I provide a warm and inviting atmosphere for my clients to feel comfortable, accepted, and safe to talk to me and feel confident enough to explore.

I am Alimatu Mustapha- Palmer (nee Alima Palmer),PhD., NCC, LPC, MAC, CSAC, BCC. I have been in the world of behavioral health and services for the past 25 years. I am experienced and well-credentialed including several board certifications, awards, and recognitions. My experience includes conducting trainings, workshops, and assessments and working with individuals, families, groups, non-profits, local and international government agencies including DSS- CPS, law enforcement, minority populations, specific women and children issues, spirituality, cultural dynamics, marriage, divorce, life transitions, coaching and more. I advance the growth and mindfulness perspectives as I believe life is an ongoing process. You can expect to get practical skills and tools to resolve your concerns as we engage in a collaborative therapeutic partnership to address your specific needs, challenges, and goals. In that effort, I employ an individualized holistic approach to therapy by utilizing a variety of treatment modalities including, but not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems Theory, Person-Centered Therapy, Narrative/Talk therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and more

You are not alone. Life can seem pretty unmanageable without added difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and addiction. However, you are not alone. How do you deal with racing thoughts? Do you find yourself often ignoring thoughts only to be kept up by them when you're trying to go to bed? I have helped several clients seeking assistance for mental health or behavioral issues, but I consider myself to be first and foremost a person who wants to help you deal with life's challenges. Together we can work to help provide clarity and balance in your life. I understand how certain issues such as addiction plague your daily life and those you care about. I provide strategies and techniques in a safe, judgment-free atmosphere where together we discuss your challenges and how to overcome them. Some people are frightened to go to therapy because of financial costs, anxiety about what to expect with therapy, andor not used to discussing their feelings. Talking to the people in your support system is encouraged but sometimes external assistance is necessary and that's ok too. I am here to help and support you in dealing with problems that may be holding you back. Some individuals are not ready to discuss their issues and that is okay. Since therapy is a mutual relationship, we are working together to help you grow mentally and emotionally stronger. You are not alone.

It is my highest responsibility to provide a safe environment that induces my client's trust and alliance. I am on my client's journey without being judgmental. Each client is unique and each client well-being is of the uttermost importance. My client's needs and desires are highly considered. The therapy I provide allows my clients to address their concerns, fears, and issues. I assist my clients in finding ways to better communicate and to resolve issues without engaging in conflict. My client's who seek relationship counseling engage in a process that requires their active participation so that they are able to utilize coping skills, techniques, and mechanisms they can use outside of counseling. My office enables my clients to experience an environment that is safe, tranquil and serene. Clients are able to learn more about themselves, their partners, and their families.

Are you looking for a safe therapeutic setting that offers you creative ways to explore the challenges you are facing? My goal is to ensure that you feel safe, heard, and understood. You can choose from a variety of experiential therapeutic tools to increase your awareness and insight and foster opportunities to heal and empower. We are all unique and require a different wellness plan to heal. For over 30 years I have worked with youth, adults, and families professionally and as a volunteer. My experience has provided me with an extensive tool box of interventions and therapeutic modalities in order to individualize treatment that will help you make the connections you need to find balance, growth, and meaningfulness in your life.

My approach to therapy is focused on creating a safe space someone can explore challenging thoughts and emotions, whether it is related to depression anxiety or struggles with addiction or compulsive behaviors. I truly believe if a person feels heard, learns effective coping skills and has the time and space to process the challenges in life, that growth and the ability to create the lives we want, is possible. I am passionate in supporting individuals to seek the potential and confidence to work toward their goals as well as learn the skill needed to cope with life's issues and challenges.

I am passionate about working with childrenl having difficulties with anxiety and emotional dysregulation. I utilize cognitive behavioral strategies, relaxation techniques, and other approaches based on the needs of the individual. In my spare time, I like walking my dog and spending time with my family and friends.

I focus my work with individuals and couples to improve connection and secure functioning within relationships. I also work individuals dealing with affair recovery and betrayal trauma. Additionally, a large part of my practice focuses on healing from past traumas. During big life events we all need support, compassion, understanding, and sometimes guidance to return to feeling whole, connected, and allow joy back into our lives. Learning to care for yourself and using evidence based tools to improve your life will be our focus. My hope is to help you heal so you manage life's stressors and feel confident to face the world.

"Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you." -Dr. Seuss My ability to easily relate to and connect with children and teens provides them with a comfortable space in which they can express themselves. Working with individuals and families is my passion. I believe that each child is an individual with individual needs; therefore, each treatment plan is customized to meet the unique needs of your child and family. My goal is to help children and families learn the skills necessary to have healthy, happy lives. When needed, I also work with parents and other individuals involved in the child's life by providing support, coping skills, and new ideas to help manage the difficulties the child is experiencing. I am also available for speaking engagements and can be contacted through my website.

Is your mind spinning with worries and you just want a break from the endless "to do" list, anxiety and insecurity? Perhaps you find yourself physically or emotionally exhausted each day. If you're struggling internally, or in your relationship and want to feel better, counseling can be helpful. Are you ready to start working on your self-care but just don’t know where to start? Perhaps you've decided it’s time to get your life back. Many people get caught in the negative cycle where feeling anxious, depressed or stressed is a way of life, especially in today's world. It's easy to forget that a better life awaits us if we reach out for support to help us find what we're looking for. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, anxious and depressed, you can have a life where your days are greeted with more inner peace, more confidence and hopefulness for what lies ahead. If you are sick and tired of feeling overwhelmed, we want to help you feel better. Like you, our clients are regular, everyday women who are struggling with life's difficult ups and downs. Life's overwhelming stressors can turn into having issues such as anxiety and depression, stress and trauma, women's wellness issues including self esteem and body image, relationship problems and hard life transitions. Therapy will be tailored to meet your specific, individual needs. By using a practical approach and collaborating with you, we can find your path to a happy, healthy, fulfilled and meaningful life through the process of therapy. It might not seem so, but it is possible to start feeling good about yourself and your life. Contact us today to set up an appointment or for more support.

I provide individual therapy (in person andor virtually) for late adolescents and adults in the greater Washington, DC area and I am PsyPact licensed so can see people in participating PsyPact states. I also provide comprehensive ADHD assessments. I have a particular passion for working with young adults who are figuring out and navigating their next "chapter" of life. I aim to help individuals capitalize on their strengths and work with their limitations, change their responses to interpersonal problems, and help them form new and improved healthy relationships and ways of relating to their world that does not repeat previously unhealthy patterns. By bringing support, encouragement, humor, and a nonjudgmental perspective to our work together, I meet clients where they are, whether they have been to therapy before or are exploring therapy for the first time. Knowing how important the therapy relationship is, my primary goal is to make my clients feel heard, understood, and hopeful. I adapt my approach and style, as needed, to work with my clients' unique needs. I am always happy to jump on the phone for a brief consultation to determine if we may be a good fit to work together.

I specialize in supporting women and their families struggling with major life changes and everyday stress. My clients come to me because they are looking for a therapist who embodies warmth, authenticity, and empathy, along with expertise in resilience-building and trauma recovery. Therapy should be a place where you feel grounded and optimistic. I can meet you where you are on your journey and provide the support you need to feel more centered, worry less, and think more clearly as you make decisions.