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

In the spring of 2020 as Covid befell, during the same months I was sunsetting my first vocation spent twenty years as an English professor and university administrator, I came upon a quote, “The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.” – Frank Lloyd Wright As the world changed, this quote became my North Star, my goal, my faith and trust that with the help of others, it is possible for a person to build a life that one step at a time, becomes one’s own individual love story. As I navigated an extremely difficult, massive, complex five-year career transition, I began volunteering at MD Anderson working with patients-bedside on the leukemia floor and with post-surgical head and neck cancer patients. Our narratives profoundly impact our experiences and health outcomes, a truth I've gleaned from my firsthand experience volunteering in cancer wards, which ultimately fueled my passion for counseling.

Are you grappling with the challenging repercussions of trauma, life transitions, or challenging diagnoses, whether they pertain to your mental or physical well-being? As a therapist, I specialize in supporting both individuals and couples facing these difficult periods, transforming pain into possibility. My role is to guide clients through the counseling journey, alleviating feelings of grief, anxiety, and confusion.

I have worked 22 years in special education with neurodivergent, emotional disturbance, and behavioral struggles. I became a therapist after losing a brother to suicide, mother grieving, and being a single mother. I want to help other with depression and anxiety as it motivates me to see the progress in their mental health and increase their self-esteem.

Parents want what is best for their child and they want someone that will let their child learn and explore their experiences in a safe environment. You want to learn how to support your child/adolescent at home by gaining resources and tools that will improve relationships and behaviors. I help individuals, groups, parents, children, adolescents, and adults navigate through their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I work with issues of depression, grief, anxiety, behavior, self-harm, suicidality, and neurodiversity. You want someone that will listen and assist you in meeting your goals and I will guide you along the way. With a diversified approach using modalities such as trauma-focused CBT, child-centered play therapy, animal assisted therapy, and cognitive behavioral theory, I teach the client how to recognize that thoughts can change their feelings and emotions in various situations which can then induce adverse behaviors and body sensations. My goal is to help clients process trauma and teach how to implement strategies to build healthy thought patterns leading to a foundation for lifelong resilience and well-being. Neurodiverse people will learn skills to help with relationships/friendships, social cues, perspectives, and emotional regulations. I'm ready to meet and support you!

I became a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives by addressing mental health needs holistically. What motivates me to continue is seeing the positive impact that compassionate care can have on my patients' well-being and knowing that I am helping them achieve their wellness goals.

Hello, I'm Dr. Wunmi Sokan, a dedicated Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in healthcare. I specialize in providing compassionate mental health care to patients of all ages. My journey has equipped me with a deep understanding of mental health needs, from children to seniors. Currently, I work at Pure-Ivy Health Care, offering both virtual consultations. I conduct thorough psychiatric assessments, create tailored care plans, and support patients in reaching their treatment goals. My goal is to make mental health care accessible and effective for everyone. Over the years, I've developed strong skills in patient assessment, diagnostic evaluations, and patient education. Above all, I believe in treating every patient with empathy and respect, ensuring a supportive and trustworthy environment. If you're looking for a caring and experienced professional to guide you in your mental health journey, I am here to help. Let's work together to achieve your wellness goals.

I became a therapist because I’ve always been drawn to helping others navigate the challenges of life, especially when it comes to mental health. Over the years, I’ve seen how deeply panic, anxiety, and emotional struggles can impact someone’s life, and I wanted to be in a position to offer real, transformative support. I knew that by becoming a therapist, I could help people not just manage their symptoms but truly understand themselves and build resilience. I’m passionate about using mindfulness, self-compassion, and cognitive behavioral techniques because I’ve seen how powerful these tools can be in helping people reclaim their sense of control. For me, it’s incredibly rewarding to witness the breakthroughs my clients have when they realize they don’t have to be defined by their anxiety or panic. That’s why I chose this path—to offer people hope and guide them toward lasting change.

With over 12 years of experience, I specialize in helping individuals overcome Panic Disorder by utilizing a compassionate and integrative approach. My practice is centered on evidence-based techniques, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Experiencing a panic attack can feel overwhelming and terrifying. During an episode, it’s common for individuals to experience intense physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or a feeling of choking. These sensations often lead to a fear of losing control, fainting, or even dying. Emotionally, panic attacks bring on a wave of fear and a sense of impending doom, making it feel like the world is closing in. Many people describe feeling detached from reality, as if they are watching themselves from the outside.  In my practice, I work with clients to break the cycle of panic and anxiety, empowering them with the tools and skills needed to manage overwhelming emotions and regain control of their lives. My approach combines mindfulness and self-compassion to help clients build a deeper understanding of their triggers and reactions, while CBT provides practical strategies to challenge and reframe negative thinking patterns.  My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where clients can feel heard, understood, and equipped to face their challenges with confidence. I offer individualized treatment plans tailored to each client’s unique needs, fostering personal growth and long-term resilience.

I became a therapist to help others improve their mental health and well-being. Seeing my patients overcome challenges and thrive motivates me to continue this work.

I am a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. With a focus on treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and substance use, I strive to empower individuals of all ages—children, adults, and seniors—on their journey toward mental and emotional well-being. My holistic approach combines strong critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills to ensure that each patient receives personalized care that addresses both mind and body. I am passionate about making a positive impact in my community by offering support that fosters resilience, growth, and overall health. If you're seeking a dedicated partner in your mental health journey, I look forward to supporting you in achieving your best self. Specialties & Conditions: • Mental Health • Adult Psychiatry • Psychiatry • Addiction • ADHD • Anxiety • Bipolar disorders • Depression • Eating disorders • Geriatric Psychiatry • Insomnia • Mood disorders • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder • OCD • Panic attacks • Personality Disorders • PTSD • Schizophrenia • Substance Abuse • Trauma Treatment philosophy: I believe that each person is unique and deserves individualized care. I aim to help you take the time to truly understand yourself—your strengths, challenges, and what drives your life choices. Rather than just prescribing medication, I focus on helping you gain insight into your mind and body so we can develop strategies that are genuinely effective for you. My goal is to support you in finding a way of being in a world that is rooted in self-compassion and kindness. Treatment approach: • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) • Culturally Sensitive • Emotionally Focused • Humanistic • Eclectic • Person-Focused • Acceptance & Commitment (ACT)

I became a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner because of my passion for helping people heal and improve their lives. Seeing the positive impact that compassionate care can have on someone's mental and physical well-being motivates me every day. I continue this work because I believe in the power of education, empathy, and tailored treatment to make a real difference in people's lives.

Hello! I'm Pearl Alweny, a dedicated Nurse Practitioner specializing in both Psychiatric Mental Health and Medicine. With over five years as a board-certified family nurse practitioner and two years focusing on mental health, I have a diverse background in treating a wide range of medical and psychiatric conditions. I have extensive experience working in various healthcare settings. From conducting in-home assessments to providing direct patient care in hospitals and emergency rooms, my goal has always been to offer compassionate and comprehensive care. I currently treat patients with acute psychiatric illnesses, and also certified in medicine, which enables me to rule out medical conditions that may mimic psychiatric illness. In my earlier roles, I took care of patients in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and community health programs. I've worked with families, individuals dealing with brain or spinal injuries, and those needing stroke recovery support. My experience also includes working internationally with organizations like Plan International and World Vision, where I helped rehabilitate and support individuals in crisis. I believe in clear communication and educating my patients about their health to empower them to make informed decisions. Whether you're dealing with a medical issue or seeking mental health support, I'm here to help you navigate your journey towards better health and well-being.

My path to becoming a therapist was heavily influenced by my own struggles, empathic personality, and desire for healing for myself. The progress that I have made within myself and the progress I witness in my clients - many of them with heavy trauma histories and odds seemingly stacked against them - keeps me motivated to continue to show up and provide genuine connection and an opportunity for growth.

Hello! I'm the sole therapist of my practice, Dahlia Wellness LLC, founded around the belief that true healing and change requires an environment where one is witnessed non-judgmentally for who they really are. I have extensive experience working with individuals who struggle with low self worth, loss of hope, feelings of anxiety, depression, and the short and long impact of traumatic relationships or experiences. I work with individuals who are struggling with self harm or suicidal ideation, and I am affirming of all gender/sexual identifications and expressions.

I became a therapist because I am passionate about helping people navigate life’s challenges with compassion and understanding. Witnessing clients grow, heal, and develop stronger coping skills is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I can provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to express themselves and work through difficulties keeps me motivated every day. My goal is to empower clients to improve their mental wellness, build resilience, and create fulfilling lives.

Hello! I’m JoAnna L. Macias, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Virginia. With extensive experience in both virtual and in-person therapy, I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate their mental health challenges. I specialize in evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy, all with a sensitive approach to trauma. My approach is rooted in compassion and understanding, aiming to make therapy a supportive and transformative journey. I work with individuals from various backgrounds and of different ages, addressing issues like depression, anxiety, trauma, and more. Together, we set achievable goals, focusing on improving mental wellness and coping strategies. I believe in a collaborative process where each session is tailored to individual needs. My mission is to provide a safe and welcoming space where my clients feel heard and empowered. Let’s work together towards a healthier, happier you. Treatment philosophy: My treatment philosophy centers on compassionate, patient-centered care. I believe every patient deserves to have their voice heard and their wishes respected. I utilize evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and trauma-focused techniques, to create achievable treatment goals tailored to each individual. I foster open communication, empowering patients to engage actively in their healing process. I draw on my experience in diverse settings, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic support. My focus is on enhancing the quality of life, promoting independence, and advocating for those navigating difficult journeys. Each interaction is an opportunity to advocate for growth and understanding, bringing warmth and empathy into every session.

Over 10 years ago, my daughter was diagnosed with a serious mental health challenge. At that time,  I transitioned from the classroom as a teacher to learn all things mental health to support my daughter. Along the way, I've be afforded the opportunity to support many families and found a true desire to help couples improve their lives.

Welcome to my page, I'm grateful you are here to learn about how I can help you. I know firsthand how difficult it can be managing roles of wife, mother, and professional. Let me help you in your relationship! 

Since I was a young girl, I desired to help others. Others would often confide in me and I was often told that I have a soft heart. When I was growing up, a soft heart was viewed as a weakness and being too sensitive. I have since learned that the sensitivity that I have is by design and it’s a superpower. As I matured, I continued to be empathetic towards others and desired to help others navigate life’s obstacles. Years later I decided to embrace my gifs and my purpose unapologetically. With this sensitivity I use an eclectic approach tailored to the client’s specific needs. I have always had a heart for people. Since a young child I would listen to other problems and try to help them. Later in life, I realized that my connection to others was indeed a gift. Watching others face obstacles, make needed adjustments, and embrace change in order to heal is what continues to inspire and motivate me to do this work.

I am Tiffany Jones, Owner of Psychache Solutions LLC. I provide a comprehensive set of services to help you boost your confidence and offer support as you navigate your mental health and wellness challenges. I work with clients closely in order to achieve measurable results that allow them to push forward with a new, positive mindset.