CareFirst Therapists in Bethesda, MD

I believe in creating a safe, supportive space to understand oneself more deeply. As connection and trust evolve between myself and the client, a frank discussion about their identity, wishes, feelings, conflicts can be facilitated and understood. This can enable them make informed decisions regarding how to better navigate their lives. When a patient comes in crisis, I am also available as support, to help them return to a previous level of functioning. We try to learn the significance of this event, so as to use it as an opportunity to enrich the client's life.

Clients seeking treatment from me find that their symptoms relate to behavior addiction, cultural identity, developmental issues, family dynamic issues, and cognitive/affective limitations. Typically, at the epicenter of these issues is regarding information processes within interpersonal dynamics online and offline. Dependent on the frequency, intensity and duration of individual symptoms, my clients find strength within cognitive-behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, mindfulness-based practices, and psychodynamic based treatment plans.

Esteemed neurologist Viktor Frankl once said, "When we are no longer able to change a situation we are challenged to change ourselves." His words resonate with my approach to counseling which is insight oriented & geared towards promoting personal awareness, resilience & growth. In collaboration with my clients I work towards facilitating & supporting behavioral change utilizing an integrative approach based on client's needs, strengths & goals. I hold state licensure in both Maryland & Virginia as well as national board certifications including NCC & CCMHC. I am also a registered telehealth provider in the state of Florida.

There is no rule book to life. Having feelings of sadness, being overwhelmed, anxiousness, and blah are all normal feelings to feel. My goal is to unpack emotions with my clients and make them feel comfort during uncomfortable times. I use a variety of interventions because there is no cookie cutter method that works for everyone. I have experience working with children, teens, and adolescence going through life transitions. Childhood to adolescence are formative years and it is important to have therapy be fun and not uptight. Every person is unique, and they deserve to have therapy personalized to their lifestyle and personality.

Touched by Adoption? The Barker Foundation recognizes that adoption is a lifelong journey, with normal developmental challenges and tasks. We will walk with you through and support you through your journey. Whether you are an adoptive parent with a child that is struggling emotionally or academically; a birth parent who is seeking understanding, reflection, or search and reunion; or an adoptee looking for support- we are here for you.

SAME DAY, EVENING & WEEKEND OPTIONS. Need help, but find traditional approaches unappealing? I provide an integrative strategy informed by the latest research in neuroscience, environmental factors, & mindfulness. I focus on shifting the culture of your relationships and internal schemas from their current negative, painful cycles into a place for connection & achievement. Beyond knowledge, so much in therapy is about the relationship: I'm here for you. Ready now? I get that. Phone is monitored until 10 p.m. & weekends/holidays. Getting therapy should be easy, not add stress.

I am a bilingual Marriage and Family Therapist I believe therapy can help individuals find new ways of functioning and increase self-knowledge that can help them move forward in life. Every crisis, obstacle and challenge in life can offer an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery that can help us learn new things about ourselves. As an immigrant myself I know the individual and family challenges of living in a different culture. I enjoy working with immigrant families helping them navigate the benefits and challenges of living in a new culture.

I work with adults and older adolescents who are dealing with anxiety and depression that interferes with their ability to maximize their progress at work and school and limits satisfying family and personal relationships. In addition, I find that life transitions can trigger emotional crises, but they also offer the opportunity for people to develop better strategies that can improve old patterns that have been unsuccessful in resolving problems in the past. Other areas of focus have included working on parenting strategies, marital relationships, grief and loss, and the impact of chronic illness on one's emotional life.

As a first generation Latina, I have learned the importance of understanding the ways in which a person’s different identities intersect and shape their life experiences. As a therapist, my belief is that you are the expert on your life experience, and we, as therapists, are not saviors but guides to help you reach your vision for healing and your highest Self. I am a culturally affirming therapist that shows up in every session with authenticity. I have had the honor of working with people of varying cultures, legal statuses, ethnicities, educational backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses.

Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, or anger? Have you experienced substance use, marriage conflict, or difficult relationships in your family? Do you need help addressing an eating disorder? It takes a lot of courage to reach out for help – and I respect that courage. Together, we will work to discover your strengths, and I can help you leverage those strengths to build coping skills that will help you in everyday life. We will tailor therapy to your needs and goals, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and your own experiences.

I work with individuals and couples who are struggling with worries, sadness, relationship difficulties, or feel "stuck" in some way. My primary focus areas are anxiety, depression, ADHD and trauma, using a combination of cognitive behavioral and integrative practices. I draw from modalities such as Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Somatic Experiencing. This integrative approach to mental health allows me to tailor the experience to your unique needs.

I work with adults, adolescents, and couples, often in transition or crisis. If we work together, you will become more fully self-aware and present as you improve and deepen your relationships with others. I am a warm and engaged participant in the psychotherapy and problem-solving process and as such, I am continually awed by each person's story and the unique reservoirs found to deal with life's difficulties.

Our mission at Serenity Psychological Services is to provide superior quality care through warm and compassionate experiences. Seeking help can be difficult and overwhelming. Our goal is to help you feel safe and understood while on your journey to finding peace and resolution. You will feel supported and connected while working with our highly trained and empathetic therapists. The relationship between you and your therapist is unique and essential to experiencing benefit from the treatment process. Working together through a strong alliance allows for greater insight, understanding, and ultimately improved overall well-being.

Breathe . . . . Life is so stressful. So many meetings, demands, interruptions, and lack of motivation make you irritable, edgy and exhausted. Your patience is long gone. You worry about your health and everyone's mental health. Spinning thoughts about finances, family, loss of connection, and even the price of gas, immobilize you. Mask or no mask? So many changes and new challenges every day. Do you want to feel confident, in control, and secure again. You don’t have to feel alone, lost, stressed, or overwhelmed. We can meet by Video as soon as next week. I have openings right now!

Welcome! Life's challenges come in many shapes and colors, and solutions are not one-size-fits-all. My approach is to help you in a way that works with your life and values. In practice, I integrate science-based treatment into my warm, compassionate style in order to help individuals and couples reach their goals. AT THIS TIME, I AM ONLY ACCEPTING NEW TRAUMA-FOCUSED CBT CHILD AND ADOLESCENT CLIENTS.