFS · CBT · Integrative
03
Perinatal Bereavement
Specialized support for individuals and couples navigating pregnancy loss, infant death, and the profound grief that follows — with cultural sensitivity.
Grief · Trauma-Informed
04
Spiritually Integrated Therapy
For those whose faith is central to their identity, a therapeutic space that honors spiritual values and draws on pastoral wisdom alongside clinical practice.
Faith-Based · Pastoral
05
Family & Group Therapy
Creating space for families and groups to rebuild communication patterns, resolve conflict, and strengthen bonds with culturally competent care.
Systems Approach
06
Safe Conversations® Workshops
Certified facilitator of the Harville Hendrix and Helen LaKelly Hunt model — experiential workshops for couples and communities.
Workshop · Group

Clinical Approach

Healing That Honors Mind, Body & Spirit

Ciara's practice integrates leading evidence-based modalities with a deep respect for the spiritual and cultural dimensions of her clients' lives.

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Imago Relationship Therapy

Certified Advanced IRT practitioner and faculty supervisor — helping couples move from unconscious conflict patterns to conscious, loving connection.

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Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Level 2 trained in IFS — working with parts to heal internal wounds and foster greater self-compassion and emotional regulation.

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Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy

An ordained minister with an M.Div. from Howard University — bringing pastoral depth to clinical care for those whose faith shapes their healing journey.

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Culturally Competent & Anti-Racist Practice

Committed to pro-reconciliation, anti-racism work — providing affirming care across diverse theological, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.

"My work is rooted in the belief that every person carries within them the capacity for deep healing, meaningful connection, and joyful wholeness."
  • Couples / Relationship Therapy
  • Perinatal & Pregnancy Loss Bereavement
  • Black Theological Studies & Pastoral Care
  • Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) Parts Work
  • Safe Conversations® Facilitation

Scholarship & Training

Research, Publications & Expertise

Peer-Reviewed Publication · 2024
An Exploration of Black Couples' Experience with Perinatal Loss
Simonson, C., Mann, T., & Ko, M.J. — Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy
View Publication →

Advanced Clinical Trainings

2024
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 2
2024
Getting the Love You Want™ Workshop Presenter
2023
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 1
2022
Dare to Lead™ — Based on Brené Brown's Research
2022
The Attuned Therapist: Reactivity & Resistance (IRT Advanced)
2018
Safe Conversations® Leader — Harville Hendrix & Helen LaKelly Hunt

Speaking & Events

Invite Ciara to Your Next Event

An engaging keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, Reverend Simonson brings expertise, warmth, and transformative energy to conferences, faith communities, corporate events, and more.

Relationships & Intimacy Grief & Perinatal Loss Faith & Mental Health Black Women's Wellness Couples & Communication Healing & Wholeness Anti-Racism & Reconciliation

Let's Connect

Ready to bring a transformative voice to your next conference, retreat, or community event? Reach out to discuss availability and topics.

Inquire About Speaking

Contact

Begin Your Healing Journey

Take the first step. Reach out to schedule a consultation or ask a question — a response will come within 48 hours.

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Phone 917.716.4004
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Email ciara@ciarasimonson.com
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Practice Location Pastoral Counseling & Consultation Center / Imago Center DC