It is always my goal to create a warm, safe, and judgment-free therapeutic space for my clients to feel comfortable sharing.

I employ a warm and open type of communication. I want to create a place where you feel safe to share what is on your mind as well as secure enough in our therapeutic relationship to receive feedback and be challenged in ways you may need to be.

Navigating relationships, whether they are fresh or longstanding, can be riddled with pain, resentment, and miscommunication. This often results in a pervasive sense of exhaustion, with the weight of responsibility making us question whether the fulfilling relationships we desire are within reach. Confronted by a series of challenges, it can feel like there's an unspoken tension in every interaction, creating an elephant in the room despite our best intentions. The emotional toll of life stress, societal expectations, and familial pressures affects both couples and singles alike. However, it doesn't have to remain this way. Relationships possess the potential to heal and flourish if that is your objective. Discovering avenues to communicate without conflict, addressing difficulties without escalating tension, and fostering laughter, smiles, and romance are pivotal in transforming the dynamics. Rekindling the warmth in a strained relationship or emerging stronger and happier after a breakup involves simple yet effective strategies. Everyone deserves to experience respect, care, understanding, and love, forging genuine connections on a profound level. Whether you are seeking new relationships or striving to salvage an existing one, I am here to support you. My expertise lies in working with Artists, Creatives, High Performers, and individuals in the Media industry, understanding the unique challenges they face. I am passionate about assisting both couples and individuals in therapy to enrich their lives. My availability and flexibility in scheduling allow us to collaborate according to your needs and timetable. Our boutique practice thrives on tailoring treatments specifically for you, proving highly successful in resolving a multitude of relationship issues through evidence-based practices. For your convenience and safety, all sessions are conducted via Telehealth on a secure platform. I am a licensed therapist providing services to clients in DC, VA, MD, and CA. Feel free to reach out with any questions or to schedule a free consultation. Let's work together to make daily improvements and cultivate the fulfilling relationships you deserve.

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.

I am an internationally-known couples therapist, workshop presenter, and clinical trainer. In 2010, I founded the Tikkun Learning Center, an educational institution through which I train, supervise, and consult therapists in Encounter-centered Couples Therapy (EcCT). EcCT is an extremely effective method with proven success in teaching couples who to re-create the magic of connection. EcCT is an integrative approach inspired by the philosophy of Martin Buber, as well as a variety of relational methodologies including Imago Relationship Therapy, Appreciative Inquiry, Re-evaluation Counseling, and Relational Neuro-biology. I have developed a unique, customized, transformational two-day private session for one couple. You will receive my full attention, expertise and mastery, and I will introduce you to the groundbreaking and pragmatic principle of the three invisible connectors: "the Space, the Bridge, and the Encounter."

Are you struggling with social anxiety, relationship challenges, or a general sense of unease that makes it hard to fully enjoy life? Perhaps anxiety is getting in the way of what is important to you, you are having difficulty finding or maintaining healthy relationships, or you are struggling to understand (much less communicate) your emotions, wants, and needs. As a result, you may be feeling overwhelmed, lost, stuck, unfulfilled, or inadequate. If so, then I can help: I specialize in working with people who are not getting what they want or need out of relationships (including their relationship with themselves). Together, we will explore the thoughts, emotions, and patterns that may be influencing your current struggles, while developing new, practical skills. We may work on altering negative self-talk, improving your relationships (e.g., setting boundaries, improving communication), developing tools to help manage anxiety, or exploring what gives life meaning for you. To help determine whether working together would be a good fit, the next step is to schedule a free, 15-minute phone consultation—no pressure, just a conversation. You can schedule online by going to my website, send me a message (best way to reach me), or give me a call. I will get back to you very quickly, usually within 24 hours!

I began working in this field almost 30 years ago because I wanted to make a tangible difference in people's lives. Over the years, I have worked with countless individuals, couples, families, and groups to help them improve their quality of life. Through my experience, I have learned that: Although many may appear to be similar demographically in terms of age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, etc., everyone brings hisher own individual histories to therapy -- histories that distinguish each client as a unique individual. As a result, I welcome all clients, and I recognize that each client will bring hisher own history and values to therapy. I commit to working within each individual's system of values as I try to help the individual draw from hisher history to improve hisher quality of life. My two primary metrics are: a) tangible improvements in an individual's life, and b) the individual's feelings and understanding regarding change and the process of change. Like physical therapists and coaches who are willing to challenge their athletes to perform at full potential, I am willing to challenge my clients to reach their full potential in life. But my guiding philosophy is: "challenge by choice" -- I will only as far and as fast as my clients are comfortable.

Accepting new clients- Life is hard. Most of us want to think that it gets easier but that only occurs when our skills (emotional, mental, physical, spiritual) improve. Therapy is the perfect place to learn and practice new skills while getting the encouragement to make it through life's toughest moments. And I am ready for you. I work with all clients and specialize in the BlackBrown communities, LGBTQ population, couples, and adolescents. I value intersectionality, solutions-focused work, and holistic practices. I specialize in following therapies: cognitive-behavioral, play, solutions-focused & strengths based. I value & support parent educationcounseling especially as parents navigate through the school system while raising a child with mental health concerns. I strongly value a holistic & organic approach to mental health progress. As a Counselor in an urban setting, I understand the time and transportation constraints that many clients may face. Therefore, I am able to provide on-site services (in-home andor confidential setting) or in my office.

Seeking therapy is difficult, and on top of that, trying to find the right therapist by clicking through profiles is daunting. Life sometimes presents us with challenges that leave us feeling out of control and unable to move forward. Therapy is about learning to speak about these issues, expressing your feelings, and learning healthy tools to cope and regain control. I bring experience working with diverse populations and issues, such as life transitions, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and career issues. As an immigrant, I understand the complexities of balancing cultures, navigating environments, and striving for success. I believe that you are the expert in your own life, and I’m dedicated to supporting you on your healing journey. My goal is to meet you exactly where you are and create a supportive environment where you feel comfortable discussing your experiences, needs, and goals. Using a holistic approach and mixed evidence-based techniques to manage symptoms and heal. My approach involves integrating evidence-based therapeutic practices to match each client, as everyone is unique and has their own demands. We will work together to identify core values, unconscious thoughts, and negative self-concepts to ultimately achieve personal growth. If you think we would work well together, please do not hesitate to reach out.

I have been in practice for over 20 years. I provide mental health support services, offering comprehensive services including biopsychosocial assessments, interventions, and follow-up services for medication management. I treat mood, trauma, and stress conditions. I also have experience with healthcare-related diagnoses and stressors, including prenatal and postpartum conditions, and loss. I utilize various therapeutic methods, including attachment-based approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-informed approaches, and family systems theory.

Being part of your personal journey is such a privilege. There is nothing more satisfying than watching clients reclaim their lives and truly transform. Therapy and peak performance psychology is about empowerment and accessing your inner potential. It’s about realizing your strengths and applying those inner resources to overcome what has been holding you back. It’s about challenging self-limiting beliefs and gaining insight into the obstacles that are getting in your way, learning how to remove them and applying that insight to make the changes necessary to achieve your goals. I work differently with every client offering a tailored approach to your unique needs and goals. I don’t do “one size fits all” or overly generalized approaches. My goal is not to merely band-aid a symptom or maintain the status quo because we can accomplish so much more than that. Our focus will be on resolving your concerns at the core so that you can truly THRIVE with a sense of freedom and power. I have a passion for the mind body connection, enhancing peak performance and psychophysiological approaches to treatment. I apply a whole person (360 degree) perspective that promotes healing for both the mind and body as well as increased performance and optimal functioning. I would describe my style as an insight-oriented approach that is warm, genuine, laid back and thought-provoking. I value authenticity, keeping it real, and a good sense of humor. My clients tell me I’m very personable, compassionate and accepting, which puts them immediately at ease. Sessions with me are casual, comfortable and feel conversational in nature. I work best with clients who are insightful, motivated to make a change, and want to work hard to achieve their goals.

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.