The Ties That Break

Coping with family estrangement as 2SLGBTQIA+ people

I knew that in my family being queer was not something that was gonna be accepted. So I tried suppressing my queerness, my gender expansiveness, then later hiding it from family. This led to a one sided relationship where I censored what I shared of my life, didn’t bring partners around or introduced them as “friends”, wasn’t asked questions about my life while listening for hours about theirs, always visited my family who would never come to any of the places I lived and so on. For years I believed this was better than the possibility of having no relationship with them if I showed my full self to them. Family has high importance where I come from and it’s no light thing to be separated from it.Then there came a point in my adult life where I just couldn’t do it anymore and didn’t want to. I wrote a long letter reminding my Mom of the time in high school that the school outed me and I was told “not gonna happen” and not to tell anybody else. I shared that I wanted a real, genuine relationship with them but needed it to go both ways. I needed to be able to show up as my whole self. 

It didn’t go well. I was told I was gonna cause relatives to have health problems, heart attacks, high blood pressure, etc. I was told I was lost and in sin and that my queer community didn’t really love me. I was left long angry voicemails, sad tearful ones. I tried setting boundaries and writing more letters but things didn’t get better. It was such a painful, stressful time. For a few years I got a birthday card signed by my mother and eventually those stopped. I found out that one relative never told her husband after years of estrangement why they weren’t speaking to me. It’s been 12 years at least now since I saw my immediate family. I recently received a box in the mail of childhood school projects and baby items with no note. It seems like the last trace of me may have left my family home.

I have other relatives I’m in touch with but the pain of estrangement from family never fully goes away, even when you have a beautiful chosen family and community. We’re told that family love is supposed to be unconditional and it can be a deep, core wound when we find out it’s not. It can be intense work not to internalize the message of rejection and that work can be ongoing as different life situations may push on that bruise. We may also have lost any safety net that other people might have- family members pitching in to help in emergencies, gifts of money, time, or connections that benefit some adults. This can have practical implications and sometimes make day to day life harder than it would have been. Other people may not recognize or understand this impact. 

The good news is that even when estranged from family, we can have loving and healing relationships in our lives. We can cultivate community and chosen family. There are times when the grief comes up no matter how long it’s been- holidays, birthdays, becoming a parent yourself, other big milestones, seeing other adults who have close relationships with family. In those times we can be gentle and compassionate to ourselves, acknowledging the hurt and identifying what we like about ourselves. We can reach out to connect with people who love us. We might know other people who are estranged from family, especially other 2SLGBTQIA+ people,and we can reach out to them to show care and love. 

Sometimes people who have been estranged find that they want to try again to connect, maybe with different expectations of the relationships and ability to forgive. This is not the path for everybody but if you decide you want to try again, think about what kind of support you need. A pep talk with friends, asking for a family therapy session, solid self care plans for after you try a conversation? 

No matter your journey, know that sometimes even though everybody might be doing their best with the skills and energy they have at the time, it may not be enough to be a healthy dynamic. You can own and take responsibility for any of your part in the conflict if there’s something there for you to work on, and then recognize that the other parts are not yours to carry and are the other person’s work to do. There can be peace and relief in releasing somebody else’s emotional shadows. Most of all, on your hardest days, remember that we are never truly alone. Speak to your ancestors, encourage yourself, work with a healer, ask for affirmation from community members. You are worthy of love and belonging.

She/Her
Administrative Manager

Nhi Chau

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

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!

Gianna Rico
She/Her
LMSW, Gender Therapist

Gianna Rico

I am a queer, cis-gender, femme human that uses she/her pronouns. I spend my personal time honoring my body through intentional movement, connecting with nature, filling my living space with too many plants and cats (it’s only 3 but I swear it feels like more sometimes!), and reading the endings of books before I even start them.

I center my care around building a safe and strong therapeutic relationship with each individual that I work with. I firmly believe that human connection and support can be the first step in healing and exploration. I draw from a broad variety of techniques and approaches and, in the true spirit of collaboration, always encourage my clients to let me know how best I can support them. As a queer, body-positive, and sex-positive clinician, I believe that therapy should be a place to celebrate and discover the complexities of being a human.

Areas of Interest: I enjoy working with clients who may be experiencing issues surrounding shame, self-esteem, body image, grief, depression, anxiety, 2SLGBTQ+ concerns, relationship struggles, and life transitions. This includes children and adolescents navigating the gender spectrum.

I have a particular interest in working with those who may be carrying a child or thinking about conceiving. Taking that step can feel scary and particularly polarizing in our binary filled world. I am here to hold and honor your space.

I am certified in Perinatal Mood Disorders and Anxiety. There can be many challenges postpartum and I don’t want you to feel alone in that period of your life. I’d love to share the tools I have with you.

Another area of specialty is in Religious Trauma. Many people, especially those of marginalized identities, have experienced abuse or trauma by religious leaders, in religious settings, and by harmful religious messages. I’m here to help you navigate a path to recovery and your relationship to the faith you grew up in and your feelings today.

When working with me you can expect a laid back and gentle approach fueled by my genuine curiosity to get to know you. My sessions are casual, interactive, and always affirming. In my space, there’s no pressure to act a certain way – I’m here to be with the true you.

Individual sessions: The first session is $150 (Code 90791). Sessions after that are $140 (Code 90837). You will receive monthly superbills (special receipts) in case you want to submit them to your insurance or FSA for reimbursement. If you have out of network benefits, you will end up paying out of pocket likely $40-$100 per session.

Supervisor: David Avruch, LCSW-C

She/Her/Hers
LCSW-C, Team Lead

Jasmine Holland

I’m a Black, pansexual therapist whose pronouns are she/her/hers. I’m looking forward to meeting you.

Couples/Relationship/Family Therapy: Relationships are hard, okay?! The healthiest, happiest connections still need tune-ups and adjustments now and then. I’m trained in PACT couples therapy method and utilize that in family sessions and with alternative family and relationship structures as well. Here’s what you can expect in a PACT session:

Sex Positive Therapy: Most of us have challenges related to our sex lives at some point. It’s not something that’s openly talked about in society in healthy ways and a lot of times it feels taboo to bring up in therapy. Sometimes difficulties related to sex can be due to traumatic experiences, relationship problems, or health conditions. I believe that if you are someone who wants a vibrant and fulfilling sexuality, that is possible to achieve and you may just need a non-judgmental place to process and explore ideas and experiences. You are deserving of pleasure and connection with yourself and others. We can identify barriers and come up with healing plans so you can get there. Talk about fun therapy homework!

Adolescent/Teen Therapy: I’ve learned a lot in my experience working with middle school and high school adolescents and their families. The young people I hold space with find me approachable, willing to learn about their day to day, and somebody who can help them understand more about who they are on the inside and what they want their future to look like. I’m affirming of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Whether a teen’s parents are 2SLGBTQ+ or the youth might be, I can offer support. Parents or guardians may need a place to talk about their concerns, questions, or relationship with their child. We can do this together!

Trauma Recovery: It can be scary to decide to go on a healing journey in regards to trauma, past or present. It’s hard to know what to do or how to do it and a lot of times there’s a fear that facing it will be too overwhelming to do what you need to do just to get through each day right now. Maybe you’ve noticed dissociation that’s caused some problems for you or other people in your life, intense emotional responses to triggers, or numbing or avoiding reminders. Maybe you know that intergenerational trauma is affecting the way you move through life now. We can tackle these things together and go at your own pace. Your own cultural and spiritual practices can be a powerful resource in this recovery work.

Payment Information: We are out of network with insurance companies for many reasons. Our billing specialist can submit claims for you so you can receive reimbursement from your plan includes that option. If you’d like to use your out of network benefits, please verify them with your company, as well as whether you have to meet a deductible first. I’ve listed the billing codes here you can ask about. Most plans pay you back 50%-80% of my rate. Once our biller sends a claim, it is out of our control regarding when, whether, or how much your plan reimburses you and you will need to follow up with them regarding your claims and reimbursement.

Individual Sessions: The first session is $180 (Code 90791). Sessions after that are $170 (Code 90837). You will receive monthly superbills (special receipts) in case you want to submit them to your insurance or FSA for reimbursement. If you have out of network benefits, you will end up paying out of pocket likely $40-$100 per session. I have a limited number of reduced fee appointments, with priority given to QTBIPOC. Please ask about any openings when you call.

Family or Couples/Relationship Therapy: The initial session is $220 (Code 90847) and sessions after are $200.

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.

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. That said, my primary background is in trauma-informed approaches to cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, as well as some work in parts therapy, hypnotherapy, and narrative therapy. I also have experience in crisis counseling. 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.

Individual sessions: The first session is $150 (Code 90791). Sessions after that are $140 (Code 90837). You will receive monthly superbills (special receipts) in case you want to submit them to your insurance or FSA for reimbursement. If you have out of network benefits, you will end up paying out of pocket likely $40-$100 per session.

Couples/Relationship Therapy: The initial session is $160 (Code 90847) and sessions after are $150.

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.

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.

Payment Information: We are out of network with insurance companies for many reasons. You’ll receive monthly superbills (a special receipt) in case you want to submit to your insurance or FSA. Those with out of network benefits often end up paying $40-100 per session out of pocket after reimbursement.

Individual Sessions: The first session is $190 (Code 90791). Sessions after that are $180 (Code 90837).

Couple/Relationship/Family Therapy: The first session is $220 and sessions after are $210. Some insurance plans may consider it “family therapy”, (code 90847) if the couple is married, but you’ll want to verify this with them in order to file for your out of network benefits.

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.

They/Them/Theirs
Practice 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. They’re also a voice-over artist (side effects may include) and write about creativity for Artist Soapbox. A life-long musician, Mara can usually be found making noise in the punk group Cold Cream but, y’know, COVID. Since they can’t blast their face off at punk shows these days, Mara is channeling that energy into a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Mara loves talking/emailing with community members to connect folks with the best therapist for them, either in this practice or elsewhere, and to make sure that as many organizations as possible can receive training and consulting from our fabulous staff.

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.

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.

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. 

LGBTQ+ Teens Ages 16+: Adolescence is not an easy time by any means. There are a lot of aspects of yourself to get to know and understand. Sexuality and gender identity are examples of this. Therapy can be a supportive place to talk about anything without judgment while you’re figuring things out. Maybe you know all parts of yourself well by now and just want to work with somebody who shares some of your identities to process other stuff that’s going on in life.

AFAB Trans Folx: Whether transmasculine, nonbinary, or another gender, trans people who were assigned female at birth have had some similar experiences and can face some specific challenges. I can be part of your care team, your support network, and assist you from a place of firsthand and professional knowledge. Let’s get in and do the work!

Payment Information: First individual session= $150; following sessions= $140

We collect the full payment and you’ll receive monthly superbills (special receipts) in case you want to submit to your insurance or FSA for reimbursement. If you have out of network benefits, after reimbursement your session fee may be $30-$90 out of pocket depending on your plan.

I have a few reduced fee spots. If needed, please ask if one is available when you call or email our office.

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.

He/Him/His
LGPC, Therapist

David Adashek

I am a queer, neurodivergent Jewish dude who wants to do nothing more than leave the world a better place than when I came into it. I am passionate about mental health within the LGBTQIA+, polyamorous/Ethically Non-Monogamous, and kink communities. As a bisexual guy, I also understand the difficulties and stigma that male-identifying individuals can face.

I graduated from Loyola University of Maryland in Baltimore with a Master’s in Clinical Professional Counseling.

Outside of being a counselor, I am often rock climbing, swing dancing, nerding out about video games, playing board games, watching anime, or cooking.

My Approach: I approach clients using an eclectic approach with a focus on the humanistic side, which means that much of what we focus on is what you find to be personally affecting you, and what has meaning to you. Together we will develop treatment goals that you identify with. I often use a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Interpersonal Therapy framework in order to help set these goals, but ultimately the approach used will be based on what you vibe the most with. I have plentiful experience with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as well, and we can absolutely incorporate coping skills from that approach. Regardless of the approach we take, everything is conducted with a trauma-informed lens, as I recognize that in our community, this is sadly quite prevalent.

I use EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) with couples, relationships, and polycules.

Better emotional awareness and communication: EFT provides a language for healthy interdependence between partners and looks at qualities that define an adult love relationship. The primary goal of the model is to expand the emotional responses of the couple.

Stronger, more secure bonds: EFT is based on attachment theory, which suggests that attachments between people typically provide a safe haven—a retreat from the world and a way to obtain comfort, security, and a buffer against stress.

Improved interpersonal compassion: EFT helps people become more aware of their partner’s needs. Because of this awareness, they are also able to listen and discuss problems from a place of empathy instead of a place of defensiveness or anger.

When working with me you can expect a laid back safe environment, where you feel that you can be yourself.  I genuinely look forward to getting to know you and finding out how I can best help you with your journey.

Individual sessions: The first session is $150 (Code 90791). Sessions after that are $140 (Code 90837). You will receive monthly superbills (special receipts) in case you want to submit them to your insurance or FSA for reimbursement. If you have out of network benefits, you will end up paying out of pocket likely $40-$100 per session.

Couples/Relationship Therapy: The initial session is $160 (Code 90847) and sessions after are $150.

6 Types of Boundaries

Boundary Crossing Vs Violation

They/Them
Transgender Therapist, Founder

Tavi (Tah-vee) Hawn

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’m a non-binary, trans, and Two Spirit person with Tsalagi (Cherokee), English, Irish, and West African roots. I experience and express my gender in different ways at different times. My pronouns are gender neutral (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.

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 a consultant with Native American Lifelines. 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. 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. If you’re looking for a speaker, trainer, or consultant, I’d love to talk with you.

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. I have a billing service that handles any insurance issues or claim denials.

If you are of Native descent that can be shown with your family tree, you may be eligible to receive free therapy with me (or other practitioners) through Native American Lifelines. Contact NativeAmerican Lifelines for more information. http://www.nativeamericanlifelines.org.

We are out-of-network with insurance companies 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 below that you can ask your insurance company about. 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 reimbursement denials is between you and your insurance company.

Individual Sessions: The first session is $200 (Code 90791). Sessions after that are $185 (Code 90837).

Couple/Relationship Therapy: The first session is $230 and sessions after are $210. (Code 90847)

Training and Public Speaking: 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 other therapists, educators, and healthcare practitioners. I aim to contribute by improving the quality of care found in a multitude of service locations for Two Spirit, Indigiqueer, and Transgender individuals and families.

She/Her/Hers
LMSW, Site Steward

Yi Chen

Racial Trauma, Stress, and Anxiety: As a queer, Chinese, eldest daughter of immigrants, I believe that it is important to hold space for all parts of you, no matter how much hate those parts have internalized, and no matter have much love those parts have been denied. I believe that your personal and ancestral pasts inform your present., but you also have the power to functionally rewrite and close the chapters that are rooted in powerlessness, guilt, fear, and shame, while freeing up the space and energy to curate the meaningful future you deserve.

One of my areas of focus centers around the symptomatic, interpersonal, and physiological manifestations of stress and trauma. This includes things like insomnia, hopelessness, loss of a sense of future, shame and worthlessness, chronic pain, substance abuse, dissociation, self-destructive behavior, loss of sense of self, emotional overwhelm, re-experiencing, panic attacks, generalized anxiety, hypervigilance, digestive issues, mistrust, lack of concentration, gaps in memory, numbing, irritability, depression, and more. My trauma recovery work comes from a compassionate, culturally affirming approach. We will mindfully consider your cultural and personal identities, values, needs, strengths, and experiences at your own pace and time.

Interpersonal Relationships and Attachment: Systems of oppression aid and facilitate disconnection. In our cultivated safe healing space, you are invited to explore, process, and reflect on your relationship and intimacy needs, patterns of behavior, and styles of attachment. Together, we can assist you in willfully approaching your relationships with security, love, and ease.

Harm Reduction, Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health: I work with adults on examining their attachments and relationships with substances, as well as addressing other behavioral health concerns. I utilize a harm reduction, self-deterministic approach, and I believe in the importance of meeting you where you are from a place of compassion.

Somatic Internal Family Systems: Internal Family Systems is a therapy modality that acknowledges that we may have different “parts” or subpersonalities of ourselves that each hold emotions, beliefs, and traits. This is referred to as our “internal family”. In Somatic IFS, body-based somatic experiences are incorporated into the therapy, such as breath, movement, attuned touch, etc. to assist a person in helping all their parts meet their needs and come into harmony. Somatic Internal Family Systems can be helpful in addressing depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and attachment based challenges. We can talk about whether this modality could be right for you.

Payment Information: First individual session= $150; following sessions= $140; First family session= $160; following sessions= $150;

We collect the full payment and you’ll receive monthly superbills (a special receipt) in case you want to submit to your insurance or FSA for reimbursement. If you have out of network benefits, after reimbursement, your session fee could be $30-$90 out of pocket depending on your plan.

I have a few reduced fee spots. If needed, please ask if one is available when you call or email our office.

I’m currently in process of obtaining my clinical licensure and am supervised by and Victoria Stubbs, LCSW-C.

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.

She/Her
LCPC

Brittany Trexler

I am a lover of board games, competing in pole dance, snuggling with my cat, listening to podcasts, and dancing ballroom. As a bi, polyam person, I am incredibly passionate about education for queer communities and polyamorous acceptance. I have been lucky to find some truly amazing humans to call my partners and I believe our experiences connecting with others is what makes life both meaningful and just plain fun.

I hold a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and am currently working towards my PhD in Sex Therapy at Widener University. I am eclectic in work with couples and individuals, but believe everyone should feel heard and collaborate in the direction of their own therapeutic journey. Humor is a staple in working with me, and I encourage people to feel they can discuss the “uncomfortable” topics of sex, kink, race, trauma, and whatever else you want to bring into the room.

As an eclectic sex therapist for couples, non-monagmous groups, and individuals, there are many approaches which may come up throughout the therapeutic journey. I have borrowed from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral techniques, Person-Centered approaches, Attachment Theory, Systemic views, and more.

Please reach out if you are looking for sex positivity, kink-affirmation, a poly/non-monogamy friendly space, or in any other way ready to find acceptance and growth.

Individual Initial Session: $160 and Sessions after are $150

Couples/Polycule/Relationship Initial Session: $190 and Sessions after are $180

I can provide a superbill for you to submit to insurance to see if you can be reimbursed for any portion of the fee. We also accept HSA/FSA, credit and debit.

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.

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.

They/She
Counselor in training

Soha Ashraf

I prioritize resting, reading, crafting, sewing, baking, and connecting with nature through hiking, gardening, and natural dyeing.

As a Brown, South Asian, Femme with a Muslim upbringing, I am deeply and somatically aware of how harmful systems of oppression are to marginalized peoples and communities. I believe in fighting for liberation through community care, mutual aid, direct action and international solidarity which is reflective in my previous work as a community organizer primarily concerning immigrant rights and around sexual violence.

As a person with Abolitionist politics, my therapy practice centers providing care to folks using trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and anti-carceral frameworks. Other worlds are possible where we are all free from oppressive structures and my hopes are that I am building a therapy practice that contribute to this future.

I hold a Bachelors degree in Gender Studies with minors in Race and Resistance Studies and Queer Ethnic Studies which influences my therapy practice. I am drawn to modalities of care that considers the sociopolitical and environmental influences on our lives that acknowledge how systems of oppression cause harm.

I am drawn to Feminist therapy because it considers structures of power and emphasizes empowerment, a powerful feeling that can guide thought and behavior. I am also interested in Relational Cultural Therapy as it underscores the importance of connection, fulfilling relationships, and multiculturalism. However, I believe that everyone needs approaches that fit with their goals which we will collaborate on uncovering together. I believe that you are your own expert and I will follow your lead which creates a therapy space that is dictated by your needs and prioritizes your agency. I would describe my therapeutic style as warm, genuine, client centered, and empathetic. One of my main goals is that my clients feel deeply seen, safe, held, witnessed, and understood. I believe the therapeutic space has the potential to be a site of self reflection, healing, relearning, and care.

Session fee: $50

Molly Griffin
They/She
Client Care Coordinator

Molly Griffin

Molly identifies as a neurodivergent queer human. Molly enjoys gardening, reading memoirs, watching reality tv, and snuggling with their wife, 2 cats, and dog. They have a passion for access to mental health care and can’t wait to connect community members with an amazing therapist either at Reclaim & Rise or elsewhere.

In their spare time, they love running a gentle and consent-based handpoke tattoo shop with their spouse called where we are studio (near Philadelphia).

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 a certified EMDR provider. 

Individual Sessions: The first session is $185 (Code 90791). Sessions after that are $175 (Code 90837). You will receive monthly superbills (special receipts) in case you want to submit them to your insurance or FSA for reimbursement. If you have out of network benefits, you will end up paying out of pocket likely $40-$100 per session. I have a limited number of reduced fee appointments, with priority given to QTBIPOC. Please ask about any openings when you call.

Family/Relationship Therapy: The initial session is $190 (Code 90847) and sessions after are $170.

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.