Our therapists offer trauma therapy in Bethesda, MD

Guy-Edgard Doltaire is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 2 years of experience. He employs a compassionate and diverse approach to mental health care, emphasizing clinical expertise and cultivating meaningful relationships with his clients and their families. His work with children and adolescents, especially those facing ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities, is vital as these individuals often require specialized support. His experience with grief, postpartum depression, and chronic pain management highlights his versatility in tackling a broad spectrum of emotional and psychological challenges.

Guy-Edgard received his Master’s in Nursing from Grand Canyon University. His holistic approach integrates traditional and contemporary mental health interventions while maintaining an awareness of the cultural factors that influence how cognitive health is understood and addressed.

Guy-Edgard’s experience growing up in a community where mental health was stigmatized and psychotic crises were often misunderstood gave him a unique empathy and understanding of the challenges families face in addressing mental health issues in environments where such topics remain taboo. He looks forward to prioritizing your mental health.

Elionore is a multilicense, compassionate Doctorate of Nurse Practice Student, Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, and Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse practitioner. She has three years of experience in chronic pain and mental health disorders, leveraging expertise in chronic pain disease management, pain management, and mental health disorders.

“Being able to be your true self is one of the strongest components of good mental health.” - Lauren Fogel Mersy, n.d.

Carol Jones-Pinckney is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Board Approved Supervisor in the state of Maryland. She has over 20 years of experience in the human services field working with various nonprofits but for the last 8 years provided therapy for children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples.  

Carol applies a nonjudgmental, caring, strength-based, and integrative approach to therapy. Individualized assessments and treatment plans are key to achieving client goals. Carol maintains that collaboration, trust, and building a partnership are key ingredients to navigate through life’s struggles presented in therapy. Success is measured by how the client’s perception of the therapeutic process and engagement in sessions that work to achieve healthy and successful outcomes. 

Therapeutic modalities utilized in therapy include but are not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems, person-centered, couples therapy, and integrative interventions. The goal is to provide a caring and supportive environment for clients to feel comfortable sharing.  

Carol recognizes that clients often feel vulnerable and reluctant to begin counseling. Her approach is very warm and inviting acknowledging that this was a big step but the right decision to share emotions and feelings with someone new. Therapy is at the client’s pace and being mindful of the support each client needs.

Dr. Pamela Oriaifo is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 2 years of experience. She specializes in supporting those struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, OCD, trauma, stress, and bipolar disorder, among other concerns. Dr. Oriaifo’s devotion to mental health care stems from an early patient encounter during which her strength was redirected to the support of all persons with mental health issues. She brings to her practice the totality of her professional experiences in other healthcare areas such as general nursing and family care.

Dr. Oriaifo holds Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Liberty University. She draws upon clinical techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and motivational interviewing in addition to engaging patients with a warm and welcoming interpersonal approach.

If you are seeking a comfortable and reassuring environment where you can engage in safe, open-ended discussion, Dr. Oriaifo is ready to meet you! She will develop an individualized treatment plan to help you meet your goals. Schedule an appointment today!

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) with 5 years of experience supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, life transitions, and emotional challenges. I provide a thoughtful, insight-oriented approach to therapy and believe that meaningful change begins with understanding the deeper roots of your struggles. I am committed to creating a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and respected.

I earned my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University, where I received training in psychodynamic psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. I draw from multiple evidence-based approaches and tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs, allowing therapy to unfold in a way that feels authentic and effective.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or isolated, you don’t have to face it alone. I offer an engaged, compassionate, and collaborative environment where we can explore challenges together and work toward clarity, relief, and lasting growth. I look forward to supporting you on your journey.

I am a licensed certified social worker-clinical (LCSW-C) with 22 years of experience providing therapy across a wide range of clinical settings. I have worked with abused and neglected children, individuals experiencing homelessness, crisis intervention teams, and clients seeking faith-based counseling. My work spans individuals, couples, and families, with a strong focus on helping clients navigate trauma, life stressors, and emotional challenges.

I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland. My orientation is grounded in psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral theory, and I utilize solution-focused and reality therapy approaches. In cases involving trauma or abuse, I incorporate ego-strengthening techniques to support resilience, healthy adaptation, and emotional functioning.

Clients often respond well to my practical, evidence-based approach to therapy. I strive to provide competent, thoughtful care tailored to your unique needs and goals. If you are seeking a clinician who values collaboration, insight, and meaningful progress, I look forward to supporting you on your therapeutic journey.

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with 14 years of experience helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I create a supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to explore the patterns that shape their experiences. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, focusing on helping clients uncover their strengths and move toward greater emotional balance and fulfillment.

I earned a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Loyola University. Depending on client needs, I integrate an eclectic blend of emotionally focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy. These approaches are especially effective for clients managing moderate to severe anxiety and depression.

My goal is to help clients recognize and shift automatic responses that cause stress, turning these insights into meaningful growth. By sharing practical coping skills and fostering awareness of mind, body, and spirit, I guide clients toward resilience, self-compassion, and lasting happiness.

I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical with 26 years of experience supporting adolescents and adults. I specialize in helping clients navigate challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, trauma, and relationship difficulties. My goal is to create a safe, compassionate space where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences, gain insight, and build healthier patterns. I help clients achieve a sense of meaning, purpose, and peace in their lives.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work Mental Health from Columbia University. My approach integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and dialectical behavior therapy to help clients regulate emotions and challenge negative thought patterns. I also draw from psychodynamic therapy to address the impact of early life experiences.

I am passionate about helping clients find balance, healing, and fulfillment. While the journey can feel challenging, the rewards of growth and self-discovery are worth it. I encourage you to take the first step toward care and I look forward to connecting with you and supporting your path toward lasting change.

I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical with 5 years of experience helping clients navigate challenges related to mental health and substance use. My work has centered on supporting individuals seeking healing, balance, and self-discovery. I’ve worked with adults managing depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions, and I’m passionate about empowering clients to strengthen self-awareness and develop the skills to create lasting, positive change in their lives.

I earned my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland and draw from approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, helping clients uncover their strengths and work toward their personal goals.

I understand that seeking help takes courage, and my goal is to create a space that feels safe, empowering, and judgment-free. I invite you to begin your healing journey and take the next step toward living a life filled with purpose, growth, and peace. Together, we can work toward the changes you want and deserve.

Skyler Irons is a Licensed Certified Clinical Social Worker with 11 years of experience serving those experiencing concerns such as stress management, interpersonal and partnership dynamics, family stressors, ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, gender and identity, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and depression. Her work in the field has included community mental health, school-based therapy, inpatient psychiatric social work, community outreach and advocacy, and group and family therapy. Skyler favors a person-centered, strengths-based approach and is passionate about helping clients become self-empowered through their journey.

Skyler received her Master of Social Work from Salisbury University. She shapes treatment to each client and their self-determined needs but often incorporates the following therapeutic modalities: dialectical behavior therapy, trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment theory, and internal family systems.

Skyler believes you are the expert in your experience, and she will honor your pace in sessions while incorporating humor and creativity. She is eager to be your guide to learning tangible tools as you work toward your version of "better." Skyler looks forward to meeting you!

Ericka Lee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience working with children, adults, couples, and families. She specializes in assisting with a range of concerns including stress, career, anger, behavioral issues, and life transitions. Ericka helps others learn how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors impact choices, communication, and relationships. She focuses on bringing clients out of the past and future by teaching skills to anchor them to the present.

Ericka holds a Master's in Social Work from the University of Maryland Baltimore. She utilizes approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, culturally sensitive therapy, person-centered therapy, and motivational interviewing to tailor treatment to client needs.

From academic pressure to professional stress to the uncertainty of later years, our lives are filled with transitions. Ericka will challenge you to stop judging yourself as you work together to reset your thinking, reassess your priorities, and shift from blame to critical reflection. Schedule an appointment today!

Denise Carmela Katz is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 30+ years of clinical experience. Due to Ms. Katz's background in IMAGO Relationship Therapy and Advanced Professional Training in Emotionally-Focused Therapy and EMDR, she is especially well suited to serve clients wishing to improve or repair their relations as well as individuals working through trauma. Ms. Katz has a passion for creating and leading group therapy because it allows clients to meet others who can give them support and perspectives on how they deal with or have dealt with similar issues. Ms. Katz aims to create safe, nurturing judgment-free zones whether it is individual or group therapy. Ms. Katz is attuned to the “Open Generation” and enjoys working with the LGBTQIA+ and all queer clients.

Ms. Katz completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology in 1987 from the University of Maryland at College Park with a minor in dance therapy. Ms. Katz also obtained a Master's degree in clinical social work with a specialization in employee assistance programs in 1990. Ms. Katz utilizes a variety of techniques to suit her clients including acceptance and commitment therapy, psychodynamic approaches, mindfulness, family systems, cognitive behavioral guided meditation, and eye movement desensitization reprocessing, which has been shown to accelerate the healing of traumas. Ms. Katz's mother was a psychotherapist for 50 years who also told stories about her own family history including survivors of World War II and how this generational trauma in all diverse cultures and faiths can impact how a person experiences the world. 

We all go through challenges in life — "trauma" is a relative word everyone's pain is unique to them. Ms. Katz is confident that if you are ready to experience being even a little bit open to sharing your life story in a judgment-free zone you may reap big rewards in your life and relationships. If you are ready to do the work, schedule with her today. Carmela works best with ages 20 to 65 years. Ask Carmela about her current ZOOM group therapy openings

Beginning in 2013, Darwin Green trained as a substance abuse counselor as a civilian at a Marine Corps Base. He continued counseling studies and training since then, working with clients of diverse and varied backgrounds in a shifting and changing world.

Mr. Green started with a career diploma at Penn Foster career school as a military spouse. He interned at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton at their Consolidated Substance Abuse Counseling Center. From there, Mr. Green acquired a B.S. in Psychology from Penn State University. Afterward, he spent some time participating as a research assistant for the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, where he was trained in PTSD assessment tools. Mr. Green gained his provisional license in Drug and Alcohol Counseling (PLDAC) in the state of Nebraska. Mr. Green then went through the Johns Hopkins masters degree program for Clinical Mental Health Counseling, afterward acquiring his Graduate License (LGPC) in Maryland.

"Changes in life can be difficult and leave us stranded. Sometimes we need a different perspective to gain enough clarity to move past the obstacles that present themselves at difficult moments," says Mr. Green. "I am here to lend a hand, to listen to you, and to support you through your growth."