My style is gentle yet firm, supportive yet challenging, as I endeavor to create an environment where clients feel safe to express their true selves in therapy.

I genuinely care about your empowerment, well-being, and journey towards change. Your feelings may seem complex or challenging, but they're valid. Reaching out for therapy is a significant step. I want you to feel safe and supported in this process. My unbiased perspective offers a safe space for expression of your story, your struggles, and your experience

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with one of our therapists, please use the contact form on our WEBSITE www.imaracounseling.com and a member of our intake team will be in touch with you within 24 business hours. Unlike many other practices you reach out to, we will respond and do our best to schedule you with someone who can assist you.

At Laurel Fay and Associates, my colleagues and I are committed to providing you with a safe, caring environment in which we can address your unique situation. By carefully listening, I work to get behind the everyday surface of a situation to the underlying meaning. My systemic approach means I look to the dynamics between people rather than solely focusing on the internal workings of one person. Even in individual work, this approach can be helpful and empowering. I often use humor to gently but skillfully pinpoint specific issues and highlight areas of growth.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Virginia. Born and raised in Iowa, I attended Iowa State University, graduating with a double major in Child, Adult, and Family Services and Spanish. I have traveled and lived in many places throughout the world, and have developed an appreciation for the differences we all have, but also the similarities that unite us. I received my master’s degree from Rutgers University. In my 18 years of work experience, I have worked supporting children, adolescents, and families. That experience includes working with trauma, depression, anxiety, school related anxiety and refusal, conflict between parents and children, involvement in the juvenile justice system, immigration stress and trauma, and crisis intervention. I have experience in child and adolescent therapy, family therapy, parenting, group therapy, and school-based mental health. I meet the child and family where they are on their journey and works collaboratively to develop realistic goals that will improve functioning in all environments. I utilize a strengths-based, solution-focused and family systems approach. I encourage children and families to share their culture and integrate the unique cultural experiences of families into treatment. I enjoy spending time outside, watching movies, reading books, and crocheting. I also enjoy various forms of exercise, like weightlifting and yoga. I enjoy watching (and sometimes playing) sports. I bring creativity and energy to my practice and am mindful and strategic about interventions used when working with children and families. Mental health is an important part of our being. Just like we eat food to feed our physical body, we must also get what we need to be mentally and emotionally resilient.

If someone is struggling with today's news and events, surviving a difficult upbringing, or wrestling with issues of identity, the best thing they can do for themselves is to find that safe, affirming space that allows them to speak freely without fear of judgement. My goal is to provide the emotional, physical, and affirming space for that very thing to happen. My clientele consists of students, mental health professionals, veterans, seniors, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I hold master's degrees in trauma informed counseling and the arts. Sometimes individuals have a block and the words are difficult to find. A more creative process can often reveal nonverbal cues and metaphors that can deepen understanding and healing. I help clients use imagery, symbolism, and creative expression to uncover meaning and insight. I currently work with individuals ages 8 and up, I have worked with anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, grief and loss, life transitions, and trauma-related issues. I bring creativity, compassion, warmth, and a genuine desire to provide affirmation, and occasionally humor to foster a safe, affirming, and empowering environment.

Bridgette is a Resident in Counseling with two years of experience. She has worked with teens and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, posttraumatic stress (PTSD), attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), and life transitions. Bridgette uses a client-centered approach to meet clients where they are, while offering a kind, safe, and gently challenging space to help them understand themselves and grow.

When you feel stressed out, overwhelmed or anxious, it can stop you from being spontaneous, from trying new things, or enjoying life. Maybe you've been managing your stress for years but recently it's become too much. Therapy can help you manage your anxiety and gain a better sense of self. I'm licensed in Maryland and Delaware and I want you to live your life with more intention and feel greater fulfillment in everything you do. Telehealth only. Find my soul support for Highly Sensitive Women here- https:www.elizabethcushcoaching.com

Do you ever feel like there's an instruction book to life that everyone got but you? Does it seem like everyone else "has it all together" and you're just trying to fake your way through life? Not a good feeling, is it? Believe it or not, you're not alone, and you're not as bad as you think. You've learned ways to think and feel about yourself that made sense in the past, but they aren't working so well now. I specialize in helping my clients identify their unhelpful ways of thinking and feeling so they can choose to think and feel differently about themselves and improve their self-esteem. I also help clients to process traumatic experiences, both "big T" traumas (like combat, sexual and physical assaults, and car accidents), and "little T" traumas (like negative interactions that lead to a poor self-image). Contact me today so I can help you to understand why you shouldn't believe everything you think!

Welcome! I’m so glad you are reaching out! Finding a therapist who is able to listen and understand your particular needs is key. When I meet with you for the first time, I want to learn who you are as a person. In addition to diagnosis and issues of concern, I want to know your life story. Are there patterns that recur in your life? What are your strengths? What matters to you? Once I have a good understanding, we can decide jointly what approach is likely to help you most. When you come for counseling, you want to start to feel better right away. By incorporating evidence-based coping skills from the first session, I am able to help folks get some immediate stress relief. At the same time, we will also address any underlying issues to achieve more long-term gains.

I work collaboratively with my clients to help them learn new coping skills, create positive changes, and attain the goals they have for themselves. My clients view me as supportive, nonjudgmental, and practical. I work with professionals, including MDs and attorneys, as well as stay-at-home moms and students. I specialize in helping people manage anxiety and stress, perfectionism, self-esteem issues, codependency and relationship concerns, and depression. I also support clients who are navigating in vitro fertilization (IVF) and a challenging fertility journey. I help my clients create a more balanced, meaningful, and fun life for themselves. This can include managing negative self-talk, learning to be more assertive and set boundaries, and re-evaluating self-care.

We all have challenges that hold us back and keep us from living our best life. Maybe you have been disappointed, experienced loss, trauma, or rejection. Perhaps you have struggled with divorce, anxiety, isolation, or low self-esteem. You may be going through a difficult transition. I offer a blend of tools to help you begin to feel better. I bring solid experience and research-based strategies to my work. I believe in working with each person in a way that is individualized for them and honors the way they think and feel. I strive to make everyone feel comfortable, safe and supported during our sessions. I am a cognitive behavioral therapist, but also draw from many other techniques.