Therapists in Silver Spring, MD

Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges? Are your emotions, or a complicated relationship, weighing you down? Are you interested in finding creative solutions to your problems? If so, perhaps counseling, art therapy, or some combination of the two might be right for you! I offer a supportive and non-judgmental space where you will learn to take charge of your thoughts, emotions, and actions while practicing better self-care and improving insight. My areas of expertise include trauma, HIV, diabetes, depression, anxiety, multicultural and LGBTQ+ concerns, existential dilemmas, spiritual concerns, and grief and loss.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I strive to use a positive psychology to bring insights and empowerment to my clients. Over the past 20 years, I have used Cognitive Behavioral techniques, a Person Centered approach and a warm style of coaching, to support individuals who struggle with mental and emotional difficulties. As a seasoned therapist and trained in EMDR for Trauma, I work with those who have Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Stress & Anger Management issues and a host of other life struggles. The focus in therapy is to move towards a more stable, healthy and progressive way of living.

2020 has been a tough year as we face this challenging time in our history. We’ve had to grapple with the longevity of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the uncertainty it brings. Challenges, which are further confounded by a complicated and divisive political climate make this a time of grief, trauma, loss, and difficult transitions for many. Physical distancing measures, forced adoption of new technology, and disruption of our routines, though necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, bring additional struggles with preventing isolation, remaining engaged with social supports, and coping with stress and anxiety. Please talk with a provider if you are finding yourself overwhelmed or if you are experiencing changes in sleeping, eating, or irritability, whether or not your challenges can be explained by current situations We have immediate openings for therapy and medication management appointments.

Are you, your partner, or your family impacted by disability and looking for a safe space to navigate individual, interpersonal, or romantic relationships? I am here to tell you that you are not alone. Many barriers to holistic wellness are amplified by disability and together, we can find ways to reduce them. I aim to help people feel seen, be heard, and experience love through an individualized person-centered approach, using activity-based treatment interventions, and community reintegration.

In our current, local and National climate, we know that people are experiencing stress, anxiety, and trauma now more than ever. My greatest passion is bringing understanding and healing to children and families who have been through a traumatic/stressful experience or struggle with mental health challenges. Consultation is also an instrument that I use to help parents and educators uncover strategies to shift behavior and improve family and classroom dynamics. I am also trained in psychological and psychoeducational assessment to evaluate areas of strengths and challenges for diagnostic consultation and educational planning.

My therapeutic approach emphasizes the importance of meeting the client and family where they are at and building a connection through trust and understanding. I have experience working with children as young as 5 years old, adolescents, adults and families. I specialize in supporting clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem challenges, socialization and attention deficit disorder. When working with adolescents or adults, I utilize a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness.

Understanding who you are or what you are feeling is difficult when you are not even sure what words to use to describe your experience or what questions to ask yourself. Naming that is a big step. You may put on a mask to navigate the world in order to reduce the pressures you feel from society. High expectations when you were younger may make mistakes seem unacceptable. The journey to explore who you are may seem lonely. You may notice similarities in the relationships you form now with the relationship you have with your family. The early traumas in your life may be triggering you now in ways that are frustrating and upsetting.

I believe that effective therapy is built on trust and unconditional empathy. My treatment approach is rooted in the importance of the individual, using methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strength-Based Therapy, and Somatic skills. In our sessions, you can expect a warm, judgment free space where you can openly express your thoughts and feelings. I am dedicated to taking the time to truly get to know you, so that I can incorporate your interests into treatment in creative ways. I want you to not only process your past, but be equipped with practical tools to fuel your future.