I believe we go through most of our day-to-day lives without the freedom or relief of expressing who we really are or how we truly feel. Sometimes, this is because we do not have the space, relationships, or safety to do so.

Counseling can provide that relief, be that space, and provide that safety, while the therapeutic relationship can facilitate that self-exploration process.

When we push down or deny our true feelings and desires we move further from our authentic and balanced self. Sometimes, our body tells us that we need help before our mind does (i.e. sleep disturbances, change in appetite, blood pressure, heart rate, etc.) Soon, we find ourselves experiencing stress, anxiety, and issues in our lives.

I believe that many uncomfortable feelings, disorders, and some physical symptoms of pain/tension can be explained by taking a deeper look into our unresolved issues, traumatic experiences, and the quality of relationships with those closest to us.

My primary approach to counseling aims to address the core of your issues by directly challenging those defenses and unhealthy relationship patterns that emerge in the counseling session. The purpose of this method is to increase self-awareness, allowing you to become more conscious of your emotions and thoughts, so that we can begin to understand how to address them in a more healthy way.

During our time together, I will also integrate experiential support through mindfulness, breath work, intentional movement, EMDR (if appropriate), and contemplative exercises in order to strengthen your body (i.e., nervous system and somatic regulation) and mind during emotional distress. The purpose of this method is to reclaim your senses in a safe and therapeutic environment in order to strengthen your resilience and improve your tolerance for future distressing physiological experiences. I believe by honoring our body and mind, we can feel more in control and create sustainable change.

It is not always easy to share. I believe vulnerability is a privilege to receive and hold. In this way, I want to be transparent with you throughout my process, which includes the expertise that I bring to our therapeutic relationship. For more details about my expertise, please visit my LinkedIn.

If you are a pre-licensed counselor looking for clinical supervision, please visit my personal website.

Licensed Professional Counselor, Washington D.C.: PRC15181
Licensed Professional Counselor, Virginia: 0701008450
National Certified Counselor, 321634
Certified Career Counselor, CA-163877827
Certified Career Counselor Educator, CA-6307862292
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, 00118170
Approved Clinical Supervisor, 2682

Ed.D., Counselor Education and Supervision, Marymount University
M.A., Rehabilitation Counseling, The George Washington University
B.S., Psychology, The University of Mary Washington
Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Completed Level 1 & 2 Training
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Completed Part 1 of 2: October 2019 of EMDRIA approved training
Completed Part 2 of 2: February 2020 of EMDRIA approved training
Completed 10 hours of required case consultation by EMDRIA approved consultant
Completed: April 2021 Utilization of EMDR Therapy with Complex Trauma, EMDRIA Approved
Completed: May 2022 Addressing Attachment Issues in Adults and Children, EMDRIA Approved

2022: The Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) Dean’s Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award (GDOAAA) recognized by The George Washington University (GWU).
2022: Kitty Cole Human Rights Award recognized by the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD).
2021: O’hana Award recognized by Counselors of Social Justice, a division of the American Counseling Association (ACA)
2020: Robert H. Rencken Emerging Professional Leader Award recognized by the American Counseling Association (ACA)
2019: Counselor of the Year recognized by the Virginia Counselors Association (VCA)
2019: Faculty of the Year for Service recognized by the School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Education at Marymount University in Arlington, VA
2019: Samuel H. Johnson Distinguished Service Award recognized by the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD), a division of the American Counseling Association (ACA)
2018: Humanitarian and Caring Person Award recognized by The Prince William Regional Counselors Association, a chapter of the Virginia Counselors Association
2018: Exemplary Diversity Leadership Award recognized by the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development, a division of the American Counseling Association

Psychodynamic
Mindfulness
Humanistic
Existential
Multicultural
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
EMDR

“People sacrifice the present for the future. But life is available only in the present. That is why we should walk in such a way that every step can bring us to the here and the now”
— Thich Nhat Hanh

e: drband@mindfulhealingcounseling.com
c: 571-549-1226

IG: @the.mindful_healer