I create a non-judgmental environment and allow a safe space for the client to express their thoughts and feelings. I am a team player and comfortable with multi-disciplinary team.

Marita Kershaw is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) servicing New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. She graduated from the University of Albany. Ms. Kershaw is dedicated, warm, and has a non-judgmental approach to therapy. She has more than eight years of diverse experience and continues to evolve in new treatment models. I have specialized training in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and women's issues. Due to my years of experience, I learned techniques and strategies to assist you in your journey. Everyone needs a safe place with no judgment zone. I provide supportive, motivational, professional, and encouraging therapy to my patients. In my approach to individual therapy, I utilize treatment methods such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, and Strength Perspectives. As a therapist, I create a warm, supportive, compassionate environment in sessions.

I have a comforting, supportive, and personable style. Sitting with me feels like a natural conversation with collective and meaningful exploration and discovery.

I work very hard to create a warm and welcoming environment with clients to make sure that we're working together on goals and that there is space for the client to work on the things they identify as successful and challenging.

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 help folks get some immediate stress relief. At the same time, we will also address any underlying issues to achieve more long-term gains.

You may feel stuck, lonely, or emotionally exhausted—longing for connection, but unsure how to reach it. Maybe you've tried to fix things on your own, but the same painful patterns keep showing up. You're not alone, and things can get better. I work with individuals and couples who are navigating anxiety, relational struggles, past trauma, and major life transitions. Whether you're dealing with emotional distance in your relationship, the stress of parenting, infertility, or a history that still feels unresolved, I offer a space where you’ll feel seen, supported, and gently challenged. My approach is experiential, collaborative, and deeply respectful. We’ll work together to understand what’s driving the pain, create new ways of relating to yourself and others, and uncover possibilities for growth and healing. Clients often describe our sessions as insightful, emotionally rich, and relieving—a place where real change begins.

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 work to foster an environment of open communication, where clients feel safe to express knowing they won't be judged or their concerns disregarded.

Hey there! I'm Whitney, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over fifteen years of experience with a variety of populations ranging from young children to adults. My therapeutic approach is grounded in an existential model, but I also draw from various other forms of therapy to best support my clients. You can expect me to incorporate strategies and techniques from behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), as well as psychodynamic and family systems therapies. As a trauma-informed provider, I have received specialized training in treating trauma, shame, and anxiety. I'm passionate about staying up-to-date with the latest research and evidence-based practices and have specific training in understanding and managing ADHD across different phases of life. My ultimate goal is to provide a safe and empowering space for you to explore, grow, and overcome challenges. Together, we'll work towards helping you make choices that align with your goals and needs, fostering a sense of autonomy and personal fulfillment. I truly believe in creating a judgment-free environment where you can freely express your authentic self, embracing both the highs and lows of your unique path. I am here to support you in developing self-compassion and accepting the person you are today, despite the obstacles you have faced or are still working through. It's all part of your story, and we'll explore ways to love and appreciate yourself on this transformative path. Additionally, I'm committed to helping you explore your desires, find meaning in your life, and discover the direction you want to pursue for a fulfilling future. I am an expert in providing psychotherapy (also called therapy or mental health counseling) to four main groups of people and their loved ones: Child and Adolescent Therapy, Young Adult Therapy, Sports Therapy, and Parenthood.

I'm a somatic therapist who works with clients to heal trauma and manage depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. In session, I help you connect with your body and use techniques that restore your relationship with yourself. Whether it's supporting clients with chronic illness and autoimmune disorders, or recovering from childhood and religious trauma, somatic methods help you repair physically, mentally, and spiritually. Together we process pain through breathing, movement, curiosity, and expression to find a new purpose. I can help you find liberation in your change, identity, and growth journey. My therapeutic practice is rooted in liberation, decolonization, and anti-racism. I have supported people across the lifespan for over a decade. I'm trained in many treatment methods of trauma including TF-CBT and somatic therapy, and I teach graduate-level trauma courses. I am licensed in DC, MD, and VA, and I offer a free 15-minute consult call. I am a therapist who will sit with you in your pain and hold space with compassion. I will also be direct with you in times when you don’t get that elsewhere. Whatever we're tackling in session, I'm invested in you and will remind you that you have what it takes to heal. I'll be there to help you find it, use it, and discover the freedom in that healing.

I assist clients that have endured trauma and stress. Are you looking to find relief through compassionate and effective treatment? If you are interested in finding relief from conditions that have affected your mood, your relationships, your work, andor your habits in a negative way, call or email me now. Together, we can walk the path of recovery together until you have reached your imagined destination. Let's work on overcoming intimate partner violence, anger, toxicity, infidelity, addiction, self-hatred, codependency, shame, isolation, fear, neediness, grief, etc... ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

I believe concrete and lasting change in our lives is achievable. Together, we will begin a journey focused on understanding yourselves, your relationships, and your history. We each have a unique story. Through therapy, that journey of discovery, processing, and integration can help uncover, heal, and reconnect.