Erika Conley, Counselor-in-Training, has the desire to treat her clients from a holistic lens as she believes treating the client as a whole is important. She believes that the mind-body connection is a powerful one and believes in utilizing techniques that support that connection. She wants her clients to feel understood, seen and heard.Erika believes that being herself with her clients will allow them room to feel safe to be themselves as well. She works from an empathetic and non-judgmental point of view. Erika’s goal is to make her clients comfortable enough to open up about anything they may be dealing with and to help them understand themselves on a deeper level. She hopes that by using different techniques and approaches with her clients during therapy that they will then gain the skills to help themselves and be able to live a fulfilling life.
Erika is working towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She currently attends Walden University and is in her last year of her Masters program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has an understanding of mental health related matters including OCD, Anxiety and related disorders, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Addictive Disorders, PTSD, ADHD and anger management. Erika also has an understanding of trauma related disorders and grief. She is eager and willing to learn about any disorders that she may not already have an understanding about. Erika has gained insight in these areas from her personal life experiences as well as through her educational path.
Erika has an interest in utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Attachment Theory with her clients. Erika is open to learning new techniques and approaches to tailor to each of her unique clients needs. Expanding on her knowledge to be able to help others is a key value of hers.
Erika has experience with children of all ages, adolescents and adults. Erika is willing to work with clients of all ages.
Sarah Dolina, Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Counselor-in-Training, provides empathetic, collaborative, and non-judgmental support for her clients. She is dedicated to creating a therapeutic space where clients feel safe exploring their inner world and embarking on a journey of self-exploration. With a belief in the uniqueness of each individual’s experience, Sarah’s therapeutic approach centers on meeting clients where they are in their lives. Sarah empowers her clients by guiding them to define their own paths to healing and personal growth, recognizing that each person possesses the inherent strength and resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges. Her practice is rooted in the belief that therapy is a collaborative process, where together with her clients, she helps facilitate insights and strategies that promote lasting positive change.
Sarah is currently pursuing her master’s in Clinical Social Work at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Prior to entering this program, Sarah worked for 7 years as a nutritionist and health coach. Throughout her professional journey, Sarah has supported clients from various backgrounds in achieving their goals and navigating the intricate relationship between their thoughts and behaviors, mental health, and overall happiness. Sarah has an understanding of working with individuals struggling with self-esteem or body image issues, prenatal and postpartum anxiety or depression, substance use disorders, and grief. She is also interested in learning more about working with individuals with PTSD, ADHD, and anxiety and other disorders.
Coming from a primarily Person-Centered Approach, Sarah is interested in utilizing interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Sarah firmly believes in treating the whole person by integrating a multifaceted and holistic approach to therapy. She prioritizes building strong therapeutic alliances and empowering clients to explore and address the interconnected aspects of their lives. By combining her experience in nutrition, health coaching, and substance use disorder counseling with evidence-based therapeutic techniques, Sarah strives to provide comprehensive support that nurtures both physical and emotional well-being. Sarah welcomes individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Maricielo Saldarriaga (Cielo), Counselor-in-Training, emphasizes the importance of trust and
open communication. She sees herself not as a guide but as a partner in her client’s healing
journey providing the tools and insights necessary to foster resilience and lasting change. Fluent
in English and Spanish, Maricielo brings a multicultural perspective to her practice, allowing her
to connect with a diverse range of clients.
Maricielo strongly believes in the power of collaboration, working hand-in-hand with her clients
as they embark in their personal journey toward healing and growth. Her approach is empathetic,
grounded with genuine compassion, and centered on the unique needs of each person. Maricielo
has an interest in utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), offering her clients a structured
and evidence-based approach.
Maricielo is working towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional counselor. She is
currently a student at the Johns Hopkins clinical mental health counseling program. Maricielo’s
area of focus include trauma, depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, life transitions, among other
experiences. She recognized that these challenges can often be intertwined with spiritual beliefs,
and she is open to exploring these dimensions as part of the therapeutic process. By creating a
safe and supportive environment, Maricielo encourages clients to share their stories and discover
their strengths.
Rachael Gerchakov, Counselor-in-Training, provides an empathic and supportive environment where clients can openly explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Her approach is holistic, as she recognizes individuals are dynamic with many contributions that make them who they are. Emphasizing your role as the expert in your own story, Rachael guides sessions collaboratively, allowing narratives, perspectives, and goals to shape the path toward meaningful change.
In this journey, she is committed to working together with you to develop the skills and tools necessary for your personal transformation. Understanding the uniqueness of each individual, she tailors her approach to suit your specific needs and goals. Primarily focusing on a Person-Centered approach, she uses interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic-Existential Therapy, and Strengths-based Therapy.
In the pursuit of her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Johns Hopkins University, Rachael is passionate about guiding individuals toward the positive change they seek. Recognizing that beginning therapy is a deeply personal and meaningful experience, she is dedicated to providing unwavering support through this transformative process. She welcomes individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and has an interest in working with adolescents and adults.
Iris Mu, Counselor-in-Training, provides therapy in a collaborative and trustworthy environment where clients can openly explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Iris believes that the therapeutic relationship itself is a powerful tool for promoting healing and personal growth. She sees herself as a facilitator, working alongside her clients to help them reach their therapeutic goals.
Iris is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Johns Hopkins University. As a Chinese international student, Iris brings a multicultural perspective to her practice, allowing her to connect with a diverse range of clients. Iris supports clients experiencing depression, anxiety, interpersonal conflicts, life transitions, and grief. Iris is also interested in working with group and family.
Iris prefers a Person-Centered approach, incorporating techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She emphasizes the importance of understanding each client’s unique needs and tailoring interventions to support them. Iris is also open to learning new techniques and theories that fit the client’s needs, ensuring that her therapeutic approach remains flexible and client-centered. Iris believes that a collaborative, and trustworthy therapeutic relationship can facilitate significant personal transformation. She is committed to providing a safe and empathetic environment where all of her clients feel heard, respected, and appreciated.
Naila Masom, Counselor-in-Training, provides couples, families, groups, and individuals with guidance in a process that fosters discovery of therapeutic insight. Naila’s approach is emotionally focused, understanding her clients’ presenting challenges through an attachment lens and facilitating communication around their core emotional needs. Her goal is to help her clients access the emotional meaning that underlies distressing cycles, and to use these discoveries to guide the creation of new patterns that allow for greater interpersonal engagement and connection. Naila believes that an active effort to cultivate healthy, loving relationships deepens our capacity for compassion, understanding, and acceptance, allowing us to live with a greater sense of security, fulfillment, and grace.
Naila is a student at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) working toward her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree. Naila has experience as a behavioral health associate and yoga instructor at San Jose Behavioral Health Hospital, a research assistant at the JHU Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, and a student therapist at Tidemark Intervention Services. Naila’s clinical education has included training in couple, family, group, and individual therapy; she has completed additional trainings in motivational interviewing and trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy. Naila is open to working with any client who aligns with her approach but is most interested in working with couples and families who are committed to deepening their relationships.
Naila is a passionate student dedicated to providing ethical and effective services to all her clients through consistent collaboration, supervision, and reflection. She looks forward to building trusting, professional relationships and is grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside her clients.
Michael Booth, Counselor in Training, provides mental health counseling to individuals, couples, and families, and works from Person-Centered and Existential approaches. He facilitates a safe, genuine, and accepting space for people to engage their underlying thoughts and feelings. Michael knows that counseling is not always comfortable or easy and admires the courage it takes to examine one’s life, process difficult experiences, and begin to embrace change. He recognizes the profound complexity of life, and the depth of each person’s inner world. Guided by these beliefs, Michael places great importance on humility and honesty in his approach to therapy, helping clients arrive at the answers that ring uniquely true for them. Michael believes that beneath some of our greatest ailments lie our greatest strengths, and that we have the profound opportunity to transform pain and suffering into purpose and meaning.
Michael is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Johns Hopkins University, aiming to become a licensed counselor in Maryland. He has experience working with adolescents as a Residential Counselor at an inpatient treatment center, where he led group therapies and provided behavioral skills coaching for emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance and mindfulness. Additionally, he has served as a counselor for Camp Kesem, a non-profit offering summer camps for children and teens affected by a parent’s cancer. Most recently, he has provided therapy for children, teens, and adults, addressing experiences such as parent-child relationships, grief, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
Michael works with a diverse range of clients, including couples and families. He works with individuals primarily from the age ranges of adolescence to adulthood. Michael is passionate about providing an effective therapeutic space for his clients to process, reflect, feel, and grow. He is committed to deeply understanding his clients and supporting them toward the transformation they envision for themselves.
Sophia Vacanti, Counselor-in-Training, fosters a supportive and empathetic environment for healing to begin through therapy. Sophia believes in the importance of the therapeutic relationship and strives to make her clients feel seen and truly cared about. She provides her clients with adaptive strategies and coping skills to attain their personal treatment goals. Sophia’s therapy approach is person-centered with focus on helping the client discover the root of the issues they would like to work through in therapy. Her goal is to help her clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships so that they can attain the growth and healing they desire.
Sophia is on the path toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and is currently in her final year of her master’s program in Clinical Psychology at Towson University. Sophia’s areas of focus include anxiety and mood disorders, personality disorders, OCD and life hardships such as relationship troubles, life transitions/changes and grief. She has an interest in utilizing techniques such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical-Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help foster healing and growth within the therapy setting. Sophia utilizes knowledge on attachment theory with her clients to help them work through deep-rooted issues in relationships. She believes that every client’s story is unique and tailors her approach to treatment to best match her client’s needs and what they hope to gain from therapy. Sophia is open to working with individuals, couples and families.
Sophia seeks to promote self-discovery and positive change by providing insight and unconditional support. She understands that taking the step to begin therapy can be an emotional and challenging decision. Sophia looks forward to taking this courageous leap with you as you work toward a healthier, happier you.
Emily Hofmann, Counselor-in-Training, provides an empathetic and non-judgmental environment where clients are able to express their wants, hopes, feelings and thoughts freely. She views her clients as powerful in order to promote their own healing while providing the necessary tools and support needed in order to grow. She wants her clients to feel validated, understood and heard. Emily’s goal is to make sure clients feel comfortable sharing anything and working through the thoughts and feelings that come with different circumstances. Moving towards healing and living a fulfilling life is Emily’s goal in working with clients and she will aim to do so by using different techniques and therapy practices.
Emily is working towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). She currently attends Towson University and is in her last year of her Master’s program in Towson’s Clinical Psychology graduate program. She has an understanding of mental health disorders which include anxiety and OCD disorders, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia related disorders, PTSD and personality disorders. She is willing to learn about any disorders she is not privy too or does not have a deep understanding about currently. Emily has gained insight from her personal life experiences as well as through her academic career.
Emily has an interest in using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment theory, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and focusing on a Person-Centered approach. Additionally, she has interests in learning how to implement Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) in order to better serve her clients. She is interested in working with couples and working through relationship dynamics and patterns.
Emily has prior clinical experience working for a non-profit organization serving underserved populations specifically with youth aged adolescents and individuals with mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and personality disorders. Emily is dedicated to her clients and will provide support through any and all life experiences.
Aisha Yusuf, Counselor-in-Training, provides a safe and judgment-free environment and prioritizes empowering clients to deal with varying issues and feel like their best selves. Aisha’s approach emphasizes therapeutic connection with the client while infusing techniques from different therapy modalities as the relationship needs. She also prioritizes cultural competency when working with all her clients despite the presenting problem or therapy modality being practiced. Aisha’s goal is to increase comfort surrounding mental health discussions and treatment and to empower her clients with the skills to be happy and comfortable while aspiring to reach the version of themselves they want to be. Aisha believes a strong therapeutic relationship can be foundational for healing from past traumas, promoting self-discovery, and positive life changes.
Aisha is currently working on her master’s in clinical psychology from Towson University. She is interested in working with young adults and children who are experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, OCD, Trauma, ODD, domestic abuse, relationship issues, sexual abuse, stress, and behavioral issues. In addition to working with individuals experiencing symptoms of mental health conditions, Aisha aims to foster an environment of inclusion and cultural awareness with all her clients to ensure that they are empowered holistically to promote personal and relational growth. As an international student from Lagos Nigeria, diversity and cultural inclusivity are paramount to her therapeutic experience.
Aisha uses an integrated approach to therapy including techniques from person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, psychoanalytic therapy, exposure and response prevention (ERP), and strength-based therapy. She believes in an all-inclusive approach to treatment, weighing the societal, cultural, spiritual, physical, emotional, financial, and relational influences in a person’s life. Aisha is very excited to work with you to promote personal growth in all areas of your life and feel the best about yourself and your situation.