My Favorite OCD Resources

Accessing OCD treatment can be difficult. Some studies report that it takes people, on average, up to 17 years to receive accurate diagnosis and treatment. For me, it took even longer! 

Fortunately, the landscape is shifting, and there are many online resources available to learn about and recover from OCD, even for those who may not have ready access to clinical care. More good news is that no matter the content of your obsessions, or whether your compulsions are physical or mental, the treatment approach is the same. 

The leading evidence-based treatment for OCD is Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. While it is most effective when done with a trained clinician, it also requires practice outside the therapy space. That’s where extra tools can come in handy.

Today I am sharing some of my favorite OCD resources, in the hope that they will be helpful to you or a loved one, wherever you are in your recovery journey. I’ve tried to include resources that are both educational and meant to be used in conjunction with ERP treatment. 

The NOCD Blog

The NOCD blog houses tons of articles and resources for OCD-ers, friends, family, and clinicians alike. From information on specific OCD themes to sharing the latest in OCD stats and science, the platform is a great place to go for answers to many OCD-related questions. I particularly like the OCD Stories and Living with OCD sections, which offer personal accounts from folks who have gone through treatment. I like to revisit these stories myself when I need a reminder of what is possible!

“How Do I Stop Thinking About This?” by Lisa Levine, PsyD

This article from the International OCD Foundation summarizes one of my favorite tools for rumination: Non-Engagement Responses. NERs are ways to respond to especially sticky thoughts by embracing uncertainty, a core tenet of ERP. Dr. Levine explains four main kinds of NERs and shares examples for how and when to use them. I highly recommend coming up with your own NERs, too. Two of my personal favorites for intrusive thoughts are, “Yeah, that would be wild” and “Thanks brain, you’re so creative!” 

Dr. Jonathan Grayson’s Freedom from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Personalized Recovery Program for Living with Uncertainty

This self-help book by a long-time OCD expert was one of the first resources my ERP therapist recommended to me. I like that it is part psychoeducation, part exercises for you to start practicing ERP skills on your own. In addition to explaining how OCD works and its causes, Dr. Grayson includes worksheets, scripts, and a cost-benefit analysis tool for when you are struggling with the treatment process. He even includes a chapter on building a support system for recovery, which is essential for the long-term. 

Alegra Kastens on Instagram & TikTok

Alegra Kastens, LFMT is the founder of the Center for OCD, Anxiety, and Eating Disorders. I love her page for its mix of education, advocacy, humor, and raw honesty about her personal experiences living with OCD. I especially appreciate her work to destigmatize more taboo themes, like pedophile OCD (or POCD). Her writing and social media presence help remind those of us with the disorder that we’re not alone. She also has a newsletter and is bisexual. 💅

Note that this list is far from exhaustive, but sometimes all we need is a place to begin. Whether you are new to an OCD diagnosis, considering ERP treatment, or just looking to learn more about OCD, I hope you have found these resources supportive and interesting. Above all, know that you are not alone in struggling with OCD, and there is much hope to be found both on- and offline among fellow OCD-ers! I can’t wait to see how your journey unfolds.

INSURANCE COVERAGE

We are now in network with Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), and United (Optum, UMR, Student Services, Oscar) plans. Please contact our Client Care Coordinator to verify your benefits. For all other health insurance plans, we are out of network. For those plans, you’ll receive monthly superbills (a special receipt) that you can submit to your insurance, HSA, or FSA. Please know that any communication or dealing with reimbursement denials are between you and your insurer. You always have the right to appeal denials with them, and request assistance from the MD State Insurance Commissioner. However, we do not become involved in those communications.

Please contact Shai, our Client Care Coordinator, by phone or via email for more information.

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They/Them
Therapist Intern

Killian McGinnis

I am a clinical social work student at the University of Maryland, Baltimore with an academic background in Peace & Conflict Studies. Originally from Baltimore County, I have worked previously as an educator and birth doula. My hobbies include gardening, singing, reading Toni Morrison novels, and cuddling with my tuxedo cat.

I approach therapy from a relational and anti-oppressive lens, understanding that our experiences and paths to healing are informed by our material and social worlds. My primary interest is in the treatment of anxiety and OCD, with an emphasis on Exposure & Response Prevention. I am also interested in pursuing training in play therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. My style is warm and collaborative; I value the therapeutic relationship as a site for healing, while also offering concrete tools to help you cope with life’s challenges. I believe that highlighting your strengths is important, and I strive to tailor my approach to your unique needs and goals. I am COVID-cautious and offer virtual and masked, in-person sessions.

Areas of Interest: Anxiety, OCD; LGBTQ+ affirming; Neurodiversity-affirming; Couples therapy.

Insurance: Not in network. Session fees range from $30 for individual sessions to $40 for couples sessions.

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Tavi (Tah-vee) Hawn - Transgender Therapist, Founder
They/Them
Transgender Therapist, Founder

Tavi (Tah-vee) Hawn

Gender Identity Guide
Cultural Awareness In Therapy

I’m a Southern lover of books, music, a baby named Waya (Wolf) and a spirit dog named Scully. I’m a co-founder of QORDS, a nonprofit summer camp for queer and transgender youth and youth of LGBTQ+ families.

I hold a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies and a Master’s of Social Work from University of Washington in Seattle. Currently, in addition to guiding this practice, I also serve as faculty for the Indian CountryTransgender ECHO project and Healing and Resilience Coordinator with Campaign for Southern Equality.  The best part of what I do is celebrating growth and witnessing courage as people create the kind of lives and spaces they’ve been hoping for. People say they enjoy laughing with me and that I can be direct in a way that is easy to handle.

Immigration Evaluations: I provide several types of immigration evaluations and offer a short turn-around time to receive your report. Please contact me about pricing and payment plans. People pay me with credit cards, health savings cards, flexible spending cards, and self employed people sometimes write off my expenses as professional services.

Native Therapy Resources: If you are of Native descent that can be shown with your family tree and live in the DMV or Boston area, you may be eligible to receive free therapy with me (or other practitioners) through Native American Lifelines. Contact NativeAmerican Lifelines for more information.

Reiki: I’m a Level 1 Trained Reiki practitioner. Reiki uses energy through touch or non-touch channeling. It helps with relaxation, physical and emotional healing, and releasing blocked or stuck places. You can receive this energy healing as a stand-alone service ($130 for 1 hour) or pay for a 15 minute add-on to a 45 minute insurance covered or out of network therapy session ($34 for the add-on). 

Currently, I’m offering Reiki as in person care in Durham, NC. These can be in office sessions or stand alone nature based or in home sessions.

Some of my therapy focus areas:

EMDR for Trauma Recovery (and other things!): Bilateral stimulation (thinking tapping, tracking with your eyes, drumming, dancing) can take many forms and be done in virtual sessions. This leads to much faster and more effective trauma recovery than talk therapy alone. We can do EMDR for a variety of topics either as regular therapy sessions, or for those in NC, we can do them as in person Intensives (2 hour and 3 hour Intensives are offered. Intensives are out of pocket sessions that can enhance the pace and depth of recovery). 

Supporting Parents and Caregivers of Trans and Gender Expansive Children and Teens: Raising kids is tough! Parenting in general is going to come with challenges. Supporting your trans or gender expansive child in today’s climate can feel lonely or impossible. I’m here to help you and be on your team. 

Narcissistic Abuse Recovery: Covert narcissism is something many mental health providers are not familiar with and have not been trained in. The damage that can be caused by covert narcissistic abuse is significant. In order to be able to engage in recovery, you need and deserve support from someone who understands and is informed. 

Family Building: The family building process can be beautiful and hard as ****. If fertility treatments are involved the hard as **** statement amplifies. It can be an isolating process at times so just know that you can have someone on your support team who really gets it. 

Professional Trans and Gays: Being in leadership roles or tokenized positions comes with many challenges. You’re probably familiar with therapy and I’m here to support you as someone with experience in these types of roles. Your therapy can look many ways depending on the needs and goals you have. 

I am out-of-network with insurance companies, except for North Carolina Aetna and United plans, for many reasons. You’ll be provided with monthly superbills (special type of receipt) in case you want to submit them to your insurance or FSA account. I’ve listed the billing codes here that you can ask your insurance company about (90791 and 90837). Most plans with out-of-network benefits pay you back 50%-80% of my rate. Please know that communicating with your insurer and dealing with any out of network reimbursement denials is between you and your insurance company.

I’m a non-binary, trans, and Two Spirit person with Tsalagi (Cherokee), English, Irish, and West and Central African roots. I experience and express my gender in different ways at different times. My pronouns are they/them. Whenever possible, I like to read, dance, hike in the woods, grow food and medicines, travel, play my drum kit and my hand drum, hug my elders, and eat.

Training and Public Speaking: I’m a public speaker on all things related to gender identity and intersectional DEI. I use a framework that affirms gender expansive children, youth, and adults, as well as the Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual (LGBTQIA+) communities. These days, I primarily provide trainings to organizations, businesses, schools, and individual therapists. My goal is to increase access to truly anti-racist, trans-affirming care by providing training, consultation, and supervision to companies/employers, therapists, educators, and healthcare practitioners. I aim to contribute by improving the quality of care found in a multitude of  locations for Two Spirit, Indigiqueer, and transgender individuals and families.

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She/Her/Hers
LMSW

Jennifer Blue

I am a transgender, mostly gay, white woman who is passionate about mental health care for the queer, trans, polyamorous/ENM, and kinky communities.

I’m a graduate of the MSW program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. My hobbies include writing, cooking, nerding out about animation, tabletop roleplaying games, and video games.

What it’s like to work with me: I firmly believe that a caring and supportive therapeutic relationship is the most important part of healing. I prefer an eclectic approach, drawing tools from different sources depending on the needs you express instead of sticking to one theoretical approach, because you are the expert on you.

Trauma Informed Therapy: My primary background is in trauma-informed approaches to cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, as well as some work in parts therapy/IFS, DBT, hypnotherapy, and narrative therapy. I also have experience in crisis counseling. We can discuss which approaches might work best for you and use informed consent in choosing modalities. If you’re especially interested in any IFS, DBT, hypnotherapy, etc please let me know.

Couples and Relationship Therapy: My approach to working with couples and polycules is based on moving past blame and being “right” to responsibility and cooperation. I believe that we heal the world by healing each other and heal each other by healing the world, and view therapy as a tool to accomplish that healing and build the resilience and strength to find and grow the good in this world.

Therapeutic D&D and Gaming: I am also a certified Therapeutic Game Master, and proud to be able to offer therapeutic D&D groups that use gameplay and roleplaying to work on a variety of issues, including social functioning/anxiety, exploring identity, trauma, and phobias. I am also able to bring elements of this approach into individual therapy for interested clients. I am also working to provide groups using other tabletop roleplaying games in the future.

Gender Identity: Whether you’re considering and exploring your own gender identity or expression, or are comfortably situated as gender expansive, trans, nonbinary, or another gender and just want a therapist who has some shared lived experience there, I’d love to work with you.

Ages: Teens and Adults
Supervisor: Tavi Hawn

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Kendra Smith
She/Her or They/Them
LCPC

Kendra Smith

I have over 20 years of experience being a therapist and counselor educator. I have a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies. Additionally, I have specialized training and experience in Multichannel Eye Movement Integration, mindfulness, clinical supervision, and distance-based counseling. I am licensed in both DC and Maryland so can see people who live in either of these locations.

When not working, I fill my time with fiber arts, exploring thrift stores, reading, and hanging with my cat and dog. I’m white and non-binary. My pronouns are she/her or they/them.

Culturally Affirmative Therapy with Deaf and Hard of Hearing People: I have extensive experience working with Deaf community and am familiar with Deaf culture. I’m bilingual in English and American Sign Language and one of my joys is assisting Deaf and hard of hearing individuals with life transitions, trauma recovery, and relationship challenges.

Healthy Relationships: One area of interest for me is in assisting people who want to improve their relationships. Whether you want support in parenting, building friendships, improving romantic partnerships, or finding connection with, and as, elders, I’m here to provide encouragement, feedback and support in understanding relationship patterns and styles. We can work on this individually, or in couples or family configurations.

Anxiety and Trauma: Anxiety can show up as worry, repetitive thoughts, irritability, tension, stomach pain or nausea, and a number of other ways. Trauma can manifest as having nightmares, staying alert and on edge, reliving past events, chronic illness or pain, dissociation or numbing, difficulty in various types of relationships, along with other symptoms. It can sometimes feel like there’s no hope for changing these things or living without them. I believe you can find relief from anxiety or trauma responses and am here to offer possibility of a new way of being and concrete healing strategies.

Parents of Trans and Gender Expansive Individuals: Parents usually want to be supportive and affirming but sometimes aren’t sure how. They may want information, resources, or a place to process their own emotions as changes take place. I’m here to help parents adjust and maintain a close relationship with their child.

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Mara Thomas,Finance Manager
They/Them/Theirs
Finance Manager

Mara Thomas

Mara (they/them/theirs) is an all-around nerd who loves writing, swimming, gardening, and bookkeeping (honestly). On any given day, their creative, queer Cancerian-ness may take the form of cooking comfort food from scratch, deciding that everything is a precious memento, and writing plays that envision a world free of hierarchy. Mara crunches numbers, pays taxes, and pays staff. 

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He/They
Ph.D.

Parker T. Hurley

Parker T. Hurley, Ph.D., is a queer, Black, non-binary, Trans activist and healer justice practitioner based in Durham, NC. Dr. Hurley is available for virtual trainings, presentations, and consultation through Hawn Therapy and Consulting. In the future, he may be available for in person trainings through travel costs will be factored into pricing.

Upon graduating with a Master’s from Hunter College School of Social Work with a concentration of community organizing in May 2006, he has provided advocacy and support within LGBTQQ communities to individuals living with major mental illness, people of color, youth and seniors. Prior to enrolling at University of North Carolina-Greensboro to pursue a doctorate degree in Educational Studies with a concentration in Higher Education in 2009, Parker spent three years as the Member Services/Outreach and Education Coordinator of the Rainbow Heights Club (RHC). Located in Brooklyn, New York, RHC is the only government funded psychosocial and advocacy organization specifically meeting the needs of LGBTQ individuals living with severe mental illness.

He continued this work in North Carolina as the LGBTQ Coordinator at Guilford College and directed The Bayard Rustin Center for LGBTQA Education, Activism and Reconciliation. In addition to being the co-advisor for the local LGBT Youth Group in Greensboro, NC (Youth Safe), Dr. Hurley also had the opportunity to serve nationally as the Deputy Director of the Trans People of Color Coalition, and locally as the co-founder of Queer People of Color Collective based in Greensboro, NC; as well as NC Trans Pride in Action, an annual event lifting up the histories, lives and experiences of trans and gender non-conforming black, indigenous people of color (BIPOC).

Parker currently works at The Radical Healing Center located in Durham, NC as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) providing therapy, support and psycho education groups that center queer and trans BIPOC. Parker’s work is trauma-informed, person-centered and ever evolving as he trains to incorporate techniques and skills in the tradition of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Horticultural Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (and eventually Somatic Healing) into his work. Parker’s passions lie within the healing and transformation of our homes, schools and communities through self-care, radical love, building deep connections to nature and working exhaustively at the intersections of all social justice movements.

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Randall Leonard, Trainer
They/Them/Theirs
LCSW-C, Trainer

Randall Leonard

Randall Leonard (They/Them/Theirs) is only available for presentations, trainings, workshops, keynotes, and webinars. They are a warm, engaging trainer and public speaker.

Topics that Randall gives trainings and presentations on are: Gender and Sexuality (LGBTQ+, Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals), Cultural Diversity and Intersectionality, Intimate Subcultures, Under-served Populations, Black Mental Health.

Some of the settings that might want bring one of our trainings in are: schools, faith groups, medical facilities, group therapy practices, community mental health centers, and more.

Randall is a passionate and warm speaker, who has also been featured in a Sephora commercial highlighting gender non-conforming people.

They’ve provided clinical services in various settings such as treatment for people with severe, persistent mental illness, therapy for people living with HIV, Emergency Room crisis care, and LGBTQ+ healthcare.

Please call (443) 843-0360 to inquire about retaining Randall for a speaking engagement.

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Selima Jumarali
She/Her/Hers
Trainer

Selima Jumarali

I am a cisgender, queer, Indo-Caribbean, Muslim femme of color deeply invested in the mental health, healing, and well-being of queer and trans people of color (QTPOC). I use she/her/hers pronouns.

My research focuses on the experiences of therapy when queer people of color have therapists who are also queer people of color. I consider how systems of oppression impact us individually and interpersonally, including in the therapy space. I view therapy as a space for making sense of and coping with an oppressive world while also building resilience and cultivating joy.

I am currently a graduate student in the Clinical-Community Psychology PhD program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. I am passionate about working toward liberation and furthering radical, revolutionary love. In my free time, I love eating Thai food, listening to Bollywood music, and hosting game nights!

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Shayne Couch-Murray, Trainer
He/They
LMSW

Shayne Couch-Murray

I’m a proud Morgan State grad with clinical and macro-level social work. I care deeply about my communities- BIPOC and trans. My experiences working in the public defender’s office, as well as the public school system, inform my training content related to working with LGBTQIA+ individuals involved in the justice system, creating affirming school environments for QTBIPOC children and teens, healing the effects of toxic masculinity in masculine people of color. My clinical experience informs my trainings on writing gender-affirming surgery letters and other trans-related topics. 

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Alyssa Fenix - Diversity Trainer and Consultant
She/Her
Diversity Trainer and Consultant

Alyssa Fenix

Alyssa is a Black, queer, neurodivergent artist, diversity trainer/consultant, and founder of the “If I Knew Then..” Letters project living in Baltimore with her partner, kids, dog, and plants. Her artistic expression includes photography, wood burning, collage art, and creative writing.

Using her personal and professional experience working in education and mental health settings, Alyssa provides a quality framework for clinicians and educators in supporting LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent youth and young adults through professional development training, policy/climate revisions, and coaching and consultation services.
 
She provides a variety of professional development and training opportunities to health systems, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations about creating safe and supportive spaces and practices for marginalized communities, as well as educational consultative services for families and individuals exploring intersectional identity, with a particular emphasis on LGBTQ+ and disabilities.

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She/Her
Therapist Intern

Jess Hyman

Jess is a biracial, professional female bodybuilder and former personal trainer, who grew up on the East Coast but spent her summers in California. Jess became a personal trainer and bodybuilder after struggling with obesity from childhood through college, ultimately losing 120lbs and changing the trajectory of her life. She enjoys the influence of music, spending time with her family, and, most of all, she loves to laugh!

Jess earned her bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Maryland, College Park and will soon earn her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Southern New Hampshire University. After completing her internship and earning licensure from Maryland state, she intends to work toward licensure in sex therapy.

Jess is very excited for the privilege of interning at Reclaim & Rise and looks forward to being of service to the communities that need her!

Couples & Relationship Therapy

Sex Positive, Kink Affirming Therapy

Individual Therapy
Ages 18+ only.

Insurance
Not in network. Session fees range from $30 – $50.

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Carlyn Maia Dale-Miller

She/Her
Therapist Intern

Carlyn Maia Green

I spend my free time with my partners and friends, enjoying their company and a good board game or cooking night every now and then. I also love to read, write poetry, and lie in the grass listening to music as much as possible.

I am currently working towards my master’s degree in Clinical Professional Counseling at Loyola University Maryland and my expected graduation date is December 2023.

My approach: I approach clients with a strength-based and person-centered focus while using the DBT framework to inform strategies to use in and out of session. In our society we often focus on weaknesses, and while I see the importance in bringing about change, I also believe that acceptance is equally if not more important in one’s therapeutic journey. I utilize the DBT framework because I find it is a powerful tool in working towards acceptance and change. I take a trauma focused approach to my work as i recognize many people are facing or have faced traumatic experiences and oppression that may have caused significant distress and oftentimes there are not outlets for support in our daily lives. I want to provide a space for that difficult and crucial work.

I am committed to providing multiculturally competent care and meeting my clients where they are at based on their individual, unique experiences, identity factors, and life stories. I believe that a person needs agency, autonomy, and control to feel safe participating in the therapeutic process. This is especially true as safety is not always accessible to those who are oppressed in our society and may be facing systemic harm. I have a special focus on the 2SLGBTQIA+ population and I commit myself to providing safety, inclusion, and therapeutic rest. I also provide polyamory-affirming care, including relationship therapy. As a queer, polyamorous woman myself, I know how difficult it can be to find providers who affirm these identities. I want to make sure all my clients feel safe and encouraged bringing these parts of themselves to the work we do together.

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Shai-Ann Karyo, Client Care Coordinator
She/Her
Client Care Coordinator

Shai-Ann Karyo

Shai-Ann is dedicated to ensuring a warm and welcoming experience for each and every client. In her spare time, she enjoys sci-fi thrillers, meditating, hiking, and traveling to new places. She’s looking forward to connecting with you!

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Nhi Chau, Administrative Manager

She/Her
Administrative Manager

Nhi Chau

I love all things organization, and helping the practice run as smoothly as possible.

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Catrin Griffths - Practice Director, Therapist
She/Her
Practice Director, Therapist

Catrin Griffths

I’m an islander in Texas with Welsh and English roots. I am happiest when I am hanging out with my daughter, husband and 3 dogs who are never disappointed to see me.

I am most passionate about creating safe and affirming environments where people can feel comfortable, feel heard and feel seen. This is essential for growth and change. I advocate for vulnerable and disenfranchised groups, including 2SLGBTQIA+ folks. When I am not doing that, I like to read, ride my bike, spend time in the theatre and hang out on the beach. I love music and the arts.

I have a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Sam Houston State University. I have served as a Licensed Professional Counselor for over 25 years. I am also licensed to supervise therapists as they begin their helping journeys. Clinical supervision and teaching are my favorite vocations. I have taught all kinds of subjects from Psychology classes at Junior College, “Lunch and Learns” at large corporations to spin classes at the gym! I have never learned more than when I am teaching.

I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Informed Treatment, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and more. I believe in a holistic approach. When we want to learn, grow or solve problems we must look at ourselves from all angles. We must consider the well- being of the mind, body and spirit.

I am an experienced mental health professional who has held leadership positions in Operations and Business Development in various behavioral healthcare settings, most recently as a Director at The Menninger Clinic.

Surviving Corporate Culture When You’re Not An Old White Man

If you’re working in a corporate or professional setting that tends to be dominated by white men, there are so many challenges you have to navigate. I can support you in kicking imposter syndrome to the curb, honing your negotiation skills, and resolving conflict in the workplace.

Stressed Out, Working Parents

Parenting these days is no joke! Whether you’re overwhelmed with the “under 5” years and trying to juggle everyone’s needs or trying to figure out what in the world is going on in adolescent universe these days, don’t try to do it alone! I will make you laugh which on some days is therapy in and of itself, but also be on your side as you strive to be the best parent you can be in the midst of these times.

Narcissistic Abuse Recovery

I can help you get a narcissist out of your life (and if that’s not possible learn strategies to minimize the damage). We’ll prioritize your healing, self discovery, and re-building your trust in yourself. And then we’ll work on how to not get involved with another narcissist! We all have core wounds. Some of those may make us susceptible, so let’s address them so you don’t find yourself in a repeat situation.

Open Relationships and Polyamory

I enjoy working with relationships and in particular, helping people who are considering opening their marriage or those who are in polycules and wanting to maintain and improve relationship dynamics. We’ll identify boundaries, communication styles, coping with the challenging aspects while appreciating the expansiveness, and more.

Placement Consultant (Some call it Educational Consultant) For Families of Teens

I work with families to find the best treatment or educational options for the young person in their life who is struggling and needs extra support, whether a higher level of care treatment plan or specialized educational setting or program. I have a lot of knowledge of programs around the country. You’re scared or frustrated and don’t know where to start but I can do a lot of the research for you, even coordinating an admission to a program. I want to help you avoid wasting your time and money or ending up with a placement that’s not a good fit. Let’s talk!

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Felicia Taliaferro
She/Her
Yoga Therapist

Felicia Taliaferro

Felicia “Fela” Taliaferro is a Yoga Therapist, Wellness Consultant, Event Curator, and a passionate advocate for the transformative power of yoga. With nearly a decade of experience guiding individuals of all shapes, backgrounds, and capacities on their yoga journeys, Fela has become a beacon of healing and empowerment in the DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) and beyond.

Fela’s dedication to the art and science of yoga therapy is underscored by her academic achievements. She holds a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy from the prestigious Maryland University of Integrative Health. This integrative approach to yoga therapy involves harnessing the ancient wisdom of yoga to address physical, emotional, and mental well-being, making it a potent tool for holistic healing.

What sets Fela apart is her unwavering passion for yoga as a catalyst for healing and personal growth. She firmly believes that yoga is not just a physical practice but a profound means to navigate the intricate landscapes of our inner selves and the world around us. In her view, wellness and environmental justice are intertwined, with yoga serving as a bridge between the two. Through yoga, we gain a deeper connection to ourselves and others, fostering empathy and awareness—qualities that are more crucial than ever in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inspired by her own journey and the collective displacement experienced during the pandemic, Fela founded “Sol Session,” a rooftop yoga party that is much more than just a gathering. It’s a space where people can come together to move, breathe, and celebrate how far they’ve come on their individual and collective paths. Sol Session embodies the essence of resilience and the power of community, and it serves as a testament to Fela’s commitment to fostering connection and healing through yoga.

Fela’s work is also rooted in a profound sense of social justice and empowerment. The name “A Seat On the Mat” draws inspiration from the influential works of Shirley Chisholm and Solange Knowles—’A Seat At The Table.’ Just as Chisholm and Knowles emphasized the importance of having a seat at the table for Black and marginalized communities, Fela emphasizes the importance of having a seat on the yoga mat for all individuals, creating a space where healing, transformation, and empowerment can flourish.

In a world where healing and unity are more important than ever, Fela tands as a dedicated guide and advocate, using the ancient practice of yoga to help individuals find their seats on the mat and in the world. Her journey is a testament to the power of yoga to heal, transform, and unite us all.

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She/Her
Therapist, LGPC, ATR-P

Lisa Srok

I am a neurodivergent artist with over 6 years of sobriety.

I love live music, creating abstract art, being outside, taking long walks, finding cool rocks, and spending time with my sweet pup.

I am dedicated to recognizing and honoring the intersectionality of identity. My work is informed by the integrative belief that personal well-being encompasses all parts of self, which includes mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. I am passionate about holding space to share the therapeutic qualities of art and offering unwavering support to individuals on their journey of personal growth.

I earned my Master’s of Art in Art Therapy with an emphasis on counseling from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and have my Bachelor’s of Fine Art in Painting and Drawing from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I am credentialed with the Art Therapy Credentials Board as a Registered Provisional Art Therapist and am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor.

For my thesis, I conducted qualitative research to evaluate the professional experience of credentialed art therapists using art therapy as treatment for nonbinary people with disordered substance use.

My professional work and personal inspirations are rooted in embracing the intersectionality of identity, exploring new perspectives, and finding meaningful connections.

My theoretical orientation is built on a humanistic, client-centered approach.

Art is a form of self-validation. My introspective art making is driven by my need to process, my captivation with contemplation, and my desire to understand.

When used in a therapeutic setting, art-making is about the process, not the product. The ability to find solace and strength through art-making and personal reflection is a valuable, empowering experience. It does not require an artistic background, technical skills, or extensive knowledge of art. Art is about acceptance and representing our truth.

Through contemplative actions such as art-making we can discover purpose, create meaning, and gain insight. During the process of creative expression we are picking up the pieces of life and discovering how they fit together, how they relate to each other, and how we relate to them. When we need to understand ourselves, our creations contain the explanation.

Aside from art therapy modalities. I also provide talk therapy in the form of Couples/Relationship Therapy, Individual therapy, Child/Adolescent Therapy.

Supervisor: Danielle Gleber

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She/Her
MSW, LCSW-C

Emily Angerhofer

I am a busy mom of 2 boys, an absurd dog, and a grumpy old cat. My hobbies include knitting and crochet, spending time with friends and family, and reading. I have an MSW from the University of Maryland School of Social Work and 12 years of clinical experience. Most of that time was spent in Baltimore City/County schools working with children and families. I spent two years with the UMD Social Work Community Outreach Center supporting Community Schools, and most recently in private practice. This experience taught me the importance of cultural humility, restorative justice practices, and how to build community wherever I go. My practice is inclusive, anti-racist, and I am passionate about healing generational curses. I have supported and been a part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community all my life, and pride myself on being a judgement free zone.

I am an eclectic, client-lead, strengths-based therapist interested in supporting the full family system: couples, families, and individuals across the lifespan. Utilizing a mix of therapeutic techniques such as narrative, expressive arts, play, radical acceptance, and mindfulness practices, I meet my clients where they are, and support them along their journey. Whether managing anxiety, depression, or sorting through past trauma, we will encounter these parts of you with openness and compassion. With you as the expert on your experience, I want to work with you on goals and strategies which will aid you in finding balance and contentment.

Supporting families with special needs or considerations
I have a special interest in supporting the parents and siblings of children with special needs, and diverse identities. As mom of two kids on the autism spectrum, and working with a diverse clientele, I have unique insight into this experience. My goal is to provide a safe space to vent and explore ways to support and further understand our loved ones.

Understanding and loving our neuro-types
The neuro-diversity umbrella is a fascinating and giant sphere of different needs and superhuman abilities! As a neuro spicy cis-woman co-parenting with a neuro-spicy cis-man and mother of autistic children, I have spent years supporting my own family as we navigate our own experiences and unique needs. I have expanded this research and experience to support individuals, families, and couples with different neuro-types communicate, support, and love themselves and each other fully.

Healthy families, together and apart
Your partnership, your family, your needs are unique and special. I am sex-positive, kink and polyamory affirming, and am dedicated to supporting healthy and safe intimate knowledge and connections for my clients. I have worked with partners to deepen their connection, expand their communication skills, and provide a united front against those that would challenge their boundaries. I love helping families re-establish positive connections and move through conflict effectively. I have also supported couples as they consciously un-couple and create positive co-parenting arrangements for themselves and their children.

Stressed, overwhelmed parents about to lose their $%&
Parenting is hard, constantly evolving, beautiful, and exhausting. You are not alone, and I am here to shoulder the load with you. We will look at barriers to self-care, resources to put in place to expand your support system, and ways to connect with other parents. Baltimore has so much to offer children and families, and your wellbeing is paramount for a healthy family system.

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She/Her
LCSW-C

Danielle Gleber

My academic journey began with my bachelor’s degree in psychology and family studies from Towson University, followed by my master’s degree in clinical social worker, specializing in behavioral health, from the University of Maryland, Baltimore.  My approach centers on building a warm, collaborative relationship with you while emphasizing your strengths and priorities. I value the importance of embracing diverse identities and aim to always be cognizant of  intersectionality of identities, especially those which have been historically and continually marginalized including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and many other rich communities.

I applaud your decision to prioritize your mental health, and I look forward to being here to support you every step of the way. I am genuinely looking forward to embarking on this transformative journey with you towards healing and personal growth.

Pre-Teen, Teen Therapy: Adolescent years are challenging to say the least and pre-teens and teens today are navigating a lot. I’m here to support youth and their families in traveling these years as smoothly as possible. 

Financial Social Work: I am certified in financial social work, enabling me to address financial stressors, particularly among women and BIPOC communities. We all have thoughts and feelings related to money, based on our backgrounds and how we’re socialized. These play into how we manage our finances. Let’s work together to build your confidence and change your relationship to your finances.

LGBTQIA+ : As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am genuinely excited to share my expertise and walk alongside you through life’s twists and turns. My aim is to offer a caring hand in navigating the complexities of identity, psychiatric challenges, transitions, and everything in between. Embracing my identity within the LGBTQIA+ community, I am deeply committed to delivering affirming care to all, understanding the intricacies of sexual orientation, gender identity, transitions, and affirming relationships with polyamorous or kink dynamics.

Gender Affirming Therapy: As part of the LGBTQIA+ community, offering gender affirming care is very important to me. I want my gender expansive and transgender community members to feel comfortable in their therapy sessions. Whether someone of any age is considering their gender identity or expression or whether they just want to know that their therapist has knowledge of some of the things they encounter as trans folks, I strive to create the environment that they deserve. I can also help family members who are struggling with understanding or adapting, I can write gender affirming surgery letters, and am happy to talk through questions or concerns related to sexuality and sexual relationships of trans community members. 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Informed Approach: Through a solution-focused therapeutic style, I can incorporate dialectical behavioral coping strategies to support your unique journey.  I firmly believe that collaboration is key — I see you as the expert in your own life, and I am here to support you. I am passionate about making complex clinical jargon easier to understand, ensuring clear communication, and empowering you and your loved ones who may be new to navigating the mental health improvement process.

I am licensed in both Maryland and Virginia, however I am out of network with insurance in Virginia.

I would be a great fit for folks who live and work in both MD and VA, or students who live in one state and attend college in the other!

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She/They
LCPC, Gender Therapist

Caroline Hippler

Whenever possible, I spend my time playing with my cats, reading a good book, cooking a new recipe, facilitating plant growth or exploring a found object art project.

As a therapist serving Nonbinary and Transgender clients, as well as 2SLGBTQIA+ populations broadly, I am acutely aware of the systemic, institutional barriers that continue to cause harm in people’s lives and am deeply committed to using my time in this life to improve the lived experiences of queer and transgender people.

I provide empathic client-centered counseling for anyone looking to align their lived experience more closely with their values and identities. Of all the beliefs and commitments that motivate my work, none is more important than the calling to imagine and work toward more just and equitable futures. My work is rooted in an anti-racist, intersectional, anti-oppressive frameworks. I am passionate about empowering people to listen to their own voices and live the lives they want to live. I love talking to people about gender, their identities and how the process of meaning-making impacts their lives. I provide affirming therapy for transgender and gender diverse children, adolescents and adults.

I have 8+ years of experience serving the 2SLGBTQIA+ community as a therapist and have provided training for emerging therapists and other professionals. I am a Nationally Certified Counselor, have a Master’s Degree and Education Specialist degree in Mental Health Counseling with a minor in Human Development and an undergraduate degree in Gender Studies. I have specialized training in mindfulness therapy and distance therapy.

My approach to therapy is eclectic. Every therapeutic relationship is unique and tailored to the needs of the individual. First and foremost I believe that each person is the expert in themselves. I am here to provide guidance on your journey to greater self-knowledge and self-acceptance. Together, we will decide how sessions should look for you. We will work to understand the roots of what you are experiencing and craft skillful approaches for you to take. To do this, we may borrow from several theories including: EMDR, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Existential Theory, Radical Acceptance, and Internal Family Systems Therapy. We will determine together which pieces of these, if any, will help us. Together we will work to achieve two seemingly contradictory tasks: to accept yourself as you are and to work to become more skillful and self-aware.

EMDR: We believe that trauma resides in our bodies. It can manifest in various ways through addictive behaviors, emotional upheaval, even phobias or obsessive thoughts and compulsions. Talk therapy alone is often ineffective to help us move trauma out of our bodies. EMDR is one method that can transform our responses to memories, even those from before we could talk. Caroline is trained in EMDR therapy.

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