I am a Licensed Certified Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) based in Maryland with thirteen years of experience working with people of different backgrounds facing a variety of challenges. I earned my undergraduate degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Asmara in Eritrea, East Africa. I later completed two graduate degree programs from Ohio University, including the Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA), and the Master of Social Work (MSW).
My work experiences include trauma work for refugees at several refugee resettlement agencies; as well as providing several years of psychotherapy (both individual and group therapy) for students at Salisbury University's Counseling Center. I also have additional experience working with young and older populations at a private agency on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Furthermore, after opening my own private practice (Bana Mental Health LLC), I continued to provide services to immigrant and non-immigrant populations in Maryland via telehealth.
My therapy style is warm, open and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, rational-emotive therapy and mindfulness meditation. I believe I can help you meet your needs through open dialogue and honesty. I believe that self-awareness will ultimately lead to one's liberation from suffering.
I hope you make the choice in creating a sense of well-being in your life. I look forward to working with you!
Additional areas of focus: Coping with addictions, LGBTQ+ related issues, Coping with grief and loss, Intimacy related issues, Eating disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Motivation, self esteem, and confidence, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Concentration, memory and focus (ADHD), Attachment issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Body image, Communication problems, Eating and food-related issues, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Guilt and shame, Immigration issues, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Multicultural concerns, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Women's issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems
MD LCSW-C 19571