Asian Therapists in Laurel, MD
Margarette Lorraine Fernandez
Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor, LGPC, MA
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I support adolescents and adults (ages 12–40) navigating the weight of anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Many of my clients struggle with perfectionism, relationship challenges, or the complexity of balancing family expectations with their own identity. As a Filipina American who grew up between cultures, I specialize in helping those exploring how their background and experiences shape who they are today. Together, we move forward by identifying underlying patterns and building a foundation of self-trust, ensuring you feel truly heard and empowered to create a life that feels authentic to you.
I support adolescents and adults (ages 12–40) navigating the weight of anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Many of my clients struggle with perfectionism, relationship challenges, or the complexity of balancing family expectations with their own identity. As a Filipina American who grew up between cultures, I specialize in helping those exploring how their background and experiences shape who they are today. Together, we move forward by identifying underlying patterns and building a foundation of self-trust, ensuring you feel truly heard and empowered to create a life that feels authentic to you.
I am trained to support Black/African-American, Middle Eastern, Asian, Latinx and individuals from other racial and ethnic background as we use CBT, DBT, ACT, solution-focused, compassion-focused, and attachment therapist to address, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD and more.
I help teens and adults understand that engaging in worry, staying in bed, anger, overeating, isolating, and crying is a way to cope or protect themselves after painful, overwhelming and unexpected experiences. My therapeutic process begins in building a relationship where clients feel psychologically safe within themselves to eventually share their past an ongoing experiences with me in order that they can address the impact of their experiences and respond in a more satisfactory way to the present and future. I intentionally affirm and support clients who identify as BIPOC, AAPI, Latinx, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergent.
I am trained to support Black/African-American, Middle Eastern, Asian, Latinx and individuals from other racial and ethnic background as we use CBT, DBT, ACT, solution-focused, compassion-focused, and attachment therapist to address, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD and more.
I help teens and adults understand that engaging in worry, staying in bed, anger, overeating, isolating, and crying is a way to cope or protect themselves after painful, overwhelming and unexpected experiences. My therapeutic process begins in building a relationship where clients feel psychologically safe within themselves to eventually share their past an ongoing experiences with me in order that they can address the impact of their experiences and respond in a more satisfactory way to the present and future. I intentionally affirm and support clients who identify as BIPOC, AAPI, Latinx, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergent.
Shendi Ramli-Hernandez
Counselor, LCPC, CCTP II, SEP, BASE-P
2 Endorsed
Laurel, MD 20708
Waitlist for new clients
Over the years, I've heard many clients express a sense of imprisonment within their bodies or being 'stuck.' One client would describe "being everywhere but nowhere" to portray the discord between the mind and body. Furthermore, I have encountered numerous clients who went through multiple therapy sessions in the past---only to find out that the change was not enough or even uncomfortable and confusing. As for young clients, their unspoken pain manifests in traces of scars from self-harm and other destructive behaviors. For many of them, the traumatic past has become their present stories.
Over the years, I've heard many clients express a sense of imprisonment within their bodies or being 'stuck.' One client would describe "being everywhere but nowhere" to portray the discord between the mind and body. Furthermore, I have encountered numerous clients who went through multiple therapy sessions in the past---only to find out that the change was not enough or even uncomfortable and confusing. As for young clients, their unspoken pain manifests in traces of scars from self-harm and other destructive behaviors. For many of them, the traumatic past has become their present stories.
My passion is to work with clients ranging from children to young adults to help them navigate their behavioral/emotional concerns, allowing them to approach adulthood with confidence. I also enjoy working with families, especially those transitioning through separation, divorce, and coparenting. In working with young people, I strive to help them develop emotional awareness, problem-solving & lifelong coping skills. The goal is for all clients to become the best version of themselves as they navigate through their developmental stage. The client's personal identity should be explored and understood in the therapeutic setting!
My passion is to work with clients ranging from children to young adults to help them navigate their behavioral/emotional concerns, allowing them to approach adulthood with confidence. I also enjoy working with families, especially those transitioning through separation, divorce, and coparenting. In working with young people, I strive to help them develop emotional awareness, problem-solving & lifelong coping skills. The goal is for all clients to become the best version of themselves as they navigate through their developmental stage. The client's personal identity should be explored and understood in the therapeutic setting!
I enjoy serving individuals and families to assist them in navigating
through different barriers in life, such as behavioral, social, spiritual, and emotional challenges. I also enjoy building rapport with them and getting to know them, so I can offer them a safe place to express their thoughts and feelings.
I enjoy serving individuals and families to assist them in navigating
through different barriers in life, such as behavioral, social, spiritual, and emotional challenges. I also enjoy building rapport with them and getting to know them, so I can offer them a safe place to express their thoughts and feelings.
I work with men and women from black/African-American, Latinx, Asian, Middle Eastern, and other racial and ethnic groups to address and prevent disorders.
Together, we'll work to understand the function of your patterns, regulate emotions, process past pain, explore identity, develop executive functioning skills, resolve guilt or shame, process family dynamics, improve distress tolerance, enhance communication, and address intimacy challenges. In counseling teens and adults, I use cognitive, behavioral, relational and mindfulness-based approaches to explore how past experiences may be influencing patterns of avoidance or self-protection, negative thoughts, OCD-tendencies, impulsivity, sadness, worry and little to no pleasure in life.
I work with men and women from black/African-American, Latinx, Asian, Middle Eastern, and other racial and ethnic groups to address and prevent disorders.
Together, we'll work to understand the function of your patterns, regulate emotions, process past pain, explore identity, develop executive functioning skills, resolve guilt or shame, process family dynamics, improve distress tolerance, enhance communication, and address intimacy challenges. In counseling teens and adults, I use cognitive, behavioral, relational and mindfulness-based approaches to explore how past experiences may be influencing patterns of avoidance or self-protection, negative thoughts, OCD-tendencies, impulsivity, sadness, worry and little to no pleasure in life.
As an EMDR-trained therapist, I work with teens and adults navigating the mental health impacts of trauma, maternal health experiences, relationship challenges, unplanned changes, identity-related stressors, and grief or loss. Together, we explore how life experiences and family dynamics shape self-image, coping strategies, and relational patterns. Through therapy, clients gain skills such as cognitive reappraisal—reframing situations to shift emotional impact—attention control, resilience building, adaptive coping, and emotion regulation. These tools support processing difficult experiences and reducing distress.
As an EMDR-trained therapist, I work with teens and adults navigating the mental health impacts of trauma, maternal health experiences, relationship challenges, unplanned changes, identity-related stressors, and grief or loss. Together, we explore how life experiences and family dynamics shape self-image, coping strategies, and relational patterns. Through therapy, clients gain skills such as cognitive reappraisal—reframing situations to shift emotional impact—attention control, resilience building, adaptive coping, and emotion regulation. These tools support processing difficult experiences and reducing distress.
I believe in empowering my clients to discover their inner strengths. Therapy is a journey in self exploration, self awareness and change. I use a multicultural perspective to inform my clinical practice. I offer tele-health services to my clients accessibility to care .Self pay clients can expect an appointment within 24 hours. My sessions use mindfulness, practicing self regulation, cognitive restructuring, imago skills, play therapy and many other techniques that are relevant to a client's treatment plan. I am available to my clients between sessions via text and secure video chatting. I offer financial therapy.
I believe in empowering my clients to discover their inner strengths. Therapy is a journey in self exploration, self awareness and change. I use a multicultural perspective to inform my clinical practice. I offer tele-health services to my clients accessibility to care .Self pay clients can expect an appointment within 24 hours. My sessions use mindfulness, practicing self regulation, cognitive restructuring, imago skills, play therapy and many other techniques that are relevant to a client's treatment plan. I am available to my clients between sessions via text and secure video chatting. I offer financial therapy.
There are times when we want to be heard and not to be fixed. There are times when we feel overwhelmed, down, alone, worried, afraid, and in dire need of support and/or encouragement. Wherever you are on the continuum, we are able to meet you there. Be courageous! Take the first step and call us.
There are times when we want to be heard and not to be fixed. There are times when we feel overwhelmed, down, alone, worried, afraid, and in dire need of support and/or encouragement. Wherever you are on the continuum, we are able to meet you there. Be courageous! Take the first step and call us.
Individually or as a couple, you're exhausted from holding everything together while no one really sees how hard it is. Maybe anxiety, depression, past trauma, or constant conflict leaves you feeling lonely—in your own life or in your marriage. You're tired of walking on eggshells, repeating the same arguments, or shutting down to keep the peace. You want calmer communication, deeper emotional safety, and connection where you can show up fully—without losing your values, your faith, or your sanity. Whether navigating this alone or with a partner, you deserve to feel seen, safe, and grounded in who you are.
Individually or as a couple, you're exhausted from holding everything together while no one really sees how hard it is. Maybe anxiety, depression, past trauma, or constant conflict leaves you feeling lonely—in your own life or in your marriage. You're tired of walking on eggshells, repeating the same arguments, or shutting down to keep the peace. You want calmer communication, deeper emotional safety, and connection where you can show up fully—without losing your values, your faith, or your sanity. Whether navigating this alone or with a partner, you deserve to feel seen, safe, and grounded in who you are.
I am a compassionate, client-centered therapist who believes that healing happens in the context of safety, trust, and genuine connection. I work collaboratively with clients to help them better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, while building practical skills they can use in daily life. My approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and tailored to each individual, recognizing that no two people experience challenges in the same way.
I am a compassionate, client-centered therapist who believes that healing happens in the context of safety, trust, and genuine connection. I work collaboratively with clients to help them better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, while building practical skills they can use in daily life. My approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and tailored to each individual, recognizing that no two people experience challenges in the same way.
At Block Counseling and Personal Wellness Strategies LLC we assist adults on a personal growth journey to improve the relationship they have with self, others and the world. We support people that desire to disrupt current patterns that leave them feeling disappointed, frustrated, and dissatisfied. We work to help explore interpersonal relationships and self-limiting beliefs by providing a reflective, caring, and supportive environment. We build consistency and self compassion to pave a way toward finding strategies that enhance their lives in ways that feel authentic to their true self.
At Block Counseling and Personal Wellness Strategies LLC we assist adults on a personal growth journey to improve the relationship they have with self, others and the world. We support people that desire to disrupt current patterns that leave them feeling disappointed, frustrated, and dissatisfied. We work to help explore interpersonal relationships and self-limiting beliefs by providing a reflective, caring, and supportive environment. We build consistency and self compassion to pave a way toward finding strategies that enhance their lives in ways that feel authentic to their true self.
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Pre-Licensed Professional, #1, MD, 5, Star, Review
Online Only
Are you feeling overwhelmed by constant worry, racing thoughts, or an ever-present sense of anxiety that seems to hold you back? Do you feel trapped in your own mind, unable to fully engage in your daily life or relationships, or simply exhausted by the emotional toll anxiety takes on you? Do you want to feel more grounded, more confident, and to take control over your thoughts and emotions so you can live a more peaceful, fulfilling life? Are you ready to break free from the cycle of fear and uncertainty? Anxiety doesn’t have to define you, and with the right support, you can reclaim control and thrive.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by constant worry, racing thoughts, or an ever-present sense of anxiety that seems to hold you back? Do you feel trapped in your own mind, unable to fully engage in your daily life or relationships, or simply exhausted by the emotional toll anxiety takes on you? Do you want to feel more grounded, more confident, and to take control over your thoughts and emotions so you can live a more peaceful, fulfilling life? Are you ready to break free from the cycle of fear and uncertainty? Anxiety doesn’t have to define you, and with the right support, you can reclaim control and thrive.
• • We have immediate openings at my practice! • • Hi there! So nice to meet you. I provide therapy to people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, phase of life problems, family dynamics, stress, and more. I love working with teens and adults who are self-aware and determined to make the changes they want to see. You may not know all the answers, but you're eager to find them. You know it takes time and effort, but that doesn't hold you back. I strive to be an additional perspective to give you more insight into your life, relationships, and habits. I believe that you can see the changes & joy that you want out of life.
• • We have immediate openings at my practice! • • Hi there! So nice to meet you. I provide therapy to people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, phase of life problems, family dynamics, stress, and more. I love working with teens and adults who are self-aware and determined to make the changes they want to see. You may not know all the answers, but you're eager to find them. You know it takes time and effort, but that doesn't hold you back. I strive to be an additional perspective to give you more insight into your life, relationships, and habits. I believe that you can see the changes & joy that you want out of life.
Are you looking for therapy that actually works? Do you want to get unstuck? Are you looking to thrive not just survive? I have over 25 years' of experience in evidence based treatment that gets us real results. I work with individuals, couples and families using TEAM-CBT a strengths based, solution-focused approach. Our measurement based model is completely customized to your needs. My clients and I are equal partners in the treatment process. TEAM -CBT is backed by robust research and the goal always is that my clients must feel better and have the tools to stay better. In-person and telehealth sessions are part of my practice.
Are you looking for therapy that actually works? Do you want to get unstuck? Are you looking to thrive not just survive? I have over 25 years' of experience in evidence based treatment that gets us real results. I work with individuals, couples and families using TEAM-CBT a strengths based, solution-focused approach. Our measurement based model is completely customized to your needs. My clients and I are equal partners in the treatment process. TEAM -CBT is backed by robust research and the goal always is that my clients must feel better and have the tools to stay better. In-person and telehealth sessions are part of my practice.
More Therapists Nearby
Trauma does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone no matter their circumstances. Fortunately, there are also treatments that can help. In my 20 years of experience, I have born witness to the incredible resilience of individuals who have experienced trauma and firmly believe that recovery is possible. I have expertise in working with survivors of all forms of trauma including (but not limited to) service members, veterans, journalists (JTSN certificate), childhood abuse, chronic invalidation, developmental trauma, intergenerational trauma, immigration-related trauma, race-based trauma, and interpersonal violence.
Trauma does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone no matter their circumstances. Fortunately, there are also treatments that can help. In my 20 years of experience, I have born witness to the incredible resilience of individuals who have experienced trauma and firmly believe that recovery is possible. I have expertise in working with survivors of all forms of trauma including (but not limited to) service members, veterans, journalists (JTSN certificate), childhood abuse, chronic invalidation, developmental trauma, intergenerational trauma, immigration-related trauma, race-based trauma, and interpersonal violence.
I believe in the healing power of a therapeutic relationship where you can be the real you. No judgment or criticism here. Maybe you want to break free from unhealthy patterns, work through issues that have been swept under the rug, or find wholeness. Perhaps life isn't going quite the way you'd hoped or expected. Maybe you long to be secure in who you are and embrace all parts of yourself, to move away from self-criticism and toward self-compassion.
I believe in the healing power of a therapeutic relationship where you can be the real you. No judgment or criticism here. Maybe you want to break free from unhealthy patterns, work through issues that have been swept under the rug, or find wholeness. Perhaps life isn't going quite the way you'd hoped or expected. Maybe you long to be secure in who you are and embrace all parts of yourself, to move away from self-criticism and toward self-compassion.
No matter what has brought you to therapy, your experience is valid. I believe that even the most unlikeable, confusing, extreme parts of you have a wisdom to be understood, a protectiveness to be thanked, and a vulnerability to be seen and held. In my practice, I will seek to meet you exactly where you are, and together we can tend to the unique challenges in your life. My ultimate goal is for clients to uncover their essential self—the space of innate wisdom and compassion accessible in all of us, that can face whatever life brings.
No matter what has brought you to therapy, your experience is valid. I believe that even the most unlikeable, confusing, extreme parts of you have a wisdom to be understood, a protectiveness to be thanked, and a vulnerability to be seen and held. In my practice, I will seek to meet you exactly where you are, and together we can tend to the unique challenges in your life. My ultimate goal is for clients to uncover their essential self—the space of innate wisdom and compassion accessible in all of us, that can face whatever life brings.
Calvin works with adults around trauma, mood and anxiety-related concerns, behavioral patterns including internet and video game use, and Asian American identity and intergenerational dynamics.
Calvin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland. He provides in-person psychotherapy in Arlington and offers teletherapy to clients throughout all three locations. His work is grounded, practical, and collaborative, with an emphasis on understanding how past experiences continue to shape the present. Calvin offers a supportive, nonjudgmental space allowing clients to talk freely to help clients build insight and develop healthier patterns.
Calvin works with adults around trauma, mood and anxiety-related concerns, behavioral patterns including internet and video game use, and Asian American identity and intergenerational dynamics.
Calvin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland. He provides in-person psychotherapy in Arlington and offers teletherapy to clients throughout all three locations. His work is grounded, practical, and collaborative, with an emphasis on understanding how past experiences continue to shape the present. Calvin offers a supportive, nonjudgmental space allowing clients to talk freely to help clients build insight and develop healthier patterns.
It happened again. You were sitting in traffic, thinking about your day, when panic suddenly hit. Your chest tightened, and you couldn’t catch your breath. Your palms began to sweat, and your face became flushed. You wondered to yourself, "Is everything about to unravel?!" You never know when these overwhelming emotions will hit, and it’s terrifying. You don’t need this added burden right now – between family dinners, work assignments, doctor’s appointments, paying bills, organizing your house, and everything else, things are already so hectic. You hate to let people down, but you can’t keep going like this.
It happened again. You were sitting in traffic, thinking about your day, when panic suddenly hit. Your chest tightened, and you couldn’t catch your breath. Your palms began to sweat, and your face became flushed. You wondered to yourself, "Is everything about to unravel?!" You never know when these overwhelming emotions will hit, and it’s terrifying. You don’t need this added burden right now – between family dinners, work assignments, doctor’s appointments, paying bills, organizing your house, and everything else, things are already so hectic. You hate to let people down, but you can’t keep going like this.
See more therapy options for Laurel
Nearby Asian Therapists Searches for Laurel
- Bowie
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- Ellicott City
- Greenbelt
- Hyattsville
- North Bethesda
- Olney
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- Takoma Park
Asian Therapists
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
A culturally sensitive therapist would be respectful and considerate of different groups, with regard to race, sexual orientation, gender, and other factors that are important to an individual. These considerations can help a client feel understood as well as validated. While some people think highlighting race could promote stereotypes and bias, more understanding and knowledge about cultural differences is a positive for a healthy therapeutic alliance.
How can I recognize an effective Asian therapist?
You can discern a lot by asking how familiar the potential therapist is with different cultures, as well as asking how they might address issues related to identity, values, and beliefs. Also inquire about their education, as well as any particular training they may have completed, such as cultural sensitivity or diversity and inclusion programs.
What if the therapist does not have my exact background?
The therapist may not share a client’s exact background, but the therapist may have plenty of hands-on experience as well as the sensitivity needed for therapeutic progress. Their sensitivity to different populations will help the client feel accepted and comfortable in sharing their concerns and difficulties.
How might I inquire about a therapist's experience with Asian clients?
A therapist with an Asian background may have experience within their community, as well as broader cultural sensitivity. Ask the potential therapist whether they've worked with individuals who share your background. If they have not worked with similar clients, they may well know someone who has such experience.
Who is included in Psychology Today's directory of Asian therapists?
The directory of Asian therapists includes professionals who have shared their ethnicity in their profiles. Psychology Today uses this information to assist clients in finding a therapist who can provide a cultural match. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their ethnicity in their profiles, and they may not appear in search results for this reason; also, when the number of therapists identified as Asian is limited, the directory will also show therapists with comprehensive experience working with clients from relevant backgrounds.