My approach to helping clients manage stress and distress, identity, anxiety depression, OCD,​ bipolar disorder, panic disorders, PTSD and other mental health disorders, focuses on current problems and how to change them.
Some common topics/issues I work with clients on include planned and unplanned life transitions, family-of-origin and adverse childhood experiences, dating/marital/single status and experiences, cultural identity and related experiences, running the family, career changes, excessive demands of personal and professional roles, disappointments and challenges, self-esteem, grappling with trauma from earlier in life and more.
You'll learn coping skills to manage symptoms and experience gradual decrease in symptoms, mood, behavior and cognitive functioning. Some of the cognitive, emotional and behavioral changes you'll see overtime include decrease in impulsive reactions to stress; increased assertiveness demonstrated by behavior and communication; improved effective communication; increase self-efficacy and autonomy; ability to focus, set goals and maintain structure. Additionally my clients sometimes experience and increased ability to be compassionate, kind, patient and regulated with self and others; clarity on personal values; ability to manage shame, grief and regulate emotions; decrease in unfulfilling behaviors. I always consider diverse perspectives, honoring them as valid and important to therapy.
Through a process of exploring, understanding, evaluating and identifying thinking and behavior patterns we eliminate and replace unproductive habits with more adaptive patterns toward an increased sense of well-being and ability to thrive and function in a variety of settings, situations and relationships. In the end my clients are able to experience enthusiasm, take inspired and purposeful action, live with autonomy, find pleasure in people, places and things, have emotional flexibility, and experience vulnerability and intimacy in relationships.
I received my Master’s degree from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and have since provided mental health services to children and adults in private practice settings in Maryland. As a supervised experienced clinical social worker, I provide a safe and thoughtful environment for collaboration and resolution.
It is important for all people to feel safe and that they have a place of belonging. Through my practice, I try to ensure that my clients feel heard, seen, felt and supported.
Call 240-428-0465 or email staff@adikacounseling.com with any and all questions.