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Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

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Tamara Oppliger

Clinical Psychologist
Online TherapyAccepting New Clients
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
In 2014, I made the choice to switch career fields from government to mental health. Some probably thought I was being foolish to pursue another career when I already had one at the State Department. But you see, I wanted to give more and see tangible results that improved the lives of others sooner rather than later. This all came about due to a mentorship opportunity with the nonprofit Collegebound where once a week I met with my mentee to help her meet her academic and personal goals. I saw what a difference I could make in the life of someone and volunteering was not enough for me. I enrolled six months later at New York University to pursue a Master's degree in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness. Many years later, I completed my doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from American University. I haven't looked back.
At some point in life, we all feel stuck and need to pivot. Often when we are looking for solutions to our problems the sage advice is to try something NEW. Why? Because our brains respond to novelty – it helps us adapt and manage stress. Therapy for many can be that reset. It takes bravery and grit to start a new therapeutic relationship. I'm so glad you are here today. Let me tell you a bit about me. I'm a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Virginia, military brat, and mother of three little ones. I provide virtual therapy (individuals & couples) and psychological assessment (primarily ADHD and Trauma evaluations) for the DC, MD, VA area (otherwise known as DMV). I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and trauma. I work with adults who are experiencing challenges with concentration, anxiety, eating/body image, depressed mood, flashbacks related to trauma, irritability or a combination of these factors. Many of my clients are amazingly kind, generous, and driven individuals who hold themselves to high standards. Often our work is focused on increasing flexibility, building trust, acceptance and self-compassion. We pivot, when needed, we laugh when it is appropriate. This process is not linear and unique to every person. I'd be honored to begin that process with you whenever you are ready to get started.
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Maria Guevara Sequeda

Licensed Professional Counselor

Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

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Rachael Conrad

Professional Counselor Candidate
Online TherapyAccepting New Clients
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I wanted to help others tackle life's challenges and see their own strengths. I continue working as I believe everyone's therapeutic journey is different and there is so many more people to help. I also wanted to bring something fresh to field and incorporate the use of geek therapy in sessions by pulling from geek culture as a mythological artifact. Take any faction of the pop culture world. Bring it to your mind. There are interesting characters with engaging and completing story lines that weave together to create it's own story web. We can then separate out the lessons they teach: friendship, resiliency, family connections, saving the world, becoming a personal hero, dealing with loss, grief, depression…the lessons buried or contained in these pop culture artifacts can connect in a multitude of ways to teach important life lessons. And these lessons are delivered through characters with whom we can feel connected.
I believe therapy is an adventure of self-discovery—an opportunity to explore your story and uncover your strengths. My approach is collaborative and adaptive, drawing from CBT, ACT, DBT, SFBT, and Person-Centered Therapy, as well as Geek Therapy and the Hero’s Journey framework when it fits your interests. Whether you connect through fandoms like anime, video games, or tabletop RPGs, or prefer a more traditional approach, I meet you where you are. Together, we’ll navigate your challenges, build insight, and move toward a renewed sense of balance and purpose. Every hero’s journey is unique. I look forward to walking beside you as we navigate yours together.
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Brittany Webb

Licensed Professional Counselor
Online TherapyAccepting New Clients
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I had taken a Psychology course in high school and became fascinated with understanding more about the brain and behaviors and also often found that I was the go-to person for my friends that being "that person" for them felt natural.
Has stress, intrusive thoughts, or the weight of everyday life started to feel overwhelming? Do you feel stuck in patterns that make it hard to move forward, reach your goals, or even get through the day? Brittany Webb and her team at Better Minds Counseling & Services are here to support you in breaking those cycles and finding a path that feels more manageable and meaningful. Therapy is a collaborative process. Together, we create a safe, confidential, and compassionate space where you can talk openly about what you’re experiencing. You don’t have to navigate anxiety, self-doubt, or life’s challenges alone. Our goal is to help you better understand what’s happening, develop tools that actually work for your life, and reconnect with a sense of relief, confidence, and balance. If persistent negative thoughts or anxiety have been taking up too much space in your mind, you’re not alone, and reaching out for support is a powerful first step. Many people come to us feeling unsure of where to start, but through therapy they begin to feel more grounded, empowered, and hopeful. At Better Minds Counseling & Services, we use evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs. Treatment may include therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), both of which are highly effective for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive patterns. Our team focuses on helping clients understand their thoughts and behaviors while building practical strategies for change. If we work together, Brittany and her team at Better Minds understand that therapy can feel vulnerable and that growth often comes with ups and downs. Having a supportive and trusted guide along the way can make those challenges feel more manageable. At Better Minds Counseling & Services, we believe therapy should feel collaborative, supportive, and tailored to you. Whether you are navigating anxiety, intrusive thoughts, life transitions, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, our team is here to help you build the skills and insight needed to move forward. You deserve support, understanding, and a space where you can feel safe being yourself.
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Corinne DiPrima

Psychotherapist
Online TherapyAccepting New Clients
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I saw how many people were taught to survive instead of truly live. Trauma doesn’t just come from what happened — it comes from the systems, relationships, and environments that told you who you had to be to stay safe. I was drawn to this work because I believe healing is not about “fixing” yourself, but about uncovering who you were before you had to adapt, hide, or harden. What motivates me to continue is walking alongside people as they begin to trust themselves again. Trauma can disconnect you from your body, your voice, and your sense of identity. Therapy becomes a space to gently excavate what was buried — your instincts, your boundaries, your worth — and to build a life that isn’t organized around fear or survival, but around choice and authenticity. I believe healing is an act of empowerment. It’s about learning to feel safe enough to be real, to take up space, and to decide who you want to be outside of the roles trauma assigned you. My work is rooted in helping people reclaim themselves — not as they were told to be, but as they truly are.
I’m happy to see you! You may feel stuck, moving between overwhelm and numbness. You tried therapy before without lasting relief and find yourself scrolling, staying busy, or avoiding hard feelings to get through the day. In relationships, you may hold back, worry about conflict, or feel responsible for keeping the peace. You’re not looking for quick fixes anymore—you want to understand why these patterns keep showing up and get to the root of what’s driving them. You’re ready to reconnect with yourself and others, build self-acceptance, break long-standing patterns, and move toward a life that feels more grounded and authentic. I bring 12 years as an occupational therapist into my trauma-informed therapy work, helping people heal by addressing both mind and body. Using EMDR and body-based approaches, we explore relationship patterns, anxiety, depression, and the effects of trauma and emotionally abusive experiences—supporting lasting, meaningful change. I'm honored to help you rediscover who you were before outside forces made you doubt your worth. I'm passionate about supporting you to understand your emotions, reclaim your agency, and build an authentic, fulfilling life. Walking alongside you as you reconnect with yourself and create meaningful change is deeply meaningful to me.
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Kathleen Sutherland

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Online TherapyAccepting New Clients
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I became a therapist because I have always been deeply curious about people. I want to understand how someone’s mind works, what shaped them, and what they need in order to feel safe, seen, and supported. Over time, that curiosity turned into a genuine passion for helping people reconnect with themselves in a way that feels empowering rather than overwhelming. What motivates me to continue is witnessing those small but meaningful shifts. When someone starts to feel a little less alone, a little more regulated, or begins to trust themselves again, that matters to me. I also value creating spaces that feel neuroaffirming, culturally aware, and genuinely human.
Dear future clients, I'm a bilingual therapist fluent in both English and Spanish, dedicated to providing compassionate support and guidance to Neurodivergent individuals (both Autism and ADHD), anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I create a warm and welcoming space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate their mental health journey. I also offer neurodivergent assessments and group counseling. I am supervised by Cassandra Holt Kimbell, LPCC- S 11336, at Freestyle Supervision and EMDR Group LLC. My approach is rooted in empathy and openness, tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. I'm committed to helping individuals uncover their inner strengths, develop effective coping strategies, and build resilience in the face of life's challenges. If you're struggling with managing Autism or ADHD symptoms, anxiety and depression, or navigating significant life changes, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can work towards a brighter tomorrow, where you feel empowered to overcome obstacles and live a more fulfilling life. Reach out today and take a step towards positive change.