Humanistic Therapists in Riva, MD

I offer a direct, collaborative therapy style, using psychodynamic, humanistic and cognitive approaches. I treat adult individuals and couples experiencing distress from anxiety and depression, significant life transitions and change, difficult relationships, and challenges resulting from cancer and other medical illnesses. In an environment of trust and support, I will help you safely explore your thoughts and feelings, discover new perspectives and develop more effective coping strategies--all with the goal of enhancing your well being.

I passionately believe that long lasting change does not come from a place of self-loathing, fear, or pressure from others, but rather, compassion and acceptance towards ourselves. So many variables can impact the way we view ourselves: trauma, our families & relationships, identities that have been marginalized, sexuality, cultural and societal norms, systemic oppression, neurodivergence, social media, diet-culture, and the list goes on. The culmination of these experiences can weigh us down, preventing us from living a life authentic to our values and aspirations.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with 20 years of experience within the mental health industry. I am the founder of Empower & Elevate Psychotherapy, a virtual outpatient private practice providing quality mental health care to individuals and families across 40 states. I specialize in the assessment and treatment of pediatric, child, adolescent, and adult populations with symptoms related to autism, ADHD, disruptive behavior, intellectual and developmental disabilities, anxiety, depression, mood dysregulation, stress, life transitions, challenges with identity development, hardship in attachments, and family discord.

I am a licensed therapist approved by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists to practice in the state of Maryland. I have many years of experience working with a multicultural and humanistic perspective in holistic wellness. I provide a client-centered approach while utilizing a Humanistic Perspective, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and multiple modalities to treat multiple mental and behavioral health needs to different ethnic groups, sexual orientations, and genders.

I have extensive professional experience working with individuals and groups in the public mental health field as well in my private practice.I believe that symptoms of distress that bring people into treatment are signs of health. Old ways of coping are no longer working and new ways of dealing with life are needed. I help clients connect with the internal resources they need to create the lives they long for.

Have you been considering seeking help from a mental health professional? Or maybe you’ve decided to give therapy another try. The foundation of an effective therapeutic relationship begins with finding a therapist with whom you have a good fit and connection. I will meet you with compassion and empathy, while also guiding you towards self-exploration and increased awareness. I believe that we navigate life and view the world through a lens influenced by our society and culture. I will support you in your process of becoming more of the person you want to be and help you commit to actions that align with your desired goals.

Every one of us has a desire to be fulfilled in life. But, there can be barriers that stop us from truly obtaining it. Is anxiety holding you back from living the life you want? Are your boundaries in relationships making you feel stuck? Do you struggle to find the words to have a vulnerable conversation? If so, you’re not alone and in our work together, we’ll identify barriers and pave the way to a more fulfilled you!

I currently have a waitlist. I believe therapy is a soft landing place where you feel seen, express and process emotions, and develop the tools to live a liberated life. Life can present a host of challenges that may make it difficult for us to thrive but this does not have to be your truth. Many of these challenges may have even existed before you were born, which has been described as inter-generational trauma. My aim as a practitioner is to meet you where you are on your path to self discovery and healing. I use a Humanistic - Existential, and utilize techniques from CBT, ACT and Narrative therapy modalities.

Whether you want to talk, are looking for support through difficult times, or looking to make real change in your life, we can work together to achieve dreams, meet goals and rise above the ashes. Using my background as a mental health therapist, a certified addictions counselor, and specializations in spirituality, grief, multiculturalism, and hypnosis, I am sure we can find a way to work together toward your goal of well-being.

Have you ever wanted to try ketamine but couldn't find a therapist trained to sit with you through your journey? Do you have a medical cannabis card and want to dive deep with cannabis assisted therapy? Well you found the right clinician! I am a psychedelic assistant therpaist and cannabis assistant therapist. I can help you unpack and integrate on your journey and integrate after your journey.

I am an Out of Network provider offering 100% telehealth therapy sessions. Our therapeutic relationship is built on trust of your innate healing ability and power over your own decisions. I honor you, as a whole person - supporting emotional, physical, mental, spiritual and relational health and healing. Growing and nurturing yourself, your clients/patients and your family requires support from your circle. Sometimes, that support comes from professional counseling with a trusted provider.

While life comes with its challenges, there comes a time where we all need some help - a small push, if you will. Whether anxiety, depression, fear, or loneliness is prevalent within your life, it will always be my goal to be a positive guide. As an aspiring Licensed Holistic Therapist, I utilize person-centered therapy, NTU psychotherapy, and a variety of holistic wellness interventions.

Are you intellectually curious about personal growth? Let "change" be an intriguing adventure rather than an anxiety-producing threat. In your life experiences what has and hasn't worked for you? Triggers, symptoms of distress can become new ways of understanding what in your life needs a new focus. Knowing oneself more fully and making conscious choices equals more personal meaning. A great therapy experience involves jointly developing a trustworthy exploration of how feelings, thoughts, behaviors and interactions help or hurt your pursuit of a contented life with less self-doubt, fear of the unknown and personally determined lifelong growth.

My practice is built on teaching and supporting people who want to; reduce and manage their stress-worry-anxiety, improve their mood to move toward their authentically happier selves, improve their relationships with family-friends-co-workers, are going through life transitions and want to use it to be better aligned with where they want to be in their life, manage the flood of events in the world that are impacting their thoughts and feelings, people who are hard workers and care for others but then find it difficult to have time left over for their own self-care on a regular basis.

I work with individuals to develop tools to manage times of transition. Usually, it is from these uncomfortable times in life that tremendous growth occurs. Together we will discover strategies to manage and move beyond your discomfort with increased self-awareness. The bottom line is that this is your journey, and I am humbled to walk with you during this time of self-discovery. Ideal clients for me include adults in life transitions, relationships challenges, trauma, anxiety, and depression.

I am licensed in both Washington DC and Maryland and can see clients in both locations. I want for clients to have a safe and non-judgmental space to heal and explore their experiences to find meaning. My interest and experience is with queer topics and populations, trauma and trauma related disorders, substance abuse, psychosis and mood disorders. Every person has the internal structures to heal from trauma and stress. Together we can work towards your therapy goals (or define them) and promote emotional management and improved mental health and well-being.

My focus in the therapy room is aligning my clients more with their authentic selves, reducing symptoms, and setting them on a course to living a life that feels satisfying and fulfilling. I care about being the right fit for a client and creating a collaborative relationship. My hope is that my clients feel deeply understood and that our work aligns with their goals.